How Kiki's Delivery Service Got George Lucas'd

Sometimes a movie isn't quite how you remember it.
Music:
ADHD by DaPlaque
Game Over - Super Star Wars (SNES)
• Video (8 Bit Town with an Ocean View)
Tutorial (Balloon Trip Breeze) - Nintendo Land
Kiki's Delivery Service - On a Clear Day, Soaring by Sydney Forest, Ryuuju No Dengon, Osono's Request, and Heartbroken Kiki
In the Hall of the Mountain King
• All Star, but it's EVE... (All Star piano)
I play clips from this video ( • Kiki's Delivery Servic... ) demonstrating the audio error on the 2010 Blu-ray,
and at 7:46 • griffin's bean gets fr... (Louie Zong's beanfreak)
This video is doubly ironic because
A) it's a video about preserving lost media, which was then taken down, and
B) it's the special edition altered version of the original video.
Also the "Ghibli Studio" thing on Wikipedia has been fixed since I made this.
00:00 - Special Editions
1:45 - Why I Love Kiki
6:24 - Noticing Something
7:12 - The Two Versions
7:52 - What Was Changed
10:04 - Losing Jiji
12:24 - Comparing The Versions
15:10 - Wrapping Up

[@ericjanssen394]

It didn't get George Lucas'ed, it got Studio Ghibli'ed: When Disney made its "No cuts" agreement with Ghibli not to cut or change any scenes in their dubs (which Ghibli worried would happen once Miramax got their hands on "Princess Mononoke"), unfortunately, the fine print meant "No additions" as well--Which not only meant dropping the new songs from the pre-agreement '97 VHS, but some of Phil Hartman's "ad-libs" as well, and even lines added in silent moments...Nuh-uh, not even those.

[@Aidanfelge]

I know this vids a bit old but I just wanted to say thank you. You justify and sum up the reason I and a lot of us loved about the original dubbing. It’s nice to hear someone voicing their opinion in a comical and endearing light! Go you, you made my day!

[@garethfuller2700]

I KNEW I WASN'T GOING MAD!

[@garethfuller2700]

I wonder if they changed the other films as well... Guess that means I have to rewatch some Ghibli films. :)

[@garethfuller2700]

It appears they removed some of the dialogue the pirates had in the intro of Castle in the Sky as compared to the 2003 release.

[@FunnieBunnieD]

Dude with in 7 min I was like .... WTF NO! When she hit the tree when flying I knew it was off!

[@CourageousNobody]

I didn't notice all of the changes, but I did, obviously, catch Jiji not talking at the end. That was always a big part to me when I was little, because I saw it like you explained. She was depressed and losing her motivation, thus losing her powers. I saw Jiji talking at the end as a confirmation that she'd regained her motivation and happiness, along with her powers, thus being able to understand Jiji again. Also Totoro was the big one that got me with that "Disney-fication". My sister got the bluray a while ago and I walked by as she was watching and got so tripped up by the voices not matching what I remembered.

[@_kurai_archer_5834]

I've never watched the "newer" version aaaaaand now I know I never will. I had no idea it had been changed and thus I will forever keep my original DVD and cherish the Kiki and Jiji I know and love forever! Thank you for giving me this information!

[@ladybirdg5658]

15:39: "I'm sure it wouldn't be very hard for Disney to switch which version of the dub you want to listen to..." You're right! I have the DVD and Blu-ray version of The Castle of Cagliostro (the most recent release, I can't remember if it was Disney or Gkids or what...), and there's an option in the audio/subtitles menu that lets you view it with either of two different English dubs. (One of them is referred to as "the family-friendly dub" which is really funny.) Sorry I couldn't offer more info; I'm traveling right now, otherwise I'd check my copy for more details.

[@isetmfriendsofire]

It's always pissed me off that they took out "Soarin"

[@xxxxxx5868]

I want a version of KDS with the original Japanese songs and score but without removing Phil Hartman's filler

[@Dotoku14]

Saaaame. Jiji not talking at the end makes no sense, no matter how much Miyazaki thinks it does. Kiki's a Witch. She talks to cats. In what world is having the ability to talk to animals "immature" and something you have to "Move past"? I don't get his reasoning at all...

[@cludjckt_9844]

@@Dotoku14 bittersweet ik but i guess when your young you wish you could talk to animals so i guess it's kind of like moving on. However because she's a witch i guess its weird for her to stop

[@sponge6171]

GrimoireVoss It's symbolic for growing up.

[@Londonfogchan]

GrimoireVoss yes thank you finally someone says it! If she got her powers back it would make sense she’d be able to talk to Jiji again! Also call me a cat lady, but I still consider my pets part of of my family. They support me with their companionship just as much as people do. You can have a healthy balance of love for your family, friends, AND your pets when you’re older.

[@myfinalheaven333]

Jiji not talking at the end adds layers to the movie, and makes it make more sense. Remember, he pairs up with the neighbor cat and in the ending they show him with his kittens. In the '98 dub, he just randomly does it, and then at the end he can talk again. In the 2010 dub, it's apparent that his time as a Familiar is coming to an end, and he's moving into the next chapter of his life.

[@wendyandcarla2176]

I still got the VHS version and a working vcr

[@joshuawebb4966]

Good for you my mom threw out all our VHS tapes when we got a DVD player.

[@adde9506]

You should get it converted and sell it to all of us unfortunate souls stuck watching the poor quality versions living on pirate sites.

[@wendyandcarla2176]

@@adde9506 that's what I'm trying to do

[@sirrliv]

I've been considering writing an essay to roughly this effect for quite some time, so I am pleased to hear my observations echoed by a fellow fan of this film. Of particular note, I'm glad you talked about the change to the ending between the 2003 "Original Cut" and the 2010 "Restored Cut" (so named by me as the dub was re-edited to be closer to the original Japanese version); to me, this simple change, whether Jiji regains the ability to speak or not, is so drastic to the overall meaning and message of the film as to almost make them two different films entirely. The only point on which we differ on that score is where you see the message as one of Kiki's enthusiasm, I see it as a matter of self-confidence. Consider: Throughout the film, Kiki struggles to become a true witch, but right from the outset on her first flight she's confronted by the haughty witch trainee who says she has no skill, thus starting Kiki's first moment of self-doubt as she's not sure what her skill is. Thus begins a running theme throughout the film; Kiki works hard and tries her best, from helping Osono return the pacifier to starting her delivery business, yet she is often confronted with self-doubt; her dress is frumpy, the party brat doesn't appreciate her gift of herring pie, Tombo's friends look at her as if she's a freak. The more she doubts herself and who she is the weaker her magic gets to the point where she loses her ability to talk to Jiji or fly. Here's where the ending change comes in: In the Original Cut, Jiji runs up to Kiki having regained the ability to speak. This to me shows that through her heroic act of using her unique magic power of broom flight to save Tombo's life, Kiki has regained that confidence she'd lost. She now knows who she is and is proud of it, thus her full magic powers are restored. And through the end credits montage we see that confidence grow and grow through her post-story developments. The Restored Cut takes this idea, but runs with it in a completely different direction. Miyazaki said that he made this film particularly to appeal to 10-year-old girls, those who were on the cusp of adolescence and from there adulthood. Taking that into account, having Jiji run up at the end and not say a damn thing changes the message of the film wildly, from one of self-confidence in self-assurance to one of self-confidence in maturity. Some interpretations of the Restored Cut have posited that the reason Jiji never speaks again is because Kiki has matured in both her magical ability and her self-belief that she doesn't need a childhood companion like Jiji to help and reassure her anymore, that she can stand on her own with head held high. Personally, I would say that the message of the Original Cut holds more water, but I will also not deny the probability that I, like you, am biased by my growing up with that version. One final parting observation; I understand that the reason the original Japanese version and thus also the Restored Cut have so much empty space is because of the Japanese artistic expression of "Ma", roughly translated as "Serenity in emptiness". In film terms, think of it as places where the film is allowed to breath, a rest period if you will. A major reason why many American children's films fail is because they are trying to keep things happening constantly, always something on screen moving, always some music or sound effect, not a single moment's rest for fear of losing Little Timmy's 5-year-old attention span, not realizing that that very stimulus overload will in itself drive Timmy off; given no time to breath or rest mentally or emotionally, Timmy will ultimately get bored and restless, and to his parents the film will end up meaning nothing because there's no time to process it. "Ma" has always been one of Miyazaki's signature elements; if you look back on his films, they all have those slower moments and pauses in action that let you lean back, take a breath, and process what just happened before the next action bit picks up. That said, and again it could be our mutual bias, but I feel like the Restored Cut takes the "Ma" concept a bit too far; without the back and forth banter to fill that empty space, the pacing of the film slows to a crawl. I remember the first time I watched the Restored Cut on DVD; I gave up about 30 minutes in because without the added dialogue an already unfamiliar feeling version of the film ended up feeling too slow and boring. I was bored by one of my favorite films! Anyway, there's my two bits on the topic. Thanks for the great analysis. I'll have to check your channel to see if there's more like this. Just please... no more singing. I cringed to hard I actually threw out my back a little. P.S. Just to make Disney's decision not to offer the option of which cut to watch all the more damning, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Hayao Miyazaki's first directing role, included all surviving dub and subtitle versions, including both the awful 1993 Streamline Pictures dub (sadly the version now available on Netflix) and the vastly superior 2001 Manga Entertainment dub. By contrast, the only way to get all versions of Kiki's Delivery Service is through illegal torrents.

[@LordKrit_VRC]

Uh? The 1993 Streamline dub for Castle is pretty good imo and Bob Bergen IS Lupin. Not a fan of the Hayter dub with the curse words added in.

[@ScootertrixStudios]

Oh my God yes! I'm glad other people have noticed this too. I can't believe how all of these small changes actually make the film almost unwatchable for me. I love the two songs mostly from nostalgia, but they also fit the tone of the film perfectly. They capture this spirit of freedom and youth and setting out on the world. The extra dialog cuts also hurt the re-releases. All the little "Good Mornings" and "Hellos" really bring an extra level of friendliness and warmth to the town. And a lot of the places they cut out dialog/ music feel empty. But the thing that bugs me the most are the music changes. The classical style music from 2003 brought another level of whimsy to the film and gave off this impression of a warm summers day. That score at the part where she is flying down on her first delivery over the town is amazing. It's such a shame there is no where to get all the extra soundtrack pieces. I'm so glad I still have the 2003 version on DVD. And it's still my favorite movie of all time.

[@oddheader]

Hey, great video! Best video on the subject. Kiki was one of my favorites as a kid, so I had to watch it again on Blu-Ray. I didn't notice anything off watching it and I immediately fell in love with it all over again. However, after seeing the original Phil Hartman ad-lib version again, I think I have the opposite feeling and see why they did what they did. Phil Hartman's ad-libbing seems almost as though they added-in a blatant attempt to pander to a more Americanized child market, especially seeing as every US animation house in the 90s felt they needed a Robin Williams-styled character in the mix in order to be successful. The "one, don't panic, two, don't panic, three, did I say don't panic?" line is already an extremely common gag in children's entertainment, and here it feels like a unnecessary attempt to make every moment exciting for children's limited attention-spans. Granted, it definitely worked on me as a kid. I loved Jiji. But as adult I appreciate those more thoughtful silent moments as it just fits the quaint and reflective pacing of the film. I do agree though about the last line. If Jiji didn't speak at the end as a kid it would have broken my heart, just as it does today. However, as an adult to still be so stirred by the thought of a talking cat becoming a normal cat - I think that speaks to the effectiveness of what the filmmakers were trying to say, which makes for a very moving and memorable experience.

[@ohnegative9526]

Exactly. Perfectly said.

[@xblade149]

Thank you perfectly said

[@PhoutianPhill]

I disagree. I understand your point, but I wish I could find the version I grew up with, (old disney dub with the ad-libbing) and watch it as that is the version I like. Like Bright Side Euan said: Why is it so hard to release versions at the same time and have them clearly labeled, or just include all audio files to cycle through? This isn't something hard like alternate versions of scenes or added ones like Star Wars, Let me have my ad-libbing and let others enjoy the silence. Stop forcing the same thing across the board.

[@oddheader]

@@PhoutianPhill I get what you're saying, someone else made the point that Studio Ghibli made the famous 'no changes' policy after the release of Kiki for Miramax's Princess Mononoke release. This is likely the explanation why it's difficult to release any Disney-altered versions of their works anymore. Studio Ghibli doesn't like them.

[@PhoutianPhill]

@@oddheader I do have more respect for Studio Ghibli in this as it is the original they are trying to preserve rather than forcing the new. But people are different we all love the movie, but we like different versions of a character and I sometimes love talking about different versions and it opens new avenues for thought, but when I need the version I prefer to make it through a tough time, or someone needs their version to handle a tough situation, that is when these actions are truly a disservice to the fans.

[@dragonheart2272]

I have both versions, and I can agree that the original cut was better. However, the new one tried to stay close to the original Japanese dub, and I can kind of respect that. If anyone asks me which one I prefer, it's the original VHS cut.

[@Yensid951927]

Silence is golden sometimes, so some of the add dialogue could seem over dressed at some points, but there were a lot of points I watched the current version of the movie and though the characters were supposed to be talking but didn't which made it feel weird. Plus I would have loved to have heard more from Jiji by the end.

[@CartoonsEveryone]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed it and is very bothered by it. I grew up with the VHS of it that came out back in 1997 and it was one of my favorite movies. Almost 10 years ago that I got the DVD, I noticed some lines and music stripped from the movie and notice more and more things wrong with it the newer copy. I'm determined to get the older copy of Kiki as well as Totoro (just because I heard Fox's dub of it was better). But yeah, being a child with Aspergers, I could maintain a lot of memory for the things I love and I was really upset to find that it's not the version of Kiki that I knew.

[@DortieMae]

Omg that was my favorite part too. I love Gigi with my entire heart. I’m actually really sad they changed it in the new ones bc my old CD is scratched 😭

[@filc4895]

*Jiji ; )

[@brocksanderson9423]

cds can be resurfaced to be read again.

[@Euan]

Edit: Big news! If you live outside of the US and have Netflix, the version of Kiki that they've just released on there (as of February 2020) (And as of June 2020 in Canada) is actually the 1998/2003 dub that I'm talking up in this video! (This was brought to my attention by 4arms4life.) No idea what that means for the future of this version being released, but it at least means that an HD quality version with the unaltered English audio exists! Also depending on where you are, you can now watch that version! This video was originally uploaded back on March 10th, and was hit with a copyright strike. As a result, I've tweaked the visuals and audio. (Yes, believe it or not, that isn't the original audio from the movie.)

[@xblade149]

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. First of all ,the 1998/ 2003 version that I and people grew up is the altered version Disney produce to be more palatable "quotations "for the American audience because i guess were too stupid to handle some quiet moments. The one feature here is more close to the original Japanese version. Studio ghibli and Miyazaki himself hates alterations of any kind its there policy. That's why he threatened Disney to get rid of the added dialogue or we wouldn't have a blu-ray/DVD release in 2011. And listen, the 1998 version will always have a place in my heart because it got me into Miyazaki work but I understand why Miyazaki/company would be mad when someone alters your content because it might not be palatable to certain groups. Its like an insult. So to the complainer, either find a vhs copy or 2003 DVD of the movie or complain to the company/person who made this film from the beginning. (Miyazaki )

[@Harper_1984]

I’m probably a minority on this. The 2010 version is what I was introduced to, yeah I agree with the removal of Hartman’s ad-libbing and the music but it doesn’t make it unwatchable for me. It would’ve been better if Disney had both versions on DVD available but I still enjoy the film.

[@knifeyboy82]

I'm glad I bought my daughter the 2010 version. We love that opening theme so much. Soaring feels totally out of place

[@lilysensimilla]

I’m so sad they removed the english songs they were so nostalgic and my bf heard the beginning of the new version of Kiki and thought I was listening to the monster mash lol.

[@roraaa11]

This is all of my frustrations in one video. Thank you for this.

[@projectmessiah]

interesting. a few years ago i tried watching this and just wasn't in the right mindset but i finally got another chance to watch it on netflix (being a uk citizen and all) and based on this video it seems we got the original dub with all the extra lines based on my memory from this morning.

[@Geforce2187]

"I thought it would be funny if we added CGI Ewoks into this scene" -George Lucas

[@aimtrue1022]

Thank you!! This explains so much! Now to buy the 2003 DVD and repair my soul

[@RabuHina]

Also RIP to Lisa Michelson who also did the dubbed version of Kiki (Streamline Pictures/Tokuma 1990)

[@BrideofLoki]

Yes! I thought I was going crazy for feeling this way. No joke, I watched this movie so many times on VHS that I can still quote it line for line. So when I popped in the blu-ray to watch it again, it felt... odd... noticing that a few sounds or lines were taken out. Then it wasn't just a few... it was something totally different. Just like you, I bought the old version on DVD, and I'm happy to have this back in my life again. I'm hoping to find all the English dubs on DVD or VHS without having to go to the Blu-ray.

[@finnsullivan]

I've watched this four times now, and you doing the voices is still funny.

[@angibitao]

Wow this made m so relieved I wasn’t the only one that recognized it. And now I’m in a bid war for the beloved 2003 version

[@ZeldasFinalFantasy]

Did you win?

[@angibitao]

DEAD I sure did 😂 it’s always delivered to me hahaha

[@Joy6168]

I grew up watching the Streamline English dub of Kiki's Delivery Service, and felt like that one was so empty, compared to the 1998 version. I've noticed the same with the Streamline English dub of My Neighbor Tortoro, compared to the Disney 2002 version.

[@thefairybug40]

Jiji needs to talk again at the end of the movie. His loss of speech was what made her realize her powers were fading, which happened due to depression and losing faith in herself. Hearing him speak again was, to me, symbolic of her healing.

[@PlutoPlanetoid]

It'd have been nice if they included both on the same set. Not gonna lie, The 50s opening number "Rouge Message" grew on me, was like a Surfing USA Monstermash. Even still, both dubs had different feels, both convey different messages. Artistically, it seems to work best for viewers if they have a chance to see them both and realize the feel of both films, as it's important to not only experience those difference but be comfortable enough to identify, grasp and define them and what they mean to ourselves. Like Kiki, we'd be given the chance to fly either in deafening airspace or in silence. OR both.

[@EmilyRafferty]

Okay thank you for making this video! You said everything I was thinking ahhhh! So you will probably never see this but thanks! Also I am now starting my hunt for the og one with soaring! Thanks 👌

[@Euan]

On the contrary lol, I see every comment I get. And thank you! That feeling is exactly why I made it.

[@JohnLechner]

I love that you made this video. I actually saw the Japanese version first, so I preferred that to the dubbed version. But this was a fascinating comparison and you've given me new appreciation for the original dub.

[@SailorLavender]

I bought the film in 2010 with the re-release without knowing of the changes at the time, I was furious watching it. When I tried to get a refund, I was denied; I couldn't even exchange it. I only watched it once and it's been collecting dust ever since.

[@xblade149]

I'm getting tired of people in the comment section complaining. First of all ,the 1998/ 2003 version that I and people grew up is the altered version Disney produce to be more palatable "quotations "for the American audience because i guess were too stupid to handle some quiet moments. The one feature here is more close to the original Japanese version. Studio ghibli and Miyazaki himself hates alterations of any kind its there policy. That's why he threatened Disney to get rid of the added dialogue or we wouldn't have a blu-ray/DVD release in 2011. And listen, the 1998 version will always have a place in my heart because it got me into Miyazaki work but I understand why Miyazaki/company would be mad when someone alters your content because it might not be palatable to certain groups. Its like an insult. So to the complainer, either find a vhs copy or 2003 DVD of the movie or complain to the company/person who made this film from the beginning( and do you really want to do that)

[@SailorLavender]

@@xblade149 Thank you for this input, never thought about it like that or saw anything saying this. Welp, I guess I can write of G-kids doing anything different at least.

[@seinakimura4201]

I'm glad to not be the only one who noticed something wrong with the 2010 version, thanks Disney I hate it

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

Part of the beauty of Miyazaki's films is that they don't need to fill every lull or moment of quiet with music or dialogue. This allows the world to breathe and lends the films a certain serenity, and a timeless appeal. Disney do not understand this.

[@jondanger]

Kiki is a close second to me, in terms of ghibli movies (Spirited Away!)

[@jondanger]

I didn't even know there were differences between the two!

[@cludjckt_9844]

Normie

[@edienandy]

Huh, I always loved the original Japanese song and I was so happy they included it in the new releases. I used to switch to the Japanese audio track just for that opening song and then I’d switch back to the English one lol.

[@juno1271]

Yes! Finally someone talks about it!! It's horrible what they have done. now all that we are waiting for is someone to explain on why it happened , on why Disney changed The movie . And maybe Someday we can have the original version on Blu-Ray. Like it was supposed to In the 1st place🤨

[@toomanyhungrycats0554]

i watched my good version so much the dvd stopped working so since the good version is expensive now i bought the special edition just so i could use the hd footage and smash in the original audio. the biggest issue i had was synching the audio, it was ether too soon in one part and too late in another. all so i can show it to my nephew how i grew up with it.

[@keeganlarose]

I recently bought the steelbook and noticed some differences. Thanks for this video. I feel the same way and will get an older copy.

[@rosiel.8026]

wow you deserve more views definitely subscribing! Also um will have to check out that live action version for hate watching purposes

[@manmysoupishot]

Oh my god. I had only known the VHS version of Kiki’s delivery service and I watched a different version of it this year for the first time in years. I noticed something was off, but I just figured since it was a *bootleg copy* everything was changed. Now I am sad ,sad, saAaAd that they changed it. PS loved your version of a voice over for the characters, it made me laugh.

[@DavetheRave35]

So glad this was in my recommended. "I'm here because I am a weeb" gave me such a good laugh. Thank you for that.

[@iffahmughal8049]

OH MY GOD! OTHERS NOTICED TOO! I can't tell you the number of times I rewatched Kiki's Delivery Service as a child. It was my favorite Ghibli movie growing up and I absolutely ADORED IT. I finally watched it again after so long yesterday. I'm an adult now and I was so excited because it had been so long. But when I watched it... it felt... OFF. I first noticed when the music was Japanese but I just thought maybe I was remembering it wrong? It's been a long long time? Maybe I just had a slip in memory? It sounded way different from what I remembered it but I was a child so what do I know? Maybe they just changed the music and not the rest of the movie? But then I started noticing the gaps in sounds and especially in Jiji. EVerything was so much quieter compared to what I remember and the background music was weirdly off. Not at all how I remembered it. The tone of the movie just felt different, I don't know. I only found out by complete coincidence that the reason the movie just felt so *WRONG* was because there had been a dub change. I was scrolling through the tumblr tag and someone had mentioned it and that's when my brain had a major "OH" moment and I realized I wasn't going crazy. Otherwise I would have felt off about it entirely. I'm so glad other people know and are just as mad about this as I am. Kiki was my childhood and Jiji's talkative cynical personality was everything! So was the original score! I wish they had kept the option open to CHOOSE which dub we can watch. I understand their intention for wanting to be true to Miyazaki but this remastered dub isn't true to my childhood. It just feels like an impostor to my childhood and I'm so sad I can't seem to find the original anywhere anymore. Thank you so much for making this video and explaining so well all the reasons we loved the original dub and why we're so upset its been changed with no way of going back. All the original music and dialogues that made this movie so memorable to me is just gone and I don't know what to do about it.

[@Bolex_15]

I BOUGHT THE SPECIAL EDITION NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE CUT OUT PARTS I KNEW I WASN'T GOING CRAZY THIS MAKES ME MAD I WILL ALWAYS WATCH THE ORIGINAL

[@TheDylandProductions]

Remember, George Lucas & Lucasfilm actually DID re-release the "original versions" of the Star Wars films on DVD in 2006 and 2008. (In actuality the audio is from the theatrical re-releases/late 80's VHS & Laserdiscs that were THX remastered, and the video is the non-anamorphic Laserdisc masters from the 1993 re-releases, apart from IV's crawl, which is a restored film print version) Aside from the non-anamorphic picture, these versions are IMO just about flawless, since they keep the 'best of' the original mono vs stereo vs surround sound mixes - even if the image resolution is slightly worse. (But still loads better than the VHS versions) But they're hell to buy anymore... I think the 1998 dub of Kiki is the definitive English version. (The 1989 original being the definitive Japanese and Miyazaki's creative version) HOWEVER, I agree wholeheartedly with you that: A) It's kind of disrespectful to cut out added score and especially pieces of an actor's final performance - especially since Miyazaki reportedly oversaw and approved of the original dub. and B) All versions should be easily available for, if no other reason, historical preservation. And also for the nostalgia and memory of the generation that was introduced to & grew up with the 1998 version. On the subject of score, I actually much prefer Paul Chihara's additions and replacements. The original score is great, but, as a musician, I actually think Chihara's better fits the film & scenes, and is just overall more enjoyable. Maybe that's sacrilege to some, but I don't care. :P Also, come on, the Sydney Forest songs are amazing. Keep them in. Aside from her bandcamp, there's literally nowhere else they can be found. It's a DAMN SHAME they've been discarded and 'left in the trash' by anime purists and even Disney! I'm assuming it's another one of Bob Iger's nefarious fiddlings... Don't fix what ain't broke. Release all versions. I only (personally) care for the 1998 version. Also, P.S. the only version of Star Wars that's never been preserved outside of VHS & Laserdisc is the original 1997 Special Editions. The 2004 DVD's featured more tinkering, and the 2011 Blu Rays I only ever watched once, and then gave away to goodwill. And I love Star Wars. But those aren't Star Wars. I wish I could see the 1997 versions... They sound like the best of both worlds of the 2004 (ones I grew up with) and the Originals (best versions) and would be a cool historical curiosity.

[@Euan]

I lucked out a while back and got all three of the 2006 sets for nothing in an antique shop's DVD section. I still prefer the despecialized versions, being anamorphic and HD, but they're not so easy to get your hands on. But yeah, in a perfect world there'd be a complete set with every version.

[@CharismaticOutcast]

This is so weird, I own the bluray version but decided to watch it on HBO Max (in hopes they fixed that awful audio) and it was still like the bluray version, BUT Phil Hartman's funnier lines are still in it? Not the notorious "meooow" at the end, but the train scene where he goes "uh huh and this is interesting why?" is in the streamable version (at least HBO Max) of Kiki. I wonder if they put some of his lines back to try and appease fans? Or maybe out of respect for Hartman? Seems strange.

[@MelissaNgai]

I grew up watching the original movie - the same that you grew up watching and loved. It is my mom's favorite Studio Ghibli film and so we only own that DVD and thus I never realized Disney rereleased this movie and TOOK OUT JIJI'S LINES. Thank god I never have to witness that except for the clips you showed or dubbed yourself haha. Phil Hartman's extra cynicism and quips are such a big part of what makes this movie so enrapturing! Thank you for taking the time to highlight the differences.

[@Gamerchick221]

Like many of you I grew up with the original version of Kiki and made the mistake of buying the 2010 cut version. I couldn’t watch the movie all the way through. For years now I’ve been stalking eBay to see if I could get my hands on the 2003 DVD version of the film.( They’re super expensive.) I made a vow that if I ever got my hands on some money that I’d buy it. Today was the day that I made good on that vow. Found the 2 discs version of the 2003 DVD for around $40. I can’t wait for it to get here so I can ditch the 2010 version.

[@awesomealiza4351]

I can't wait to get the 2003 dvd as well! And true it's very expensive!

[@BlizzardWing]

I understand how you feel, when my dad bought the Disney DVD for me because he knew it was my favorite movie as a kid, I watched it with my sister who had never seen it, and when I saw all the changes, my heart dropped because I couldn't enjoy it without all the extra stuff, it felt soulless. I eventually got fed up and found an old low quality VHS rip stream on the internet and downloaded it because I would much rather watch the movie in low quality but original audio than watch the new version.

[@CharleyWoods]

Dude. This video masterpiece was every bit of validation that my broken heart has needed since the giant gaping hole whole was formed.

[@Hellefleur]

It's probably one of those things where the first version you watch feels like the better version. I prefer the less dialogue, the movie does a great job at showing the world without needing dialogue interjected everywhere.

[@bluebellgay]

The 2003 dub is on Netflix UK if anyone is curious

[@petertromp8786]

This movie means so much to me that I bought the VHS copy, then of course imported the DVD version from the UK at great expense when that became available (I live in South Africa); then I imported the Blu-ray version from Australia at even greater expense when I finally got a PS4 and flat screen TV - only to find what you go in depth on in your video: the dub is changed. I found my favorite movie of all time borderline unwatchable with this "new" dub (actually old dub, as you mention), so I imported the Blu-ray version from the UK at tremendous expense, because I thought surely this HD version contained the original dub. Nope; the exact same "Disney dub" as the Australian version. So I got screwed over twice (actually, I think it would be fairer to say I screwed myself over twice), but at least the UK version came with the DVD featuring the original dub. So now I have two copies of the original DVD, and the one that came with the UK Blu-ray is now my "archival" copy. All this being said, I have found a torrent that features all the dubs ever recorded for the movie with what I'm assuming is the Blu-ray visuals, so I'm going that route and I don't give a fuck. Hope this finally solves my problem and allows me to watch Kiki in HD with the original dub - as it always should have been. Thanks so much for this video; it delineated perfectly how much this movie means to me and it was therapeutic to listen to you talk so passionately about something that I also experienced - the soul crushing disappointment of having one of the favorite things in one's life being altered to be barely recognizable.

[@stephenbeasley9141]

So glad I'm not the only one that actively searched for the older release

[@derpoltergeist8265]

That reminds me of the time they added a CGi Graggle into the Simpsons

[@alyssasanders1105]

I am SO glad someone else shared my pain when I bought the 2010 version... it literally broke my heart into pieces. I need to get the 2003 version off Amazon or eBay but it’s so expensive :(

[@bf5250]

Stuff like this puts people in a tight spot, because it's not intellectually dishonest to both disapprove of the substantial re-editing of artwork into a new form AND to think that a re-edited version is superior to the work it derives from. It helps when there's explicit permission to do so, like your average X media to Y media adaptation, but even when it was made against the creator's wishes, that doesn't necessarily make the original work of inherently higher quality, or do anything to determine which version will appeal to the audience. Translations have it especially bad on top of that, because it's infrequently a viable decision to directly translate parts of the work that have deep cultural meaning in the original and then just expect the new audience to understand.

[@armmagedonepox]

Finally, someone said something! I knew I wasn’t going crazy 😱 I grew up with the Disney VHS, so after wasting $80 on 2 different DVD’s of the movie, just to find both of them had things missing, I got a VCR 😂

[@reiomi]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who sung along to soaring at the top of my lungs

[@LilithLucy4]

Dose anyone know if the 2006 release has the same problems ad 2010?

[@hannaperson6317]

I cannot find a dvd of the original dubbing for sale anywhere?!?! Aaarrgghhhhhhh I'm so sad!!

[@rockybeats8682]

I wish I could see the old version! I didn't know Jiji talks again!

[@SawBladeXDX]

You can only watch what the Mouse allows you to watch.

[@gloomcookie1709]

I bought a copy some months back to further my collection and I just realized its the special edition and I have never wanted to fly to California to throw a DVD at Hollywood bigwigs more in my life.

[@rboy58]

I watched the vhs as a kid, and now I’m not sure which version I own. Imma through it out the window though if it is the Disney version, but I don’t remember it feeling empty so I think we’re good

[@rboy58]

Update: apparently I own both versions, and I have to say after watching both of them I have to say that they are both good. If anything I found the extra Gigi lines a little annoying, and the original score was way better (although that soaring song is a certified BOP). I guess I just don’t agree with your analysis, it’s not really like Star Wars. But you are completely entitled to your opinion, as long as we can both agree that kiki’s is the BEST GHIBLI EVER

[@jacinth8268]

Thank you so much for this video! I was so ticked when I got the new version on dvd. It was so upsetting haha. Just paid $60 for the 2003 version....... worth every penny!!

[@mrflipperinvader7922]

Thank you so much for informing me Now I bought 2003 dvd

[@CaptainRaccoonWhitly]

I'd criticize this, but I'd be hypocritical considering my frustrations with the 2010 re-release of Castle in the Sky. The changes there aren't simply aesthetic, they actively cut conversations out mid-sentence, too.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

Hey there, description, *they* didn't change the Wikipedia article. *I* did, because of this video in the first place.

[@Euan]

A) well that’s cool! B) there are still people who read descriptions???

[@xblade149]

I have to disagree with you. One, the 1998/2003 is the George Lucas version, not the 2011 verison; you got that backwards. Second, having someone change your art because a group might not understand is not only insulting to the creator but also the audience. Third, ghibli has a no change/alteration policy and demanded Disney to get rid of added dialogue. If they didn't we wouldn't gotten the blue-ray copies. Fourth, adding needless dialogue to a silent atmospheric scene takes away from the experience. I grew up with the 1998 version as well, while it will always have place in my heart, I prefer the original.

[@ryangourami7179]

damn...I didn't know this and had a very similar situation of rewatching the movie as an adult and it just not feeling the same, I actually couldn't finish it. And I'm sure some of that is rose tinted glasses but when you played some of the older audio I was slingshotted back into my childhood in the best way. Phil Hartman really added a lot to the character that I appreciate. And I understand making a version closer to the original one and maybe there were legal issues, as explained by other commenters, but I just wish it was at least an alternate audio on the dvd/bluray. :/ this really bummed me out honestly. edited to say: Also as for Jiji not talking in the end. As a kid I was always devastated when she couldn't hear Jiji anymore and him talking at the end meant so much to me. Maybe I am biased and it was obviously an intentional decision to have him not talk in the original but the idea makes me very sad.

[@MelissaNgai]

Whoa when you said you rewatched the movie in 2013 when you were 13 years old, it threw me off because I was expecting you to be older haha. But also, excellent video. Loved the way you set up your argument and detailed every thought and point.

[@dreamcastergaming]

I have both VHS versions of Kiki's delivery service and the old 1992 Star Wars VHS from before the special editions.

[@JerichoTheCity]

So I'm only interested in the japanese dub, does it matter which blu ray I buy on amazon?

[@FullxMoonxMelody]

Thank you for understanding my pain💕💕

[@willowingwhispers2612]

I wish I still had my VHS tape of this. It was my first Ghibli movie and while it isn't my top favorite, it is still one of my favorites. When I went looking for a DVD, I saw reviews saying it wasn't the same, that songs had been removed/swapped and lines cut and apparently there's even a redubbed version. I've been looking for a dvd of the original to buy, but they're hard to come by and the ones I can find are outrageous prices (I saw a copy on amazon for almost $200). I hope they rerelease with the original version.

[@radogoji6863]

They have the 2003 one on Australian Netflix, last month was the first time I saw the movie and its my favorite ghibli film

[@pauldiamond1583]

It bothered me when i saw the newer version of Kiki. The song that played when kiki flew away from home was different. And one of my favorite jokes was replaced with something else.

[@Unsubscribbled]

Ooh, what was the joke?

[@ssjoel3k]

Kiki's is also my all-time favorite movie (which says a lot since I really like all of the Ghibli films) so when I purchased the Blu-ray I noticed the differences right away. It's nice to see a video like this dedicated to it because the differences are quite obvious, and I definitely agree that whichever version you prefer, they should at least provide the option of letting you see the original dub. I personally prefer watching all my anime in Japanese (I actually lived there for a year and I'm nearly fluent in the language), so I found that the best way for me to watch it on the Blu-ray was just in the original Japanese, as is. I definitely agree with you that the English Dub felt empty. It was weird when I expected one of Phil Hartman's lines to come in and it just wasn't there, as well as the soundtrack being completely different. I still own the original DVD so I may have to break it out one day and watch the original dub. I did like a lot of the added lines by Phil Hartman and I did like some of the additions to the soundtrack. Nice video!

[@zarasofea9680]

I was like *AESTHETICC*

[@bleedingorifice5406]

Interesting that the older dub is the one on Netflix (not US). Unsure which version is on HBO Max in America I own the film in several versions and I have also watched it dubbed in my native language (can't remember which changes or not is in that). One is a blu-ray and dvd combined box published by Studio Canal. No idea which dub is on that or if the dubs are different on the dvd compared to the blu-ray on that. I also own 2 huge Ghibli boxes of almost all the films, one says "Disney blu-ray " on the side. While the other does not have the English dub at all. I honestly don't know which version I prefer. I would have to compare the 2 English dubs and the Swedish (as that is how I saw it the first few times with the young children in my family). I can say that I at least prefer the more Japanese ending, with Jiji no longer talking. But as you pointed out in the video, I would probably prefer the version with the ad libs intact. But I would have to compare it to the Swedish dub to see how they did it. At this point I'm just rambling. But your video really got me thinking about it 👍

[@PhoutianPhill]

7:47 Exactly me when I found out the same thing.

[@Ryan_Metzelar]

I like the current gkids version, it’s the version that became my favorite movie ever, but to find out we lost so much, Phil Hartman’s improving... so much... just breaks my heart... also the original song is better... but I might buy the original off amazon someday

[@Wildwillow93]

I wish they had put the original soundtrack back in, with the Japanese soundtrack, but also kept jijis added lines.

[@SuperSpaceGirlHDTV]

Kiki is going towards the dark side as Darth Kiki

[@bluejayofevil]

I loved Kiki's Delivery Service as a kid. I watched my old VHS copy several times over the years (I'm not sure if I even have it anymore, sadly.) I remember a few years ago my brother got a copy of the blu-ray release (and several other Miyazaki films) and we were having a movie night with some friends. I (like you) noticed something was "off", especially as you point out at 10:50 - 10:58 with Jiji's voice lines from the 90s dub were removed. Your thoughts echo my own. It's similar to how anime dubs (as disliked as they can be among fans of a series) can sometimes make some scenes have more impact or give characters a memorable take on their personality. While it's true that it's not "the original intention of the authors", that doesn't mean it's bad or doesn't offer a unique and complementary perspective on the work of art at hand. Having the dubbed added-in voice lines should have at least been an option for the physical media releases, like commentary is on most discs. Maybe even add in some explanation to give viewers and fans some perspective as to why these changes even existed in the first place. Let them enjoy the movie they love as they remember it, and maybe they'll find respect for the unchanged version (or vice-versa).

[@Bluestoneklutz357]

I got to watch the Phil Hartman voice in Hbo max I’m glad it was his work

[@jocelynbishop6816]

I know this video is super old, but somehow I stumbled upon it. A note: the 2003 version of Kiki's Delivery Service is actually the second English language dub, the first is from 1998 and has an entirely different voice cast. I can see why they decided to redub it, I've listened to snippets and find the voice acting very flat. That's the version that's truly languishing in obscurity. I think you hit the nail on the head in that nostalgia goes a long way in molding our preferences and at least you can acknowledge that it molded yours in regards to this film. For my part, I vastly prefer the 2010 version, and that's the one I grew up with. I don't know how much of it is nostalgia speaking but I can't imagine the film any other way.

[@CuriousCave128]

I personally prefure the original Japanese version, but honestly the 2003 version is a close second. They really are pretty much two different movies so I recommend watching both versions.

[@CuriousCave128]

Also, jiji is just as sarcastic as the 2003 version, just in a quieter sort of way.

[@foxboxarchives2059]

Is the Disney Version with the song "I'm gonna fly" Available on DVD? Did they ever release that Version on DVD?

[@Euan]

That's the release with the cover I show in the video.

[@foxboxarchives2059]

@@Euan 14:42 You talking about this one? Is that the Disney Version of this release?

[@Euan]

@@foxboxarchives2059 yep

[@foxboxarchives2059]

​@@Euan Okay Good I wasn't sure is all Thanks. Perhaps I'll pick that Version up as well. I haven't seen that movie in ages. Last time I saw it was on Disney Channel many years ago when I was still very little.

[@foxboxarchives2059]

@@Euan That version was released on DVD in the US right? I just wanted to make sure is all.

[@ghost8974]

I liked the Japanese songs muuuch better though. The English ones seemed cheesy to me

[@finnsullivan]

Is it like how if used to be on the newer GKids release?

[@finnsullivan]

Update: It's the 2010 special edition version.

[@werewolf1986]

This made me so upset too! I was like....wtf....they changed kiki????!!! It felt unfriendly, less comedic, and so many other things.

[@antonmlee_]

The original dub is back on Netflix btw ( not sure if its released in North America though). I just saw it today

[@antonmlee_]

it includes Soaring and the Jiji adlibs y'all

[@raulendymion9917]

I collect these movies, where can I get the 2003 version that you love so much. (mostly cause I hate the new dubs terrible sound design.)

[@Euan]

I found my copy on Amazon, but after a quick look now the best I could find was a $40 copy on Ebay. But basically just look out for a version with the older box art that I show in the video. Another option would be a VHS copy, all of which have the old dub.

[@raulendymion9917]

Heck yes! thanks a thousand!

[@supermariof0521]

@@Euan Please tell me the G-Kids Blu Ray version of this movie restored the original dub!

[@Euan]

@@supermariof0521 It did not, sorry.

[@supermariof0521]

@@Euan Dammit! Now I feel all sorts of regret after giving my 2003 DVD to my friend once I got the 2014 Blu Ray. Though now I also have the 1998 VHS release, which is the same as the 2003 release, minus the cool bonus features, and cause its VHS, its cropped to 4:3.

[@andrewh978]

To be fair though, I’ve only seen the sub and I absolutely adore the original songs they’d had in the opening and ending credits. They’re not necessarily better than the dub ones, but I love the tone

[@bigred3308]

So just bought the blue ray I wish I saw this before I bought it I knew something was off during the police officer scean because I knew there was an line there. So yeah wish I saw this would of saved 16 $

[@aminazv2696]

Bruh how does this guy only have 3k subs?