It has been 15 years since the beginning of the Digimon anime back in 1999 with the Digimon movie, which was soon followed by the TV series Digimon Adventure. A total of 9 anime films have been released in the Digimon franchise since then and for the 15th anniversary of the anime a Blu-ray boxset for 8 of the movies was released earlier this month, all remastered in full HD.
The Blu-ray boxset of the all the films contains all 9 anime films that were released from 1999 till 2006. All the films will be in full 1080p HD at a 1.78:1 ratio with traditional 2 channel stereo sound, whilst some films will have with emulated Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. Each of the films are bundled into their respective series and also feature all the trailers for each of the movies and audio commentary. All the 8 films are spread out on 4 Blu-ray discs and also comes with two additional bonus discs. The 2005 movie Digital Monster X-Evolution is not included in the boxset.
The movies in the collection include:
- Digimon Adventure: The Movie – the first film that released in 1999 prior to the anime series. It is the first directing role for Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time). The movie is 21 minutes long, with the option of stereo sound or Dolby TrueHD sound.
- Digimon Adventure: Our War Game – The second film also directed by Hosoda that released in Japan in 2000 set after the first season of Digimon Adventure. The movie itself is only 41 minutes long with the option of stereo sound or Dolby TrueHD sound.
- Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Touchdown/Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals – The first movie from the second Digimon Adventure anime that is 65 minutes long and sees the return of the original digidestined. The film itself is directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi (Dragon Ball Z Movies 8-12, Casshern Sins). The film is only available in stereo sound.
- Digimon Adventure 02: Diablomon Strikes Back – The second movie based on the second anime that released in early 2001. The movie is 30 minutes long and is directed by Takahiro Imamura (Fist of the North Star: Legend of the True Savior – Legend of Roah). The film is only available in stereo sound.
- Digimon Tamers: The Adventurers’ Battle – The first film based on Digimon Tamers anime that released in mid 2001 and runs for a total of 51 minutes. The movie is directed by Tetsuo Imazawa (Sangokushi, Candy Candy) and has the option of stereo sound or Dolby TrueHD sound.
- Digimon Tamers: Runaway Digimon Express – The second and final film based on the Digimon Tamers anime that released in 2002. The film is directed by Tetsuji Nakamura (Jigoku Sensei Nube, Sparrow’s Hotel) and runs for 31 minutes. The film is only available in stereo sound.
- Digimon Frontier: Revival of the Ancient Digimon – A 2002 film based on the Digimon Frontier anime directed by Takahiro Imamura once again. The film is 41 minutes long and is only available in stereo sound.
- Digimon Savers: Ultimate Power! Activate Burst Mode!! – The latest Digimon film released in the series based on the Savers anime series. The film released in Japan in 2006 and runs for 21 minutes. It is directed by Tatsuya Nagamine (One Piece Film Z, HappinessCharge PreCure!) and will only be available in stereo sound.
In addition to the films, there will be two bonus discs, one of which contains two Blu-ray 3D specials that require 3D glasses and a 3D compatible TV. The two new 3D animations, Digimon Adventure 3D: Digimon Grand Prix! and Digimon Savers 3D: The Digital World in Imminent Danger! The former 3D animation itself is directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The second bonus disc will be the OST to Digimon Adventure: Our War Game, which also includes the Opening theme of the first anime, Butter-Fly by Kouji Wada. In addition there will also be a 24 page booklet and the Mikatase box.
Digimon (Digital Monsters in Japan) is a large multimedia franchise that was based on Bandai’s Digivice products, which first released in 1997. The toys were based on Tamagotchis, which were also produced by Bandai. The toys were seen as more female orientated products, so Bandai created a new line of products for a male equivalent. The first anime adaptation, Digimon Adventure, was produced in 1999 by Toei Animation. A film and TV anime were released alongside each other in 1999, the movie being a 20 minute anime produced by Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time). Since then there has been numerous anime series, toys, figures, manga, video games and trading card games in the franchise. 2014 marked the 15th anniversary of the Digimon Adventure anime and a new sequel anime titled Digimon Adventure Tri. will be airing this Spring.
Digimon The Movies Blu-Ray Box Set is currently available on Amazon Japan and is selling for ￥21,685 (~ $183.50 USD). A Blu-ray boxset of the first Digimon Adventure anime will go on sale on March 3rd.
You can also visit the 15th Anniversary website here: http://digimon-adventure.net/
And follow the campaign on Twitter: @Digi_advntr15th
