Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.0

Digimon: The Movie Blu-ray Movie Review

Digimon: The Movie is the feature-length movie featuring the original dub cast. Produced by Saban Entertainment in collaboration with Toei Animation, Digimon: The Movie was treated like a big budget theatrical feature for fans of the anime series in North America. Digimon: The Movie carried a 5 million budget price tag for the U.S. release.

Digimon: The Movie was a FoxKids original distribution title released in United States cinemas on October 6, 2000. Based on Digimon created by Akiyoshi Hongo, Digimon: The Movie became a hit with fans of the anime series, earning 16.6 million at the U.S. box office, and grossing a considerable amount on home video following its theatrical run. Produced by Terri-Lei O'Malley (Digimon: Digital Monsters, Duel Masters), Digimon: The Movie features a voice-cast including Lara Jill Miller and Joshua Seth.

Digimon: The Movie combined footage and storytelling from the three individual Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 2 short anime feature-films: Digimon Movie 1 – Digimon Adventure, Digimon Movie 2: Our War Game, and Digimon Movie 3: Hurricane Touchdown. The story combines elements from all three films and makes a unique story out of the films, changing elements, and providing an interesting segway between the versions – the original Japanese language release versions and the English dub version. As a result, Digimon: The Movie provides a unique experience.

The adventure begins with a prequel setup to the original Digimon anime. Tai and Kari are both witness to Digimon for the first time in the human world. As the story progresses, the story of the DigiDestined unfolds and Tai and others are in for a wild adventure – with both Digimon: Season 1 and Digimon: Season 2 characters along for the wild ride. Can the DigiDestined save the world in the process?

Digimon: The Movie offers an almost wholly different experience compared to the three individual short films. Despite containing much of the same material and storytelling, there are notable changes to the film. The pace, flow, and vibe of the film is much different – from the editing decisions, pacing, music, voice-over, and other dub changes. The changes were meant to make it a big event movie (rather than three short films).

Despite over 40 minutes being cut from the original theatrical short Digimon anime films, the North America release of Digimon: The Movie is highly entertaining and well worth seeing – and serves as a great nostalgia piece for fans of the anime who experienced the film theatrically (and/or on home video) during its original release. Fans of the English dubbed Digimon anime had plenty of good reasons to love the theatrical feature even if it is not as faithful to the original release versions. In some respects, the cut moves faster and has more action as a result – compared to the original releases.

The score composed by Udi Harpaz (Digimon: Digital Monsters, Digimon Tamers) and Amotz Plessner (Astonishing X-Men, Iron Man: Extremis) is unique to the feature-film version and is not the same as music composed for the standalone Digimon films. The soundtrack also features a selection of big popular hits such as tracks by Fatboy Slim, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Smash Mouth, Len, and Barenaked Ladies. The music is enjoyable and a big part of the fun with Digimon: The Movie. The soundtrack was an essential part of the feature-film and what made it so memorable with fans.

The cinematography by Shigeru Ando (Digimon Adventure, One Piece: Episode of Chopper Plus - Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura) is visually compelling and a sight to behold. The visuals by Ando add a lot to the production. Ando is a gifted cinematographer and someone with a keen grasp on visual narratives and what to bring to the table. The cinematography highlights the animation well.

Edited by Douglas Purgason and Gary A. Friedman (Yonkers Joe, Good), Digimon: The Movie creates its own narrative success. Digimon: The Movie is unique compared to the three individual Digimon films used as the D.N.A. of the feature-film in North America. The film is well-edited and structed and far more entertaining than one might expect.

The English dub screenplay by Jeff Nimoy (Digimon Adventure, Digimon Data Squad) and Bob Buchholz (Digimon Adventure, Digimon Adventure 02) is enjoyable, too. The script gives good lines of dialogue to the cast of characters. The fun dub script is different from the original language version in some respects but is a ton of fun regardless.

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda (Belle, Mirai) and Shigeyasu Yamauchi (Dragon Ball Z, Crying Freeman), Digimon: The Movie is a must-see for fans of the anime. Digimon: The Movie has all the right action- packed adventure fans anticipated. The movie builds on the anime and is a perfect accompaniment. Digimon: The Movie doesn’t disappoint and is a fan-favorite classic for this reason.

Digimon: The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, Digimon: The Movie is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The presentation features an impressive high-definition encoding of the feature-film. The transfer appears naturally filmic and has noteworthy color reproduction. Detail is present on the transfer and the image looks great overall. Excellent clarity and depth to the image.

Digimon: The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The release also includes an optional English uncompressed PCM 2.0 audio option. There is not a Japanese language version for Digimon: The Movie. The English dub sounds good on the release. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The soundtrack selections are well integrated into the soundstage. A solid audio presentation for the film and one that highlights the songs and score.

Digimon: The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Digimon: The Movie does not have a sub-menu of extras. Any available extras are accessible directly on the Blu-ray collection overview.

Digimon: The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Digimon: The Movie is an entertaining action-packed adventure. The classic anime feature-film is a blast to revisit. The film was a favorite of my childhood and one I saw many times theatrically and on home video over the years. It was so much fun to see Digimon: The Movie on Blu-ray disc and with a new presentation. Highly recommended.