SPECIAL EPISODE! - Things Are Going Bad on the Internet [Digimon: The Movie]

TLDR;

This podcast episode covers "Digimon: The Movie," which is actually three Japanese Digimon movies combined into one American release. The hosts discuss the background of the Digimon franchise, the differences between the Japanese and American versions of the movie, and provide a detailed breakdown of each of the three segments, highlighting key plot points, character introductions, and animation quality. They also touch on the music, the evolution sequences, and the overall themes present in the movie.

• Digimon started as virtual pets similar to Tamagotchi but with a battling component.
• "Digimon: The Movie" combines three separate Japanese films.
• The American version is heavily edited and aimed at a younger audience, with added jokes and music.
• The animation quality, especially in the action sequences, is a highlight of the movie.
• The hosts discuss the plot, characters, and differences between the Japanese and American versions.

Intro [0:00]

The hosts, Spencer and Blake, introduce the episode focusing on "Digimon: The Movie." They mention the movie involves monster eggs emerging from computers, a destructive "One Bad Apple," and a villainous bunny seeking to reverse time. They also express their enthusiasm for the movie's soundtrack and prepare to discuss the background of the Digimon series.

Digimon Background [0:52]

Blake shares his history with Digimon, having grown up watching the first three seasons on Fox Kids. He explains that Digimon began as virtual pets similar to Tamagotchi, but with a focus on battling. The original anime, "Digimon Adventure," ran for 54 episodes and the movie they are covering is actually three Japanese movies combined into one American film. The first part of the movie premiered in Japan the day before the anime series. Digimon are digital monsters that originated in the digital world due to the increasing digitalization of the real world.

General Impressions [5:26]

Spencer admits he has only seen the dubbed version of the movie and was surprised by the amount of music in it. The soundtrack includes a mix of original and licensed songs, such as "One Week" by The Bare Naked Ladies. Blake notes that the American version is sillier than the original Japanese version. The hosts prepare to jump into the first part of the movie, focusing on young Tai and Kari.

Digimon: The Movie Part 1 [6:36]

The first part of the movie features young Tai and Kari finding a Digimon egg that emerges from their computer screen. Kari communicates primarily through a whistle due to being ill. The egg hatches into Botamon, which then evolves into Koromon. The children are accepting of the strange creature. After a scuffle with their cat, Koromon evolves into a large, animalistic Agumon. Agumon leaves with Kari, leading to a fight with Parrotmon, who appears from a portal-like egg. Agumon digivolves into Greymon and defeats Parrotmon after Tai encourages him with Kari's whistle. The segment ends with Greymon defeating Parrotmon, followed by the song "All Star" by Smash Mouth.

Digimon: The Movie Part 2 [17:39]

Four years later, the scene shifts to the older kids from the original Digimon series. Izzy discovers a Digimon egg on the internet, which hatches into Kuramon. Kuramon begins consuming data and causing problems. Izzy seeks Tai's help, who is dealing with relationship issues with Sora. They contact Gennai, who helps them reunite with their Digimon partners, Agumon and Tentomon. Agumon digivolves to Greymon, and Tentomon digivolves to Kabuterimon, and they fight the virus Digimon.

Digimon: The Movie Part 2 - Cont. [26:10]

The virus Digimon evolves into Infermon, surpassing Greymon and Kabuterimon in power. Infermon attacks during their evolution sequences, causing them to regress. The other kids are busy, except for Matt and T.K., who join the fight from a barber shop computer, adding Gabumon and Patamon to the battle. Greymon and Kabuterimon digivolve further into WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon, but they are overwhelmed by emails and lose track of Infermon. Infermon ties up the phone lines, leading Izzy to hack into a military mainframe for a satellite connection.

Digimon: The Movie Part 2 - Climax [33:29]

Willis, an American character, contacts Izzy, claiming responsibility for the virus. The virus replicates rapidly and evolves to its mega form, Diaboromon. Diaboromon hacks into military satellites and launches nuclear missiles at Colorado and Tokyo. WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon are defeated, but Tai and Matt are pulled into the digital world due to their strong connection with their partners. The hopes and dreams of people watching empower WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon, allowing them to fuse into Omnimon (also called Omegamon). Omnimon defeats Diaboromon, stopping the nuclear missiles.

Digimon: The Movie Part 3 [38:49]

Four years later, T.K. and Kari are in New York. They encounter Willis and his partner Terriermon, who are being attacked by a mysterious Digimon called Kokomon (actually Wendigomon). The cast of Digimon 02, including Davis, Yolei, and Cody, join the fight in Colorado. Terriermon digivolves to Gargomon.

Digimon: The Movie Part 3 - Conclusion [40:46]

Kokomon evolves into more powerful forms, eventually becoming Cherubimon (Virus). The heroes receive golden Digi-Eggs, which they use to armor digivolve and defeat Cherubimon. They reassure Willis that Digimon are reborn, and a new egg appears, signaling Kokomon's rebirth.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations [42:25]

Spencer expresses a desire to watch the Japanese version of the movie to better understand the story, while praising the high-quality animation of the battles. Blake recommends the Japanese versions for a more mature audience, noting the added narration in the American version. He suggests checking out "Children's War Game" and "Diaboromon's Revenge." They also briefly discuss the new Digimon Adventure 2020 series, praising its high animation and storytelling quality.

Outro [48:06]

The hosts provide information on where to find their podcast and social media accounts. They thank the listeners for tuning in and end the episode.