Quick Answer

Both Ocean Waves and The Girl Without Hands are underrated anime films that deserve a spot on your shelf. If you prefer a grounded, realistic coming-of-age story from Studio Ghibli, choose Ocean Waves. If you want a visually bold, avant-garde fairy tale, The Girl Without Hands is the pick.

Anime fans often gravitate to the big names—Spirited Away, Akira, or Your Name. But some of the most rewarding films are the quiet ones that slipped under the radar. Ocean Waves, a TV movie from Studio Ghibli, and The Girl Without Hands, a French-German independent production, are two such gems. Both are now available on Blu-ray through GKIDS, and each offers something unique for collectors who crave stories beyond the mainstream.

In this comparison, we'll look at what makes each film special, how their Blu-ray releases stack up, and which one might be the better addition to your library. We'll also touch on practical considerations like price and special features to help you decide.

Ocean Waves: A Slice-of-Life Ghibli Drama

Ocean Waves, directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, is one of Studio Ghibli's lesser-known works. Originally made for Japanese television, it tells the story of a high school student named Taku who recalls his complicated friendship with a transfer student named Rikako. The film is a grounded, realistic drama that explores youthful jealousy, unspoken feelings, and the bittersweet nature of memory.

Unlike Ghibli's fantasy epics, Ocean Waves has no magic or supernatural elements. Its charm lies in its authenticity—the small moments, the awkward silences, and the detailed animation of everyday life in a seaside town. For fans who enjoy character-driven stories, it's a refreshing change of pace.

  • The film is a TV movie, so it has a more intimate feel than theatrical Ghibli features.
  • It's a faithful adaptation of a novel by Saeko Himuro, who also wrote the source for Whisper of the Heart.

The Girl Without Hands: An Animated Fairy Tale with a Modern Edge

The Girl Without Hands, directed by Sébastien Laudenbach, is a visually striking adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The animation is minimalist—thin lines, watercolor washes, and a limited color palette that shifts with the story's emotional tone. It's a far cry from the lush, detailed style of Ghibli, but it's equally expressive in its own way.

The film follows a miller who makes a deal with the devil, leading to a series of tragic events. Despite the dark premise, it's a story about resilience and hope. The Girl Without Hands has been praised by critics for its artistic ambition and its ability to distill a complex tale into a 76-minute runtime.

  • The film won the Jean Vigo Award for Best Animated Film in 2017.
  • It's a European production, so it offers a different cultural perspective compared to Japanese anime.

Comparing the Blu-ray Releases

When it comes to the actual discs, both releases are straightforward Blu-ray editions without the bells and whistles of a collector's set. Ocean Waves is available as a standalone Blu-ray, while The Girl Without Hands comes as a Blu-ray + DVD combo, giving you more flexibility for different players.

In terms of price, The Girl Without Hands is the more budget-friendly option, with a catalog price of $12.50 compared to Ocean Waves' $24.98. However, Ocean Waves often has a higher list price, so you're getting a significant discount if you buy it at the current rate.

  • Check your region code: Ocean Waves is a Japanese production, but the GKIDS release is region A/1, so it plays on standard US players.
  • If you value portability, the DVD included with The Girl Without Hands is a nice bonus.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

  • Story Style: Ocean Waves is a realistic drama; The Girl Without Hands is a fairy tale with surreal elements. Choose based on your mood: grounded vs. fantastical.
  • Animation Approach: Ghibli's detailed, naturalistic art contrasts with Laudenbach's minimalist, expressive lines. If you love Ghibli's lush backgrounds, Ocean Waves will feel familiar; if you want something artistically different, go with The Girl Without Hands.
  • Price and Extras: The Girl Without Hands is cheaper and includes a DVD; Ocean Waves costs more but is a standalone Blu-ray. Budget-conscious buyers may prefer The Girl Without Hands; collectors might not mind paying extra for Ocean Waves.

Product Facts

  • Ronja, The Robber's Daughter [Blu-ray]: From the legendary Studio Ghibli and director Goro Miyazaki comes an International Emmy Award®-winning epic adventure based on the beloved novel by Astrid Lindgren. If you enjoy Goro Miyazaki's storytelling style, you'll appreciate how he handles another adaptation with a strong young protagonist.
  • The Boy and the Heron Limited Edition Steelbook [Blu-ray + DVD]: This is the first title from Studio Ghibli to ever be released on 4K UHD, featuring Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos. For those who want the ultimate home theater experience, this steelbook offers the highest quality available for a Ghibli film.

Which Should You Buy?

Best for

  • Fans of Studio Ghibli who want to explore the studio's lesser-known works beyond the fantasy classics.
  • Viewers who appreciate quiet, character-driven stories about youth and memory.

Not for

  • Those looking for action-packed or fantasy-heavy anime; consider titles like The Boy and the Heron or Princess Mononoke instead.
  • Collectors who prioritize 4K UHD or extensive bonus features; neither of these releases offer those.

Both Ocean Waves and The Girl Without Hands are worthy additions to any anime fan's collection, offering unique stories and artistic visions that stand apart from the mainstream. Your choice ultimately depends on your taste: if you prefer a slice-of-life drama from a legendary studio, Ocean Waves is your pick; if you're open to experimental animation and a timeless fairy tale, The Girl Without Hands will not disappoint. Whichever you choose, you're supporting underrated gems that deserve more attention.