Joe Hisaishi: Spirited Away – Image Album Vinyl LP Joe Hisaishi

The conceptual soundtrack to Japan’s all-time highest-grossing film on vinyl for the 1st time! Spirited Away was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001, quickly shattering records in Japan and becoming the country’s most successful film of all time. The film’s setting is split between modern day Japan and a fictional parallel world inhabited by spirits, dragons and other magical creatures. Considering the film’s gorgeous animation and fantastical storytelling, it’s no wonder why the film was such a huge success, and why it holds a special place in the hearts of anime lovers of all ages. 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 gatefold sleeve w/ obi strip + liner notes
• newly remastered sound
• limited edition
• music label: Studio Ghibli Records 2020
• also available: Spirited Away Soundtrack | Howl’s Moving Castle Soundtrack | Howl’s Moving Castle Image Symphonic Suite

reviewed by complete techhead 09/2020