Copyright © 1999 Naoko Takeuchi / Kodansha / Toei Animation

The video I hold before me is the first of the three SAILOR MOON theatrical movies that Pioneer is releasing in North America, and this is a preview of the English Edited Version. As a personal introduction, my own state of SAILOR MOON knowledge is that of a respectful bystander. I caught the occasional episode of SAILOR MOON STARS on TV while I was living in Japan, and I have seen a random smattering of Japanese and English versions of the TV show. So I know of the power that SAILOR MOON holds over a strong section of anime fandom, but the only thing I myself own is a SAILOR MOON pencil holder that I found at a dollar store in Tenri.
Surprisingly enough, from a quick search on my part I learned that, after all these years of EX, we have never really reviewed a SAILOR MOON video, or much of anything else SAILOR MOON related. But we have mentioned the words in reference in over 89 articles, and you cannot deny the impact SAILOR MOON has had on anime fandom in general, both in Japan and abroad. So for me to provide the long backstory of the characters and story of SAILOR MOON would be equivalent to me trying to list the entire Pokémon index, or explain the plot of DRAGONBALL Z. However, if you need more background, a good starting place would be Anipike's SAILOR MOON page.
The movie starts with a strange flashback with Darien (Mamoru) as a crying young boy giving a farewell gift of a rose to another boy, who promises to return one day with flowers before vanishing into the sky. Then the movie moves to the present day with Serena (Usagi) and Darien in a potential romantic situation while visiting a garden/nursery. Sure enough, Amy (Ami), Raye (Rei), Lita (Makoto), Mina (Minako) and Rini (Chibi-Usa), are along as well which provides a humorous situation.
Eventually, after a dark encounter with a mysterious man named Fiore (who seems surprised that Mamoru has forgotten what Fiore promised to him), the Scouts learn that a strange planet/meteor is approaching Earth. That, and being attacked by a plant-like creature (and its victims), brings them into a crisis that could spell doom for all humanity. The story comes across as more serious than SAILOR MOON normally does, since there is not much time to socialize before the Scouts have to transform and fight in order to save the world.
Being a movie, the production values were certainly higher than the typical TV episode of SAILOR MOON and it shows. The movie still retains the look and character of the series, but the animation and consistency are of notably greater quality. The only flaw I found was with the minor attempt at CG with the meteor.
The English dub itself is relatively well done and is consistent with the TV series, once you get past the opening monologue. This opening has Serena introducing herself and the other characters and, in my opinion, it was poorly done. Nevertheless, I found this to be the only real low point.
From my memory of the original Japanese version, the only obvious edits are in the introduction (and the ending credits). The opening credits of the Japanese version showed the crew traveling to a garden while the music played, but this version plays a remixed video version of the standard North American SAILOR MOON TV opening. A minor difference, yet I have to admit I certainly preferred the new movie animation in this case.
For my own opinion, I found this to be a SAILOR MOON season wrapped up into one hour. We have the social interaction between Serena and friends, the coming of an evil that threatens the earth, tragedy and recovery, and a near-death climactic fight by our heroes. Some of the situations seem rather rushed, but overall I enjoyed watching this movie.
To cap this review off, to whom I would suggest this video may come to no surprise. If you are a fan of the English version release of SAILOR MOON as seen on TV, you will enjoy this movie as well. If you are a loyal SAILOR MOON fan of the Japanese version, you should definitely get the subtitled or DVD release instead. For anime viewers who were turned off by SAILOR MOON for one reason or another, this movie will not change your mind. And finally, for a SAILOR MOON neophyte, this movie does assume some knowledge of the SAILOR MOON R series, but overall the higher production values and self -contained plot arc makes this worthwhile for the curious.

Released in North America by Pioneer Entertainment (USA) L.P
VHS, 60 minutes
Dubbed: PISA-0001D $14.98
Subtitled: PISA-0001S $24.98
DVD: PISA-0001V $29.98
Available now in the USA
Where to buy