Joe Hisaishi: Howl’s Moving Castle – Image Symphonic Suite Vinyl LP Joe Hisaishi

The conceptual 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. In-house composer Joe Hisaishi was tasked with soundtracking the film, but before that happened, this ‘Image Album’ (not to be confused with the soundtrack) was made. Like other Image Albums, these songs were created before the animated film was completed, as a conceptual rough draft based on notes from Miyazaki about what the score might sound like. For this first time vinyl edition of the Image Album, the audio has been newly remastered and the packaging is exquisite, with full color outer sleeve, obi strip, and printed insert with illustrations from the film and liner notes. The accompanying soundtrack is also available on vinyl for the first time.

• black vinyl pressing
• 1st time on vinyl
• housed in full color sleeve w/ obi strip + liner notes
• newly remastered sound
• limited edition
• also available: Howl’s Moving Castle Soundtrack | Spirited Away Soundtrack | Spirited Away Image Album

reviewed by complete techhead 09/2020