For good measure, I finally got around to rewatching it. Of course it was fantastic. Really pointless to say that anymore. While I do think it's a fabulous film, I still say it isn't quite on par with his very best. Light and color were fantastic, as was the acting.
I particularly identify with the way he chooses to bring in the ghosts of the dead. I've always been a supporter of straight realism standing in for the supernatural, whenever possible. The use of puppetry and other "tiny worlds" was really expertly handled as a thematic symbol.
More than anything, this really reminds me why I want to watch the television version. There's so much more there, and I am certain it will only get better. Great end to the marathon.