 The DVD version of the film was released on 23 October 2001 , with the Blu @-@ ray edition released on 7 August 2007 . Two weeks before it was released the DVD version was listed on Amazon.com as one of the most @-@ anticipated releases , and it was expected to recuperate some of the money lost on the film 's disappointing box office performance . Both versions contained two full @-@ length commentary tracks ( one featuring Motonori Sakakibara , sequence supervisor Hiroyuki Hayashida , lead artist Tatsuro Maruyama , and creature supervisor Takoo Noguchi ; the second featuring animation director Andy Jones , editor Chris S. Capp , and staging director Tani Kunitake ) as well as an isolated score with commentary . They also contained a version of the film in its basic CGI and sketch form , with the option of pop @-@ up comments on the film . An easter egg shows the cast of the film re @-@ enacting the dance from Michael Jackson 's Thriller . Fifteen featurettes , including seven on character biographies , three on vehicle comparisons and an interactive " Making Of " featurette , were also included . Other features included Aki 's dream viewable as a whole sequence , the film 's original opening sequence , and intentional outtakes . Peter Bracke from High @-@ Def Digest stated the DVD was " so packed with extras it was almost overwhelming " , stating that Sony went " all @-@ out " on the extra features in a likely attempt to boost DVD sales and recover losses . The DVD was nominated for " Best DVD Special Edition Release " at the 28th Saturn Awards . Aaron Beierle from DVD Talk gave a positive review of the DVD , rating it 4 ½ out of 5 stars for audio quality , video quality and special features . Dustin Somner from Blu @-@ ray.com gave the Blu @-@ ray version 5 out of 5 stars for video quality and special features , and 4 ½ stars for audio quality . Peter Bracke gave the Blu @-@ ray version 4 out of 5 stars overall . 
