TLDR;
The video is a review of the Digimon movie released in 2000, which is a combination of three Japanese animated shorts: Digimon Adventure, Our War Game!, and Hurricane Touchdown. The reviewer discusses their initial confusion and frustration with the movie, particularly how the shorts were combined and altered for the American release. Over time, they have grown to appreciate the movie for its nostalgia and the story behind its creation. The review covers the differences between the original Japanese versions and the American adaptations, including changes in music, dialogue, character personalities, and plot elements.
- The Digimon movie is a combination of three separate shorts that were heavily edited for the American release.
- There are significant differences between the Japanese and American versions of the movie, including changes in music, dialogue, character personalities, and plot elements.
- The reviewer appreciates the American version for its nostalgia and some of the changes made, while also acknowledging the merits of the original Japanese versions.
Intro [0:00]
The reviewer introduces a special edition video for Asian and Pacific Islander heritage month, focusing on the Digimon movie released in 2000. The movie combines the Digimon Adventure short from 1999, Our War Games from 2000, and Hurricane Touchdown from 2000. The reviewer expresses a deep love for Digimon, particularly the first season, but admits to not keeping up with the series after Digimon Frontier. They mention disliking the "Try" movies and the "Kizuna" movie, and express frustration over the limited availability of "02 Beginnings" on the streaming service Hoopla.
Initial Reaction and Evolution of Opinion [3:08]
Upon its release in 2000, the reviewer was initially excited about the Digimon movie, anticipating an epic collaboration between the 01 and 02 casts. However, after watching the VHS, they were confused and frustrated, leading to a period of despising the movie. Over time, their perspective shifted, and they developed a fondness for the movie, appreciating it for its nostalgia and the behind-the-scenes story of its creation. While they don't love the movie, they acknowledge its soft spot in their heart and recognize some good moments.
Structure and Initial Confusion [5:35]
The reviewer recalls their initial confusion with the movie's structure, which is divided into three animated shorts: Digimon Adventures, Our War Games, and Hurricane Touchdown. They mention that the first part, Digimon Adventures, felt disconnected from the rest of the movie and didn't understand its purpose beyond re-explaining the origins of Digimon and the DigiDestined. The other two shorts were more closely tied together, but the reviewer still had questions about character absences and the lack of Digital World exploration.
Frustrations with Character Treatment and Setting [8:00]
The reviewer expresses frustration over the absence of most of the original characters and their Digimon in the movie, as well as the fact that none of the shorts take place in the Digital World. They also question the title "Hurricane Touchdown" and the absence of Ken, explaining that it was due to him leaving the group after being defeated. The introduction of Willis, an American DigiDestined with twin Digimon, was initially exciting, but the reviewer was disappointed by the lack of involvement from the older DigiDestined and the bizarre action sequences in "Hurricane Touchdown."
Discovering the Truth Behind the Movie's Creation [11:59]
The reviewer discusses how they discovered that Saban Entertainment heavily edited the movie, cutting over 40 minutes of material and piecing together scenes from the three shorts. Saban is known for cutting corners in their adaptations, as seen in Power Rangers, VR Troopers, and Big Bad Beetleborgs. The reviewer expresses a desire to see the uncut versions of the shorts and was excited when the entire movie was re-released on Blu-ray with the original Japanese music and an English dub featuring the original cast.
Re-Dubbing and Music [14:30]
The reviewer shares their thoughts on the re-dubbed version of the movie, noting that while most of the original voice actors sounded similar after 20 years, some lines were delivered slightly differently, which bothered their memory. They missed the American music from the original release, as the Japanese music didn't resonate with them in the same way, especially during action scenes. The reviewer also mentions significant differences in dialogue, particularly in "Hurricane Touchdown," which felt like a completely different movie in its original Japanese version.
Cultural Differences and Character Portrayals [17:19]
The reviewer notes that Willis's personality is different in the Japanese version, where he is portrayed as ruder. They also observe that Japanese media often depicts Americans as rude, reckless drivers, and prone to hitchhiking with strangers. The reviewer questions the depiction of Tai's father as drunk and expresses confusion over certain scenes, such as the woman in the Jeep. They mention that the Digimon movie was originally intended to be just the first two shorts, but Saban Entertainment wanted to include the 02 cast, leading to creative liberties.
Appreciation for the American Version and Omissions [20:19]
The reviewer has grown to appreciate the American version of the Digimon movie, acknowledging that some scenes needed to be cut for better flow. They prefer the American music and the tie-in of Diaboromon affecting Koko. The Blu-ray release includes the Digimon recap from the original VHS, but it hasn't been remastered. The reviewer is disappointed that the Angela Anaconda short, which premiered before the movie, was left out of the Blu-ray due to copyright issues.
Digimon Adventures Short [23:07]
The first arc of the movie is based on the Digimon Adventures short from 1999. In the Japanese version, the movie is narrated by an older Tai, who recounts events from four years prior, unlike the American version, which states eight years. The reviewer was initially confused by Aagumon's size in the movie but learned that the short was originally intended as a standalone piece before leading into the television series. This explains why Aagumon is larger in the short compared to the series.
Differences in the Short's Narrative [25:00]
The reviewer appreciates the Digimon Adventures short as a tie-in to the television series. The short depicts a young Tai and Kari encountering a Digimon that hatches from an egg in their computer. There is more interaction between them and Agumon, who digivolves into Koromon. Deleted scenes show Koromon kissing them. Their drunken father appears, which was removed from the English dub. Agumon digivolves into Greymon, and Kari rides on his back as they explore the streets.
Greymon vs. Parrotmon and Lost Memories [27:12]
The sky turns into a giant Digi-Egg, and Parrotmon emerges. Agumon digivolves into Greymon to fight Parrotmon. Other children, who are the future DigiDestined, witness the battle, but they don't know each other in the original dub. Kari uses a whistle to wake up Greymon, who defeats Parrotmon. Years later, the kids forget about the incident. The reviewer was initially confused about how Agumon could digivolve without a Digivice. They also wondered if this Agumon was the same one from the series, as Tai mentions the event, but Agumon doesn't remember it.
Our War Game! [30:11]
The reviewer transitions to discussing "Our War Game!," praising its action and suspense but expressing continued frustration that the other DigiDestined and their Digimon were excluded. They acknowledge that Tai, Matt, TK, and Izzy are central to the story, but they still wanted to see a more inclusive battle. The Japanese dub sets the story during spring break, while the American version places it in summer break.
Plot Differences and Character Dynamics [31:16]
The story is largely the same in both the English and Japanese dubs, with minor differences. Tai is upset because he angered Sora, who is not contacting him. In the Japanese dub, she blocked him due to a misunderstanding over a paper clip. Izzy discovers a Digimon on the internet. They are contacted by Gennai from the Digital World, who warns them about the evil Digimon. Tai tries to contact the other DigiDestined, but they are unavailable.
Humorous Elements and Viral Digimon [35:10]
In the English dub, Tai's mom makes strange shakes that cause Izzy to have diarrhea, while in the Japanese dub, she gives him tea, causing him to need to pee frequently. The Digimon, whose name the reviewer struggles to recall, is a viral type that wants to destroy everything. In the Japanese dub, Izzy gets information from online friends, while the English dub ties it into "Hurricane Touchdown" by having Willis contact him.
Connecting with Other DigiDestined [37:32]
The phone system is corrupted by the evil Digimon, preventing communication. In the English dub, the characters try to find Willis. They are able to contact other DigiDestined through a voicemail system. Matt and TK go to a barber shop to use the internet in the English dub, while in the Japanese dub, they visit multiple neighbors. Patamon and Gomamon join the fight, realizing that Infermon bypassed the Champion level and went straight to Ultimate.
DNA Digivolving and Defeating Diaboromon [39:26]
Infermon digivolves into Diaboromon and launches a nuke. In the English dub, the nuke is sent to Colorado, where Willis is, while in the Japanese dub, it is sent towards Izzy and Tai. Agumon and Gabumon warp digivolve but are still outmatched. Tai and Matt transcend into the internet and help their Digimon fuse together, DNA digivolving into Omnimon. Omnimon can talk in the American version but not in the Japanese version. Izzy realizes that the emails slowing down their Digimon and forwards them to Diaboromon. They defeat Diaboromon, but in the English dub, a small part of him affects Koko.
Humor and Tone [41:10]
The English dub has more jokes, which the reviewer appreciates, while the Japanese version is more serious.
Hurricane Touchdown / Transcendent Evolution [41:34]
The reviewer expresses confusion about "Hurricane Touchdown," whether it's the Japanese or American version, but prefers the American version because the Japanese one is even more confusing. They dislike how the kids are constantly hitchhiking in a country they don't live in, feeling it's unsafe. In the American version, Willis is running away from home, and Koko is trying to find him.
Differences in Character Portrayals and Pacing [43:02]
The American dub removes Willis's mom fat jokes and portrays Willis as nicer. Davis is more annoying in the Japanese dub. The pacing is better in the American version because they cut down a lot. The Japanese dub is 70 minutes long and was presented as two different movies in Japan.
Missing Subplots and Character Connections [44:19]
In the American version, TK and Kari are in America visiting Mimi, and you can see them visiting her. In the Japanese dub, Mimi disappears while using her laptop at a payphone. The older kids from 01 disappear and are put into a pocket dimension where their life force is drained. They start to de-age because Kokomon is connected through DigiVices.
Kokomon's Motivations and the Battle [46:11]
Kokomon is looking for Willis and wants him back the way he used to be. Indigo Man attacks Willis and Terriermon, catching the attention of Kari and TK. The older kids from 01 disappear and are put into a pocket dimension where their life force is drained. Kari can sense that Indigo Man is crying, alerting her after Mimi disappears.
Canon Debate and Plot Inconsistencies [47:30]
Willis doesn't want anyone to interfere in his battle with Kokomon. TK and Kari contact Davis, Yolei, and Cody, who are still in Japan. The reviewer discusses whether "Hurricane Touchdown" is canon, noting reasons for and against it. The DigiVices prevent them from being taken, but later, the other three kids are taken.
Journey to Colorado and Encounters [49:20]
The three new DigiDestined are finding a way to Colorado. They find Willis and Terriermon on a train. Davis is jealous. In the Japanese dub, Willis and Davis argue more. The other two kids hitchhike with a stranger. In the English dub, Willis orders a pizza to get a ride.
Confrontation with Kokomon and Warped Reality [50:56]
Indigo Man shows up, and they have to fight. Willis is not telling them everything about Kokomon. The reviewer notes that when Americans are depicted, their blonde hair is a different shade of blonde, and Willis's voice has a weird accent. They face off against Indigo Man, who digivolves. The Earth changes, and they are no longer in the pocket dimension.
Inconsistencies and Resolution [52:56]
They armor digivolve, but Oikawa and Halsemon do nothing. Kokomon is hard to defeat and keeps regenerating, reversing time. TK and Kari come in as Angemon and Angewomon. The reviewer questions how Angemon and Angewomon can digivolve into their mega forms and have digital eggs inside of them. They willingly go inside the evil Digimon in the English dub but are eaten in the Japanese dub.
Endings and Final Thoughts [55:45]
In the English version, they destroy the virus, curing Kokomon, but in the Japanese version, they defeat him with the power of love. Willis leaves everyone and sees the digital egg. In the Japanese version, he sees a digital egg, knowing it could only be one person. The reviewer appreciates that the Japanese dub explains the language barrier.
Movie's Reception and Final Thoughts [57:50]
The movie had a budget of $5 million and made about $40 million. Critics didn't like the movie, but audiences were more favorable. Over the years, it became a cult classic. The reviewer notes that people still don't know if "Hurricane Touchdown" is canon. They express a problem with anime movies based on television series, as they often have original stories and villains that don't tie into the series.