‘Arceus and the Jewel of Life’ Coverage

Arceus and the Jewel of Life is currently airing in Australia. Jason is streaming it to me over Skype, so I’ll note any changes and commentary here. Notes are in order from newest to oldest. Keep refreshing every once in a while! Click the link in the first sentence to read our original Japanese plot summary. Remember, the movie will air on November 20th in America!

• Movie over. I really, really, really did not like Arceus’ voice at all until the end when he calmed down (and that’s not because I am used to the Japanese voice). The voice sounded fake, forced, and cheesy when he was angry (which was the majority of the movie). Sheena also didn’t do too hot of a job with her acting in the beginning either. Arceus announcing it would have justice also made the dub, for me, less enjoyable (I kept imagining everyone in Judge Judy’s court). He’s supposed to be judging them (which is what he says in the Japanese version), hence using his Judgment attack, but whatever. At least the Japanese DVD comes out in December. :p
• Ope, take that back, they continued the song after the commercials played. It went something like this, and it actually sounded like a well-done song for once, “One wish… we will keep the faith… one chance for us to make the world a better place… to get awakened to so much… if we only learn to trust… listen to the voice inside you, just believe the truth will guide you. We will be there right beside you all the way. Open your eyes… Just take the time to look around you… never forget, this is a beautiful world.” They also played that one song from the end of the 10th movie, “I’ll always remember you, carry your dreams until they come true. Each breath that I take. Each moment away. I’ll always remember you.”
• As usual, the ending song is cut off. You could hear it for about two seconds, but it’s wasn’t long enough to get a sense of it.
• Arceus: “And now with great joy I have come to understand I am truly part of it (the world).”
• Arceus (to Ash and crew): “All of my beloved.”
• In the Japanese version, when Arceus is calm, it has this really old tone to its voice, as if it’s weak and having trouble speaking (sort of). After Arceus is revived at the end, the English voice actor attempts to copy this style, but only for a few lines.
• Brock (after they all reappear): “We’re alive!”
• Ash: “No Arceus you can’t die… I won’t let you leave this world hating us!” At least the word “die” is finally not taboo.
• Cyndaquil’s voice also sounds like the same one done by 4Kids.
• Damos still calls Ash and crew “the children from the future.”
• Totodile’s voice more or less sounds like 4Kids’.
• The silver liquid metal is called “silver water.”
• Marcus’ voice is… ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! So is Tapp’s (the old jail guard).
• I’m not positive… but I think they redubbed Pichu’s voice.
• I can’t take this movie seriously… the voice acting is awful (my opinion, of course). The Japanese version had much more serious voice acting.
• Damos is voiced by Dan Green, the guy who does Mewtwo (in Mewtwo Returns), Professor Birch, Yugi, etc.
• Arceus: “Not even magical creatures will be forgiven for siding with human beings!” Magical creatures = what they called Pokemon before Poke Balls were created.
• The plates are called “Life Plates.”
• Oy… Arceus’ voice sounds completely corny. It’s not as serious or natural as the original.
• I can’t tell who is voicing Sheena… it might be someone new.
• “Jewel of Life” keeps the same name.
• This made me lol… Sheena: “Arceus intends to bring us to justice!” Dawn: “Justice?!” Sheena: “Yes, justice.” Talk about shoving the word down our throats! It’s judgment ya fuels!
• Sheena says “Arceus created this entire world” and Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina’s dimensions.
• The opening Japanese theme, originally the remixed “High Touch” song, is now replaced with an extended theme of the current Pokemon English theme song.
• Arcues is pronounced with a hard “C,” which we’ve known for a while.
• Sheena’s empathic chant, as posted previously, is now “Transcend the confines of time and space.”
• Michina keeps the same name, called “Michina Town.”
• Arceus says it’s time for “justice,” not “judgment.” Trying to avoid religious references apparently…
• Arceus’ voice sounds odd.