Joe Hisaishi: Howl’s Moving Castle – Soundtrack Vinyl 2LP Joe Hisaishi

The soundtrack to one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films on vinyl for the 1st time! Howl’s Moving Castle was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2004, eventually becoming the third highest grossing film in Japan of all time (behind Titanic and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away) and Miyazaki’s personal favorite of all his creations. The film is set in a fictional kingdom with 21st-century technology, quickly becoming part of the canon of steampunk culture, with strong anti-war sentiments laced throughout inspired by Miyazaki’s outspoken opposition to the Iraq War. Howl’s Moving Castle‘s soundtrack was created by in-house composer Joe Hisaishi and performed by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and until now has never been released on vinyl. The main title theme “The Promise Of The World” includes vocals from Chieko Baisho, the voice actress of the film’s main character, Sophie. The audio has been newly remastered and the packaging is exquisite, with full color gatefold outer sleeve, obi strip, and printed insert with illustrations from the film and liner notes. The soundtrack’s accompanying image album is also available on vinyl for the first time.

• black double vinyl pressing
• custom etching on side D
• 1st time on vinyl
• housed in full color gatefold sleeve w/ obi strip + liner notes
• newly remastered sound
• limited edition
• music label: Studio Ghibli Records 2020
• also available: Howl’s Moving Castle Image Symphonic Suite | Spirited Away Soundtrack | Spirited Away Image Album

reviewed by complete techhead 09/2020