TLDR;
This video explores the differences between the Japanese and English soundtracks of the third Pokémon movie. The author shares their surprise upon discovering the distinct musical scores and analyzes specific tracks, particularly Molly's theme, to highlight the varying approaches in creating atmosphere and emotional impact. The English version often features a more cinematic and comprehensive score, while the Japanese version sometimes uses music directly from the games or leaves scenes silent. Ultimately, both versions effectively serve their purpose, with personal preference often tied to nostalgia.
- The English version's score is more cinematic and comprehensive.
- The Japanese version sometimes uses music directly from the games or leaves scenes silent.
- Both versions effectively set the atmosphere, with personal preference often tied to nostalgia.
Introduction [0:00]
The author, like many English-speaking Pokémon fans, never felt the need to watch the anime in Japanese. While they now prefer Japanese for most anime, Pokémon was an exception, similar to Ghibli movies. They were surprised to find that the third Pokémon movie had a completely different soundtrack in Japanese. The author had assumed only the theme songs would differ, not the background music they loved as a child. Changing film music significantly impacts the atmosphere, prompting the author to compare the two versions.
General Comparison of Soundtracks [0:35]
The author praises the Four Kids development team for creating high-quality soundtracks for the English dubs. While the dubs themselves may vary in quality, the movie music was consistently excellent. The author is unsure if the original Japanese soundtrack is a true score. Western composers treated the film as a regular score, without needing to adjust the music to match changes. The Japanese soundtrack has better recording quality due to the use of an orchestra, but the English score is often more fitting and cinematic.
Battle Music Comparison [2:23]
The battle music during Brock and Misty's fight against Molly exemplifies the difference between a score and a soundtrack. The Japanese version uses the battle theme from the original games, which is a safe but uninspired choice. The English version's music is tailored to the scene, enhancing the action. Some scenes in the Japanese version are silent, highlighting that it might not have been a score. The English version adds music to these scenes, improving them significantly, such as when Ash, Misty, Brock, and Lisa discover the crystal wasteland of Greenfield.
Molly's Theme: Japanese Version [4:13]
Molly's theme is a memorable track with significant differences between the versions. In the Japanese version, the theme plays during the opening scene with Molly and her father and when Molly decides to end the dream world. The English version features two themes: one representing her relationship with her father and another for when she is alone. The author clarifies that these are not officially named themes but are referred to as such for simplicity.
Molly's Theme: English Version - Opening Scene [5:44]
The Japanese version's opening scene music is uplifting and romantic, which seems odd for a five-year-old whose only family is her father. It's a beautiful piece with a flowing melody played by strings, oboe, and flutes, capturing the idea of an innocent, rich girl. However, it doesn't quite match Molly's character. The English version starts with a melancholic piano line, creating a slightly lonely atmosphere. Hints of Entei and the Unknown's themes are woven into the harmonies. This serves as a classical overture, with Molly's character as the central piece. The Japanese version focuses more on the scene itself, while the English version is a musical overture. The Japanese version shifts to a dissonant minor chord, hinting at the film's conflict, while the English version fades out lightheartedly.
Molly's Theme: English Version - Father's Disappearance and Resolution [8:18]
The first hint of Molly's second English theme appears after her father disappears, with a piano melody reminiscent of the earlier lonely theme. This theme recurs when Molly is lonely or afraid. In the Japanese version, this scene is silent. During the main plot resolution, both versions reprise the theme. In the Japanese version, the reprisal is a warm, fresh sound, signaling that things will improve, with a relaxing oboe tone accompanied by strings and flutes. In the English version, the antithesis begins with the lonely piano melody but evolves with hopeful harmonies, reflecting Molly's decision to live in reality.
Molly's Theme: Climax and Dialogue [11:09]
Molly's first English theme reappears when she rides Entei to meet Ash's crew, representing her relationship with her father. The antithesis at the climax mirrors the structure of the opening theme, reflecting Molly's character arc. She transitions from a happy girl with her father to a lonesome girl using dreams, and finally forsakes the dreams to embrace the real world. The English version's music swells as Ash's mom offers her hand, while the Japanese version features a more tender moment with simpler dialogue. Both approaches work well, with the Japanese version being delicate and the English version powerful.
Molly's Official Japanese Theme and Conclusion [13:48]
Molly's official Japanese theme is described as weird, serving a similar purpose to the English antithesis. It captures magic and mystery but feels surface-level compared to her character's depth. The author admits bias towards the English antithesis. Neither version is definitively better, with personal preference playing a significant role. The English version's score works better due to being tailored to each scene, but the Japanese version effectively sets the atmosphere. The author notes that the English version's ending can be overly cheesy, while the Japanese version fares better musically but is supplemented with an odd vocal track. The author asks viewers for their thoughts on the musical differences and invites them to suggest other sub vs. dub comparisons.