TLDR;
This video reviews the Digimon movie, analyzing its structure as a combination of three separate Japanese short films adapted for American audiences. It discusses the plot inconsistencies, dubbing errors, and the overall impact of the movie on the Digimon franchise. The review highlights both the flaws and the forward-thinking elements that influenced later Digimon works.
- The movie is a combination of three separate Japanese short films.
- There are inconsistencies and dubbing errors in the movie.
- The movie influenced later Digimon works.
Introduction [0:10]
The video introduces a retrospective on the Digimon movie, addressing the common confusion between Digimon and Pokémon due to their similar names and the "mon" suffix. The video emphasizes that Digimon, a series about kids teaming up with creatures from a digital world, distinguishes itself from Pokémon. The Digimon movie, particularly in America, compiles several shorter Japanese films, a practice that differs from typical American theatrical releases.
Opening and Initial Plot [1:28]
The movie opens with a rap version of the show's theme song. The first 15 minutes retell the initial encounter of the DigiDestined with Digimon in the real world, which is narrated by the youngest team member, Ki. This segment introduces Willis, an American kid who also receives Digimon partners. The animation is noted to be impressive, though the coloring is murkier.
The Internet Battle [2:39]
The main plot begins after season 1, with Sora upset at Tai. Izzy discovers a digiegg on the internet, which hatches into a virus-infected Digimon that consumes data. Only Auman and Tentomon can initially combat this Digimon, Karamon, which evolves to Infermon. Matt and TK join the battle, allowing their Digimon to reach mega forms. The battle is complicated by people emailing the Digimon, slowing them down, and Infermon evolves into Diaboromon.
Diaboromon and Omnimon [5:34]
Diaboromon, a name potentially influenced by Power Rangers Light Speed Rescue, launches nukes at Japan and Colorado. He multiplies, overwhelming War Greymon and Metal Garurumon. Tai and Matt enter the internet, and the support from emails allows their Digimon to merge into Omnimon. Izzy forwards the emails to Diaboromon, slowing it down for Omnimon to destroy it. The nukes are stopped, though the logic is unclear.
Japanese Movie Structure [7:58]
The video explains that in Japan, shows often have multiple short movies a year that are standalone and don't affect the series continuity. "Digimon: The Movie" combines three such movies: the Greymon/Parrotmon battle, Diablomon's attack, and the Willis plot. These were linked for the American release, with Ki's narration and Diablomon's missile attack on Willis serving as connections.
The Willis Plot [9:35]
The final segment occurs during season 2, with TK, Kari, Patamon, and Gatomon in New York, focusing on Willis. One of Willis's Digimon has become hostile, while Terriermon defends him. Davis, Yolei, Cody, and their Digimon arrive to help Willis. Willis explains he tried to create another Digimon, but it became infected with the virus that turned it into Diablomon.
Golden Digi-Eggs and Conclusion [11:27]
Davis helps Willis, and Terriermon promises support. TK and Kari arrive late, allowing Angemon and Holydramon to use their mega forms to create Golden Digi-Eggs, enabling Veemon and Terriermon to armor digivolve. The virus is destroyed, and the hostile Digimon is reborn as a Digi-egg, despite the established rules. The video concludes that the movie's combination of unrelated stories and the differences in how movies are made in Japan and the West create issues. Despite its flaws, the movie influenced later Digimon works, such as the virus plot in the third season and Digimon combining in later seasons.