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Click above to purchase "Pokémon The Movie 2000" at
amazon.com
Pokémon The Movie 2000
review by Zach B.
Rated G
Studio: Warner
Running Time: 102 minutes
English Adapation Directed by Michael Haigney
Retail Price: $24.98
Features: Soundtrack Live, Theatrical Trailer,
Pokémon 3 Teaser, Lugia Coin, Pikachu Game Card
Specs: 1.33:1 Standard, English 5.1 Dolby Digital,
"Quebec" 5.1 Dolby Digital, English Subtitles, French
Subtitles Chapter Search
This movie is so bad it hurts... literally. It's
horrendous. It's awful. It's boring. You can't even mock it
because it's not a fun movie to mock. This is what millions
and millions of parents are showing their kids from coast to
coast, to country to country. This is, "Pokémon The
Movie 2000" (dramatic fanfare begins).
As most of you know I am an avid video game player, and I
do admit I enjoy most of the Pokémon video games.
When it comes to the television series and whole
merchandising phenomenon... ech. I can't stand it. It's too
much and it's too ridiculous. While I was chosen to review
the
original
movie, once again, I was chosen to review the second.
This made me go insane, but I knew I had to go in and review
it. Review the madness. Bash it, kill it, whatever. And I
knew, I'd never get two hours of my life back.
Like the first movie, this sequel is divided into two
parts. The first is a twenty-two minute short by the name of
"Pikachu's Rescue Adventure". In it, Pikachu and pals go on
a rescue mission to find their egg friend Togepi. Of course,
along the way, Pikachu and friends face many challanges and
obstacles, all to get their friend back. Guess what happens?
Believe it or not, this portion reminded me a lot of the
classic story "Alice In Wonderland". These twenty-two
minutes felt a lot longer to me.
No, we're not done yet. The main feature is "The Power Of
One". Can one person make a difference? Guess. An evil
Pokémon collector is out to capture the legendary
three Pokémon birds: Moltres, Zapatos and Articuno.
Once all three are captured, out will come the fourth, the
ultra rare Lugia. Of course, this collector wants Lugia. And
by capturing these birds, the weather has gone all wacky on
everyone. So, in comes Ash Ketchum, the arrogant and
stubborn Pokémon trainer, must stop this mess by
collecting three orbs. Guess what happens? For something
like this, it's developed really poorly. The events are
incredibly predictible, and the way things turn out, kids
won't even be excited. And the villain is not even
developed, he really has no part. I can go on and on, but I
think you've gotten my point about this movie.
With all this said, "Pokémon The Movie 2000" was
somewhat of a dud. While a movie like this costs hardly
anything to bring over (they just have to dub it and market
it) the meager gross of 40 million seems a bit low,
especially when compared to the first movie's gross of 85
million. Personally, I felt the target age group wasn't
around to see it. The film opened in July 2000, and most of
the target age group are at summer camp. Also, the film
wasn't as hyped as the original. While those are my
thoughts, perhaps the fad is dying down? It seems doubtful.
The games remain top sellers. And it's a good bet that this
DVD will be a top seller too, for all those who loved it and
all those who missed it in the theater.
Presented in 1.33:1, "Pokémon The Movie 2000"
looks quite good. Colors are really bright and vibrant, I
didn't notice any artifacting or grain as well as blemishes.
This is a very solid transfer, but there is a lot of
shimmering. I don't think a five year old is going to care
at all, but it is a nice presentation (and if you're a
really old Pokéfan, I'm sure you're bitching that
it's not in anamorphic widescreen. It's a family movie...
and as we know, a lot of families and kiddies like full
frame better).
This is an incredible mix and really makes this movie
come to life (I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad
thing). The movie is in 5.1 Dolby Digital (English or
"Quebec", as well as English and French subtitles) and this
is one of the most aggressive tracks I've heard in a while.
Whether it's annoying bubble gum pop that doesn't really
fit, waves crashing, Pokémon battling or the numerous
action scenes, the channels are put to really good use here.
There are plenty of really nice surrounds. The sound
certainly does not disappoint.
Finally, there are some lackluster features. These
features are more of the promo stuff they stick on VHS as
"extras", so you're not getting much here. I'm sure
Pokéfans are disappointed by this, but I'm certainly
not (it means I don't have to subject myself to more
mindless crap).
I guess the big feature portion is Soundtrack
Live, which features live musical performances from
annoying teen bands and singers I've never heard of, and
there is a small part of the making of the soundtrack. From
what I hear, these are simply ripped off of a TV special on
the WB network promoting the movie (why not include the
whole special then?). Unless you loved the music and play it
over and over again, it is best you skip this section.
Two trailers are included. The first is the Theatrical
Trailer for "Pokémon The Movie 2000" and the
second is a Teaser Trailer for "Pokémon 3:
Lord of the Mysterious Tower". I can't wait for that one,
looks like a real winner (sarcasm there). Each is in two
channel sound and in full frame.
Finally, inside the package you get a plastic coin of the
Pokémon Lugia and a collectible game card. I'm sure
the kids will be delighted by those. I would have prefered a
time machine to get the hours I wasted back, but that's me.
The features are really disappointing compared to the
disc of the first movie, which featured a commentary (that I
enjoyed but so many bashed) and a lot more into the
Pokémon phenomenon. I guess Warner didn't bother
including any of that stuff because they felt parents knew
already... this being a sequel and I'm sure kids already
exposed them to the first movie.
If you're under twelve and love Pokémon, this
movie is sure to please you. Otherwise, this is not for you.
Some us will be forced to see this, so I reccomend bringing
a pillow. Still, this is a nice disc for what it is. A great
presentation and all the extra are purley for promotional
use. If you love this movie, go out and get it.
 (2/5, NOT included in
final score)
 (4.5/5)
(4.5/5)
 (1.5/5)
 (3/5,
NOT an average)
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