Brief Summary
This video reviews "Digimon: The Movie," a compilation of three separate Digimon OVAs spliced together by Fox Kids. The movie was created to capitalize on the success of the Pokémon movies, despite Digimon not having its own theatrical film at the time. The review covers the film's confusing narrative, disjointed segments, and overall lack of coherence, while also pointing out some redeeming qualities like the animation and occasional humor.
- The movie splices together three separate OVAs, resulting in a disjointed and confusing narrative.
- The dubbing features constant, rapid-fire dialogue with little to no pauses.
- The film heavily features new characters from Season 2, sidelining established favorites.
- Despite its flaws, the reviewer finds some nostalgic enjoyment in the film.
Introduction: The Trend-Chasing Nature of Entertainment
In the entertainment industry, companies are always looking for the next big trend to capitalize on. When one product becomes successful, many others try to emulate that success. In the late 90s, the Pokémon craze led many companies to create similar products, with Digimon being one of the closest to achieving the same level of popularity. Digimon started as virtual pets, similar to Tamagotchi, but evolved into novels, TV shows, and games about kids traveling to a digital world filled with monsters.
Digimon's Rise and Differences from Pokémon
Digimon, short for Digital Monsters, began as virtual pets before expanding into various media. The anime series, licensed by 20th Century Fox for Western audiences, became a hit due to its distinct differences from Pokémon. Digimon names ended in "mon" and they could talk, their designs were more outlandish, and the stories were often darker. While Pokémon focused on collecting creatures, Digimon tackled more mature themes like sacrifice and loss.
The Creation of "Digimon: The Movie"
Following the success of the Pokémon movies, Fox wanted to create a Digimon movie to capitalize on the trend. However, unlike Pokémon, Digimon primarily had original video animations (OVAs) instead of theatrical films. Fox decided to splice together the first three OVAs to create "Digimon: The Movie," resulting in a bizarre, Frankenstein-esque film.
Angela Anaconda Short
Before the main film, viewers are subjected to a four-minute episode of "Angela Anaconda," a show about a young girl and her misfit adventures. The short involves Angela and her friends going to see the Digimon movie but getting stuck behind a posh girl and their teacher. Angela daydreams about becoming a Digimon and fighting the girl. The short is criticized for being irrelevant and detracting from the main attraction. A rumor suggests the short film was the cause of divorce for one of the viewers.
The Infamous Opening Rap
The movie starts with a poorly dated rap number, which is criticized for being forced and awkward. The original Digimon theme would have been a better choice. The rap is excessively repetitive, using the word "digi" 38 times in one minute, often inserted awkwardly into words or replacing "did you."
Segment 1: Digimon Adventure (OVA 1)
The first segment is based on the first OVA, "Digimon Adventure," a prologue to the series. It introduces younger versions of Tai and his sister Kari, who find a strange egg appearing from their home computer. Kari acts as a narrator throughout the film, delivering exposition. The egg hatches into a creature that evolves rapidly, eventually becoming Greymon and battling a giant bird monster.
Soundtrack Choices
The film's soundtrack includes original songs and an eclectic mix of mainstream tracks from artists like Fatboy Slim, Barenaked Ladies, Less Than Jake, and Smash Mouth. There's also a cover of "Kids in America" by the band Len, complete with a dated flash animation music video.
Segment 2: Digimon Adventure: Our War Game! (OVA 2)
The second segment is based on "Digimon Adventure: Our War Game!," set after the first season. Izzy discovers a Digimon egg on the internet being attacked by a virus. The dubbing in this segment is criticized for its constant, rapid-fire dialogue. Tai and Izzy's Digimon companions enter the internet to fight the rogue Digimon, which evolves into Infermon. Due to various circumstances, most of the other digidestined are unavailable to help.
Battling Dioboromon
Infermon evolves into his mega form, Dioboromon, and defeats Patamon and Tentomon. Izzy accidentally causes Tai's computer to crash, weakening Wargreymon. Dioboromon gains access to military computers and launches nuclear missiles. Tai and Matt's Digimon merge to become Omnimon, who defeats Dioboromon and deactivates the missiles.
Segment 3: Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Touchdown!!/Transcendental Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals (OVA 3)
The final segment is based on "Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Touchdown!!/Transcendental Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals," set during season two. This OVA was heavily butchered to connect the film's segments. Willis, a kid from Colorado, has two Digimon. One of them, Kokomon, is infected by a virus and mutates into a monster. Willis and his other Digimon, Terriermon, track Kokomon to New York.
Willis and the New Characters
Willis becomes the main character, sidelining Tai and other established characters. New characters from season 2, Cody, Yoli, and Davis, are introduced. Davis is described as having the same personality as Tai. The new group catches up with Willis, and they travel together.
The Final Battle and Resolution
The group catches up with Kokomon and engages in the final battle. T.K. and Kari arrive to help. Kokomon uses his powers to take them back in time. Angemon and Angewomon digivolve into their mega forms and release golden Digi-Eggs, allowing Veemon and Terriermon to become Magnamon and Rapidmon. The two go inside Kokomon and destroy the virus, killing Kokomon in the process. Kokomon is reborn as a Digi-Egg and sings along to "All Star" by Smash Mouth.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The film is confusing and disappointing for both fans and non-fans. Non-fans are overwhelmed by the convoluted plot and constant dialogue, while fans are frustrated by the sporadic pacing and lack of respect for the source material. Despite its flaws, the reviewer enjoys some aspects of the film, such as the animation and occasional humor. The reviewer concludes that the film is a cash grab and recommends that only fans of Digimon who have seen the TV series will get any enjoyment out of it.
