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Catnapped!
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| Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Banipal Witt | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Takashi Nakamura |
| Written by | Takashi Nakamura Chiaki J. Konaka |
| Produced by | Tarō Maki Yoshimi Asari Hiroaki Inoue |
| Starring | Hiroaki Hori Mirai Sasaki Fumihiko Tachiki Noriko Hidaka Mayumi Iizuka |
| Edited by | Takeshi Seyanna |
| Music by | Shigeaki Saegusa |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | T&K Telefilm |
Release date |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Banipal Witt (とつぜん！猫の国 バニパルウィット, Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Baniparu Witto), known outside Japan as Catnapped!, is a 1995 Japanese anime fantasy comedy film, directed, created and written by Takashi Nakamura,[1] who was also its character designer. The animation was produced by Triangle Staff. The theme song of the film was performed by Mayumi Iizuka.
Plot
[edit]Toriyasu and his little sister Meeko's pet dog, Papadoll, have been missing for a week. Toriyasu thinks he ran off, but Meeko claims it was an alien abduction. The next night, Toriyasu and Meeko are visited by three feline scientists, Henoji, Suttoboke, and HoiHoi. They take Toriyasu and his sister Meeko on a trip to the cat world of Banipal Witt. Upon arrival, the magical sun of Banipal Witt turns Toriyasu and Meeko into kittens.
The children meet Master Sandada, a powerful wizard who explains that Papadoll has been brought to Banipal Witt and turned into a giant, flying monster by the evil Princess Buburina, who hopes to use Papadoll as a weapon. The princess takes Meeko hostage, and things begin to look grim. Sandada says that only Toriyasu has the power to turn Papadoll back to normal, and it must be done before sunrise, or he and Meeko will suffer the same fate.
Later that night, Buburina tells her prisoners of her plan to create a giant mouse balloon that would be used against anyone who rebels against her. Meeko demands Papadoll's return and calls the princess a witch. Buburina plans to make Meeko her new enslaved person once the sun rises.
Under cover of night, Toriyasu, the three scientists, and other rebels prepare to sneak into the castle to free Papadoll and save Meeko. The plan goes awry when Toriyasu slips on a rope, waking Buburina and setting off alarms all over the castle. Quickly, the rebels regroup in time to see Suttoboke and Meeko release the mouse balloon. A massive air battle ensues. Toriyasu tries to take Papadoll back. Buburina, however, refuses to give back Papadoll and nearly makes Toriyasu fall to his death after Buburina tears Papadoll's collar off. During his fall, Papadoll finally remembers Toriyasu. Quickly, they rescue Meeko and make it home.
The next morning, Toriyasu and Meeko return to a normal life, but when they go to school the next day, the cats beckon them away on urgent business, setting up for a potential sequel.
Cast
[edit]The actors are listed original voice actor first, English voice actor second.
- Hiroaki Hori/Dorothy Elias Fahn as Toriyasu: One of the main characters and the main protagonist of the movie. He is the older brother of Meeko.
- Mirai Sasaki/Sandy Fox as Meeko: Toriyasu's little sister, and one of the main characters. She is the first to realize Papadoll's disappearance is by less-than-ordinary causes.
- Noriko Hidaka/Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Buburina: the main antagonist of the movie. She is a spoiled princess, who believes that everything belongs to her. She is victim of a curse that causes anyone she touches to blow up like a balloon.
- Mayumi Iizuka/Lia Sargent as ChuChu: the little sister of DohDoh.
- Masato Yamanouchi/Tom Wyner as Sandada: An elderly wizard, leader of the resistance against Buburina.
- Ichirō Nagai/Michael Sorich as Henoji: One of three feline scientists sent by Master Sandada to find Toriyasu. He serves as the leader of the little expedition to the human world.
- Jōji Yanami/Simon Prescott as HoiHoi: One of three feline scientists.
- Sukekiyo Kameyama/Michael Forest as Suttoboke: One of three feline scientists. He is the sensible member of the team.
- Fumihiko Tachiki as Papadoll: Toriyasu's dog.
- Mitsuo Iwata/Dougary Grant as DohDoh: The former apprentice of Master Sandada and big brother of ChuChu.
Staff
[edit]- Original Creator, Director, Character Designs: Takashi Nakamura
- Screenplay: Takashi Nakamura, Chiaki J. Konaka
- Producers: Tarō Maki, Yoshimi Asari, Hiroaki Inoue
- Art Director: Shinji Kimura
- Music: Shigeaki Saegusa
- Sound Director: Shigeharu Shiba
- Production: Triangle Staff
- Distribution: T&K Telefilm
Music
[edit]Catnapped! has published the film's soundtrack by Toshiba EMI on 19 July 1995, around the time of the film's original theatrical release, the soundtrack contains the incidental themes to the movie as well as its end credit's theme song "Yume e No Tobira" as well as another song and a karaoke version of it.[4] None of the other tracks on the soundtrack have, and the CD is incredibly rare (if copies can be found at all), with most sites no longer selling the CD.
Track listing
[edit]- Opening Theme: Cat Music Box
- Banipalwit's Theme 1
- Boring Toriyasu
- What?! Strange cat
- Three Cats
- What happened in the children's room
- Banipalwit's Theme 2
- Sleeping Cat
- Banipalwit's Theme 3
- Papadoll Attacks 1
- Papadoll Attacks 2
- Princess Buburina's Theme 1
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice
- Princess Buburina's Theme 2
- Great Magician 1
- Lily's Waltz
- Tightrope Walking
- Great Magician 2
- Moon Night Serenade 1
- Toy Scheme
- Moon Night Serenade 2
- Giant rat completed
- Infiltration 1
- Infiltration 2
- Princess Buburina's Brawl
- Battle 1
- Battle 2
- Starry Sky Reminiscence: Battle 3
- Toriyasu and Papadoll's Recollections
- In the Battle
- Starry Sky Reminiscence 2
- Battle 4
- Battle 5 "Rescue Meeko"
- Banipalwit's Theme 4
- Farewell...And Then
- Banipalwit's Theme "Door to Dreams"
- Banipalwit's Theme "Door to Dreams" (Karaoke)
References
[edit]- ^ Beck, Jerry (2005). The Animated Movie Guide. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-55652-591-9.
- ^ "とつぜん！ネコの国 バニパルウィット -- キネマ旬報DB/ Walkerplus.com" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2005-03-19. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
- ^ とつぜん！ネコの国 バニパルウイット － 映画作品紹介 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
- ^ "「バニパルウィット とつぜん!猫の国」 / 三枝成彰 [廃盤]". CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved 26 August 2024.
External links
[edit]- Catnapped! (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Banipal Witt at IMDb
Catnapped!
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Catnapped! (Japanese: Totsuzen! Neko no kuni Banipal Witt, lit. "Suddenly! The Cat's Country Banipal Witt") is a 1995 Japanese animated fantasy comedy film co-written by Takashi Nakamura and Chiaki J. Konaka, directed by Takashi Nakamura (with Toshio Hirata for opening and ending sequences), and character-designed by Nakamura.[1] The story centers on fifth-grader Toriyasu and his younger sister Miiko, whose beloved dog Papadoll is abducted by anthropomorphic cats and taken to the magical kingdom of Banipal Witt, where an evil feline ruler plans to use the transformed pet as a weapon for conquest.[2] Produced by Triangle Staff and running 75 minutes, the film blends adventure, humor, and whimsical animation in a child-friendly tale of bravery and friendship.[3]
Released in Japan on June 10, 1995, Catnapped! marked Nakamura's feature directorial debut following his key animation work on films like Akira.[4] The screenplay emphasizes vibrant, surreal visuals of a cat-dominated world filled with quirky characters and transformations.[5] Voice acting features talents such as Mirai Sasaki as Miiko and Hiroaki Hori as Toriyasu, contributing to the film's lively and expressive tone. Mayumi Iizuka performs the ending theme.[6]
Though initially released to limited audiences, Catnapped! gained a niche following in the West through its English dub produced by Animaze in 2000 and home video releases, praised for its imaginative storytelling and eccentric charm despite its obscurity in the broader anime canon.[7] The film's ending theme, "Yume e no Tobira" performed by Mayumi Iizuka and the Suginami Children's Choir, underscores its playful, dreamlike atmosphere.[2]
For the full track listing, see VGMdb.[21][20]
Synopsis
Plot
Fifth-grader Toriyasu and his younger sister Miiko are distraught over their dog Papadoll, who has been missing for a week, with Miiko insisting it was abducted by aliens while Toriyasu suspects he simply ran away.[2] One night, anthropomorphic cats from the magical cat world of Banipal Witt appear in the children's bedroom and transport Toriyasu and Miiko through a portal to their realm to help rescue Papadoll.[8] Upon arrival in Banipal Witt, a fantastical land divided into warring cat kingdoms, the children learn that Papadoll was abducted by cats from the realm and subjected to the effects of the strange sun, turning him into a giant, rampaging beast intended as a weapon for the tyrannical Princess Buburina's campaign to conquer and unite the fractured kingdoms by force.[2] Buburina, who wields a curse that inflates her victims into helpless balloons, has already terrorized much of the land, leaving the cats desperate for aid.[2] Determined to rescue their pet, Toriyasu and Miiko join forces with the cats from Banipal Witt and the resistance to navigate the perilous landscape. Their journey involves evading Buburina's forces and magical hazards while racing against a looming sunrise deadline that could make Papadoll's monstrous state permanent.[8] The group reaches Buburina's castle for the climax, where they confront the princess; using ingenuity and the power of their bond, the children disrupt the control over Papadoll, reversing his transformation and defeating Buburina's forces, ultimately restoring peace to the cat kingdoms.[1] With Papadoll safely restored, Toriyasu, Miiko, and their dog are sent back through the portal to their home world.[2]Characters
Toriyasu serves as the primary protagonist, depicted as a brave and resourceful 10-year-old fifth-grader who takes charge of the effort to rescue his family's pet dog, driven by deep loyalty despite initial frustrations with the animal.[2] His arc involves personal growth, learning to value his relationships after reflecting on his past mistreatment of Papadoll amid peer pressure and sibling tensions.[8] Miiko, Toriyasu's younger sister, embodies innocence and emotional sensitivity, often injecting comic relief into tense situations while adding heartfelt depth through her unwavering devotion to Papadoll, whom she imagines has been taken by fantastical forces.[8] In the cat world of Banipal Witt, she adapts by gaining temporary feline traits, which strengthens her bond with her brother and aids in their collaborative challenges.[8] Papadoll is the family's loyal pet dog, originally gentle and affectionate, but transformed by magical forces into a rampaging, giant monster serving as an enforcer; subtle glimpses of his former kind nature persist, hinting at his redeemable core.[2] This alteration underscores his pivotal role in the conflict, as only Toriyasu can reverse it before a critical deadline.[2] Princess Buburina acts as the central antagonist, an ambitious and cruel ruler of a cat kingdom in Banipal Witt who employs dark magic to pursue domination, including curses that inflate victims into helpless balloons.[2] Her spoiled and irresponsible demeanor leads to her own downfall, as she evades accountability for the chaos she unleashes.[8] The trio of anthropomorphic cat agents—Chuchu, Hoi-Hoi, and Do-Do—begins as bumbling operatives tasked with the abduction but ultimately defects to the protagonists' side, offering clumsy yet earnest support in the resistance efforts.[8] Chuchu, an action-oriented catgirl and Do-Do's sister, displays fierce determination and budding affection for Toriyasu while striving to liberate her brainwashed brother from Buburina's influence.[9] Hoi-Hoi facilitates transportation between worlds and later returns for additional aid, while Do-Do, initially a reluctant henchman enthralled by an enchanted portrait, reveals incompetence and inner conflict as he aids the children.[8] Henogee functions as the elderly and wise leader of the resistance in Banipal Witt, providing crucial guidance to the human siblings through his extensive knowledge of the cat world's lore and history.[8] He coordinates the rebels' strategies and ensures safe passage, embodying steadfast mentorship amid the upheaval. Suttoboke rounds out the resistance as a clumsy yet kind-hearted fighter, serving as a comic sidekick whose well-meaning antics and chivalrous impulses assist in key confrontations, despite his occasional mishaps.[8] His supportive role highlights themes of redemption and camaraderie within the group.Production
Development
Takashi Nakamura conceived Catnapped! as a fantasy comedy film, drawing from his experience as a key animator on the 1988 anime Akira but shifting toward a child-friendly adventure infused with surreal, imaginative elements to appeal to younger audiences.[7] His concept emphasized the power of childhood imagination, inspired by early anime like Astro Boy and personal memories, contrasting Akira's gritty realism with vibrant, whimsical visuals.[7][10] Development began in the early 1990s, with Nakamura's initial concept sketches dated as far back as 1992; a preliminary half-hour screenplay was co-written with Chiaki J. Konaka before Nakamura expanded it into a full script, highlighting themes of pet loyalty and resistance against oppressive rule.[7][11] Scriptwriting wrapped up in time for production leading to the film's 1995 release, during which Nakamura took on multiple creative roles including direction, character design, and storyboarding.[2] The project involved collaboration with Bandai Visual as a key producer, integrating elements of the film's Banipal Witt world-building to support potential merchandise extensions like toys, aligning with Bandai's expertise in anime-related products.[2] Initial storyboarding, handled solely by Nakamura, spanned 421 pages and centered on the portal-based travel mechanics and the fantastical aesthetics of the cat-dominated world, featuring bright, cartoonish designs with phantasmagoric flair.[7][12] Budget and scope were calibrated for a modest theatrical feature, clocking in at 76 minutes to suit family viewings without aiming for blockbuster scale, resulting in a limited premiere in Japan.[2] This approach allowed Nakamura's vision of a surreal pet-rescue adventure to prioritize creative freedom over expansive resources.[7]Staff
Takashi Nakamura served as the director, original story writer, character designer, and animation director for Catnapped!, bringing his experience as a key animator on the 1988 film Akira to shape the project's distinctive animation approach.[2][7] His multifaceted role ensured a cohesive vision for the film's 75-minute runtime, integrating whimsical fantasy elements with dynamic character designs.[2] The primary animation production was handled by Triangle Staff, which managed planning and execution, while AC Create, Bandai Visual Company, Oniro, and Pioneer LDC contributed to overall production, funding, and distribution support through the Banipal Witt Production Committee.[2] Key animators, including Hiroyuki Okiura and Hideki Hamasu, focused on the film's intricate action and transformation sequences, supporting Nakamura's direction.[2][7] Shinji Kimura acted as the art director and background artist, personally creating the film's environments to establish the contrasting worlds of Banipal Witt, from the oppressive dark castle of the cat king to the vibrant, hidden resistance areas.[2][7] This unified visual style emphasized the story's divided kingdoms and magical tone. Takeshi Seyama edited the film, balancing its comedic and adventurous pacing within the compact runtime, with assistance from Keiko Mizuta.[2][13]Release
Theatrical release
Catnapped! had its initial theatrical premiere in Japan on June 10, 1995.[14] The film was screened in select theaters nationwide as a family-oriented anime feature aimed at young audiences. With a runtime of 75 minutes, it received an all-ages rating equivalent to G in Japan, making it suitable for children.[2] The release was limited in scope. A re-release followed in Japanese theaters on May 30, 1998.[14] Early international theatrical screenings were sparse, with limited distribution in subsequent years.Home media
In Japan, the film was first released on home video as a LaserDisc by Bandai in 1998, featuring the original Japanese audio track. No official DVD or Blu-ray editions have been issued domestically, making physical media availability limited to older formats.[7] The North American home media debut came with an English-dubbed VHS release by Pioneer Entertainment in 1998. The English-language dub was produced by Animaze around 2000 for this and subsequent releases. A subtitled and dubbed DVD followed from Pioneer in March 2000, with a remastered edition under the Geneon Signature Series in January 2004, offering both audio options and improved video quality.[15][16][2][17] As of November 2025, no official digital streaming options are available.Voice cast
Japanese cast
The Japanese voice cast for Catnapped! (original title: Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Banipal Witt) consists of experienced seiyū who provided the original performances for the film's characters, emphasizing the whimsical and adventurous tone of the story.[2] Key cast members include:- Hiroaki Hori as Toriyasu[2]
- Mirai Sasaki as Miiko[2]
- Noriko Hidaka as Princess Buburina[2]
- Mayumi Iizuka as Chuchu[2]
- Mitsuo Iwata as Do-Do[1]
- Ichirō Nagai as Henogee[2]
- Fumihiko Tachiki as Papadoll[2]
English dub
The English dub of Catnapped! was recorded in 2000 by the studio Animaze for distribution by Geneon Entertainment.[18][2] Key roles were filled by prominent dub actors known for their work in children's and fantasy anime. Dorothy Elias-Fahn voiced Toriyasu, delivering an energetic performance tailored to appeal to a young American audience.[18][19] Sandy Fox provided the voice for Miiko, employing a high-pitched and cute delivery to capture the character's playful nature.[18][19] Mary Elizabeth McGlynn portrayed Princess Buburina with a deep, sinister tone that emphasized the antagonist's menacing presence.[18] Lia Sargent brought a bubbly and fun interpretation to Chuchu, enhancing the character's whimsical sidekick role.[18] Kevin Seymour voiced Do-Do, infusing the performance with exaggerated humor to suit the comedic elements.[18] Michael Sorich lent an authoritative elder voice to Henogee, conveying wisdom and gravitas.[18] The ensemble included additional voices from Animaze regulars, such as Louise Chamis in supporting roles, and others including William Bassett, Barbara Goodson, and Tom Wyner.[18][19]Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Catnapped! was composed and arranged by Shigeaki Saegusa, who also served as music director.[2][20] Saegusa's score, with contributions from Naoki Sato, Michihiro Nomura, Hiromitsu Ishikawa, and Koji Tagaito, features orchestral arrangements that create a bright and imaginative atmosphere, effectively complementing the film's whimsical fantasy visuals and adventurous narrative.[7][21] Key musical themes include an opening theme that sets a playful tone, a main theme for the world of Banipal Witt emphasizing exploration and wonder, and more tense cues for antagonistic scenes involving the character Buburina.[20] Upbeat melodies accompany the antics of the anthropomorphic cat trio, blending lighthearted percussion and strings to highlight their mischievous personalities. The overall composition integrates fantastical elements with subtle nods to feline motifs, enhancing the story's themes of imagination and courage.[7] The ending theme, "Yume e no Tobira" ("The Door of Dreams"), is performed by Mayumi Iizuka alongside the Suginami Children's Choir.[2] This song underscores motifs of hope, dreams, and returning home, providing an uplifting close to the film's journey. Sound design incorporates synchronized magical effects and animal-like sounds to immerse viewers in the cat kingdom of Banipal Witt, working in tandem with the animation sequences.[7] The score was recorded during the film's production period of 1994–1995, incorporating live orchestra performances, though specific studio details for the music sessions are not publicly documented beyond the involvement of sound producer Junichi Iwami.[2] The complete original soundtrack album, featuring incidental music, the ending theme, an additional song, and a karaoke version, was released on CD in Japan on July 19, 1995, by Toshiba EMI Ltd. under the FUTURELAND imprint (catalog TYCY-5446).[22][21]Track listing
The official soundtrack for Catnapped! was released on CD by Toshiba EMI Ltd. / FUTURELAND on July 19, 1995 (catalog TYCY-5446), featuring 37 tracks with a total runtime of 49:52. The album primarily consists of instrumental pieces composed by Shigeaki Saegusa and collaborators, alongside the vocal ending theme and a karaoke version. Due to the extensive tracklist, key tracks are listed below (Romanized titles and durations approximate based on available sources):| Track | Title (Romanized) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ōpuningu Tēma - Neko no Orugōru | 0:35 | Opening Theme: Cat Music Box |
| 2 | Banipalu Witto no Tēma 1 | 1:15 | Banipal Witt's Theme 1 |
| 3 | Taikutsuna Toriyasu | 0:53 | Boring Toriyasu |
| 4 | Are!? Henna Neko | 0:49 | What!? Strange Cat |
| 5 | Mittsu no Neko | 1:02 | Three Cats |
| 6 | Kodomo no Heya de Nani ga Okotta | 1:28 | What Happened in the Children's Room |
| 7 | Banipalu Witto no Tēma 2 | 1:10 | Banipal Witt's Theme 2 |
| ... | ... | ... | (Additional tracks include themes for characters, action sequences, and the finale) |
| 36 | Yume e no Tobira | 4:05 | Ending song performed by Mayumi Iizuka & Suginami Children's Choir |
| 37 | Banipalu Witto no Tēma "Yume e no Tobira" (Karaoke) | 3:23 | Karaoke version |