Spirited Away was such an integral film during my high school years (thanks Mr. Paravantes' Japanese class) that it's impossible not to get nostalgic over a book like this one. We get to explore the art behind the scenes, the digital processes, and the story development - straight from Studio Ghibli itself. What disappointed me a bit throughout the book, though, was that because the film was digitally produced we got a lot less of the concept artwork than I was expecting. Maybe there was just physically less of it, or maybe the studio didn't want to put as much out for this film as for the other movies, but it did end up being a lot more digital stills from the finished film than expected. We have the film (and the comics, which draw screen captures to make the graphic layouts) so having the majority of the book dedicated to rehashing the material left me a bit wanting. It was interesting seeing how they used digital techniques to add to the film though, and the best part was undoubtedly the commentary by the artists, designers, and Miyazaki himself. And the tid-bit about how the bath house was inspired by a real place? Definitely a nice addition to my travel wishlist on the Studio Ghibli tour of Japan! ( )

I love these books so much. gah!
Where are the rest of them?! I neeeeed them. ( )