There were cameramen and photographers capturing the excitement of the fans. People were walking into the 90% filled theatre, ranging from elementary school children to adults in professional attire, while other attendees cosplayed as Yu-Gi-Oh characters. Hearing people chatting and munching on popcorn, I looked at my watch. It was February 23 at 7:06pm and the movie did not start yet. However, the wait was over. The lights went out and the screen brightened the room. We were going down memory lane.
Setting the Stage
According to the narrator, we were going on a “journey through the history of Yu-Gi-Oh.” In general, the attendees had a chance to relive significant duel monster moments in the lives of Yugi Muto, Jaden Yuki and Yusei Fudo, in a short time frame. This segment was well organized in chronological order of the Yu-Gi-Oh series, and the narration provided clarity on the basic aspect of the heros. The information provided about the personality of the characters and the villains they once fought, helped those who are unaware of any of the series, understand the general background of Yu-Gi-Oh and said characters.
The Story
I am sure that over time the main aspect of the story has been incorporated before in the world of storytelling. However, if it were not for this ONE aspect, I do not think the story would have made much sense. It provided the “how.” Yes, “how” and why the heros of the movie were brought together to fight Paradox, the villain of the movie. Also, this one aspect, which I am not going to tell you, helped in providing the humorous side of the movie: “Synchro what?”
Now, let's move on to one detail in the movie, Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon. If I did not miss the information in the audio, something was missing when the two iconic dragons appeared. Even though we gradually learn how the villain was executing his plan, I do not think the significance of those two dragons were made apparent. To the first generation of Yu-Gi-Oh, who did the Blue-Eyes and Red-Eyes belong to? Assuming that it was not revealed in the story, it would have shown the extra length that Paradox was taking to accomplish his plan of destruction. He was going after the top duelists' cards in Yugi Muto's world.
Being that this was the second Yu-Gi-Oh movie, I was expecting something different from the first movie, Pyramid of Light. Unfortunately, it reminded me of the previous movie. Similarly, it was one ultimate duel, which technically makes sense. However, I wanted a little bit more, like a change of pace and a little bit more story. For example, it would have been nice to have a slightly more detailed back story of Paradox, which probably would have helped slowed down the speed of the movie. Also, I can only assumed what has happened to Paradox after the duel. Again, the story felt short, while going too fast.
The Visual
The movie delivered the 3D effects without over doing it. It had a nice balance of in-your-face effects, while simply just seeing the characters in three dimensions. Also, the effects helped enhance the power and attacks of the monsters brought on by the duel.
In regards to our beloved Yugi, Jaden, Maximillion Pegasus and others, the characters were recognizable and kept the overall trademark appearance. However, when Atem aka Yami Yugi appeared, it looked liked he added on some arm muscles, while Jaden sported a very slightly new hair cut or trim. Even though these are slight detail changes, it did not affect the overall appearance of the characters.
However, there was one thing that was inconsistent: computer graphics vs 2D art. Based on what I initially observed, I presumed that when the Malefic monsters were summoned, it would appear CG. However, I was wrong. While I was watching Paradox unleash his creatures, some were in CG while others was in 2D. I got confused on why it was being switched back and forth during each summoning. Even the attacks were going from CG to 2D. The animation still looks good, but I guess it is an artistic interpretation/choice for the appearance of the summons and attacks.
The Voice Acting
Now I was very happy with this. All the characters that I grew up with still had their vocals and personalities. Pegasus was still his humorous arrogant self: “it certainly is a dream come true to be so close to me.” Yugi sounded as cute and innocent as ever, while Yami Yugi still has his epic deep sounding voice. Grandpa is still a funny old man, and Jaden is as lay back as usual, but still a skillful duelist.
Even though it was short and fast, overall, I enjoyed the movie. I got a chance to go down memory lane and see a battle that probably would not have happened in the TV series. It might not make sense to anyway.
© 2011 Linda Thai
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