Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions (2016) Poster

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6/10
Good End to an Era
jkylebennett24 October 2019
As a long time fan of the franchise, I can say with certainty that the movie is good. Not spectacular, but good. By far, this movie has some of the smoothest and most beautifully executed animation of the entire franchise. Those who know this series know that the animation isn't always up to snuff, but this movie clearly got a much bigger budget and it was well served to seeing some very beautiful if even a little over-saturated animation. It's also wonderful that all the original voice actors of the characters represented in the movie made their return. It's a particularly wonderful thing of note considering that many of those voice actors are either retired or have switched focus to other areas and are no longer regularly voice acting on a consistent basis. I also like that 4Kmedia did not edit the movie to the point of being unrecognizable like they did with the original series. It was a very well executed English translation from the original Japanese property. However, if I have any point to criticize, it's that the story was a bit of a jumbled mess. It often felt like it was just jumping around from one thing to another without proper transition. It's likely due to the limited run time of the movie itself, but it often felt as if you looked away for only a few seconds or stepped out of the room for a few minutes that you missed major plot points and would easily get lost. I stayed in place for the length of the movie without leaving the room once, and I still felt like I missed something. That is a big issue for me. If I had been a casual viewer and not a fan of the franchise, I would have been so completely lost. That said, I still felt lost at times, and that's most definitely an issue of pacing. Whatever the case, it's a very good movie that any fan of the franchise will enjoy and those looking to get into the franchise should hold off on watching until they get to know more about the franchise itself. Above all, the ending was very satisfying. The action was lacking and rushed, but it reached an ending worthy of the era of the franchise.
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8/10
This is pretty much the Kaiba movie, but I'm okay with that.
lunalovitt24 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
So overall, this was actually pretty good. I loved the visual upgrade the series' style got. I loved seeing all the characters again. I mean, my score basically shows that I liked it over all. However, there were a few things that detracted from it for me.

First off, Kaiba's sudden overwhelming obsession to bring back the Pharaoh. I get it, he believes in the ancient Egypt stuff now, but... given how the series ended, I don't understand why he'd be obsessed with dueling the Pharaoh and not Yugi, the person who actually defeated our favorite puzzle spirit. Also to the point where he would risk his own life to travel through space and time just to duel the man again. This is almost insane levels of obsession to the point where it kind of detracts from his character. While duel monsters was always important to him before, in the series he never really went to these extremes for it. Still, his overall part in this story was pretty amazing. He was made out to be a complete bamf and earned every glorious second of it. Plus his intelligence was really shining based solely on the technological advances he's pioneered since the series. Like, dang, boy's got serious smarts. Also apparently some good one-liners.

Now on to the main conflict. Okay, so... This was pretty much entirely Kaiba's fault due to his obsession over bringing back the Pharaoh. The reasoning behind the antagonist's motives were somewhat flimsy. Kind of a basic "we don't want to lose our ultimate power" kind of thing on the surface (and holy cow was Diva OP as heck. It's a shock he didn't just wipe out the universe while he was at it). Props to the writers for finding a way to tie in the series and create this kind of mind-blowing story for Shadi, though. As to my thoughts on Diva and Shadi's child followers, well, they're a bit mixed. Diva (and a diva he truly is in terms of angst) is a character I can sympathize with. However I am a little disappointed that at the end of it all it was really the spirit of the millennium ring that issues the greatest threat.

The return of the Pharaoh was great. There really is no way to describe the scene so I really suggest that even if people don't watch the movie, they should just track down that scene and take it in. The build up and tension was amazing and honestly I'd watch this again multiple times.

As to my opinion on how the whole ending turns out, well, given the opening scene with Kaiba winning against hologram Yami/Atem and then him not losing to Yugi later on (and this purposefully being shown to the audience), I get the feeling the end probably actually is the time that Kaiba beats the real Pharaoh in a duel and redeems himself even though we never actually see the duel happen. This was basically a movie focused on Kaiba, after all, and it shows his change in attitude about the past and dueling into something akin to his own version of the heart of the cards, meaning he's finally dueling on a level that is equal to that of the Pharaoh. Heck, I'm actively rooting for him to win just based on all he's done and accomplished just to get that far. While I wish I could see that duel play out, I have little doubt about the outcome given all this movie has shown and hinted at.
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6/10
Not bad, not good either
elenaphysics23 September 2019
This movie is meh. It introduces some new characters but it was kind of boring. I was a fan of the series and the first movie was really great. This one had me falling asleep all the time. It is not what I expected at all. I would never rewatch it (like I did with the first movie) but it is not terrible. It is ok I guess..
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6/10
One wrong card; one wrong move.
michaelRokeefe20 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Satoshi Kuwabara co-writes and directs this original anime. The stakes could not be any higher as the rivalry between Yugi Moto and Seto Kaiba reaches the boiling point. The risks never so great; one wrong move, one wrong card...or one card short. The right monsters at the wrong time. The battle is for two key pieces of the Millennium Puzzle.

You don't need Yu-Gi-Oh cards or even be a follower to enjoy the fantastic cinematography. Lack of Yu-Gi-Oh knowledge will not keep you from enjoying this film. The game is not over until it is over! Card playing prowess reigns supreme.

Character voices supplied by: Dan Green, Kenjiro Tsuda, Eric Stuart, Daniel Edwards, Kana Hanazawa, Laurie Hymes, Kazunari Kojima and Kento Hayashi.
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6/10
Conceptually interesting, but ultimately hollow in execution
daisukereds12 November 2022
I'll be honest, I watched solely for Kaiba's nonsense.. and he didn't disappoint!!

A man so rich and powerful, he basically controls the world from the shadows. With technological prowess beyond anyone's comprehension, backed by his infinite wealth, he has access to every possible bit of information and his genius can do anything he desires.. yet he care's about nothing than to be reunited with the one man he considers his equal. Sounds like a romantic plot? Well, Kaiba would even travel across "dimensions" just to play against him again.. not being able to let go of the Pharaoh that is no more.

The premise itself is befitting his character and immensively enjoyable!! But the backdrop and context for this event is simply complete nonsense! Even if it thinks it actually offers any substance.

In it's 2-hour runtime, it barely develops the scarcely-explained unnecessary plot it introduces.. leaving the viewer with more questions than answers, and gasping at the idiocy of it all. With people beings living connected to others via the collective consciousness and reality being nothing but their own perception. But Kaiba's ego and Yugi's friendship can best it all!! And as expected, the game's actual rules don't matter again. It's all noise.. but the story at least understands what matters is Yugi/Yami VS Kaiba!

Yet, the animations and visual effects are worth watching, and the voice acting even better. Sadly, the English dub does a disservice to this production, as the there's no one as talented in his delivery as Kenjiro Tsuda-san doing Kaiba! Watch it in Japanese, because anything else is subpar.. even insulting. Would not recommend only to those that enjoy how far-gone this franchise is, and want a character arc worth of Kaiba's character.
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8/10
Hooray!
skylerisaac28 January 2017
A triumphant, big-screen return for Yugi and friends.

This film is fun and exciting for those of us who grew up with the original anime, but new viewers won't be disappointed, either.

The duels themselves are very fun and exciting, and the wonderfully composed music strengthens them even further.

My only complaint is that the film felt a bit too long. For example, there were a couple of scenes that really didn't add anything to the film which could've easily been cut out.

Wonderful animation, a surprisingly good story and the usual rhetoric about the power of friendship make this one a winner. Even if you think you've outgrown this franchise, I still suggest seeing this one. I left the theater feeling energized and joyful.

Recommended.

8/10
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6/10
Disregarding the plot, a very fun movie to watch
elendil-3255828 August 2021
Yeah, don't read too much into the story. At least they tried to somewhat tie into the original series which makes it a lot more bearable than for example Pyramid of Light. They bothered to get all the original voice actors (I watched the Japanese Version with English subtitles) and pretty much nailed the atmosphere of the show (ignoring the new art style). It's also very friendly towards people that didn't bother with the spin-offs, leaving out any gimmicks that came out after 2004 (Synchro, XYZ and so on). And of course the plot rides a lot on nostalgia and fan service, bringing back most of the original cast and connecting directly to some side characters of the original show, which is, in my opinion, not a bad thing.

But honestly, they tried to let the plot sound way more complicated than it actually is. It's not deep, there are plot holes, characters know things they shouldn't, I felt no connection to the newly introduced characters and once you understand what drives the main villain, you get annoyed how complicated he explains his reasons. The movie drags a bit in parts of the first to second act, but the rest is really dynamic and never once I felt bored.

The animations are on point, duels never felt so fluent and honestly were one of the biggest plus points of the movie. But even those are sometimes overshadowed by a new kind of duel that has a gimmick that literally had no impact at all.

All in all I subjectively had a very fun time in an objectively mediocre movie, but for fans of the original show I can definitly recommend it!
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10/10
Surprisingly Impressive
notbogdy5 February 2017
The thing I can tell you for sure is this: I want more of this. This movie was amazing and it ignited something long forgotten from my childhood in me. This movie is all what gaming is about, and no other series does it better. While it was made to be with more advanced game-play, and not for newer players, it took a risk in being more inclined to a specific audience. And that for me is worth a 10 start in itself. Nowdays movies try to please everyone, and please no one, but they knew their fan-base and gave them something they needed. Also, they nailed it with the quantity and quality. This movies has a lot of content that could peak your interest. I really missed this series and now it proved that, the author's success is well deserved.
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6/10
Stunning Artwork, but kinda boring.
Darklordnoodlez27 December 2020
Pros: An extremely good looking movie with great animation, artwork, and art style. The soundtrack and sound editing were both phenomenal. The voice actors were all AMAZING. And all the characters were really good. All the jokes were funny. Cons: Kinda boring duels that were super short. Villain was uninteresting. Unnece long. Stupid new magical powers.
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1/10
Terrible. Who makes a Yugioh movie without the voice actor?
deathwing70212 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I give this movie a 1 because well, the writing is terrible compared to the original series. Secondly, the movie teases you all 2 hours long that Atem (Yami Yugi) will return, but you never hear him speak. There's only still shots that show him but he never speaks and it's a cheap way to cash in on die-hard fans. Secondly, all the characters are one dimensional and serve no purpose. Kibas action in the movie at the end makes no sense at all. I hope my review doesn't spoil anything but if you are going to watch a Yugioh movie, it's only fair that you know you won't get to hear the main voice actor that made the series the success that it was.
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10/10
The Drinking Game: Plana and Dimensions
nicohoermann13 October 2019
It's simple every time someone says "Plana" or *"Dimension"* in any Context you drink.

Extreme Version We didn't try this yet, but if you want more you can also add "World" and "Master Shin".

Have Fun
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6/10
Not as bad as I had expected
briancham199427 December 2022
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions was not as bad as I had expected. The strongest point of the film was definitely the visual experience. It was quite stunning to look at with many cool shots and scenes.

However, like the original series, there were plenty of predictable downsides. The duels were repetitive which made the film dull to watch. The storyline itself raised far too many questions and plot holes. Did Sarah give the puzzle pieces away so that they would be away from Diva and so that the pharoah would be ressurrected faster? If so, why give them to Yugi? Why not give them to Kaiba? Why would either of them agree to the tournament?

At least there was a nice progression of setting up mysterious and then answering them later in a satisfying way.
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2/10
Lazy writing riding on nostalgia...
gtenalokes9 October 2019
Total waste of time, full of plot holes, senseless and illogical... It was good seeing the gang again but totally disappointed by the degraded storyline...

The lack of Intelligence and effort behind the duels in this movie is really irritating..

We need to have standards when rating movies/shows or else It all becomes pointless
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8/10
Very good, even for people who never seen Yu-Gi-Oh!
subxerogravity11 February 2017
It's strange that I went to go see this flick at all. I was never into Yu-Gi-Oh!

But the Dark Side of Dimensions made card game playing look awesome. those card battles look great when the characters from the cards just popped out and came to life and did their attack moves. it was pretty fun to watch. Thank god the movie was English dubbed as it would kill me to have to read all the characters yelling out the explanations to how the card works.

The character design was really cool and Yu-Gi-Oh! had some cool characters in it. Not a bad experience, almost made me wish I saw the beginning before I saw the end.

http://cinemagardens.com
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9/10
Wonderful Movie Dub!
lugiaboy4 February 2017
Without a doubt my favorite thing about this Movie is it brought all the previous voice actors back together to what I consider a wonderful conclusion to the Original Yugioh Franchise. Was it absolutely astonishing? No, not by a mile. But I must admit this movie had a ton of fan-service that always makes me happy to see. Of course this movie isn't for everyone but that doesn't mean it's a fun experience. It's actually much more mature than I actually expected which in my ideal that is pretty nice, especially for long time fans. It's very nicely animated as well, and always a treat is that I think they did a immensely wonderful performance with all the Characters. Sure some fall apart but I think Dan Green did a wonderful job as Yugi Moto again. Of course all speculating of how I think they did a great job, I would say the only flop of this film is it's more directed to the fans, though that doesn't mean you can't get into it. It's plentiful with wonderful characters, unique backstories, and amazing performances. This is defiantly a watch for anybody interested!
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3/10
never really liked Yu-Gi-Oh and this movie reflects that
spadaforedominick25 January 2021
Empty story with very little plot development. Motives felt weak, and mostly uninterest the entire time. One good note, the final battle was engaging, until it kept on going.
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9/10
Awesome continuation from the original series
smetin16 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This film was one I had been wanting to see for a while. After being somewhat unimpressed with the newer editions of Yu-Gi-Oh!, I was concerned that this movie would not meet up to the expectations of its fans. Boy was I wrong! This film retained the magic of the original series (despite Atem's absence for most of it).

The storyline was novel and engaging. I also enjoyed the new gameplay elements that the dimension summoning added. It was really great to see the original gang back together again, with (who I assume to be) the original voice actors. The new characters were fun and had an interesting back story that only added to the lore of the original series.

Another great change was the animation. It was modernised and looked very crisp compared to the original series. In some places it looked odd, but that is because I don't really like the animation that tries to make something 2D look 3D (it was mainly for the monsters when they were summoned). It also made watching it feel a bit disjointed since there were different types of animation being utilised.

The film came to an excellent climax and did not disappoint. I just wish it was 15 minutes longer so we could see what happens after Atem gives Kaiba that grin!!
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9/10
Glorious Return of Duel Monsters to the Big Screen
carl_the_christian4 February 2017
This movie was amazing; especially, when compared to the series. In length it is the equivalent to a 7-part episode, and they would be 7 of the best episodes of the series. It has a very similar feeling to watching the duel with Pegasus or the Egyptian God card duels of the series.

The animation is superb, and though a little bit of CGI/2.5D is used, it is very mild, looks good, and much more clean than is often seen in Pokemon movies.

The beginning is a little slow at times, but the rest of the movie is very well paced with plenty of dueling and plenty of lore. It is a wondrous follow-up to the Duel Monsters series. In a period when many long-awaited sequels and remakes of well-known franchises are failing, this one brings back all the nostalgia and joy of Duel Monsters.
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10/10
It's a great movie but with a mysterious cliffhanger at the end
danielwebster-3927430 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It helps answer somewhat happens between the end of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series and Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
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8/10
The Misunderstood Greatness of Dark Side Of Dimensions
rh-1144912 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While many have their differing opinions on the movie of just saying that it's just "fan service", they fail to see the bigger picture and nuances that the movie had included, especially the life lesson that Shadi teaches his disciples of the principles of how hatred is born and how even fear can invoke such things within a person to do bad. This moral is what makes the movie such an important film to watch as we see the product of fear unfold into hatred in our antagonist Aigami as he is set on not only killing the vessel of the Pharaoh, Yugi, but also on getting revenge for Shadi's death. The movie is more than just pretty animation, Dark Side of Dimensions includes a lot of interesting dynamics for characters, fascinating lore and inspirations for some of the things that you see, and it is clear that a lot of thought had been put into this movie to be enjoyed by older and newer fans alike. There are a lot of elements added in; there is even some nostalgia for some of the older fans by having Atem come back from the afterlife but acts as as a touching moment nonetheless and doesn't overshadow of what the film would be truly about.

The power of the Plana came into the world once the Pharaoh had left for the afterlife, Aigami and the rest of his disciples were given this power by Shadi, which gives them the unique ability to traverse dimensions and alter reality, however, the power of the Plana is a one time deal, as if the Pharaoh were to ever return to earth, the power would be lost forever, even if he returns back right after into the afterlife. Aigami in FEAR of losing his powers on what could possibly change reality into a better place, he is set on a path of killing Yugi to ensure that the Pharaoh never returns. Essentially his fear of potentially losing his power, ends him on the path to kill, and through all of the setbacks eventually lead to hatred within his heart. This movie hit home for me the moment when Shadi explained the process of how even fear within the human heart and mind can transform into hatred in the long term. This lesson is what must be understood when watching the film.

Let's talk about Dimension summoning...Again, dimension summoning didn't have to make sense for any enjoyment for the story. A problem with the Yu-Gi-Oh card game is that it is too complicated, so in order to save time for the spectacle of showing the game being played in the movie with all of the monsters at a faster pace, Dimension summoning was added in for a way so that monsters wouldn't require any tributes and therefore be more entertaining to see the game being played as they had to fit in 4 Duels. (Aigami vs Kaiba) (Yugi vs Aigami) (Yugi vs Kaiba) and (Yugi and Kaiba vs Corrupted Aigami). Dimension summoning was used as a spectacle, so the argument against it doesn't really make sense. The purpose was so that the movie could be easily followed, and just enjoyed as an ability the movie introduced, it is its own unique thing and I am fine with that.

The movie's animation was great, dynamic characters, interesting motives, down to earth message and moral to wrap things up, some nostalgia, and overall a great movie. If some of you are still bitter about this movie just being "nostalgia bait", please watch the movie again, I think it is an important film for anyone to watch, especially for the lesson that Shadi teaches to his disciples before he dies. Dark Side Of Dimensions is an 8.9/10 for me. Make sure to be mindful and go in with an open mind and think to yourself, "Just what is Kazuki Takahashi trying to say?"
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9/10
The Best Yu-Gi-Oh Movie to Date!
rathaloskd6 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Don't listen to deathwing702, he doesn't understand the movie AT ALL! It was actually extremely satisfying and it tide up some loose ends for the original series. Sure, there were a few moments that could have been changed or cut out, but that's if you're being picky. I appreciated the fact that it focused more on Kaiba and not so much on Yugi or the Pharaoh. I mean seriously, Who isn't tired of seeing Yugi always taking up the spotlight. It's refreshing to see Kaiba step up as a dominant character for once while not getting his dolt handed to him in a duel by Yugi. Unlike deathwing702's obtuse opinion, the ending was exceptional. If you don't agree, then you failed to understand who Kaiba is as a person and character. Go watch it in English DUB of course, you won't be disappointed if you were a fan of the Original Yu-Gi-Oh series.
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10/10
must watch
Mostafa81814 March 2017
hooray! very good, even for people who never seen Yu-Gi-Oh!

surprisingly impressive glorious return of duel monsters to the Big screen this movie was amazing; especially, when compared to the series. In length it is the equivalent to a 7-part episode, and they would be 7 of the best episodes of the series. wonderful movie . i agree with all the other positive reviews above ❤️❤️
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9/10
Nice
oyunborann1 January 2018
I am writing this as a fanboy so in short if you have watch Yu-Gi-Oh's anime in your child hood you will love this movie. If you can watch in high quality, watch it. Worth every megabit. To see all the monsters in high quality is perfect. The vilain is a classic anime vilain but you should watch it for you child hood
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8/10
Rules were meant to be broken.
itsTheRolyPoly18 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Man did all Yu-Gi-Oh break on this. Awesome characters and awesome transitions of graphics and very good storyline. Diva was on to something and yet, despite being enemies, Yugi and Kaiba ended up working together to save their dimensions and planet.

But Kaiba had a screwed up station that shot to space! Like WTF?! Anyways, very enjoyable but a fair warning here, its nothing like the old days of the Yu Gi Oh! TV series.

Go watch it if you can.
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9/10
yay yu-gi-oh is back
jawneyfloros21 November 2018
Review: I really liked this movie because it still keeps the essence that was the cartoon Yu-Gi-Oh. The direction and screenplay are both really good. Both the casting and acting are really good also. All in all I would give this four out of a possible five stars.
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