Discotek Media has announced the May 30th release of the full color 1969 Puss 'n Boots anime feature produced by Toei in Japan.  The 80-minute feature film, which was directed by Kimio Yabuki, has a suggested retail price of $24.98.  The key point of interest for most anime fans is the fact that Hayao Miyazaki was the lead animator on the project and the fluid animation in this loose adaptation of the classic Perrault fairy tale definitely presages Miyazaki's The Castle of Cagliostro -- the affinity between the two films is especially evident in the action scenes.

Discotek's Puss 'n Boots DVD includes (for the first time ever in the U.S.) the original Japanese soundtrack as well as the 1970 English dub by U.S. anime pioneer Fred Ladd.  The film was released here under the title The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots.  Strong production values and Miyazaki's fluid animation give this animated feature a timeless quality that many of our popular dialogue-laden contemporary CGI features will never attain.  Because of its age and relatively low profile the Puss 'n Boots anime may well be overlooked by many retailers, which should provide opportunities for those in the know.