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The popular anime series DAN DA DAN made its way to theaters with a special screening event of DAN DA DAN Evil Eye that’s part finale, part season premiere. After leaving fans hanging with Season 1’s cliffhanger ending, this theatrical release promises to finally reveal what’s lurking behind that mysterious hole in Jiji’s house. But does this cinema experience deliver what fans are hoping for, or does it fall short of expectations?
DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE isn’t your standard movie. Instead, it’s a special compilation that combines the final episode of Season 1 with the first three episodes of Season 2. The screening premiered exclusively at TGV Cinemas on May 30, 2025, giving audiences their first look at the continuation of the story that left many viewers wondering what would happen next.
The format includes more than just anime episodes. Director interviews bookend the screening – one at the beginning and another at the end – adding about 20 minutes of behind-the-scenes content to the overall runtime. While these segments offer interesting production insights, they don’t always flow smoothly with the main content. For viewers who came primarily to watch the anime, these interview portions can feel like interruptions that drag out the experience.
Catching Up and Moving Forward
The screening kicks off with a 20-minute recap covering the major events from Season 1 and how the story reaches Jiji’s house. This summary helps returning viewers refresh their memory, but it doesn’t provide enough background for newcomers. If you haven’t watched the anime or read the manga before, you’ll likely struggle to understand the deeper story elements or grasp why certain scenes and character relationships matter. The recommendation is clear: watch Season 1 first.
Once the new Season 2 content begins, the story wastes no time jumping into action. Okarun and Jiji discover a strange space inside the house while Momo faces an attack from five mysterious strangers. The pacing is fast and intense right from the start, with some backstory explanation before diving straight into high-energy supernatural battles.
Where DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE truly shines is in its visual presentation. The battle scenes are spectacular, featuring fast-paced action with explosive and beautifully animated sequences. Each fight scene showcases dynamic choreography and over-the-top supernatural elements, all brought to life with bold, vibrant colors that make every frame pop with personality.
The color design stands out particularly well. Since the original manga is in black and white, seeing these moments animated brings a whole new dimension to the story. The giant worm glows with golden light, while Evil Eye appears cloaked in threatening purple, creating a striking contrast against Okarun’s fiery red appearance. These visual choices demonstrate how anime adaptations can enhance the source material.
The adaptation goes further than simply translating manga panels to screen. New scenes and subtle additions provide extra value for longtime fans, making the experience feel fresh rather than like a basic retelling. Moments that appeared in just a single manga frame get expanded treatment in the anime, such as more detailed explanations about the giant worm or additional scenes showing the town’s appearance. These touches help build out the world and create a more immersive experience.
One noticeable absence is the lack of an opening theme song, which feels like a missed chance to build excitement. In a theatrical setting, a strong opening could have perfectly set the tone for what follows. This omission stands out especially since opening themes are typically important elements in anime series.
Verdict
DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE delivers the wild, loud, colorful experience that fans of the series expect. It’s packed with supernatural action, strange mysteries, and the quirky characters that make the series appealing. The explosive battles, stunning visuals, and fresh content additions create a satisfying continuation for those already invested in the story.
However, the additional director interview segments affect the overall pacing, and the content isn’t very accessible to newcomers. If you haven’t followed DAN DA DAN before, you’ll want to catch up on the manga or anime first to fully appreciate what’s happening on screen.
For existing fans looking for a chaotic, visually rich ride that rewards their investment in the story, this theatrical release provides exactly that. With tickets available through TGV Cinemas’ official website, it’s a chance to dive back into the mystery and finally get some answers to Season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
The Review
DAN DA DAN: Evil Eye
PROS
- The fight sequences are fast-paced, fluid, and exciting, showcasing impressive choreography and dynamic supernatural powers that keep viewers engaged throughout.
- Unlike the black-and-white manga, the anime uses rich, neon-infused colors that make characters and settings visually striking. For example, the giant worm’s golden glow and Evil Eye’s purple hue create memorable contrasts that enhance the storytelling.
- The adaptation goes beyond simply retelling the manga by expanding brief moments into fuller scenes, such as providing more background on the giant worm and showing more of the town. These additions give longtime fans fresh content to enjoy.
- The story quickly picks up with important plot points—Okarun and Jiji discovering a mysterious space, and Momo’s sudden attack—drawing viewers immediately into the new season.
CONS
- An OP often sets the mood and hype for an anime screening. Its absence here makes the start feel less engaging and misses a chance to build excitement.
- While the insights are interesting, the total 20-minute runtime for these speeches—especially the longer outro—can feel like padding. This interrupts the flow between episodes and might test the patience of viewers primarily interested in the story.
