How to Watch Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki on Blu-ray

By GKIDS Store— GKIDS Films | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Get the most from the Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki Blu-ray + DVD set: disc setup, bonus features, and viewing order for the documentary.

Quick Answer

Start with the Blu-ray disc for the full documentary, then explore the bonus features on the same disc. If you only have a DVD player, the included DVD still gives you the film and key extras.

Why the Blu-ray Disc Comes First

The Blu-ray disc holds the main feature in high definition, which matters for a documentary that follows Miyazaki's creative process—you want to see the details of his hand-drawn work and the CGI experiments clearly. The DVD is a convenience for players that don't support Blu-ray, not the primary viewing experience.

If you're new to the film, know that it documents Miyazaki's 2013 retirement announcement and his subsequent return to creation with CGI techniques. It's a behind-the-scenes look rather than a traditional biography, so expect a focus on process over plot.

A Note on the Bonus Features

The catalog description highlights Miyazaki's encounter with young CGI animators and his decision to try new techniques. The bonus features on the disc expand on this, but the exact list isn't specified in the product listing. If you're buying specifically for extras, check the back cover or online details for the full menu before you commit.

For a complete experience, watch the main feature first, then revisit the bonus material—it often adds context to the production challenges shown in the film.

Step-by-Step Viewing Guide

Check your player: Confirm that your player supports Blu-ray discs. If it does, use the Blu-ray disc for the best picture quality. If not, the DVD is your fallback. Blu-ray players are backward compatible with DVDs, but DVD players cannot play Blu-ray discs.
Insert the Blu-ray disc: Place the Blu-ray disc in your player and wait for the menu to load. Select 'Play' to start the documentary from the beginning. If the disc doesn't load, check for smudges or scratches and clean it with a soft cloth.
Watch the main feature: The documentary runs about 70 minutes. Watch it in one sitting if possible, as the narrative follows a continuous timeline of Miyazaki's creative struggle. Pause at the halfway point if you need a break—the film's structure makes it easy to resume.
Explore the bonus features: After the credits, return to the main menu and browse the bonus features. These often include interviews or additional footage that deepen your understanding of the production. If the menu doesn't show a 'Special Features' option, check the disc's packaging for a list of extras.
Use the DVD for portability: If you have a DVD player in another room or a laptop with a DVD drive, use the included DVD for a second viewing or to share with others. The DVD may not include all the bonus features found on the Blu-ray, so compare before relying on it.

What's in the Set

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki [Blu-ray + DVD]: This Blu-ray + DVD combo pack includes both a Blu-ray disc and a DVD copy of the documentary. You can watch in high definition on a Blu-ray player or use the DVD in older players, making it flexible for different setups.
Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki [Blu-ray + DVD]