All animation is essentially dubbed when you get right down to it, but there’s still something valuable about seeing animated pictures with their original voice track intact — the timing and tone of that original dialogue is important. But Studio Ghibli’s films have earned a spot as some of the few animated pictures where I’ve been surprised to enjoy the English-language cast, to the point where I actually anticipate news about the talent used to make the new dubs.

So here’s your first notice about the localized voice cast for Studio Ghibli’s new Arrietty the Borrower: the young Brigit Mendler is voicing Arrietty for the North American release.

Producer Frank Marshall said via tweet last night, “Full day of recording with the very talented Bridgit Mendler, doing the lead role in the US version of Studio Ghibli’s ARRIETTY THE BORROWER.” The actress has been in the series Wizards of Waverly Place and Good Luck Charlie.

No word on the rest of the new cast for the film. As has been the case with Disney’s releases of Ghibli films in the past, some audiences may be able to see a subtitled print of the film rather than the dub, but that isn’t confirmed at this point.

Themes of believing in yourself, following your dreams, celebrating family and staying true to yourself are explored in the triumphant, music-driven “Lemonade Mouth,” a Disney Channel Original Movie based on the book of the same name, set to premiere FRIDAY, MARCH 25 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. The movie joins the powerhouse franchise that has delivered cable TV’s No. 1 original movie telecast in Total Viewers for the past four years and TV’s No. 1 original movie among Tweens 9-14 for the past nine years.

Geared towards kids, tweens and families, “Lemonade Mouth” tells the story of how a powerhouse band came to be after five uncelebrated students with a passion for music find each other and ultimately become the voice of their generation.

Themes of finding your voice, believing in yourself, following your dreams, celebrating family and staying true to yourself resonate in the music-driven Disney Channel Original Movie “Lemonade Mouth.” Geared towards kids, Tweens and families, the movie premieres in spring 2011 on Disney Channel U.S. and shortly thereafter on Disney Channels around the world.

Ten original songs and a remarkably talented cast led by Bridgit Mendler (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie“), Adam Hicks (Disney XD’s “Zeke and Luther”), Hayley Kiyoko (Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”), Naomi Scott (Disney Channel UK’s “Life Bites”) and newcomer Blake Michael (cast through an open casting call) are showcased in the spirited movie. “Lemonade Mouth” tells the story of how a powerhouse band came to be after five uncelebrated students with a passion for music find each other and ultimately become the voice of their generation.

The script, written by April Blair based on the book Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes, is directed by award-winning Patricia Riggen (“La Misma Luna” aka “Under the Same Moon”) and executive-produced by Debra Martin Chase (“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls” movies), co-produced by Gaylyn Fraiche (“Just Wright,” “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″) and choreographed by Chris Scott.

The story begins in present day as Lemonade Mouth (comprised of Olivia White, Wen Gifford, Stella Yamada, Mohini (Mo) Banjaree and Charlie Delgado) takes the stage at Madison Square Garden before thousands of cheering fans. Olivia, the introspective lead singer of the group, narrates the epic story of how the band got to this point.

Bridgit Mendler joins Ernie D. in the studio to discuss Radio Disney’s “Give Back” sweepstakes, First Book and her favorite books!

In Radio Disney’s “Give Back” sweepstakes, one lucky winner will get to present a $10,000 check, along with Friends For Change, to Bridgit Mendler’s charity of choice First Book.

Plus, Disney Book Group will donate 5,000 books to First Book and the winner will get $500 for themselves!

Bridgit Mendler’s song “This Is My Paradise” is featured in the upcoming Disney movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. The movie is set to be released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 1, 2011 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Bridgit’s music video for “This Is My Paradise” recently aired on the Disney Channel and you can watch it below. Let us know what you think!