Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service does indeed deliver. What, you might ask? 105 minutes of a great animated film that’s a coming-of-age story for a young witch named Kiki. Kiki isn’t a witch like you’d imagine witches to be. She’s more of a kind-hearted, Glenda from the Wizard of Oz type of witch. Magic, in Miyazaki’s work seems to be used mostly for the greater good.

In Kiki’s case, she uses magic to fly herself on a broom to either perform good delivery deeds or to deliver items from a bakery she works from to support her witch-in-training self in the big city. Think Harry Potter, but cuter and less politics. For children and adults alike, this film is quite entertaining — who doesn’t want to follow someone just barely trying to make it in magic?

As a witch, Kiki at times is a bit self-doubting, much like any other average person. For adults, she may symbolize that idea that’s planted in us all that states how we’re all capable of anything — even flying. But only if we believe, of course. For children, the film sends out that same great message.

Overall, Kiki’s Delivery Service is fun for the whole family. Also, please note the big red bow she wears. I think Lady Gaga caught some inspiration from Kiki. Just a thought.

Synopsis: Kiki is an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her black cat, Jiji, Kiki flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service and begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. Bring home Kiki’s Delivery Service: Special Edition for your family’s DVD library and share Kiki’s high-flying adventure again and again!

Bonus Features
• The World Of Ghibli – Visit Kiki’s Delivery Service In This Imaginative Interactive Experience!
• Introduction By John Lasseter
• Storyboard Presentation Of The Movie

STREET DATE: March 2, 2010
Suggested retail price: $29.99 US; $35.99 Canada
Rated: ‘G’ US; ‘PG’ Canada
Run time: 105 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Language: English, French, Spanish, Japanese (US); English, Japanese (Canada)

For more information or to purchase Kiki’s Delivery service, head here.