The Secret World of Arrietty

Based on Mary Norton's beloved children's book series The Borrowers, this animated adaptation focuses on a race of miniscule people who live in a secret world. Tiny, red-haired Arrietty Clock (voiced by Bridgit Mendler) is a curious, courageous 14-year-old who hides with her parents (Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) beneath a pile of bricks in the subterranean recesses of a cozy country cottage—unbeknownst to the cranky human housekeeper (Carol Burnett). Occasionally, however, it's necessary for family members to leave their sanctuary to “borrow” supplies—such as a hairpin, a thimble, a sliver of cheese, or a single sugar cube—always careful to remain unnoticed. But a secret friendship forms when sickly, lonely 12-year-old Shawn (David Henrie)—recently come to live with his great-aunt—discovers Arrietty while she is out on a foraging mission. Suspecting that the Borrowers have been on the premises for many years, sensitive Shawn gives them an elaborately small-scaled dollhouse made by his grandfather—with working electric lights and ovens. But, eventually, the safety of Arrietty's family is threatened. Created at Japan's famed Studio Ghibli—which specializes in lush, hand-drawn, color-drenched animation—director Hiromasa Yonebayashi's gently enchanting, beautifully-made film is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the “Summertime” music video by costar Bridgit Mendler, the “making-of” the music video (2 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are original Japanese storyboards, the “Arrietty's Song” music video by Celtic harpist Cecile Corbel, and a bonus DVD copy of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a winning animated film.] (S. Granger)[DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Review—Nov. 14, 2017—Shout! Factory, 94 min., PG, DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 2010's The Secret World of Arrietty sports an excellent transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include feature-length storyboards (95 min.), interviews with director Hiromasa Yonebayashi (41 min.) and co-screenwriter Hayao Miyazaki (24 min.), music videos for “Arrietty's Song” and “Summertime,” and a booklet. Bottom line: a handsome edition of this beloved Studio Ghibli anime classic.]