It may have taken awhile from when the solicitations first show up online, but Walt Disney Studios now has the formal information out about what to expect from three new releases that will arrive in high definition on May 22nd, 2012 from Studio Ghibli. The company is promoting the new release of The Secret World of Arrietty, which has had the biggest box office of any Ghibli film in the US as it was just under $20 million, and it’s taking the opportunity just like it did with Ponyo to bring out a few more Blu-ray releases. This release date will also see the inaugural US versions of Castle in the Sky and Whisper of the Heart coming to the format.

Check out the full details below:

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY – Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Ponyo” & “Spirited Away”) proudly open the doors to “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, on May 22, 2012. This visually stunning animated masterpiece stars an illustrious voice cast that includes Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Moises Arias, David Henrie and the iconic and much beloved Carol Burnett.

Based on the acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers,” by Mary Norton, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is an imaginative tale of “little people” living furtively among us, and the unlikely friendship that forms when their hidden world is discovered. The heartwarming family adventure features beautiful, stylized animation and timeless themes of friendship, courage and determination.

In addition to the stunning Blu-ray hi-definition picture and digital sound, the 2-Disc Combo Pack includes an array of bonus features that will fascinate animation fans, including a storyboard version of the film and the original Japanese trailers and TV commercials. Additional features include music videos for the songs “Summertime” performed by Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler, who is the speaking voice of Arrietty; and the movie’s theme song “Arrietty’s Song” performed by French singer/songwriter Cécile Corbel.

An enthralling story, with the English language version directed by 7-time Academy Award®-winner Gary Rydstrom, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is a remarkable filmmaking achievement that families will want to add to their home entertainment collections and enjoy over and over.

The Suggested Retail price for “The Secret World of Arrietty” is: 2-Disc Blu-ray = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada. 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S. only

CASTLE IN THE SKY BLU-RAY – “Castle in the Sky,” a timeless story of courage and friendship, is now more thrilling than ever with the magic of Blu-ray! The pristine hand-drawn animation from acclaimed Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, “Spirited Away”) and a new digital master––featuring the original Japanese score––make this epic adventure soar like never before!

Pazu, an engineer’s apprentice, finds a young girl, Sheeta, floating down from the sky, and discovers they are both searching for a legendary floating castle, Laputa. Together, they embark on a daring quest and encounter greedy pirates, secret agents and astounding obstacles that keep them from the truth––and from each other. For the first time ever on Blu-ray, “Castle in the Sky” is a must-own for families!

The suggested retail price for “Castle in the Sky” Blu-ray is: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada

WHISPER OF THE HEART BLU-RAY – “Whisper of the Heart” inspires like never before in Blu-ray! A new digital master reveals the true brilliance of this heartwarming coming-of-age classic from Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought you “Ponyo” and the Academy Award®-winning “Spirited Away” (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002).

A chance encounter with a mysterious cat sends Shizuku, a quiet schoolgirl, on a quest for her true talent. Challenged by Seiji, a boy determined to follow his dreams, and enchanted by The Baron, a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers of her heart, Shizuku embarks on curious adventures beyond the boundaries of her imagination.

Now in Blu-ray high definition for the first time ever, this beautiful tale based on the screenplay from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki will delight and amaze families!

The suggested retail price for “Whisper Of The Heart” is: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada

Chris Beveridge http://www.fandompost.com Chris has been writing about anime, manga, movies and comics for well on twenty years now. He began AnimeOnDVD.com back in 1998 and has covered nearly every anime release that’s come out in the US ever since. He likes to write a lot, as you can see. See author's posts

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