TLDR;
In this episode of Judging Nerd Culture, Molly and Jess discuss "Digimon: The Movie," a nostalgic favorite that is an amalgamation of three separate OVAs (Original Video Animations) stitched together due to rushed development. They explore the movie's origins, its nonsensical plot, and its impact on their childhoods, comparing it to "Pokémon" and highlighting its unique charm despite its flaws. They also touch on the animation quality, character designs, and the emotional depth found in the broader "Digimon" series.
- The movie is a compilation of three unrelated OVAs due to time constraints and competition with "Pokémon."
- The first part introduces the origin story of the digidestined, focusing on young Tai and Kari's encounter with Agumon.
- The second part involves an internet virus that infects a Digimon, leading to a battle in America.
- The third part introduces a new set of digidestined who confront a villain infected by the same virus.
- Despite its nonsensical plot, the movie has nostalgic charm, good animation, and emotional depth.
Intro [0:05]
Molly and Jess introduce the topic of the episode: "Digimon: The Movie," an animated feature from their childhood. They acknowledge that the movie is not perfect but encompasses much of what made the "Digimon" show enjoyable, such as youthful spirit and giant monsters with big guns. They mention that the movie is an amalgamation of horrors that they love.
Movie Origins and Structure [3:31]
The movie is actually three separate movies (OVAs) that were combined due to rushed development and the release of a "Pokémon" movie. Each OVA is about 30 minutes long and was originally intended to be a standalone story. The first movie was initially planned as the origin story for the show, but it was held back when the anime series was created for marketing purposes.
Part 1: Origin of the Digidestined [5:16]
The first part of the movie tells the origin story of the digidestined, focusing on young Tai and his sister Kari meeting Agumon for the first time. Agumon goes through several evolutions, each presenting new challenges, culminating in a fight with a large bird named. The segment establishes that children who witnessed the fight became digidestined, and it also introduces Willis to link all three OVAs together.
Part 2: Diaboromon's Internet Rampage [12:39]
The second part focuses on Tai and the original digidestined as they face an internet virus that infects a newly formed digi-egg. The virus hatches and begins consuming the internet, growing stronger with each digivolution. The virus moves to America, supposedly via airplanes, in search of Willis. The digidestined struggle to defeat the virus, which is slowed down by emails from kids around the world. Tai and Matt's Digimon fuse into Omnimon, a powerful Digimon with a cannon and a sword, who ultimately defeats the virus.
Omnimon's Fusion and the Internet Metaphor [24:20]
During the battle against Diaboromon, Tai and Matt's Digimon fuse into Omnimon, a knightly figure with a cannon and sword. This fusion is powered by the energy and souls of people watching the battle online, symbolizing friendship and unity through the internet. The presenters reflect on how cool this moment was during their childhood, despite the movie's overall absurdity.
Digimon vs. Pokémon and Sexy Characters [28:52]
The hosts discuss their preferences between "Digimon" and "Pokémon," noting that "Digimon" is like the punk alternative. They touch on the communities, character designs, and the prevalence of "furry bait" in "Pokémon" compared to "Digimon." They also humorously debate which "Pokémon" and "Digimon" characters are the sexiest, mentioning Gardevoir, Blastoise, Angemon, and Angel Woman.
Part 2 Conclusion and Transition to Part 3 [36:27]
After defeating Diaboromon, the virus leaves behind an ominous message and disappears. The scene cuts to Willis in Kansas, where a grey specter infects one of his Digimon. This sets up the plot for the third part of the movie, where a new set of digidestined must stop the infected Digimon.
Part 3: The New Digidestined and Willis's Struggle [40:18]
The third section introduces a new set of digidestined, including Davis, who idolizes Tai. This part was created because the executives wanted to promote the new characters from season 2 of the anime. The new digidestined travel to America and meet Willis, who is struggling with his infected Digimon. The segment focuses on Willis's emotional journey as he tries to help his friend.
Part 3 Conclusion and Movie Wrap-Up [48:36]
The new digidestined confront Willis's infected Digimon, cure the virus using the golden digi-egg, and befriend Willis. Despite the nonsense plot, the segment attempts to add emotional depth. Willis is sad about his Digimon leaving, but the digidestined reassure him that Digimon never truly die. The movie ends with Willis's digi-egg floating down the river.
Final Thoughts and Plugs [52:21]
The hosts share their final thoughts on the movie, with Jess praising the magical girl transformations and cute Digimon, while Molly appreciates the wholesome and playful nature of the franchise. They acknowledge the movie's flaws, such as the nonsensical plot and branding, but still find it charming and enjoyable. They encourage viewers to support their Patreon, follow them on social media, and leave a rating on iTunes.