MovieChat Forums > Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta (1991) Discussion > Crass music decision in 2003 English sou...

Crass music decision in 2003 English soundtrack

posted 10 years ago by Jonathan Dore
2 replies | jump to latest

If you have the DVD of the 2003 English-language release, do yourself a favour and watch with the Japanese soundtrack and subtitles. One of the most daring and brilliant moments in the film is where Pazu and Sheeta enter the storm surrounding Laputa and Pazu sees his father. Despite the wind, thunder, lightning, and Pazu shouting, the visuals are accompanied by several seconds of ... total silence. In the Disney version the power of this moment is completely lost as they unaccountably decided to plaster it over with generic storm music. An unforgettable moment of genius is converted into something utterly pedestrian. What a shame.

[–] JTurner82 10 years ago

I actually love the Disney dub 2003 and I do prefer it overall, but I DO think that scene could have afforded to stay silent in the dub. I don't think it "ruins" the film per say, but it WAS a curious change nonetheless.

Aside from that little glitch, I actually enjoyed the dub overall and thought despite its faults, it excels in its own right. (Certainly better than the TERRIBLE '80s dub from Tokuma.) Leachman, Hamill, and the others do great jobs with their parts and the story is still faithful to the original. I DID see it one time in Japanese, but while I liked it then, I don't consider it superior to the Disney version, only different. But IMO, both versions are appealing in their own way.

Incidentally, the 2010 DVD edition and 2012 US BluRay do away with the extra music (although it was by Joe Hisaishi himself, believe it or not). If it bothers you that much, check out that edition. No music alterations there.

[–] Jonathan Dore 10 years ago

Yes, the voices were fine on the Disney dub, so thanks for the tip JTurner82.