Howl’s Moving Castle (2LPs, O.S.T., Studio Ghibli Records)

Zavvi – The Home of Pop Culture Howl’s Moving Castle was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2004, eventually becoming the third highest grossing film in Japan of all time (behind Titanic and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away) and Miyazaki’s personal favourite of all his creations. The film is set in a fictional kingdom with 21st-century technology, quickly becoming part of the canon of steampunk culture, with strong anti-war sentiments laced throughout inspired by Miyazaki’s outspoken opposition to the Iraq War. Howl’s Moving Castle’s soundtrack was created by in-house composer Joe Hisaishi and performed by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and until now has never been released on vinyl. The main title theme The Promise Of The World includes vocals from Chieko Baisho, the voice actress of the film’s main character, Sophie. The audio has been newly remastered and the packaging is exquisite, with full colour gatefold outer sleeve, obi strip, and printed insert with illustrations from the film and liner notes. The soundtrack’s accompanying image album is also available on vinyl for the first time. 2xLP gatefold jacket (recorded in Side A, B, C, and no music recorded in back side of Side D) Soundtracks including the scores used in the film, including the main theme The Promise of the World sung by Chieko Baisho who is a voice actress of the main character, Sophie. Track Listing Side A 1. Opening Song – Merry-Go-Round of Life 2. The Merry Light Cavalrymen 3. A Walk in the Skies 4. Heartbeat 5. Witch of the Waste 6. Sophie in Exile 7. The Magic Door 8. Irremovable Spell 9. Cleaning House 10. To Star Lake Side B 1. Unspoken Love 2. In the Rain 3. Vanity and Friendship 4. A Ninety-Year-Old Girl 5. Saliman’s Spell – Return to the Castle 6. The Secret Cave 7. Moving to a New House 8. The Flower Garden 9. Run! 10. You’re in Love Side C 1. Family 2. Love Under Fire 3. Escape 4. Sophie’s Castle 5. The Boy Who Swallowed a Star 6. Ending Song – The Promise of the World – Merry-Go-Round of Life.