TLDR;
In this episode of The Liberal Artist podcast, Body Papula and Kaye Horowitz discuss the new Nintendo Switch 2, the increasing cost of video games, and the phenomenon of scalpers. They then transition into a discussion about the evolution of video games, highlighting the success of indie games and the charm of glitchy games like the Oblivion remake. The main focus of the episode is a review of the Digimon movie, analyzing its unique blend of spliced storylines, dubbing, and soundtrack.
- The hosts discuss the new Nintendo Switch 2 and the rising costs of video games.
- They explore the current state and future of video games, including the indie scene and remakes.
- The main topic is a detailed review of the Digimon movie, covering its history, structure, and cultural impact.
Intro [0:00]
Body Papula and Kaye Horowitz introduce the episode, mentioning the absence of editor Gibby. They briefly touch on the topic of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the increasing prices of video games before diving into the main content.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Video Game Costs [0:54]
The hosts discuss the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, noting its high demand and price point, which is around $500 due to tariffs. They criticize Nintendo's decision to price new games at $80, expressing frustration with consumers who complain about the cost but still pre-order the console, thus validating the pricing strategy. They also anticipate scalpers taking advantage of the demand. The conversation touches on the broader issue of video game development costs and the expectation for high-quality games.
The Evolution of Video Games [6:08]
The discussion shifts to the evolution of video games, highlighting the success of indie games and the desire for unique stories and gameplay. They reference Microsoft's acquisition of Activision and a statistic about PlayStation owners primarily playing Call of Duty. The hosts explore the idea of studios focusing on niche themes and the unexpected success of the Oblivion remake, attributing its charm to the game's inherent glitches and the sense of discovery it offers. They suggest that the future of gaming involves creating sandboxes with slightly flawed physics, allowing for emergent and humorous gameplay experiences.
Sci-Fi Month and Digimon Introduction [13:28]
The hosts announce that May is sci-fi month and introduce the topic of Digimon, framing it as a sci-fi franchise. Kaye Horowitz admits her limited knowledge of Digimon, only knowing about the character Sora. Body Papula provides a quick primer on Digimon, explaining its origins as a male equivalent to Tamagotchis and its evolution into a media franchise. He contrasts Digimon with Pokémon, noting that Digimon always felt more honest and dangerous, with a focus on the player's responsibility to care for their digital monster.
Digimon's Unique Appeal and Cultural Context [18:22]
The hosts continue to discuss Digimon's unique appeal, highlighting its darker tone and the sense of danger it conveys compared to Pokémon. They note Digimon's place in the late 90s and early 2000s media landscape, intersecting with themes of kids, the internet, and cyber worlds. Body Papula explains that Digimon were designed to appeal to both Japanese and Western audiences, with the Western appeal manifesting in more metal, guns, and sometimes more tits as the Digimon evolved.
Digimon's Longevity and Series Structure [22:24]
The discussion covers Digimon's surprising longevity and its distribution history in the US. Body Papula highlights Digimon's unique series structure, where each season follows a different set of kids, creating a sense of continuity and crossover potential. He expresses his appreciation for the series' willingness to break the timeline and bring back characters from previous seasons.
The Making of the Digimon Movie [26:17]
The hosts transition to discussing the Digimon movie, revealing that it was created by splicing together three short films due to a contract obligation and the success of the first Pokémon movie. The writers had to rewrite and edit the shorts into a coherent movie, resulting in a unique and somewhat disjointed final product.
First Impressions of the Digimon Movie [28:55]
Kaye Horowitz shares her initial impressions of the Digimon movie, noting the distinct style of each act and the overall disjointed feel. She points out the upgraded animation quality compared to the TV show but struggles to find a cohesive narrative thread. The hosts discuss the movie's structure, with the first part serving as a prequel, the second part involving a kaiju fight, and the third part introducing a new character.
Part 1: Prequel and Voice Acting [30:15]
The hosts analyze the first part of the movie, which serves as a prequel to the series. Kaye Horowitz describes her initial confusion and jump scares, particularly from recognizing voice actors from other franchises. They discuss the over-the-top voice acting and the surprisingly articulate dialogue of the toddler characters. Body Papula explains that the writers added punchlines and then justified them as they went, resulting in a unique and humorous script.
Part 2: Our War Game and Tonal Whiplash [38:50]
The discussion moves to the second part of the movie, "Our War Game," which takes place between the first and second seasons. Kaye Horowitz notes the dramatic stakes and the tonal whiplash, with the story quickly escalating from summer vacation problems to an imminent nuclear disaster. The hosts highlight the humor in the writing, with jokes and slice-of-life moments interspersed with the high-stakes plot. They also praise the animation quality and the iconic Omnimon transformation.
Horror Elements and Y2K Bug [48:36]
The hosts explore the horror elements in "Our War Game," noting the suspenseful build-up and the creepy design of the Digimon villains. They discuss how the movie taps into the anxieties of the late 90s, particularly the Y2K bug and the growing reliance on the internet. Body Papula points out that Digimon has always had a sense of danger that Pokémon lacks, bordering on the horrific.
Humorous Moments and Scripted Improv [54:22]
The hosts highlight some of their favorite humorous moments from "Our War Game," including the robotic operator line, the semiconductor joke, and the health food craze. They discuss the fine line between scripted jokes and improvised lines, praising the writers' ability to create absurd and well-timed humor.
Part 3: Present Day and Willis [57:11]
The hosts transition to the third part of the movie, "Present Day," which they consider the weakest. This part centers around Willis, a character who doesn't exist in the series but is retroactively inserted into the narrative. Kaye Horowitz expresses confusion about the new characters and the less engaging plot. Body Papula explains that the writers tried to make Willis important by referencing him in earlier parts of the movie, but ultimately, the third act falls flat.
Censorship and Story Inconsistencies [1:03:35]
The hosts discuss the censorship and translation issues in "Present Day," noting the attempts to Americanize the story and make it safe for kids. They point out inconsistencies in the plot and character motivations, highlighting a moment where Davis cries over Willis's backstory but quickly recovers. Body Papula recalls realizing as a child that the story beats didn't quite line up.
Soundtrack and Final Thoughts [1:06:17]
The hosts rave about the movie's soundtrack, praising its eclectic mix of 90s and 2000s pop, rock, and ska. Kaye Horowitz expresses her love for the unexpected song choices, including "Funk Soul Brother" and "All Star." Body Papula notes that the soundtrack is a time capsule of what was popular music at the time. They conclude by recommending the movie as a fun and awful experience, praising its humor and absurdity.
Outro [1:10:07]
The hosts wrap up the episode, reminding listeners to follow them on social media and give them five stars on Apple Music. They tease the next episode, where they will design their Digimon personas. They also include a PSA about not hitchhiking and not abusing substances.