Before I start I have to say that I am reviewing this
movie under protest. I don’t believe in children watching films which don’t
teach them to speak properly, and since I can only find a couple of Pokemon which actually
speak some kind of comprehensible language I am not impressed.
The entire world been consumed by the Pokemon phenomenon, but I had absolutely no idea
what it was all about until I saw this film. (I’m still not sure what the attraction
is).
To prelude the film is a short sequence about 20 minutes entitled Pikachu’s
vacation. It was from this beginning that this movie annoyed me. After watching 20 minutes
of little creatures who can only say there own names my brain was starting to wince. The
only indication that you can actually understand what is going on here is from an
occassional narration filling you in on a little pokemon activity.
The main film is basically about a pokemon trainer called Ash and his battle to
determine the greatest pokemon trainer. The battle staged by the creators of the ring in
Mew 2 who has been genetically created to destroy. When the original Mew appears though
all goes horribly wrong for Mew 2’s creators.
I can’t really say that the story, the film, or the concept did anything at all
for me.
So how does this transfer hold up?
...  |
VIDEO
The 1.33:1 full Screen transfer rates considerably better
than the plot. I’m not usually a fan of this type of anime but this isn’t too
bad indeed. There is a considerably 3 dimensional feel which a lot of anime lacks. The
detail is quite superb and shadow detail is not an issue with this animation.
The colour pallette was vibrant and rich at all times and just right for a good kids
animation.
There were no mpeg artefacts, ailiasing or film artefacts.
AUDIO
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track was also very good. Dialogue was clear
and in sync with the characters at al times. The surrounds were used frequently to support
the score and effects, and at times supporting dialogue. The base channel was also
frequently used to support the score and effects.
The score from Ralph Schukett and John Loeffler is quite remarkable in that it is
almost constant and gives a genuine feeling of depth to the film which would have been
lacking without a good soundtrack.
EXTRAS
- Audio Commentary (Michael Haigney-director, Norman Grossfeld-producer)- Not being a fan
of commentaries this was an effort for me to sit through but in all I can say it was quite
a good commentary. The background and making of information on the film is presented well
and is not at all a boring effort.
- Featurette- The story of Mew 2’s origin- A short sequence which is much more of
an intro to the film than a featurette.
- Featurette- Ash’s Journey, A nice pokemon consumer!
- Theatrical trailer
- Music Video – Don’t say you love me – M2M4
- Production Notes- some more consumer info on pokemon
- DVD rom extras- web links and a couple of essays on anime and video games.
Overall if you fell compelled to be part of this consumer black hole than be my guest
I’ll chose to stay out of it.
| PICTURE
QUALITY |
9/10 excellent |
SOUND
- Quality
- 5.1 WOW Factor |
8.5/10 very effective
7.5/10 also very effective |
| EXTRAS |
7/10 a couple of good tid bits here |
| OVERALL |
7/10 good artistic creation but lacks content and concept. |
Review Equipment
TV: GE 68cm (16:9 selectable)
DVD: Samsung DVD909 (via S-Video)
Receiver: Yamaha DTS RX-V595a (Sweeeeet)
Speakers:-
Fronts: Wharfdale Diamond R6 (on a pair of custom made stands you'd KILL for)
Centre: Venturi
Rears: Sony bookshelf
- Reviewed 6th December 2000
* Pokemon jpeg files for internet
promotion use only. Copyright© exists on all aspects of these files by Roadshow
Entertainment
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