For long-time fans of the Digimon franchise, the release of the “Digimon Movies 1-3 Collection” on Blu-ray is an exciting opportunity to revisit the adventures of the DigiDestined. But is it worth adding to your collection? For those who grew up watching Digimon Adventure in the early 2000s, the nostalgia factor is undeniable, and this Blu-ray set offers a high-definition upgrade that promises to breathe new life into these classic films. However, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase, especially for those who are already familiar with the movies. Let’s break down the reasons why this collection is worth buying—and where it might fall short for some longtime fans.
The Appeal of High-Definition and Nostalgia
First and foremost, the Blu-ray transfer of the three films—Digimon Adventure: The Movie, Our War Game!, and Bokura no Wargame—is one of the main selling points for longtime fans. These films were originally released in the early 2000s, and while they’ve aged gracefully, their original DVD and VHS versions are now showing their age in terms of both picture and sound quality. With the Blu-ray set, you can enjoy these films in high-definition, offering sharper visuals, crisper colors, and better sound clarity than ever before.
For fans who remember watching these films on low-resolution TV screens or clunky VHS tapes, the HD upgrade alone is a significant improvement. The colors of the Digital World pop more vibrantly, and the action scenes, especially in Our War Game! and Bokura no Wargame, are smoother and more detailed than they were in their original formats. The Blu-ray release truly enhances the viewing experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to relive these films in better quality.
Of course, for longtime fans, there’s also the nostalgia factor. Watching these movies brings back fond memories of the original Digimon Adventure series, and the films provide an easy way to revisit the characters of Tai, Matt, Agumon, Gabumon, and the rest of the DigiDestined. If you grew up with Digimon and want to experience those early adventures once again, this collection allows you to do so with the added bonus of high-definition clarity.
A Lack of New Content and Bonus Features
While the Blu-ray set certainly improves the picture and sound quality, some longtime fans might feel that the collection falls short in terms of new content or bonus features. The set does include a few behind-the-scenes features and interviews, but these are minimal compared to what you might expect from modern Blu-ray releases, which often come with extensive special features like commentary tracks, documentaries, and deleted scenes.
For collectors who are used to the more elaborate special editions that some other franchises offer, the lack of significant bonus content might be disappointing. There’s no deep dive into the making of the films, no new interviews with the creators, and no extensive retrospective on the Digimon franchise. If you’re hoping for an in-depth look at the production process or unreleased material, you might find this release a bit lacking in that regard.
Additionally, some fans may be concerned that this Blu-ray collection doesn’t include all of the Digimon films. The set focuses solely on the first three movies from 2000, meaning that later films like Digimon Adventure tri. and Digimon: The Movie from other series are not part of this collection. While these films are unrelated to the early adventures of the DigiDestined, fans who are looking to complete their Digimon movie library might feel that this Blu-ray set doesn’t offer enough to justify the cost if they already own the films in another format.
Are There Missing Elements from the TV Series?
Another potential drawback for some longtime fans is that these movies, while being a significant part of the Digimon Adventure storyline, are separate from the original TV series. While the films certainly provide additional context for the characters and the Digital World, they don’t dive as deeply into character development or explore the wider themes and arcs found in the Digimon Adventure anime. If you’re hoping for additional content that expands upon the Digimonseries itself, you won’t find much in these three films that isn’t already covered in the show.
Some fans might also wonder if the films will feel somewhat “light” in comparison to the TV series, which ran for over 50 episodes. The films are relatively short in length, with the longest being around 45 minutes, which means that while they deliver fun, action-packed stories, they might leave some viewers craving more depth. If you’re looking for a more substantial Digimon experience, the films won’t completely satisfy that need.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
So, is the Digimon Movies 1-3 Collection worth buying for longtime fans? The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a nostalgic fan who loved watching these movies when they first came out and want to see them again in high-definition, this Blu-ray set is an excellent choice. The visual and audio upgrades will make the films more enjoyable to watch, and revisiting the adventures of the DigiDestined is bound to bring back plenty of fond memories.
However, if you’re a fan who’s hoping for additional content, special features, or a more comprehensive collection of all Digimon films, you might feel a bit let down by the lack of new material. The set is a nostalgia-heavy release, offering a clean, crisp version of the original films without much added value in terms of extras.
Ultimately, for fans who want to revisit the early days of Digimon in the best quality available and don’t mind the absence of extensive bonus content, this Blu-ray collection is a worthy purchase. But if you’re looking for a more extensive, special-edition release or a deeper dive into the franchise, you may want to temper your expectations.
Click here to see Digimon Movies 1-3 Collection Blu-ray dvd deals