Making of Castle in the Sky (Walt Disney - Studio Ghibli)

[@Turnajon]

Tragically, one of the voiceovers from 'Castle in the Sky' is no longer with us. Richard Dyart, who provided Uncle Pom with a warm, genial, gentle voice in Disney's dub (and after Hamill and Leachman, was another one of my favorite voices from that dub) has just passed away at the age of 86. May God Rest His Soul.

[@minespatch]

Turnajon I'm so happy to own the first dubbed take of Disney.

[@Turnajon]

Minespatch the channel You mean the one with the rescored music and extra dialogue, don't you? They dialed all that back when they reissued it on 2010, mainly because of the FEROCIOUS backlash from purists. Even though they didn't really alter much of the actual storyline aside from one minor moment of Sheeta's speech at the end. But even then, it's nothing that butchers the film.

[@MatthewGeoffino]

+Turnajon However if you import the movie from the UK, Japan, or Australia; all the changes Disney made to the dub are there but the American score remains for some weird reason. Oh and it isn't dubtitled like the American BD/DVD is.

[@androognoix1685]

Thanks for giving him hope (not to be sarcastic)

[@byzantinegold]

Rest in peace Mr. Dyart.

[@alejandromolina7270]

Cloris Leachman is so awesome in her role. So much spirit and wit.

[@Turnajon]

Oh definitely for sure. She is absolutely perfect as Dola; she is a delight to listen to. Every single second. She and Hamill are the real stars of the show. Not that I think the rest of the cast is second-rate; they're good, but these two really MADE CASTLE IN THE SKY. So did Joe Hisaishi's new score, at least in my opinion. EDIT: It's unfortunate that Cloris has passed away.

[@dorianrivas7947]

I had the biggest crush on Mark Hamill when I was watching Star Wars, so when I found out he was in Laputa Castle in the sky I was so happy because Studio Ghibli is my passion, and he did a really awesome job as Muska.

[@Turnajon]

+Anime Chick Indeed. Aside from the new score, he and Leachman are THE reasons the Castle in the Sky dub rocks. Their counterparts on the dated JAL 80's dub are just lame by comparison.

[@Turnajon]

In all fairness, Mike Reynolds was one of the least offensive performers in that first dub; that is to say, I could at least imagine the General having that kind of voice, but the dialogue and direction he was given did prove to be problematic. Goodson could have been a decent Pazu if she didn't sound so distractingly feminine and if her delivery had more life to it -- as it is, it's a mediocre turn from her, which is disappointing considering her resume. I'm not saying James was a better choice to play Pazu; he's not, but even his performance has a lot more life to it.

[@rachelbrown2586]

Absolutely right. Love it

[@GingerCOMET4432]

I am so grateful that my dad introduced me to Ghibli films:)

[@JaylaLife14]

1:07 3:53 James Van Der Beek is my favorite voice actor who’s best known for providing the voice of Pazu from (Castle in the Sky)

[@Turnajon]

That's one of the primary reasons I love recommending this movie to others. Whoever thought Luke could be such an effective badguy? Hamill may have been iconic as Luke, but voice acting is his real niche. His Joker is just as good as Muska IMO. I tend to favor his role in this movie more because I felt that he really nailed everything about this character to a T and beyond. He practically steals this whole movie.

[@Shebeast3]

i absolutely love laputa,such a great story and the cast knock it out the park

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

MARK HAMILL VOICES MUSKA!!!!!! my life is complete

[@seiko6556]

Тhis mоviе is now аvailаblе tо wаaaаtсh hеrе => twitter.com/08e99cb1415a23bae/status/795843530706931712 MМММаking оf Castlе in thе Skу Wаlt Disnеу Studiо Ghibli

[@joedimaggio7728]

L.E Wolf That explains why muskas character was so captivating from the voice actors performance.

[@joedimaggio7728]

L.E Wolf That explains why muskas character was so captivating from the voice actors performance.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

Joe DiMaggio true

[@Turnajon]

For many viewers, Mark Hamill's performance as Muska is THE reason to see the dub. Same with Cloris Leachman's Dola. And for good reason: they both steal every scene they're in. That's not to say the rest of the cast is subpar. They're great overall (the leads are probably the least excellent, but still competent overall), but these two are the real heavy hitters.

[@captainkev10]

No wonder this dub was so good. Mark Hamill, Mandy Patinkan, Cloris Leachman. James Van Der Beek did a helluva good job too.

[@Turnajon]

James was a strange choice to play Pazu for sure, but he did a solid job under the circumstances. Paquin had a few iffy moments, but her Sheeta was otherwise adequate. Hamill and Leachman were the real big hitters of the show, though, although I agree that Patinkin, Jim Cummings, and everyone else turned in excellent work, too.

[@grieferoncamera4600]

I'm used to the Japanese and Cantonese versions because the voices seem to be the most suited for each character

[@Turnajon]

Cloris and Mark: absolutely. They both had the juiciest roles to begin with. Granted I also enjoyed the rest of the cast, but those two really fleshed out their roles so well. About James: he DEFINITELY made Pazu sound much older than his onscreen appearance; however the energy and enthusiasm he brought to the role quickly overshadowed that by far. And at least he's nowhere nearly as dull as his (less mature sounding but vocally unconvincing) counterpart in the '80s JAL dub.

[@Thebigpier]

yes, castle of the sky are pure magic, im'grow up with this film. laputa and porco rosso are my two fav ghibli movies of all times.

[@emptylanternmedia2248]

Mark Hamill could have simply been "that guy who was in that thing a while back" but he has really mastered his craft i love the dedication he puts into his characters becquse more often then not they are well villains

[@Turnajon]

I really dig 4:24-4:30 -- Mandy really looked like he was having a lot of fun doing that part.

[@Meganeutron920]

Turnajon Holy shit I can't stop laughing

[@slowpoke8585]

Finally watched this yesterday! I absolutely loved it! James Van Der Beek was an amazing choice to voice Pazu!

[@Turnajon]

I wouldn't say he was an amazing choice; he WAS rather eccentric since this character was originally portrayed as younger. That said, I do agree he gave a considerably good performance. Was it my favorite of the Disney dub, no, but I will commend him for the energy he brought to the part. Plus his age is not a major plot point in this film, so you can kinda get away with it.

[@aortaplatinum]

It's rad that there are all these anime "making of" features that are really just the making of the dub with the perspective of those who actually dubbed it. Sort of a middleman between the Ghibli team and the American audience, it's really interesting, especially with a dub this good.

[@Turnajon]

Mr. Hamill has really had quite a career as a voice actor doing villains since his STAR WARS days, and if you ask me, he is really quite good at it; no offense to his Luke Skywalker, but as much as I liked him then, I really think VAing is his real niche. He is just so brilliant at it. When I heard his Muska in the dub, I could swear that I was hearing Luke going evil, but at the same time he wasn't recognizable, which was what really made his performance in the dub all the more impressive.

[@infinessia4019]

It baffles me that this was during the era when you didn't do takes in the same room as the other actor...with the way the characters interact, you'd think they were side by side talking to one another. Its amazing when you think about it.

[@Turnajon]

That's just how it is when dubs are made. People often record their lines solo, and in this case, have to sync to already completed animation. It's a tough thing to do, but with a great voice director it can be pulled off. Luckily in this film (as well as MONONOKE and KIKI), the actors here were coached by Jack Fletcher, who has a theatrical background and, from what Mike Pollack told me at a recent con, actually communicates with the actors to get chemistry. This same man also went down to Studio Ghibli -- yes, REALLY! -- to clarify some plot points about MONONOKE when he was doing the dub of that. Anyone who can do something like that gets high praise from me.

[@DiscRover]

I don't understand why everybody is hating on James. If he sounds older so what? Pazu can't have an Adam's apple? He's a young man after all

[@MagicianMovies1992]

Castle In The Sky is my other new favorite Miyazaki movie it told a great story

[@12eveal]

That's right people, Luke Skywalker himself is Muska!!

[@anthonyscarangella1700]

James Van Der Beek also voiced Vampirina’s father Boris Hauntley in the Disney show vampirina. It’s one of my favorite shows. In fact, I took the opportunity to volunteer to become Vampirina’s adopted human father. James is her biological father in vampire. Thank you.

[@Turnajon]

No, I don't think Anna Paquin was neglected to be interviewed because of her performance (I don't think she did such a bad job; other than a few missed lines I was fine with her take), but maybe because she wasn't available at the time. Who knows.

[@markcasadevall9509]

My favourite of the studio ghibli bunch

[@christianaguiare544]

John Lasseter really wasn’t overselling here, this is possibly the greatest animated movie I’ve ever seen

[@unknownpassenger4025]

I nearly had a heart attack when I saw Mark Hamil.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

Geek Teen same

[@Turnajon]

There are two different versions of Disney's dub: there's the 2003 DVD release (where these extras are taken from) complete with the new score and effects as well as additional dialogue, and then there is the 2010 release which retains the Japanese music/sound effects and takes out much of the extra lines. Purists who HATE the 2003 version may want to check out the 2010 version as it is less boisterous, but personally I like it both ways.

[@kokomoko5339]

3:39-3:42 That's Joker right there.

[@Jackie-McCann]

YEP! 😁

[@kc_9970]

YOU KILLED CAPTAIN CLOWN!!!

[@hglasier]

I remember watching Warriors of the Wind, it barely made sense. Very happy with the Disney release of Nausicaa. I saw the old English dub of Laputa in about 1989 when it was played on TSW. Had it on VHS for years. I was disappointed that Disney felt the need to re dub it. It was a personal reaction I know. It was like being severed your favourite meal with one addition that made it unpalatable. My VHS copy eventually died. It took several more years before I found a nice copy of the original dub. Then I bought The Castle of Cagliostro on DVD and stubbed my toe on another Disney re dub. I don't blame them. They are only investment bankers after all. All the same I had to go back on line to find the version I knew and loved.

[@AnimePlaysMinecraft]

I know your comment is three years old, but this version is much better than the original dub. Although it may be more "accurate", accuracy when translating from another language may not sound right. The performances were lifeless in that version. This version was re-scored by Joe Hisaishi, and was looked over by Miyazaki. It was Miyazaki who approved it being re-dubbed. The performances from Muska's and Dola's voice actors are absolutely phenomenal.

[@jonturner3520]

Agreed. And even though the leads' performances in the new dub might be at the short end of the stick, they're still competent overall and definitely better than their stale-sounding JAL counterparts.

[@khfan4life365]

I totally agree with you! The Disney versions are flawless because they choose the perfect voices for their Japanese counterparts.

[@BrianRumbaoaDisney1998]

R.I.P. Cloris Leachman (April 30, 1926 - January 27, 2021)

[@SpongicX]

My 3rd favorite Studio Ghibli film.

[@lucybronson8741]

james aka dawson lery voicing pazu was the thing that i didn't relized i needed in ending 2020

[@paulmarchano7238]

This is sucha random thing to hate on. Fricken hipsters still going strong. Loved this dub for what it was and loved this movie.

[@Turnajon]

Worry not, there are OTHER fans of the Disney dub, it's not just you. And yes, this IS an awesome movie.

[@alexamerling79]

My favorite Ghibli movie. Mark Hamill was great as Muska.

[@Turnajon]

Agreed. He stole this whole movie. Although I thought everybody else did a great job, too. Including James and Anna.

[@christycapers4715]

What the heck about Sheeta?

[@KBAFourthtime]

Yeah, I was let down when I first saw this because they didn't show how Anna Paquin looked at the time.

[@katiecadet1641]

What happened to Anna Paquin’s interview for Sheeta?

[@EricScissorh4nds]

3:35 - Every time Hamill does his evil voice, all I hear is the Joker. haha.

[@piggyrosso3247]

3:40 I'm not the only one picking up a Joker vibe here or maybe I'm just insane. 🃏

[@Turnajon]

I agree about this. I like James van der Beek as Pazu. He's not the best VA in the dub, but while he sounds mature, the energy he brings to the part makes up for it.

[@Shadow-ui3ww]

Childhood classics

[@DouglasSamuels-ni1gk]

Was laupta, castle of the sky on Disney plus.thanks for streaming that on Disney plus.

[@DouglasSamuels-ni1gk]

Studio ghibli movies was streaming it Netflix until HBO max.

[@fadlihermawan633]

Hey, I didn't know before that Mark Hamill voiced Colonel Muska. I didn't realize that!

[@RockyGems]

I agree with James, he did make some awesome vocals for Pazu! XD

[@reapingsoul543]

@Turnajon I know, that pisses me off, too. BTW, I thought Sheeta's voice actress for this version did a good job too.

[@ZNearX]

It's like James Van Der Beek pretty much predicted the Dawson cry face meme.

[@darkmode805]

Wow mark Hamill is the greatest villian of voice actor anime or cartoon characters

[@kingt34]

Thank you! That's really interesting! This film is easily my most favourite film of all time, so it's interesting to know about this other version that I've never heard of! It's interesting how you had that reaction as well to the dub and soundtrack combination! Again, thank you very much for informing me :)

[@stinkos1981]

i think this is the best video ever probably

[@reapingsoul543]

@ScorpioCarly I agree. He really did do a good job as the voice of Pazu.

[@scoobis1788]

back when disney is compassionate about things

[@josephzielinski8817]

Speaking of which in four years ago, this announced to be released in Spring 1999 on a trailer seen on the Kiki's Delivery Service VHS, but was scrapped due to Princess Mononoke underperforming at the box office.

[@Turnajon]

I know. I was so badly disappointed when it didn't come to pass. The years of having to wait for this to release were torturous for me. But it was worth the wait.

[@merahmuka222]

wow....just wow...miyazaki is the best

[@AnalogueAbsynth]

Ghibli is so much better than disney.

[@Turnajon]

Not everybody dislikes James' Pazu. Outside of the internet there have been people I talked to who thought he actually did a good job, as you do. There are even some websites that aren't so hard on him. The problem is that the haters are so vocal that they feel as though they have to beat the same dead horse over and over again as if to make it seem that way. I too thought he did a good job. As good as the rest of the cast? No. But still solid overall.

[@Turnajon]

The reason Disney had to redub the older version of LAPUTA was simply because it wasn't a very good dub at all. Even Carl Macek didn't think it was done as well as it could have been. And frankly, I don't blame them; one listen to the '80s version and I was just wincing. It's just awful compared to Disney's. No matter how more "accurate" it is to the original, it doesn't change the fact that it is an emotionlessly acted, poorly written, cheaply executed production. Disney's version has far better performances by comparison. Same reason AKIRA was redubbed; the older version of that movie was terrible -- laughable and totally incomprehensible. BTW, Disney didn't redub CAGLIOSTRO; it was Manga Entertainment who did it. I never saw the original dub of that, but I liked the newer dub just fine (even with the unnecessary profanity).

[@david_t_nethery_animator]

Why do so many of these "making-of" videos only feature the voice actors who dubbed the dialogue ? There's so much more to the making of an animated film than the voices. Where are the designers, the animators , the background painters , the effects animators , etc? Let's see more about the actual process of making these great animated films. Sure, the voice actors are important , but they are not the ONLY thing that is important in the making-of an animated film.

[@urospalalic2371]

i know i'm a little bit late , but i must sa something ,i have evidncy, and since 2006 since i watch castle in the the sky for the firt time, this anime movie is made a big ,,hole" in me , i didn't watc this anime since 2006 but from the last year i watched him for 157 times and i don't know how , but this anime can't get bored to me , . The whole story of the anime , and song , it's so beautifoul . and i almos cry when i hear that song noq i'm 16 years old , and i watching this anime since i was litle boy . here is the supprise , i am the boy from Serbia , and my bigest dream is to meet hayao miyazaki , but i don't have that luck , so if someone who knows hayao or have contac i woul be hapy if someone asks him did he plan to come in serbia . that is my bigest dream , and i just want to met a person who is make my childhod awesome and left one big box of memories and nostagic conected to this anime hayao Hello from serbia and you should came here sometimes

[@warnexus]

a really great movie. good job ghibli cannot wait for ni no kuni pd3 english

[@theodorecarter6601]

What, they don’t interview Jim Cummings!? He’s one of the best voice actors there is and also one you would never see in any other anime dub. He always does a great performance.

[@wildethang93]

Maybe because he was too busy with either this project or other ones he was doing at the time.

[@bluecap9579]

was that Indigo Montoya?

[@Turnajon]

+Simon Seovic It was. Whoever would've thought we'd see Mandy from THE PRINCESS BRIDE participate in a Ghibli movie? Two, at that (He was also in THE WIND RISES.)

[@TheKalihiMan]

Turnajon There’s quite a bit of overlap between the cast of The Princess Bride and Studio Ghibli, actually. Besides Mandy Patinkin, Cary Elwes appeared in Porco Rosso as Donald Curtis, Chris Sarandon was in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind as Kurotowa, and Billy Crystal voiced Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle.

[@Turnajon]

Yeah, and interestingly, that dub was done sometime after "Laputa"'s. Apparently his turn as Muska was so phenomenal that the producers decided to rehire him. He had a rather small part in "Nausicaa", but it was still great to hear him. Nonetheless, I liked him better as Muska. :)

[@lisajoyner2903]

i love all of his movies !!! hes my hero !

[@kingt34]

I agree: That didn't ruin the movie for me at all: he was really believable despite the fact that the character was meant to be like 12 at most. My only problem with the dub is that they changed the music. The one scene which really made me think this was when Pazu and Sheeta visit the memorial. In the original it's just beautifully calm and open to let you react in your own way, but in the dub soundtrack they made the music very tragic and clear-cut, and that just annoyed me.

[@matthewbrookeart]

also Mark Hamill is possibly the best voice actor ever

[@AJ-Parker94]

Holy shit! Muska is played by Luke Skywalker?!?! Awesome!

[@katieinwonderland2879]

Mark Hamill was the Birthday Bandit in Teamo Surpremo "Who invited the Birthday Bandit?" in 2002, in 1987, Cloris Leachman was in Cannon Movie Tales Hansel and Gretel as the Witch Griselda and James Van Der Beek was married many days ago and now his 5 children loved him so much.

[@kingt34]

I agree: The dub's great, especially with Mark Hamill as Muska (His voice is perfect for him!) But the scene I mentioned before at the memorial is the scene that made me love films. I've been studying film for years now but that scene is still the most powerful scene in anything I've ever seen for me, personally. I'm a bit biased because of that, though, as I just didn't feel comfortable when they changed the entire feeling and atmosphere for that one scene. It's just a personal thing, though.

[@hernobleness]

Omg when I figured out who some of the voice actors were I just laughed! Like mark hamill. Ik he was in star wars but to me he's Ozai from avatar:tla. I was like oh I can hear it now!!

[@thefirstbourne149]

Why didn’t they include Anna Paquin in the featurette? Isn’t she a part of this thing?

[@Turnajon]

Good question.

[@claytoncondo3460]

Maybe she recorded her lines in 1 day

[@darthroden]

I can't help but hear a little bit of Hamill's Joker voice in Colonel Muska's voice.

[@LadyOrchidity]

I Love Castle in the Sky it reminds me of so much of Sailor Moon.

[@WillScarlet16]

Holy moly - she DOES look like Marty Feldman!

[@mario.619]

i wasnt expecting mark hammil wtf!

[@Turnajon]

Funny, I didn't have much of a problem with that either. Don't get me wrong the original score WAS good, but I thought the newer score added to the picture in many ways. Scenes such as the destruction of Laputa, the hurricane scene, the fortress attack, and the opening credits, in particular, I thought sounded fantastic with the new orchestration. The only questionable additions might be the lyre accompaniment and the extra cue when they go through the storm, but otherwise I liked the rescore.

[@bronysimpson3250]

The ironic thing about the part where Cloris Leachman says Dola looks like Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein is that she played Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. Yes that's right, it's the same actress.

[@FlyingAce1016]

MARK HAMIL?!?!!! I forgot he was in this

[@tgbluewolf]

2:08 "I'm not very bright but I'm out to please my mom...and avenge my father's murder..." 😉

[@Turnajon]

Couldn't resist a little Inigo Montoya there, huh? I thought it was really cool to hear Luke, Miss Skinner, Pete (from GOOF TROOP) and Inigo in the same movie.

[@Balrog-tf3bg]

I remember this from the old dvd that is now long lost

[@MSwolfdog158]

Mark Hamill was the actor who was playing the DC villain character Joker, He was truly quiet of his careere as the voice actor from the villain of the starwars movie.

[@cejay6996]

At 4:25 the voice actor of Louie was a Vietnam flashback

[@Turnajon]

Different? In what way? Do you mean like his actual speaking voice as opposed to the voice he did for Pazu?

[@AnimeMaster586]

This movie is now in memory of Cloris Leachman.RIP.

[@daoyang5988]

I miss you Cloris leachman!

[@Turnajon]

I know, I was really saddened upon hearing about her passing. Dola is one of my favorite performances from her, and it still holds up.

[@Cenarius11]

James was good, actually his voice matches the character very well!

[@cheesy8472]

I love that movie!

[@princessthyemis]

I love this whole dub!!

[@Turnajon]

@vjpearce Hmmm... I dunno, the sound effects sounded fine to me when I heard them in the dub. Although it should be known that in the 2010 DVD reissue of the movie, they restored the original score and sound effects to the dialogue, so the SEs don't sound as "muted" there, per say. A lot of the extra dialogue was also cut as well. I'm actually curious about how the dub will sound on the upcoming BD/DVD combo?

[@RonanJaPianist]

Why Anna paquin isn't in the interview

[@hidonald]

cool thanks for the info. Hey is it cool if i come to u now and then if I have any questions about studio ghibli because I myself am a recent big fan of studio ghibli. BTW could you explain this part to me "The 2003 version has a lavish extension/reorchestration of Joe Hisaishi's score and a couple of one-liners (some of which are meant to flesh out the characters), "

[@retafmil]

@farooqmm1987 - Glad you enjoyed it. The movie is great!

[@vjpearce]

@Turnajon I think I'll scrap that idea. The 2010 reissue is region 1 only and import charges here are obscene.

[@Turnajon]

I actually love seeing the voice actors talk about their work on the film, but the intro with John Lasseter seems superfluous. A more meaty option would be a documentary about the actual making of the film. I think the latter option IS on the recently released BluRay though (in the UK that is).

[@DoctorChibi740]

I wondered that myself. I noticed it in Princess Mononoke as well.

[@katieinwonderland2879]

Mandy Patinkin played Huxley in Elmo in Grouchland by Sesame Street in 1999

[@matthewbrookeart]

is this on the dvd? i aint on mine :(

[@ph89787]

Muska is like Hamil's other character Firelord Ozai. Both evil, selfish wanting to use powers beyond their control and eventually it backfires

[@vjpearce]

@Turnajon Thanks for telling me that. I didn't know it was reissued. I might buy it and give the version I have to my mate who's been nagging my ear off to have it for her birthday =D

[@RandBytes]

Where's the voice actress for Sheeta? O.o

[@Cenarius11]

Thanks very much for sharing your opinion :)

[@Turnajon]

Well at least you saw the better English dub. The only other English dub that exists of this movie is the JAL dub from the '80s (you can hear clips on BehindtheVoiceactors's site). And trust me: that version is hideous. I understand being attached to the Japanese dub, but I'm at least glad you gave the dub a fair chance. And yes, Leachman and Hamill were perfect.

[@Turnajon]

@reapingsoul543 Now when I think of it I think his performance plays much better when you don't have the original Japanese version stuck in your head and have a preconception on what the character should sound like and/or bias against the actor. That there are people who are willing to overlook his more mature voice and acknowledge the enthusiasm he brings to the character is a huge improvement over the dozen write-offs I've seen of him. I still say Hamill and Leachman own this film though. :)