Customer Reviews

Digimon (Vol. 1) [VHS]

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

To anyone out there who thinks Digimon is a rip-off, listen up. Digimon made it's debut in Japan in 1991. In 1994, another cartoon by the name of Monster Rancher came along. Finally, in 1995, Pokemon showed up. If you have ever seen Monster Rancher, you will note the similarities. Pokemon designed it's character, Ashe, using Monster Rancher as it's template. Also, the character Pikachu is a lot like Mocchi, a character from Monster Rancher. Now, in Digimon, the characters "digivolve", or evolve into bigger and stronger monsters. You'll note that Pokemon also evolve. So please, remind me again. Who's the rip-off here?

Though Digimon was brought over to the States to cash in on the Pokemon phenomeon it's far from a rip-off. Pokemon is a fluff show and the plots get tiring after a while since nothing really happens in the show and the characters never really grow. Digimon is the opposite of that it has a developing plot line and character growth and it even gives the monsters personalities. If you want a compelling story and a series worth remembering get this video!

I disagree with the official review! Do you even watch the series? ....... My first impression was also "Pokemon II" (I even thought it was the next generation Pokemon when seeing a Japanese ad). But I've found Pokemon videos to be rather shallow, and overly cute; Digimon takes the same basic idea (monsters partnering with kids) and runs with it! ....... Digimon is a more complex animation; the characters, while having definite types, are three-dimensional; there is an ongoing plot which advances every episode, giving the series room for depth; the voice acting is very well done, and the dubbed script seems superb (one of the best commercial dubs I've seen!) The series includes drama, suspense, complex relationships ^_^ and some interesting humor, and moments of inspired absurdity (I loved the nonsensical telephones!). And don't forget, fighting monsters which start off cute but become ferocious! There are often touches of Japanese culture (often cut from other imported shows to avoid confusing the American kiddies) which add yet more character. ....... All in all, an excellent series, and video; now, the important question: when does volume 2 come out?

I, too, diagree with the official rating; digimon is not at all like pokemon, and I've argued it so many times over the web. First of all, Digimon came first, believe it or not. Second, the plot and goal of the series is different then pokemon, like it or not. I can go on about it, but I don't have the space. Digimon is really cool, and is good for all ages and is definately worth watching. I saw it once and now I'm hooked on it, so I suggest that all of you try it, too. You'll like it!

I am tired of hearing people call Digimon a knock-off of Pokemon, when in truth Digimon was out in Japan before Pokemon was created. As for it not having a story, I beg to differ. None of the Digimon can digivolve with out their digidestined child using certain skills and talents that each one possesses, i.e. courage, love, friendship, honesty, reliability, purity, hope and knowledge. As far as I am concerned I would hope that my daughter knows that in using those traits within her interactions in her life that she can help others to grow. A good moral if you ask me. Much more important than the competive edge portrayed in Pokemon where the goal is to gain the most Pokemon. Digimon has my vote all the way...

Digimon is many, many times better than Pokemon- The main characters seem a lot more in tune with kids' attitudes these days, and are a whole lot cooler than a specific black-haired 10-year old accompanied by an electric rat. The Digidestined (that's the kids) are each given a crest based on their strengths/weaknesses, and have to learn to overcome their problems to help their friends. (i.e Joe, the eldest of the kids, is a cynic, and has to learn to believe in others' abilities in the bleakest of situations-He's a really big cynic, so that's a bit of a problem for him) The Digimon are also cuter/cooler than the Pokemon. For one, would you rather have a Pidgey as a pet, or its much cuter Digi-equivalent, Biyomon? For coolness, would you decide on a Charizard (blech! what kinda name is that! ) or one of Gabumon's later evolutions, Garurumon (a fierce ice-wolf) or even Weregarurumon. (enough said-the coolest of the Digimon IMHO... Kinda rolls off your tongue as you say it... go ahead... try!)

The animation (done by the DragonBall guys, no less) is a lot more fluid than Pokemon (for crying out loud, Pokemon is pretty choppy) and has much more detail. From the Digimon and their attacks to the DigiDestined, even the landscapes are better than Pokemon's!

Finally, the humor is a lot more creative than Pokemon's. Whereas Pokemon relies on cheesy puns, Digimon takes some creativity into consideration (with a bad pun here and there): "Everybody makes mistakes...like Disco!" "It's like Deja Vu all over again!" "I swear, Myotismon, I won't do it again! Promise! I'll do anything! I'LL WORK ON SUNDAYS! "

This series is ideal for either the otaku (big anime/video game fan who seems to do nothing but watch anime/play games all day long) in your life or the Pokemaniac who's ready to move on to something bigger and better.

Technically, the Digimon tamagotchi-like toy came BEFORE the Pokémon Game Boy game! Doesn't anybody remember seeing those things about five years ago, when you take care of a Digimon, then hook it up with somebody else's and battle it?

Well, I'll just talk about these videos. It shows a great introduction to the series, with seven characters sent out to try and save the digital and the real world (frankly I think that seven is a little much). It shows you the personalities of the characters, and the ever-so-cool transformations, or 'Digivolving' scenes when the Digimon increase their attack power and size.

Of course, this is just the beginning of the series, it gets much better later on!

For the information of the public, Digimon is not a rip-off of pokemon, because digimon was made first, it was released to the us after pokemon, but it was created and shown in japan before pokemon-please check your facts, amaxzon, before having "editors" review things- thanks The stories thenselves focus on the inherent strengths of each individual child and how the powers of friendship and cooperation can be effective

I didn't buy the video, since I've seen every Digimon ep in America!I'm also a Pokemon fan, but personally, I think Digimon is way better. I agree with every person who gave Digimon a review here at Amazon. Pokemon's plot is always the same. Same villans, same dream to become a Pokemon Master, battling for badges, stuff like that. Digimon is more deep, especially with each of their Crests that stand for their most powerful inner strengths: Courage, Friendship, Knowledge, Love, Sincerity, Hope, Reliability, and Light. Every episode, there's a new story, and the friends grow closer together every day. Also, there are family relations, like how one of them is adopted, and his parents didn't tell them. I hafta admit though, the first coupla eps are pretty boring, but they get more exciting and more deep as the story goes on, especially when they're back on Earth during the Story of the Eigth Child. I totally recommend EVERYONE to watch Digimon!

Hello? Pokemon came out after Digimon in Japan. Just 'cause Pokemon got here first. Do a little research before you start pointing fingers! Digimon actually has a real world base unlike Pokemon and a far more interesting plot. Ash is just trying to train a bunch of strange creatures that don't even talk while the Digimon have to save the world. I mean, come'on!