Making Waves

BStudio Ghilbi’s little-seen and a flashback head a youthful month for home entertainment. By Mercedes Milligan.

ack in December, GKIDS gave anime enthusiasts a rare chance to catch this undercirculated Studio Ghibli title by releasing a new 4K restoration in theaters.

Now, the 1993 TV movie can be yours to enjoy at your leisure. The poignant story of teenage isolation was directed by Tomomi Mochizuki ( Prin- cess Nine, Ranma ½ , Maison Ikkoku), leading a team of young Ghibli artists.

Adapted from the best-selling novel by Saeko Himuro, the story revolves around Taku and Yutaka, whose friendship is tested by the arrival of a beautiful and moody transfer student named Rikako.

When Taku joins Rikako on a trip back to Tokyo, an eruption of rumors force the three friends to come to terms wide world.

With the help of her true love, Eugene, Pascal the chameleon and Maximus the horse, and a daring lady-in-waiting named Cassandra, Rapunzel postpones her wedding and royal duties to explore life beyond Corona’s walls.

Exec produced by Chris Sonnenburg ( Enchanted), Before Ever After ring Stephanie Sheh (Usagi/Sailor Moon), Robbie Daymond (Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask) and Ben Diskin (Fiore), the movie introduces a figure from Mamoru’s past who returns with a well meant but very dangerous gift, putting the Earth in danger.

The standard edition DVD includes the original 1993 theatrical short Make Up! Sailor Guardians!, which finds Us- Little Rascals and Richie Rich, and ticks all the 1980s toon boxes: Friendship, magic, arbitrary headbands, and a theme song guaranteed to drive any adult crazy.

In the series, the monkey-like Monchhichis live peacefully in the treetop community of Monchia, but they are constantly under threat from the wicked Horgg (voiced by screen legend Sidney Miller) and his colony of Grump- lins who live below. Luckily, Moncho (Robert Morse), Patchitt (Frank Welker), Tootoo (Ellen Berstell), Kyla (Laurel Page) and the rest are always able to outwit their enemies with the help of wise wizard Wizzar (Frank Nelson).

This is the perfect excuse to stay in your jammies all morning with a big bowl of cereal. Especially if you live in Oregon or Colorado ...