How Studio Ghibli Makes Animation Feel Alive

[@brandonprows]

The god of video essays has awoken from his eternal slumber.

[@TGFNittros]

This is so true.

[@alonectorch]

Then it's not eternal is it thank god it wasn't tho

[@alyanmeraj]

AYAYAYAYAYA

[@RektYuan]

He returns!

[@SarynRanvier]

yup

[@JoeGelman]

“A little more than a lot to be desired” is one of the most subtle rips on Disney I’ve ever heard.

[@JacobGeller]

It's rare that I see a video so good I'm actively mad at it.

[@kpdelaney6460]

lol yeah this video’s great. I love your content, too!

[@ames_virosa]

Have you watched your videos?

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

Fr he's the king of yt imo​@@ames_virosa

[@purplespectre]

Don't worry, your videos are phenomenal too!

[@TheThirdPew]

this might for real be the best video essay i've ever seen

[@dankdreamz]

Every video essay he does is the best I have ever seen.

[@chuffer595]

@@dankdreamz I don't know how he does it so consistently, but every one of them is just perfectly focused, patient, and beautiful to watch and listen to. No one else on youtube has the tone of kaptainkristian.

[@JonFredFrid]

@@dankdreamz yup every one

[@Drag0nStorm1]

or heard*

[@06shivakumar]

Totally agreed!!!!

[@ianp5367]

As someone who edits professionally this video was so well put together. The sound design and editing was so smooth and flawless. Major props man. You "bumped the lamp."

[@bluebotlivingston6016]

How does one even edits with those kind of layers and transitions? Can you suggest a program? Thanks

[@ianp5367]

@@bluebotlivingston6016 I personally use the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Premiere Pro and After Effects primarily. If you're interested in learning editing, I'd start with Premiere Pro, as it's complex enough there's a lot to learn, but it's pretty easy to get started. Mass majority of the transitions on this are just masking/rotoscoping done in After Effects most likely, that said it's all incredibly well done.

[@bluebotlivingston6016]

@@ianp5367 Thank you so much, that was very informative for a beginner! I subscribed to your Iris channel

[@BrightAfternoonProductionsPlus]

"Sound is exactly one third of how we experience cinema, the other two are what we see and how we feel." I quite like that.

[@roadtripwarrior]

Gave me chills

[@haldir255]

Kind of ironic how important music and sound became in movies, an initially visual medium

[@withelisa]

Sound anchors us in space. I would rather go blind than deaf.

[@beflygelt]

I don't think it makes sense since what you feel is a result of what you hear and see, not some seperate thing... I prefer the David Lynch quote "sound is at least 50% of the picture"

[@BrightAfternoonProductionsPlus]

@@beflygelt Your unique reaction, how you specifically process the information being presented to you, your reaction, is equally as important as what's actually being sent out. I think that's what he's saying there. Sometimes my feelings toward a film don't neatly line up with exactly what is being presented, and the internal response to it from person to person is part of what makes it so great.

[@saintangels]

"We understand what we see, but we feel what we hear."

[@princessthyemis]

GENIUS

[@roboroller83]

He’s such an amazing writer

[@alyssavargas7745]

me, being deaf 👁👄👁

[@timmyfjasjasn-7943]

Lol

[@MM-TheEnd]

That's such a true quote! Who said it?

[@darkmyro]

"Americans don't like it if there's no music for 3 minutes" movie studios don't trust us Americans do they?

[@johncocktosensen]

it’s a shame...

[@Meridian951]

I feel like they just completely misread their audience. I feel like 3 minutes of just silence for no reason would make most average moviegoers uncomfortable. But the sound design in these movies is there to give that "silence" meaning. To tell you a story. That's what those Disney execs didn't realise or chose to ignore.

[@Carakav]

Yeah, it really smacks of a misunderstood focus-group factoid.

[@darkmyro]

@@Meridian951 if it was pure silence as in no sound at all that would bother me, but these movies had ambience as in the sounds that happen anyway regardless of the characters like the sounds of the wind or bustling people. I think your average american moviegoer wouldnt mind listening to ambient noise if it helped them get immersed in the movie. I think kids could take that too as long as the action or the characters were engaging enough. I mean I remember seeing spirited away and my neighbor totaro when I was a we lad in the second grade. I enjoyed what little I saw of those movies. I mean I have vivid memories of the two little girls in totaro catching the soot/dust sprites in totaro. I remember loving the animation and wishing I could catch the little dustbunny-like creatures in my house too.

[@djandrewification]

A Quiet Place did very well and that had many moments of silence. I almost didnt want to eat my popcorn incase it was too loud for everybody else. Shit just sat in my mouth and melted over time.

[@andersmai844]

Often, when I need to feel creative, I watch this video again. It's just so perfect I can't help but feel motivated to do my task at hand.

[@moona5336]

Same

[@frank.e.wildcat]

If you're still alive, you're one of the best content creators on this platform please come back

[@NateandNoahTryLife]

It’s like seeing an old friend.

[@hot_pink4393]

It's like seeing an old friend, and she's hot now.

[@MetaNiteFM]

FASTEST IVE EVER CLICKED A VIDEO HOLY SHIT WELCOME BACK Edit: This may very well be my new favorite video you’ve ever put out. I’m a massive fan of these films and even I didn’t know the differences in the English and Japanese dubs or the clever details in the sound design of Spirited Away or The Wind Rises. And you’re right. I am going to rewatch all of these now. Thank you so much.

[@joefernandez8008]

Dude, same.

[@seductiveseaweed]

It makes me quite happy :). I know he said he's been working. But it's easy to get nervous some times though.

[@boydnoppen]

Same af

[@samwickliffe1040]

Faccccttttssss!!!!

[@Turnajon]

It should be noted that GKIDS reissued CASTLE IN THE SKY with two versions of the Disney dub: one with the rescore and one with the original score; both have the original sound effects and dial out the extra dialogue. KIKI's dub, too, has been modified to feature the original SFX, music, etc., and dials out Hartman's lines.

[@TheCartoonCatastrophe]

Hey dude it’s been a while! Glad you’re still here.

[@KillerHatDude]

I like how he didn't open with his usual tape opening and instead opted to just give us the hiashi piano scale to immerse us in this essay. Really cool dude!

[@CorboWill]

I love it too. Probably cause he weighs every single decision. Very little is automatic about his process. I imagine he's built some templates for transitions but they are always unique in subtle ways.

[@indragarg2857]

@@CorboWill I mean any good editor like him tries tomatch the first exposition with the tone of the whole video and in this case just like miazakis work he eased into the video with the subtle details instead of that usual intro

[@GoodBloodGames]

Finally got around to watching this. Beautiful stuff, Kap. I see all your masking work.

[@armandopiloto]

this video was a bold departure from all of your usual techniques, and easily ranks as one of the best video essays ever. i appreciate that you realized how your methodology for sound design, clip editing, and music in your videos would not pair well with ghibli films and opted to do a complete 180, with no added music or your comic book-esque stylized transitions. that isn't to say that the edits in this video weren't impressive; they're even more impressive because they are outside of that purview of what constitutes a video of yours and manage to be as effective. happy to see you back, kap.

[@XX14NC3XX]

I hope he sees this ahead of all the ‘he’s back’ memes

[@quanzoboi420]

Wow, I couldn’t have said it better myself. I could feel and see the difference in editing and sound design compared to his previous videos but you articulated that perfectly. Kaptainkristian is truly a great content creator. His observations are very eye opening because he has pointed out the nuances of the film and what made the atmosphere feel so populated and alive, part of what made these Miyazaki films so great and iconic. I’m so glad to have him back making vids.

[@zoetekauw9647]

The essay on the essay.

[@deadfr0g]

Our mans was in the hyperbolic time chamber completely retraining his body to create this video.

[@SuperMustache555]

Was literally about to comment this if no one else had. I couldn’t agree more

[@Fathomthiz]

*Holds Cigarette* KaptainKristain....... That's a name I haven't heard in a while...

[@Trowa71]

Of all the sub feeds on all the video platforms in all the internet, he posts onto mine.

[@arandomnerd1898]

I like to imagine this whole time he’s just been watching Miyazaki films

[@idesmarch1]

This is the way...

[@Truelle67]

Why did this makes me cry ? 1) it's so beautifully made 2) it speaks with true respect and passion about these wonderful pieces of art 3) I love seeing the technical crew acnowledged and praised for their work 4) It just did

[@DJMaster7q]

the cut from "spaces" to "sounds" through the clouds made me believe in life again

[@aidanloeser4890]

the texture

[@DJMaster7q]

@@aidanloeser4890 shit gives me life 😩😩😩

[@isaakm.5824]

HE'S BACK!! WHAT IT DO BAAABBBYYYYY

[@callumblake2083]

Oh my god he’s back

[@lindsaymccutcheon371]

Not a fan of how these comments only seem capable of fixating on your return, instead of the absolute top quality content. You captured the tone of these films wonderfully, and drew my attention to elements I'd always felt but never consciously realized. Thank you!

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

@@type-writerproductions1116 You don't deserve anything from him.

[@Danger0use]

Liked your comment, but Kristian's quality seems to be a given, which is why memes are the general response.

[@johncocktosensen]

I sense that you are comparing two things that are actually complimentary. People’s enthusiasm for his ‘return’ is lauding the exact thing you are keen to celebrate. Same team. Kap’s essential quality as a writer, thinker, editor and animator is exactly why there is a fan base who cry out at his return to the podium. tl;dr Everything he makes is supa hot fire. Welcome to the party all newcomers.

[@NidhinMohammad96]

@Lindsay McCutcheon, this utter fixation on his return by his fans is because of his impeccable production of video essays of past and present.

[@jebus9001]

Not a fan of self-important jackasses

[@tss3393]

"Sounds makes up 1/3 of cinema. The other 2/3 are what we see and how we feel ." Damn dude, that was profound.

[@Wolfguy333]

Watch the detail in his glasses at 10:09 This is the work of a master.

[@ZachBobBob]

Forgot how much I missed that sweet outro music

[@swedsteve93]

I was so happy to hear it again I started dancing

[@kolon333]

What's it called?

[@ZachBobBob]

@@kolon333 I can't remember but I'm sure it's like a Tyler the creator track or something. Kristian has posted it in the comments or the description on one his previous videos before

[@Mitchisable]

@@kolon333 Tyler The Creator - Hey You

[@FuryLobo]

This guy was on his way to being one of the best youtubers and said *fuck that I'm out til I'm ready again* Welcome back.

[@insidemymindinc]

He’s the frank ocean of Video essayists

[@elessarKP]

That's why every single of his videos is incredible!

[@michaelandrews117]

He takes his time and if I'm not mistaken mentioned he dealt with illness and a new job came up (probably related to his display of his talents in KZbin). I'm glad he takes his time in projects. We always come when he calls.

[@hll4393]

One of the most comforting sound for me is actually a hammer slamming metal in the distance because I associate it so much with Iron Town.

[@Kolajer]

I can't get over this editing, surreal

[@grahamthompson7119]

Damn, the line at the store for cigarettes is no joke.

[@anthonyvillanueva5226]

Or scratchers

[@jessyluxe]

words can’t explain how happy i was to see this upload 🏌🏻‍♀️😵

[@CharleyDevinAndi]

A whole year, man!! Were you trying to make us forget about you? So glad your still making amazing videos. Please, please, keep it up, however long it takes!

[@mickyjankis9542]

What is your profile picture called, would love to keep it as wallpaper

[@CharleyDevinAndi]

@@mickyjankis9542 Saw this one on reddit about a year ago, here is a link : www.reddit.com/r/wallpaper/comments/8pgi2r/4k_a_e_s_t_h_e_t_i_c_3840x2160/

[@482aaa]

The legend returns. Someone on reddit yesterday was like "man I miss that guy's videos I wonder when he will return'. Oh holy day

[@anayansi_iris]

I remember when this was posted 15 minutes ago. Now it's been a year. How time flies.

[@Koenentom]

He returned brother

[@krustyww]

four years, actually.

[@bensharplesfilm]

The shear visual literacy and editing skill on display in this video is staggering. Kristian you are the master of this form on KZbin

[@minhazurrahman8878]

He is not man, he is not god. He is just a dude on KZbin who uploads quality content.

[@blakebonecutter]

He is man

[@sensorydetail7438]

“On your left”-KaptainKristian

[@anthonynguyen9497]

Absolutely beautiful. I love that to coincide with your point, you let the sound effects play in the backdrop, not letting your usual lofi aesthetic distract from the point. It shows that you're not confined to a strict structure that most essayist find themselves trapped in. Keep up the amazing work that you do.

[@Lilypale]

Castle in the sky has always been one of my favorites and I've only ever seen the English dub. I've heard from so many people that I had to see the original and I never felt compelled to until now. That original sound design is so beautiful. Thanks

[@FoolGalo]

I sometimes get a feeling to come back to this channel in hopes i missed a new release and then get worried if something happened or if he just quit. I sure wish we'd get more of these though...hope everything's fine.

[@grillburgerdaq5121]

Whenever someone asks why I love ghibli, I say because it’s “real” Miyazaki animates reality

[@willprobablyneveruse1086]

Holy shit you’re back, glad to have you again

[@MrEpicLuke]

been a minute, your cadence and editing and writing is something I've missed though

[@Rocknelson4]

It has been a year since the King began his slumber. We wish for his safe return.

[@kylesherling]

As a production sound recordist and Post production sound mixer. This feel great to be seen. When a lot of my works gets no thanks but if no one says anything about the sound is wrong or weird that means you built the world right.

[@edpersona_l]

i need to give you massive credit for the editing and sound design for this once the smooth transitions between the movies, especially 3:04, the text being covered up but the objects of the movie most times like 4:00?, the essay itself?! THE LOGO FOR NAUSICA MOVING TO MATCH THE FACT THE FILM ITSELF IS ALSO MOVING AT 0:49?! a fucking masterpiece that no editor in this platform could outmatch; keep doing what you do bro

[@straydogbite]

The return of the greatest editor on KZbin. Thank you for your hard work. Edit: I hope I'm not accidentaly deifying you by attributing the editing to you alone! If there is anyone who works with you on your videos they deserve equal appreciation as well!

[@REALLILSAB]

A year later i still find my self rewatching old video, this one particularly being my favorite Plz don’t go

[@aaronj1172]

4 years since upload and I've watched this probably a dozen times and shown it to half a dozen people. Still makes me tear up.... the passion for indescribably beautiful and yet largely unnoticed detail, the recognition of the unsung heroes, the dreams of Jiro being brought into reality reflecting the realized dreams of the filmmakers..... it gets me every time. Every time. Even to this day. This is my comfort essay. Thank you so much for this.

[@redacted000]

Damn I actually cried watching this, I never realized how much I loved the sound in these films

[@EO_741]

I love how this essay heavily incorporates of what it’s persuading the audience of what makes Ghibli films feel alive. Sound.

[@Tom-zf8yw]

This was a eye opener for me. I never did appreciate the hard work the teams did for these movies... thank you kaptainkristian. I wish you luck with your endeavors.

[@TheTrousersinc]

All these video essayists can’t hold a candle to you.

[@miso2340]

i am truly blown away by the excellent writing, fluid dictation, and stellar editing of this video essay; and i can’t believe i didn’t see this four years sooner. amazing, deserves wayy more views

[@lazzercongs]

such a breathtaking a video i can't stop coming back. there really isn't anything else like this on youtube or maybe anywhere

[@lawrencetyrpa]

Man, the editing in this video is sweet! And the content is great as well, thank you!

[@13a1Vana]

3:02 had me questioning my memory. It looks so seamless

[@rakshitchintakindi822]

As someone who recently started editing, that transition gave me chills

[@ryanadolfi4007]

WOW LOOK WHO DECIDED TO SHOW UP missed ya dude

[@terrymaster77]

Love that you focus on the soundscapes - some of the most iconic and really brings the settings to life. When I think of Nausica it's the wind and Totoro is the cicadas that define a Japanese summer

[@Gyroeg]

This must be the most beautifully done video I’ve ever seen in youtube. Thank you.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

_"Saying 'anime was a mistake' that one time was a mistake."_ *~ Hayao Miyazaki*

[@Obie.]

When your ex decides to show up out of nowhere

[@LOproductions1]

😂😂😂

[@DoberHeart]

This video really warmed my heart. It felt like talking to an old friend who you haven’t seen in years. Thank you

[@midarch]

hands down the best editing ive ever seen on a youtube video. amazing work!

[@michael-of7fk]

The way u blended all the screen transitions distracted me from the video as it was so unbelievable to see each scene flow so smoothly. Your editing on this was truly amazing. no homo

[@mageburger_9551]

9:07 Look, I'm not joking or trying to make a pun when I say this, I got chills. Actual, physical chills that I felt on my skin as I saw these clips. It's one thing to be a good storyteller in essays, but when the editing actually sells the subject THIS well, then you've truly done your job.

[@Robersora]

It's disconcerting how much media in and outside of anime has no sound design to speak of.

like what exactly?

[@TheoKitching]

Even if you don’t come back, I just want you to know you’re the GOAT of video essayists in my eyes and you have inspired me in so many ways. Thank you.

[@lukesolomon8900]

This is one of the greatest videos on KZbin. This is my first time seeing one of your videos and I can’t believe this editing. Amazing. Subscribed.

[@YungM.D.]

Your video essays are easily the greatest on the platform. Anytime I get a notification from this channel I get genuinely excited to see what you do. And you switch up your style to best reflect the subject. Brilliant stuff

[@fazemickyb2909]

this video is a masterpiece in and of itself (the editing might be some of if not the best ive ever seen, some bits i couldn't believe you edited)

[@ubetosis]

this has become one of my favorite videos on youtube.

[@xAzziverse]

The way you portrayed the art and beauty of each of the Studio Ghibli films makes me love the movies a lot more.

[@korosensei3063]

This is one of my favourite youtube videos. Nice work.

[@kwhitney6737]

I just wanted to say that I hope you're well and safe and that your content really is timeless. We support your work so much. Thank you.

[@johngo3715]

Thank you for this. Ghibli has always had that added texture or layer a lot of other animated films couldn't give. Great job in putting those feelings and thoughts into words.

[@estebanloco]

miss you, dude. your work is phenomenal, i hope you’re well. come back whenever you’re ready.

[@joshuageraldbutler8037]

The Man, the Myth, the Legend is back.

[@shahan484]

A girl introduced me to Studio Ghibli, and I've only watched one of them till now but omg I've fallen in love with this studio.

[@jsonS1977]

Wow thanks for this, just so informative! I watched my first studio G today and went looking for information on how it was created and this really gave me such wonderful insight and appreciation for the work.

[@mapleham5633]

THE KING OF VIDEO ESSAYS HAS RETURNED!

[@Mnikolak17]

This video really opened my eyes. I watched most of the early Ghibli films in Dub, clearly I missed out on a lot in doing so. Your videos are some of the best out, thank you.

[@Blackobluna]

Hope you're well Kap, super excited for the next one!

[@silentsoul_official]

Your editing is very subtle and perfectly fluid. Beautiful!

[@Tamajyn69]

Hideaki Anno and Miyazaki just casually playing with planes together at 10:21 is everything 💜

[@genarosiles1869]

You should do an essay about Evangelion. That show changed my life.

[@Jayfive276]

Evan-whatnow? Never heard of it...

[@erboch7124]

That could take two to four videos since its themes are blue/purple

[@dylangreen1130]

To anybody out there who might read this. I come back every month to rewatch this video along with others. These videos bring out my inner kid and make me forget what the present is. I wish I could be a child again. Thank you for always making the greatest content out there. I will always be here. Giving what I can. To any that read this. The world is full of surprises, maybe this one can continue to surprise us. Give back. Go forth into the beyond

[@AdminActive]

You have no idea how much i miss your content, hope you are doing great my man, all the best.

[@CorboWill]

I'm 1 minute into this video and I've felt more chills running down my spine than any movie has made me felt this year. And not just because of nostalgia for Ghibli. Kristian, it was your rotoscoping job. It's fucking fantastic dude. The flow is perfect, I don't know how long that took but I imagine you watched each of those movies several times just to find the right movement and position of each character. And this isn't new to this video, but the way you blend foreground elements (like the "spaces" text) with the film background is seamless. The best part is that these are not advanced techniques, but it is your precise attention to detail that drives the decision to add these seemingly small flourishes that is really inspirational. You don't just see the video essay as a visual tool to assist your writing, but as a separate art form from the content in the writing. Keep doing you man. I didn't want to make video essays until I saw yours.

[@ReeceyzRHG]

Amazing brake down! Music every 3min is a thing I never thought about, until now. Thank you for this.

[@GaijinGoombah]

Holy shit this was good.

[@silverdays2909]

Yea its nice

[@yodxnavon]

Christmas really came a month early, hope you're back for good this time!

[@pdill900]

Just binged the whole channel again. Hope he returns soon

[@quentinhayes4966]

You really just gotta drop videos whenever I'm going through major life/personal developments, thank you for inspiring a love of critical analysis of entertainment when I needed it as a teen. This is important.

[@Splat654]

Man i love you, i am an animation student, and this essay is so so sooo much inspiration to get up and make animation, thank for your work, thanks for your channel

[@parkourpupil6541]

rewatching kaptainkristian videos as I wait for him to eventually post another..... i know it'll come one day

[@psblykrwn]

Always giving new perspectives, we miss you man!

[@JustTheTeep]

Hey Kris, I dunno if you check your comment sections religiously like some youtubers but I hope you do. I've followed your vids for a long time, and been a supporter on Patreon so I know you frequently deal with writers block and frustration, and I can tell you're a perfectionist and that it sometimes gets in the way of your work. I just wanted to say that in my estimation, your videos are the high water mark among video essays on this website, and seeing as I'm starting to make my own soon, I've been going through all of your videos and it's given me a deep appreciation for your work. I don't think I'll ever achieve your heights when it comes to editing, you're a master of your craft on that front. This video is a perfect example, I was in awe in your introduction as you flawlessly edited scenes from every Miyazaki film together. Just beautiful to watch. Your writing however is the most incredible part. Many video essayists definitely give off a bit of a "Paid by the word" vibe, but you have mastered brevity, every line has a point (and a perfectly cut edit to go with it and punctuate your point.) Just. I dunno, I'm rambling at this point. But I get the impression that you sometimes get in your own head, and I wanted to offer words of encouragement that you're good enough at what you do that when I wanted to take notes on how to make these, you were the first channel I thought of, because of how incredible you are at what you do.

[@darinae34]

Those shots were the best part of this video, the way we see Kiki fly above the train and then chiro in the other, I really expected to see Kiki fly right next to her after that, amazing work, truly !

[@ullllllllllllllable]

this is totally phenomenal editing. one of the best video essays I've ever seen. great work.