How to make Sailor Moon: The Movie

[PrimoPiccolo]

Originally Posted by The Virginian

Unless Uranus and Neptune are lesbians, I wouldn't bother watching.

Come on, if America ever did approach this, you know it would be marketed for kids, and openly embracing that culture just isn't a step we're ready to take.

Besides, movie adaptations ALWAYS make changes, mostly for the sake of time. And while Haruka and Michiru were the cutest of couples, I don't see them having enough time to spend on their relationship as well as Usagi and Mamoru's. Making them family would both embrace what the dub already provided and give them an instant bond that wouldn't require as much nurturing.


Spidey got organic webbing, Juggernaut was mutant instead of mystical, Piccolo Daimaou kills Goku's grandpa instead of his own Oozaru form. Change is inevitable for the sake of expansion.

[PRangerX]

I think they could just have Uranus and Neptune just be good friends. Present it like Xena and Gaberille ( afterall Xena Worrier Princess had its kid frendly momments). Being a movie would probably give them a bit more freedom then a cartoon. They'd have their own footage to shoot the way they would want. Besides Uranus and Neptune are never explicityly stated to be lesbians. Naoko won't even admit it in interviews. So its not like the movie would have to come out and say they were lesbians.

[christphern]

I actually had an idea for doing a Sailor Moon movie, that I think would work quite well for the constraints of time, and while doing it's own thing would have throwbacks to the Sailor Moon anime, manga, and live action series.

I won't go into too much detail, as I don't want a really long post to detail all of my ideas.

Anyway, my idea basically started off with Sailor V fighting Youma in London, ala the anime. The film would kick off with her and Jadeite fighting. Upon defeating him, with his dying breath, he scathingly declares her efforts futile, as a plan to destroy the other senshi is already in motion.

Anyway, long story short, the movie would basically be a rehash of the first season, condensed into 2 hours. It'd be different enough to stand on it's own, but similar enough to pay homage to the source material. Minako would be there from the start, sort of working in the background to track down all of the senshi by tracking Youma activity in Tokyo. Also, like the live action series and the manga, Venus would be the leader of the senshi, instead of Moon.

A lot of changes would have to be made, and pretty much all of the Youma, sans a few, would need to be dropped, as there's simply too much ground to cover in far too little time. The other senshi's joining may also have needed condensed into a montage in order to fit them all in. Moon, obviously, would have to be the exception, but the other 3 could be compressed into a montage, and then cover their characters and interactions with the group afterward, as the movie would build toward the climactic battle with Beryl.

Anyway, just how I would do it. Obviously, the other seasons would be saved for any potential sequals. As for Haruka and Michiru, if they can get away with having Marissa and Alex on the OC, and all the subtext in kids shows like Kim Possible (Kim and Shego's verbal sparring is flirting, no matter how you look at it), then I think they can get away with Haruka and Michiru. As was said, they never explicitly stated they were lesbians (though, contrary to the above posts, I have read that Takeuchi-san confirmed this). So, a bit of hand holding, maybe them touching more than necessary, whatever, I think it wouldn't be a problem. They never have to say it. Besides, us true Moonies know the truth.

And, while my stance isn't quite as violent as the above poster's, no respect to anything the dub did. The dub is evil, and should be ignored at all costs. It's not Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon. It's the cheap nock-off.

Chris

[PRangerX]

Originally Posted by christphern

I actually had an idea for doing a Sailor Moon movie, that I think would work quite well for the constraints of time, and while doing it's own thing would have throwbacks to the Sailor Moon anime, manga, and live action series.

I won't go into too much detail, as I don't want a really long post to detail all of my ideas.

Anyway, my idea basically started off with Sailor V fighting Youma in London, ala the anime. The film would kick off with her and Jadeite fighting. Upon defeating him, with his dying breath, he scathingly declares her efforts futile, as a plan to destroy the other senshi is already in motion.

Anyway, long story short, the movie would basically be a rehash of the first season, condensed into 2 hours. It'd be different enough to stand on it's own, but similar enough to pay homage to the source material. Minako would be there from the start, sort of working in the background to track down all of the senshi by tracking Youma activity in Tokyo. Also, like the live action series and the manga, Venus would be the leader of the senshi, instead of Moon.

A lot of changes would have to be made, and pretty much all of the Youma, sans a few, would need to be dropped, as there's simply too much ground to cover in far too little time. The other senshi's joining may also have needed condensed into a montage in order to fit them all in. Moon, obviously, would have to be the exception, but the other 3 could be compressed into a montage, and then cover their characters and interactions with the group afterward, as the movie would build toward the climactic battle with Beryl.

Anyway, just how I would do it. Obviously, the other seasons would be saved for any potential sequals. As for Haruka and Michiru, if they can get away with having Marissa and Alex on the OC, and all the subtext in kids shows like Kim Possible (Kim and Shego's verbal sparring is flirting, no matter how you look at it), then I think they can get away with Haruka and Michiru. As was said, they never explicitly stated they were lesbians (though, contrary to the above posts, I have read that Takeuchi-san confirmed this). So, a bit of hand holding, maybe them touching more than necessary, whatever, I think it wouldn't be a problem. They never have to say it. Besides, us true Moonies know the truth.

And, while my stance isn't quite as violent as the above poster's, no respect to anything the dub did. The dub is evil, and should be ignored at all costs. It's not Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon. It's the cheap nock-off.

Chris

The dub is the gateway into the subs. No one in North America would know what Sailor Moon was if it weren't for the dub. The dub was neccessary for Sailor Moon to exist as a franchise in the US. The dub did produce some good battle songs, as superficial as that sounds.

In a movie, they should have the Sailor Soldiers already formed. Have Moon be the last to join, during the movie. That way you don't have to rush the others jioning. And if a movie franchise was a a success, their orgin stories could be explained later.

[christphern]

From one standpoint, yeah, I'd agree, the actual introduction of the senshi isn't really necessary. But, at the same time, I think something would be lost to not have the team assembled within the film. Sure, the stories aren't necessary. Perfectly agree there. But, if you do it with the Senshi already together, you might give your audience the impression that the senshi are a well-oiled machine, and Usagi's the wrench that gets tossed into the gears, if that makes any sense. It would give the impression that Usagi's not really a part of the team, or, an outsider, if you will. It's sort of difficult to try and find a balance between what would work best for a film, and what would stay the most true to the series.

I figured that, since the actual stories aren't necessary for the senshi (notice, even though I'm a big Venus fan, I would have opted to drop her origin from a movie) they could be compressed into a montage sequence, fit in some time after Usagi becomes Sailor Moon, and before things heat up with Beryl and the Shitennou. The biggest issue I'm seeing with the movie is, how the heck do you seriously introduce Mamoru/Tuxedo Kamen in the film, without it seeming out of place? I mean, If there was more time to elaborate on Usagi and Mamoru's relationship in the movie, then, okay, that could be done just fine. But, short of writing out the other senshi as anything more than token background characters, there's no way to give Mamoru and Usagi's relationship the proper development without it just being absurd. The only way to make it happen and work would be to introduce Tuxedo Kamen/Mamoru and have Usagi just fall in love with him. Pretty much what happened in the anime, but there wouldn't be much time to expand on the relationship. Add to that that most of the already minimized character development would have to be dropped to accomodated, and a lot of the backstory with the Silver Millenium would have to be dropped. The big problem there is that people would complain that it's not staying true enough to the series, or it's not doing the relationship or series justice no matter how you go.

I will admit this, though. There's not really enough time in one 2 hour movie to cover enough of Sailor Moon Classic to do it justice. The only way to do it, and actually fit enough to make it work the best is as 2 movies. Otherwise, there's always going to be something missing, or lost in translaation, as it were.

As for the dub, yeah, sure, it exposed us to Sailor Moon. Not going to deny that. But, that doesn't mean it should be honoured or respected in anyway, movie or not. The only thing the dub gave us, as far as I'm concerned, is a better appreciation for the sub. I don't even care for the music. I'm sorry if that seems harsh, but, well, I've never cared for the dub, and I've cared for it even less since getting the sub from ADV. There's just no comparison. The dub is Sailor Moon-lite. It's the watered down version, with the annoying music and voices, and bad scripting. I find no redeeming quality in the dub. If you do, that's fine. But, my stance on the dub is that I now have the sub, and never have to subject myself to the dub again. However, in the interest of forum relations, I will say something positive of the dub. I could actually tolerate Mina's (*shudder*) voice. Pretty much every actress. Not sure if that's just rose coloured glasses, as Minako's by far my favourite Sailor Moon character in every incarnation, but, there you go.

*Edit* Ooh, had a thought. For Mamoru, the best way I think to approach it, if the film were to be approached as a one shot, one film deal, is to introduce the character, but not really develop Usagi and Mamoru's relationship outside of some obvious attraction and caring. Reason being that it doesn't seriously compress the relationship, but, also leaves some expanding room should another film be done. Maybe leave the ending with the two characters meeting again after there memories have been wiped, and have them maybe date, or just interact. Whatever. Director's license at that point.

Chris

[PRangerX]

Originally Posted by christphern

From one standpoint, yeah, I'd agree, the actual introduction of the senshi isn't really necessary. But, at the same time, I think something would be lost to not have the team assembled within the film. Sure, the stories aren't necessary. Perfectly agree there. But, if you do it with the Senshi already together, you might give your audience the impression that the senshi are a well-oiled machine, and Usagi's the wrench that gets tossed into the gears, if that makes any sense. It would give the impression that Usagi's not really a part of the team, or, an outsider, if you will. It's sort of difficult to try and find a balance between what would work best for a film, and what would stay the most true to the series.

I figured that, since the actual stories aren't necessary for the senshi (notice, even though I'm a big Venus fan, I would have opted to drop her origin from a movie) they could be compressed into a montage sequence, fit in some time after Usagi becomes Sailor Moon, and before things heat up with Beryl and the Shitennou. The biggest issue I'm seeing with the movie is, how the heck do you seriously introduce Mamoru/Tuxedo Kamen in the film, without it seeming out of place? I mean, If there was more time to elaborate on Usagi and Mamoru's relationship in the movie, then, okay, that could be done just fine. But, short of writing out the other senshi as anything more than token background characters, there's no way to give Mamoru and Usagi's relationship the proper development without it just being absurd. The only way to make it happen and work would be to introduce Tuxedo Kamen/Mamoru and have Usagi just fall in love with him. Pretty much what happened in the anime, but there wouldn't be much time to expand on the relationship. Add to that that most of the already minimized character development would have to be dropped to accomodated, and a lot of the backstory with the Silver Millenium would have to be dropped. The big problem there is that people would complain that it's not staying true enough to the series, or it's not doing the relationship or series justice no matter how you go.

I will admit this, though. There's not really enough time in one 2 hour movie to cover enough of Sailor Moon Classic to do it justice. The only way to do it, and actually fit enough to make it work the best is as 2 movies. Otherwise, there's always going to be something missing, or lost in translaation, as it were.

As for the dub, yeah, sure, it exposed us to Sailor Moon. Not going to deny that. But, that doesn't mean it should be honoured or respected in anyway, movie or not. The only thing the dub gave us, as far as I'm concerned, is a better appreciation for the sub. I don't even care for the music. I'm sorry if that seems harsh, but, well, I've never cared for the dub, and I've cared for it even less since getting the sub from ADV. There's just no comparison. The dub is Sailor Moon-lite. It's the watered down version, with the annoying music and voices, and bad scripting. I find no redeeming quality in the dub. If you do, that's fine. But, my stance on the dub is that I now have the sub, and never have to subject myself to the dub again. However, in the interest of forum relations, I will say something positive of the dub. I could actually tolerate Mina's (*shudder*) voice. Pretty much every actress. Not sure if that's just rose coloured glasses, as Minako's by far my favourite Sailor Moon character in every incarnation, but, there you go.

*Edit* Ooh, had a thought. For Mamoru, the best way I think to approach it, if the film were to be approached as a one shot, one film deal, is to introduce the character, but not really develop Usagi and Mamoru's relationship outside of some obvious attraction and caring. Reason being that it doesn't seriously compress the relationship, but, also leaves some expanding room should another film be done. Maybe leave the ending with the two characters meeting again after there memories have been wiped, and have them maybe date, or just interact. Whatever. Director's license at that point.

Chris

I don't think a montage will do their intros justice though. My intent was to have their be a conflict of whether Usagi was really ready or not, like the Anime did. In the end she would rise up and save the day. Of course the one flaw is that you'd lose the aspect of Usagi being the one to bring four lonely girls together ( which is a point so wonderfully pointed out in the R Movie) .

I agree it would be tempting to go with more then one movie with the orginal season story adaption. If you go with one movie some things will have to be changed. Perhaps it would be best to cut out some of the scouts, in order to do a better job with the ones you had.

Hollywood does love stories like Usagi and Mamuro all the time, it wouldn't bee too hard. Perhaps they already know each other, but don't get along in the beginning.

I was talking about songs like "Carry On", "My Only Love", and "The Power of Love". The climax of the first season in Japan is better then the cut dubbed version, but the music they use for Matallia vs Usagi doesn't hold up to "Carry On".

The dub background music was enjoyable for me. But I actually enjoy the japanese background music better. Its just the battle songs I talked about above that I like better. "Moon Revenge" diffinitly holds up with them though.

I can see why you like the orginal better. But would you even be into Sailor Moon if it wasn't for the dub? If anything that is the one thing we can cherish from the dub. That it introduced us all to Sailor Moon. I doubt very many of us would even know what it was otherwise. So in that way the watered down dub is a neccessary evil. Besides its better then what Saban Etertainment was going to do, lol.

[Kamen Rider Decade]

Originally Posted by PRangerX

The dub is the gateway into the subs. No one in North America would know what Sailor Moon was if it weren't for the dub.

By using that logic I would have never heard of the following animes because the dubs for them do not exist:
Claymore
Darker that Black
Code Geas: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Gundam OO
Deltora Quest

You are flat out wrong. Your entire point has no ground to stand on.

[PRangerX]

Gundam has a US Franchise. The US Gundam imports open the door for people to explore the japenese shows.

Sailor Moon was part of educating the west on Japenese Anime. It helped to launch the modern day anime craze. It wasn't the only show by far, but was a big part.

Even if you would still know of it, a lot of people wouldn't. Sailor Moon wouldn't be what it was to people here. It would just be some Japenese Show that the hardest of hardcore's knew about.

[PrimoPiccolo]

Originally Posted by christpher

Also, like the live action series and the manga, Venus would be the leader of the senshi, instead of Moon.

Only problem I'd see with that approach is the uninformed moviegoers wondering why the movie isn't called Sailor Venus.

Originally Posted by The Virginian

Spidey had in the comics as well.

That wasn't until mid-2004. They got the idea to give Spider-Man biological webbing from the movie.

[christphern]

True, they'd wonder about the name. But, you make Moon the leader, and people would wonder why. She has no qualities of a leader and was never leader in anything, even the anime. They just kind of glossed over any leadership roles all together in the anime.

PRX, I can give credit where credit is due, and say, yes, Sailor Moon's dub did pave the way for anime in the US. I've said that many times myself in the past. But, that said, that doesn't mean that the dub need be referenced in any way in a movie. There's a difference between respecting what it did for anime, and respecting what it is. I can respect what it did, and hate what it is.

Hollywood may do love stories like Usagi and Mamoru all the time, but, when you consider that they have to fit Usagi and Mamoru's love story, the Senshi's developement, and the escalating conflict with Beryl and the Shittenou. Add in the backstory, if they feel they can fit it, and it's getting way too crowded for a single movie deal. Like I said in my suggestion, they don't have to have them fall in love in one movie. It can be set up, and left to develop later. I mean, if you think about it, any development of their love story will be pretty much moot, as it'll be erased at the end of the film, unless that would be something they changed.

Chris