I bit the bullet and purchased the Ponyo Taiwan bluray through yesasia.com. It is in fact 1080i as some had feared. The picture you had posted of the Taiwan version before was a slip cover over the actual case which in underneath says 1920x1080 full HD like the HK release. But this where the bad news ends. I rented the US version and did basic visual comparison. Though the US one is 1080p 24f, I say with all sincerity that there is no obvious difference between the two, not in motion or edge detail. I will even go out on alimb and say that the Taiwan version has brighter,warmer hues. I watched both on a PS3 and Sony 60A3000. The Taiwan version has the lossless audio but I don't have a compatible receiver to allow me to comment on that. Comparing the core audio, the DTS of the Taiwan version is far superior to the Dolby Digital of the US version, considerably more atmospheric and smooth. I haven't dug into the extras yet but I was gladly say that if you don't want to pay the exorbitant price of the Japan release just get the Taiwan or HK versions (half the price), nothing to lose and full audio to gain. Plus the best part is after you insert the disc and the chinese language warning, you just get a menu, no disney previews for ten minutes straight. Win win.

Ulrik: why does the box say full hd? every vendor that sells it claims its 1080p... can another hk disc owner confirm this?

Looks like the Japanese release is the *only* one to get. This has me worried for future Ghibli releases outside Japan.

Only 1080i?!?!

What's with that?

Damn 1080i?? To bad this can't be combined with the US version. HK audio and US video.