Will Disney-Pixar merge be good for Ghibli?

[sehthan]

So, with Disney aquiring Pixar, John Lasseter is becoming the head of Disney animation. Lasseter's known to be a big Miyazaki fan. Many fans have felt Disney has not exactly given their all to pushing the Ghibli films they're distributing. I wonder if Lasseter might use some of his new clout to push for more support from Disney for their Ghibli library?

[Sanagi]

I'm not sure how Lasseter could do more than he's done already... But it couldn't hurt.

[Paploo the Ewok]

I imagine the video releases will continue as is, since they've already put out most of the Ghibli catalogue..... they've put these releases into every outlet possible, and they are among not just the biggest selling anime releases, but the biggest family releases, a far larger market. The biggest changes I could see happening, is mabye airing the movies more on television [after the TCM runs], and having a larger theatrical release for subsequent Ghibli movies [starting with Gedo Senki, which is based on Ursula K. LeGuin's EarthSea books, which have a VAST amount of fans out there, beyond just animation fanatics].

In terms of Merchandise, that's one of those things dependent on Ghibli's choices. Ghibli is very careful with what kinds of merchandise are approved, so I imagine Disney is limited by this, even if they wanted to fill up Disney stores with Totoro merchandise.
Naussicaa.net probably has more info on that.

[Azangel]

I'm still upset that this bass-ackwards town didn't show Howl's ANYWHERE nearby when two of my friends in much smaller areas BOTH got to see it in the theatre.

*mutters about Florida some more*

[apple pro]

Lasseter has "RESPECT" in every regard for studio Ghibli.

Him being promoted will only get better for Ghibli. It certainly can't get worse.

[Pikachu]

I agree with Apple Pro, it can only get better.

After all, Lasseter is the only reason Disney took the Ghibli films out of the vault in the first place. With him at the top, he will ensure a continuing and hopefuly long relationship with Miyazaki and crew.

We can be sure that, as long as Lasseter is around, we will continue to get excellent quality dubs, high level DVD transfers with features, original language with subs, theatrical releases, all things Ghibli, and that in my opinion is a good thing.

Pika!