One of my favorite movies from the Studio Ghibli library has now found its way into the formal announcement channel with Pom Poko. The film is scheduled for a February 6th, 2018 release where the DVD will be priced at $19.96 and the DVD/BD combo will be prided at $29.95. No details are available yet about any extras but it’s expected to be a bilingual release.
The 1994 film was directed by Isao Takahata who also wrote the screenplay. Shinji Otsuka served as the character designer for it. The Japanese cast includes Makoto Nonomura as Shoukichi, Shinchou Kokontei as Narrator, Yuriko Ishida as Okiyo, Akira Fukuzawa as Ryutarou, Beichou Katsura as Rokudaime Kinchou, Bunshi Katsura as Tasaburou Hage-tanuki, Gannosuke Ashiya as Inugami-gyoubu, Kobuhei Hayashiya as Ponkichi, Kosan Yanagiya as Tsurukame-oshou, Nijiko Kiyokawa as Oroku-baba, Norihei Miki as Seizaemon, Shigeru Izumiya as Gonta, Takehiro Murata as Bunta, and
Yorie Yamashita as Otama.
The English cast includes Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Shoukichi, Maurice LaMarche as Narrator, Andre Stojka as Osho, Brian George as Hage and Kincho, Clancy Brown as Gonta, J.K. Simmons as Seizaemon, Jess Harnell as Gyobu, Jillian Bowen as Kiyo, Kevin Michael Richardson as Bunta, Tress MacNeille as Oroku, and Wally Kurth as Tamasaburo.
Plot concept: POM POKO is a tale of the clash between modern civilization and the natural world. The Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The Raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans. In often hilarious ways, the Raccoons use their powers to try to scare off the advancement of civilization. But will it be enough? Or will the Raccoons learn how to live in balance with the modern world?