Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (live-action series)

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

The five Sailor Guardians
Genre Magical girl, Sentai, Tokusatsu
Created by Naoko Takeuchi
Written by Yasuko Kobayashi
Directed by Ryuta Tasaki
Masataka Takamaru
Kenzo Maihara
Nobuhiro Suzuki
Takemitsu Sato
Starring Miyuu Sawai
Rika Izumi
Keiko Kitagawa
Mew Azama
Ayaka Komatsu
Rina Koike
Jouji Shibue
Aya Sugimoto
Voices of Keiko Han
Kappei Yamaguchi
Opening theme "Kirari*Sailor Dream!" by Sae (EP 01-48)
Ending theme "Friend" by Sailor Moon Cast (EP 49)
Composer(s) Michiru Oshima
Takeuchi Naoko
Country of origin Japan
Original language(s) Japanese
No. of series 1
No. of episodes 49 + 2 specials + Concert (list of episodes)
Production
Producer(s) Koichi Yada
(Toei Agency)
Yūma Sakata
(Dentsu)
Shinichiro Shirakura
Shinya Maruyama
(Toei)
Running time 24-25 minutes (per episode)
Production company(s) Toei Company
Release
Original network Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting
Picture format NTSC
Original release October 4, 2003 – September 25, 2004
Chronology
Related shows Sailor Moon
External links
Website

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (美少女戦士セーラームーン Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn)[lower-alpha 1] is a Japanese tokusatsu television series based on the Sailor Moon manga created by Naoko Takeuchi. It is produced by Toei Company.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon was produced by Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting, airing on that station in Nagoya and on the Japan News Network nationwide from October 4, 2003 to September 25, 2004, and was a retelling of the series' first story arc, albeit with considerable plot divergences.

The opening theme, titled "Kirari*Sailor Dream!" (キラリ☆セーラードリーム! Kirari Sērā Dorīmu!), is performed by J-pop singer Nanami Yumihara under the name Sae (小枝).

The series lasted 49 episodes (called "Acts"), and also included two separate made-for-DVD specials, for a total of 51 acts.

Plot

The Dark Kingdom, a great evil consisting of Queen Beryl, her generals, the Four Kings of Heaven, and an amorphous evil power named Queen Metaria attempt to steal energy so that Beryl can take over the world.

Standing in their way are the Sailor Guardians, five middle-school-aged girls: perky Usagi Tsukino, genius Ami Mizuno, paranormally gifted shrine maiden Rei Hino, tomboyish Makoto Kino, and J-pop idol Minako Aino, who are sworn to protect the Princess of the Moon and defeat the Dark Kingdom. Two beings that appear to be sentient stuffed toy cats, Luna and Artemis, serve as the girls' mentors. The Guardians also encounter Tuxedo Mask, a jewel thief in search of an immensely powerful, mystical Silver Crystal belonging to the Princess of the Moon.

While searching for the Princess of the Moon and the Silver Crystal, the initially disparate girls develop a strong bond of friendship, while Usagi also struggles with her feelings for the irksome and mysterious Mamoru Chiba. Later in the series, Metaria and Sailor Moon each get too powerful to be reined in, and the conflict shifts to attempting to postpone the inevitable destruction of the planet Earth.

Development

The popularity of the Sailor Moon musicals contributed to the decision to produce another series of Sailor Moon, and Takeuchi was more closely involved in the production than she was for the anime.[1] It was first announced on September 27, 2003, after the final episode of Kirby of the Stars.

DVD specials

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Special Act

A sequel to the series, set four years later, that portrays the wedding of Mamoru Chiba and Usagi Tsukino. Before their nuptials they must do battle with Mio Kuroki who has been resurrected and claims to be the new queen of the Dark Kingdom. She kidnaps Mamoru and Usagi and intends to force Mamoru to marry her. However, the Shitennou are revived and help their master to defeat Mio's monster, Sword and Shield. Meanwhile, the Sailor Guardians, minus Sailor Mars who is hospitalized with injuries from battling Mio while in her civilian state, use the Moon Sword provided by Queen Serenity to restore their power, enabling them to transform and defeat Mio. The story ends with Usagi and Mamoru's wedding, and Motoki and Makoto's engagement. This act is an hour long, twice as long as all the other acts.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Act Zero

The last special made for the series is a prequel of sorts that leads directly to the first episode. Minako Aino meets Artemis and becomes Sailor V on Christmas. She must use her newfound powers to foil a stage magician/jewel thief called Q.T. Kenko and his Killer Girl assistants. Meanwhile, Usagi and her friends decide to dress in their own homemade sailor fuku in order to scare the thieves away from the jewelry store owned by Naru Osaka's mother, (Usagi as Sailor Rabbit, Naru as Sailor N, and their other friends, Kanami and Momoko as sailors K and M) only for Usagi to get kidnapped by Kenko. The actors who portray the Four Kings of Heaven are featured as the inexperienced police officers group self-dubbed the "Police Four Kings of Heaven" for comic relief: Captain Kuroi (Kunzite), Officer Akai (Nephrite), Officer Shiroi (Zoisite), and female Officer Hanako (Jadeite). The story ends with Luna coming to Earth, feeling the burn of hitting the atmosphere, to give Usagi her powers.

Mini-episodes

Act Zero also comes with two mini-episodes. Each one is approximately five minutes long and tells a quick short story. "Hina Afterward" shows what happened to Hina after breaking off her engagement with Mamoru Chiba. "Tuxedo Mask's Secret Birth" shows the origin of the Tuxedo Mask persona. It includes a joke-transformation sequence in which, rather than transforming magically, he pulls his clothes on with dramatic flair.

Super Dance Lesson

A quick video hosted by Luna, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Moon, that instructed the viewer how to perform the dances from different songs from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. The dances included were for the songs "Romance" and "Here We Go! -Shinjiru Chikara-" (Here We Go!-信じるチカラ-) Also demonstrated were "C'est La Vie ~ Watashi no Naka no Koi suru Bubun" (C'est la Vie〜私のなかの恋する部分 Seito ra Bui ~Watashi no Naka no Koi suru Bubun) and "Kirari*Sailor Dream!" (キラリ☆セーラードリーム! Kirari Sērā Dorīmu!) although no formal instructions were given on how to dance to them.

Kirari Super Live!

A Special Live Event occurred on May 2, 2004 at Yomiuri Hall. This Special Event was held for the 1,000 winners of the Sailormoon Campaign (a contest held earlier in the year, in which viewers had to send in UPC symbols to enter). The event combined musical performances, in which the cast members sang and danced to songs from the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon soundtrack, and a dramatic storyline with spoken dialogue, in which the Sailor Guardians had to stop the Four Kings of Heaven from stealing the energy of the audience members. The concert was recorded and released on DVD. It also included bonus behind-the-scenes footage of the performance and interviews with the cast members.

Episode list

Television

[2]

Act No. Title Original air date
1 "I Am Sailor Moon!"
"Watashi wa Sērā Mūn!" (わたしがセーラームーン!) 		October 4, 2003
Usagi Tsukino is a 14-year-old junior high student who unexpectedly becomes a heroine after a black cat, Luna, awakens her as Sailor Moon in order to save the world. First, she must save her friend, Naru Osaka, from an evil Youma inhabiting her mother's body. 
2 "Ami Becomes a Friend"
"Ami-chan ga Nakama ni Natta wa" (亜美ちゃんが仲間になったわ) 		October 11, 2003
Ami Mizuno is the highest ranked student in Usagi's class, and Usagi manages to befriend her despite their academic differences. But when Luna suspects that Ami might be Senshi as well, Ami also suspects that as the reason for Usagi's friendship and refuses. When she is attacked by a Youma, Ami realizes how true a friend Usagi is and awakens as Sailor Mercury. 
3 "The Third Senshi Is the Miko Named Rei"
"Sanninme no Senshi wa Miko no Rei-chan" (三人目の戦士はみこのレイちゃん) 		October 18, 2003
During a string of disappearances of miko priestesses, Usagi runs into one of them, Rei Hino, who is the prime suspect of the missing girls. Usagi defends her reputation, until the two got pulled into another dimension by a Youma, causing Rei to awaken as Sailor Mars. 
4 "Sneaking Into the Party!"
"Pātī ni Sennyū yo!" (パーティーに潜入よ!) 		October 25, 2003
There is a rumor that the Mystical Silver Crystal will be exhibited at a high-society costume party. Tuxedo Mask decides to look after it, followed by Usagi, but the Dark Kingdom is still one step ahead. Meanwhile, Rei refuses to cooperate with Usagi and Ami, choosing to act on her own. 
5 "Is Usagi a True Friend?"
"Usagi-chan wa Hontō no Tomodachi?" (うさぎちゃんは本当の友達?) 		November 1, 2003
When Ami finds out that her friendships with Usagi and Rei are not genuine, she reads a book on how to be a true friend. This exhausts Ami and when Usagi discovers why she changed, she got angry. Meanwhile, Ami gets into more trouble when she tries to defeat a Youma without calling for help! 
6 "The Transfer Student Is Sailor Jupiter"
"Tenkōsei wa Sērā Jupitā" (転校生はセーラージュピター) 		November 8, 2003
Usagi is saved by a new girl in town from the bullies. When Usagi realizes the girl who saved her is at her school, she befriends her. The new girl, a tomboyish Makoto Kino, seems tough on the outside, but when she lets her guard down for a popular basketball player who turns out to be a Youma in disguise, the vulnerable Makoto must awaken as Sailor Jupiter to defeat him. 
7 "He Saw Me Transforming!"
"Henshin Suru no o Mirare chatta!" (変身するのをみられちゃった!) 		November 15, 2003
Usagi suspects that a Karaoke Crown attendant named Motoki Furuhata is Tuxedo Mask when she discovers a tuxedo jacket with a hole in it like he'd received the night before, and impulsively asks him out on a date. Makoto and Rei are invited along with them to an amusement park where a man, Mamoru Chiba, and a friend of his join in. Things go well until a Youma attacks Rei, and Usagi unknowingly reveals to Mamoru that she is Sailor Moon. 
8 "Rei and Her Father"
"Rei to Otōsan" (レイとお父さん) 		November 22, 2003
Rei and Makoto refuse to get along with each other until Rei's father, who is a politician, forcibly requests her for their monthly meal together. Believing that Rei's father is gonna kidnap her, Makoto gives chase and Rei opens up about her relationship to her father. Meanwhile, when Usagi works very hard for a mascot costume contest for pop idol named Minako Aino, she is attacked by Jadeite at the contest. 
9 "I'll Protect the Illusion Silver Crystal"
"Mamore! Maboroshi no Ginzuishō" (守れ!幻の銀水晶) 		November 29, 2003
When Tuxedo Mask reveals information of the Mystical Silver Crystal to the public to speed up the search for it, the mad rush brings a wealthy businessman to ask for Rei's protection of his gem that seems authentic and Ami goes in her place. Meanwhile, Usagi fights her feelings for Tuxedo Mask after being warned by a masked crimefighter, Sailor V, that he is the enemy and gets in big trouble for helping him. 
10 "I Am Queen Beryl, Queen of Darkness"
"Warawa wa Yami no Joō Kuin Beriru" (わらわが闇の女王クイン·ベリル) 		December 6, 2003
Usagi runs away from home and decides to move in with Rei at her Shrine. There, Luna sees a connection between the legend of Princess Kaguya and the real Moon Kingdom. Meanwhile, Zoisite formulates a plan to destroy all princesses under his hopes of defeating the Princess of the Moon. 
11 "We Got to Meet the Real Minako!"
"Honmono no Minako-chan ni Acchatta!" (本物の美奈子ちゃんに会っちゃった!) 		December 13, 2003
Minako was struck by a reckless truck and ends up being hospitalized. Usagi comes up with a plan to see her. She and Makoto obtain her autograph whilist Usagi sets a bad impression with Minako and her manager. Meanwhile Rei and Ami are drawn into a trap set up by Zoisite that turns them against their companions. 
12 "Sailor V's True Identity Was the Princess!"
"Sērā Bui no Shōtai wa Purinsesu datta no!" (セーラーVの正体はプリンセスだったの!) 		December 20, 2003
Usagi aids Minako into getting out of the hospital and spend some quality time together. Later on, Minako awakens herself as Sailor Venus, a Senshi that Usagi, her friends and the Dark Kingdom were searching for. 
13 "The Last of the Shitennō, Kunzite, Appears"
"Shitennō Saigo no Hitori Kuntsaito Arawaru" (四天王最後の一人クンツァイトあらわる) 		December 27, 2003
Usagi and Mamoru meet a kind amnesiac man named Shin, and Usagi decides to help him remember his life, though he seems not to want to. With Mamoru's help, Shin and Usagi became acquaintances. Meanwhile, the evil Queen Beryl intends to awaken her fourth general, Kunzite, who happens to be Shin's true identity. Kunzite infects Sailor Moon with a spell that slowly starts to transform her into a Youma. 
14 "Usagi Is Turning Into a Youma?"
"Usagi wa Yōma ni?" (うさぎが妖魔に?) 		January 10, 2004
Usagi faints after her recovery from Kunzite's spell to transform into a Youma and they discover it is fighting her will. While Makoto and Rei search for means to stop this from happening, Ami does her best to help Usagi in the toughest fight of her life. 
15 "I'll Punish the Thief!"
"Dorobō o Oshioki yo!" (どろぼうをおしおきよ!) 		January 17, 2004
Minako's jewelry is stolen, and Usagi teams up with Mamoru to catch the thieves. Once they manage to escape them, Mamoru is injured when a Youma also comes to steal the jewels from them. 
16 "I Must Save Osaka!"
"Ōsaka-san o Tasukenakya!" (大阪さんをたすけなきゃ!) 		January 24, 2004
Naru and Ami become bitter rivals for Usagi's friendship, but when a Youma kidnaps Naru and transfers her to a place where the energy of many humans is being stolen, Ami sets aside her differences to save Naru at all costs. As a result the two become better friends, rendering Usagi really happy. 
17 "Minako Transforms in Front of Rei's Eyes!"
"Rei no Me no Mae de Minako wa Henshin!" (レイのめのまえで美奈子が変身!) 		January 31, 2004
Minako and Rei encounter an abandoned dog at a church they attend. While caring for the dog, a Youma attacks the pastor and Rei fights her. Despite her cat, Artemis's objections, Minako reveals to Rei that she is Sailor Venus, but is quickly disappointed when Rei lets the Youma escape when she is injured. 
18 "At Last, All Five Sailor Senshi Are Together"
"Tsuini Sorotta Gonin no Sērā Senshi" (ついにそろった5人のセーラー戦士) 		February 7, 2004
Minako and Rei argue over their respective meanings of being Sailor Senshi. When the Youma that leaves Rei reappears, along with Jadeite and Nephrite, it will take the combined power of all five Senshi to defeat them. 
19 "Usagi's Nervous Valentine"
"Usagi no Dokidoki Barentain" (うさぎのドキドキバレンタイン) 		February 14, 2004
Usagi decides to help a little girl called named Hikari Nozaki to find a Valentine's Day present to the boy she likes. When Usagi discovers that the boy's crush is on Mamoru's girlfriend, Hikari's determination to prove herself to him inspires Usagi to pursue Mamoru. 
20 "Hina Was Mamoru's Fiancée..."
"Hina-san wa Mamoru no Konyakusha datta no..." (陽菜さんは衛の婚約者だったの…) 		February 21, 2004
Hikari asks Usagi to go on a double date with her and Mamoru, but learns innocently that he and a woman, Hina Kusaka, are engaged. Meanwhile Minako's warning on Usagi regarding Tuxedo Mask reveals his identity. Rei goes off on her own, wishing to become a stronger Senshi. When Ami contemplates that her bond with Rei is not as strong as it should be, she is then attacked and kidnapped by Kunzite. 
21 "What Did You Do to Ami!?"
"Ami-chan ni Nani o Shita!" (亜美ちゃんになにをした!) 		February 28, 2004
Makoto cares for an sickened Ami while Usagi tries to sort out her feelings for Mamoru and Rei is set off on her own mission. After Ami recovers, she is then trapped and brainwashed by Kunzite to become an evil senshi, Dark Sailor Mercury, turning against her former companions. 
22 "Ami Becomes an Enemy..."
"Ami-chan wa Teki no te ni..." (亜美ちゃんが敵のてに...) 		March 6, 2004
Usagi finds out that Ami's sudden dark change in personality turns Usagi's class against her. As Rei and Makoto fight a Youma, Ami challenges Usagi to a fight. Sailor Moon awakens an incredible power; her compassionate tears nearly free Ami from Kunzite's influence, but Kunzite takes Ami away again. With hopes restored anew, they vow to bring Ami back. 
23 "In Order to Awaken Her Senshi Powers, Rei Sings"
"Senshi no Chikara o Mezamesaserutame, Utau Rei" (戦士の力を目覚めさせるため、うたうレイ) 		March 13, 2004
Minako arranges for Rei to perform for hospital children as a J-Pop singer under the name "Reiko Mars". Rei eventually overcame her insecurity and dislike of singing with Usagi's help. The lesson of learning to rely on and trust others helps Rei awaken her sterner powers as a Senshi, causing her to defeat Nephrite single-handedly. 
24 "I Can't Forget About Mamoru Chiba After All"
"Yappari Chiba Mamoru no Koto wa Wasurerarenai no" (やっぱり地場衛のことがわすれられないの) 		March 20, 2004
Mamoru decides to study abroad, much to Usagi's sadness. When Mamoru is attacked by Kunzite, alerting her and Makoto to the danger he is in, Usagi rushes to save him despite Makoto's warnings. In the attack, Sailor Moon's power fends off Kunzite's attack, causing Kunzite to flee with new suspicions. Usagi eventually realizes that Tuxedo Mask's true identity is indeed Mamoru. 
25 "So Tuxedo Mask's True Identity was Mamoru Chiba..."
"Takishīdo Kamen no Shōtai wa Chiba Mamoru datta nante..." (タキシード仮面の正体が地場衛だったなんて…) 		March 27, 2004
Usagi comes to grips when she realizes Mamoru being Tuxedo Mask as Hina realizes his feelings for her might not be true. When Usagi gets involved in an attack by a Youma, she convinces Mamoru to stay with her regardless of his feelings. When one final appearance by Tuxedo Mask mortally wounds him, Usagi awakens an incredible hidden power that reveals her as the moon princess, Princess Serenity, who has the power to heal the dead. 
26 "Usagi Is the Real Princess!"
"Usagi-chan wa Hontō no Purinsesu!" (うさぎちゃんが本当のプリンセス!) 		April 3, 2004
After the moon Princess is discovered to be Usagi, Luna tells Usagi's friends the story of the Moon Kingdom. True to their fate, Usagi and Mamoru are set apart when he decides to depart to England. Hina decides to end their relationship due to his feelings toward her and Usagi. Makoto and Usagi try to meet him at the airport but to encounter Nephrite and a Youma along the way. 
27 "Luna Became a Sailor Senshi!"
"Runa wa Sērā Senshi ni Natchatta!" (ルナがセーラー戦士になっちゃった!) 		April 17, 2004
A mysterious blue haired Senshi appears and discovers the spell holding Ami has weakened considerably, causing much painful conflict. She tries to tell each of the group who she is but is interrupted by strange cat-like behavior. Usagi receives a phone call from Ami and goes alone to face her, only to be joined by the new senshi who turns out to be Luna, who happens to be transformed into a humanoid by the Silver Crystal. A terrifying shock during her battle with Usagi frees Ami from Kunzite's spell, but changed. 
28 "Welcome Back, Ami!"
"Ami-chan Okaeri!" (亜美ちゃんおかえり!) 		April 24, 2004
After Ami realizes the gravity of injuring Usagi, Kunzite's control over her is broken and she flees with Usagi into a forest that seems to move around them as they try to escape it. Kunzite plays a game with his former ward as Ami grapples with her emotional state and understanding what she has done, alienating herself from Usagi. But with the help from Ami's friends, the Senshi reunite and unlock a power even greater than they shared before. 
29 "Minako's Rival, Mio Kuroki, Is a Transfer Student?"
"Minako no Raibaru, Kuroki Mio wa Tenkōsei?" (美奈子のライバル、黒木ミオが転校生?) 		May 1, 2004
A new popstar, Mio Kuroki, starts to upstage Minako in the showbusiness, while at the same time transferring to Juuban Middle High School - coincidentally enough, to the same class Usagi was in. Inadvertently, Usagi and Mio are present when a Youma attacks, unable to reveal her identity as Sailor Moon after Mio is injured she hides her, not realizing that Mio has something else planned for her. 
30 "Mio Deceives Usagi"
"Usagi o Damasō to suru Mio" (うさぎをだまそうとするミオ) 		May 8, 2004
Usagi's classmates give her the cold shoulder after Mio makes them think her wounds are Usagi's fault. Mio suggests a live concert with Minako and offers to use her connections to give the message to her and when Minako does not appear, Usagi lands in more hot water... that is until the Minako unexpectedly appears, spoiling Mio's plan. Minako is then stunned by Usagi's forgiveness of Mio who claims she did it to be closer to Usagi instead. 
31 "Jupiter Awakens Her Senshi Powers!"
"Jupitā wa Senshi no Chikara ni Mezameta!" (ジュピターが戦士の力に目覚めた!) 		May 15, 2004
Motoki finally manages the nerve to ask Makoto on a date; Makoto was uncomfortable with how she acts distantly, but the date persists after Luna's interference. Makoto ends up rejecting Motoki, then gets into a ferocious battle. With the power of nature speaking to her, she finally begins to understand her purpose and awakens her full powers. 
32 "Mamoru Came Back"
"Kaettekita Mamoru" (かえってきた衛) 		May 22, 2004
Usagi finds out that Mamoru has gone amiss in London, and is determined to find him at any costs. Despite her friends and Luna's objections, she asks Mio for help, who hooks her up with a popular television idol as his assistant; a ticket to London as payment. But when he turns out to be a Youma in disguise, Mamoru appears as the prince of earth, Prince Endymion, to defeat the Youma and the two of them make an important decision regarding their futures together. 
33 "Ami Is Changing Schools?"
"Ami-chan wa Tenkō?" (亜美ちゃんが転校?) 		May 29, 2004
When a Youma appears in the middle of the night, Rei drives it off while Ami comes to meet Rei, until the two are caught by the police. Ami's mother arrives and admits this as the reason behind recent absences at cram school, and Rei's father also arrives to express his concern much to Rei's chagrin. When Ami's mother suggests transferring schools without consulting Ami's feelings about it, Ami is torn between her duties as a friend and Senshi and her mother. 
34 "A Mother-and-Daughter Talk"
"Hanashiau Oyako" (はなしあう親子) 		June 5, 2004
Ami decides to run away from home, and ends up developing a strong bond with Rei, because of their distant relationships with their parents. Together, they decide to try to close their old wounds. 
35 "Sailor Venus and Zoisite Are Working Together?"
"Sērā Vīnasu to Zoisaito wa Kyōryoku?" (セーラーヴィーナスとゾイサイトが協力?) 		June 12, 2004
After learning that Zoisite wishes to stop the destruction of the world, Minako cooperates with him to prevent the moon Princess from being with Prince Endymion. A music box starts wearing away at Usagi's memories of Mamoru, but she instead witnesses how great Usagi's love for him is. When Usagi attends Minako's concert, she witnesses Minako collapse on stage. 
36 "Princess Sailor Moon Appears!"
"Purinsesu Sērā Mūn Tōjō!" (プリンセス·セーラームーン登場!) 		June 19, 2004
Minako confesses to Rei that her illness is terminal with only a small chance surgery to save her and asks her to take up as leader of the Senshi when she dies. Meanwhile, Queen Beryl holds Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Kunzite hostage to take Endymion by force. This awakens Princess Sailor Moon who displays an incredible amount of power that only Mamoru can draw back. Despite this, he departs with his former warriors, much to Kunzite's surprise, and Nephrite is dealt a deadly surprise. 
37 "The Princess Will Cause a Catastrophe!?"
"Purinsesu wa Wazawai o Okasu!?" (プリンセスがわざわいをおこす!?) 		June 26, 2004
When the power of the Princess Sailor Moon manifests itself again, Usagi disappears and her friends search the whole Tokyo for her. Meanwhile, with Metaria's powers growing immensely, Mamoru begins to grasp the concept of Usagi's true power as he asks his former companions for help. After a handful of Youma are defeated by the Senshi, they discover the Sailor Moon bathed in a radiant light, playing a harp. 
38 "Believe Me! I Definitely Won't Destroy the Planet!"
"Shinjite! Zettai, Hoshi wa Horobinai!" (信じて!ぜったい、星はほろびない!!) 		July 3, 2004
Usagi shares with a remorseful Princess Serenity the memories of her first meeting Mamoru and their fall into love. Mamoru reminisces as well as he decides that he must make Usagi his enemy in order to keep them apart which shocks and upsets her. She promises the moon princess that no matter what, she will not use the Mystical Silver Crystal. 
39 "Usagi's Mother's Challenge as a Reporter!!"
"Usagi-chan no Mama wa Repōtā ni Chōsen!!" (うさぎちゃんのママがレポーターにちょうせん!!) 		July 10, 2004
Usagi finds that Minako's flamboyant manager, Sugao Saitou, used to be a classmate of her mother, and decides to help her with her big shot as a TV reporter. During training, Usagi is targeted by a Youma and separates from her mother and brother to keep them safe. When Mamoru arrives, claiming to be Usagi's enemy, the shock awakens the Mystical Silver Crystal, putting her brother, Shingo, in danger. 
40 "Minako vs. Rei - Where's the Battle?"
"Minako Bui Esu Rei Batoru no Yukue wa?" (美奈子VSレイ バトルのゆくえは?) 		July 17, 2004
When Minako decides to give up her singing career and focus on being a Senshi, Artemis goes to Rei for help and decides that she needs to provide some competition. With Sugao's help, they arrange a television competition where the six Senshi face one another in games to help Minako realize the meaning of friendship and restart her singing career. 
41 "Actually, I'm a Senshi!"
"Jitsu wa Senshi nano!" (じつは戦士なの!) 		July 24, 2004
Ami, Usagi, Naru and Makoto volunteer at a children's school as part of their summer homework and Usagi tries unsuccessfully to set Makoto back up with Motoki, seeing them as a match. When a mysterious wave of energy begins making the people collapse, Makoto and Usagi come to situations where they must reveal their identities to Motoki and Naru in order protect them from a Youma. A strong Youma awakens the Princess whose display of power proves to be as much of a danger to Naru as it does to the Youma. 
42 "I Won't Use the Power of the Illusion Silver Crystal!"
"Maboroshi no Ginzuishō no Chikara wa Tsukawanai!" (幻の銀水晶の力はつかわない!) 		July 31, 2004
Naru tells Usagi she trusts her though she's upset that she kept being Sailor Moon secret for so long. And to keep from using the Mystical Silver Crystal begins training her endurance to keep it from awakening again. Meanwhile, Beryl has Jadeite infect Mamoru with a stone that drains his life when he thinks about or is near Usagi. One of Queen Metaria's Youma attacks, draining the life force of several people in the city including Naru. Usagi's conflict with Serenity comes to head when she selfishly refuses to see the consequences of her actions that will be for Earth. Rei confronts Mio and tells her that she knows the truth. She intends tell her friends about Mio unless she allows Usagi to see Mamoru one last time. 
43 "Usagi and Mamoru's Promise"
"Usagi to Mamoru no Yakusoku" (うさぎと衛の約束) 		August 7, 2004
Mamoru is granted one day with Usagi in order to help her to control the Silver Crystal. If he returns by sunset the stone in his body will be removed and his life no longer in jeopardy. After a fight with a Youma on the beach though, Mamoru stays well past sunset romantically acting with Usagi, teaching her to always smile and never to give in to negative emotions, what fate lies in wait for Mamoru upon his return? 
44 "Zoisite Turned Back Into a Stone"
"Ishi ni Modotta Zoisaito" (石にもどったゾイサイト) 		August 14, 2004
Concerned that Queen Metalia's powers are slowly sapping Mamoru's life away, Zoisite decides to have his life claimed to save Mamoru. Queen Beryl, however, proposes him to take Usagi's life instead. He sends a Youma to face her while the other Senshi it off. Queen Metaria sends one herself to deal with Sailor Moon. Coming to realize the meaning of sacrifice from Mamoru however, Zoisite chooses to make one of his own. Minako slowly begins to suffer the effects of her disease and Kunzite also makes a sacrifice of his own to save his prince from Beryl. 
45 "Youma Metalia's Violent Attack"
"Metaria Yōma no Hageshii Kōgeki" (メタリア妖魔のはげしい攻撃) 		August 21, 2004
After Rei's argument puts her leadership in question, Minako decides to assert her charge over the Senshi. But when a Youma attacks her and Makoto she finds herself unable to transform into Sailor Venus. When Sailor Jupiter wounds the Youma, Metaria takes matters into her own hands and possesses the Youma. Realizing her mission is more important than her life, as Venus believes, Jupiter attempts to destroy the Youma by overloading it with a lot of power putting her life in risk. 
46 "Sailor Venus Awakens Her Senshi Powers"
"Senshi no Chikara ni Mezameta Sērā Vīnasu" (戦士の力にめざめたセーラーヴィーナス) 		August 28, 2004
Minako refuses to have any part of her current life, her mind set on the past life, even to the point of turning her back on Artemis. Makoto comes to realize that her previous theory that she is better alone may be wrong when Motoki is afflicted by the comas spreading now more throughout the world. Things come into perspective for Minako when she finally realizes she shouldn't sacrifice what she has for what has been and finally awakens her Senshi powers. Usagi is able to temporarily take control of Princess Sailor Moon and use her powers to save the people. 
47 "Goodbye, Minako"
"Sayōnara, Minako" (さようなら、美奈子) 		September 4, 2004
Minako accepts the deal to have surgery, though there is a minimal chance of success. As Minako's friends make preparations for a "Welcome Back" party, Artemis delivers news that are devastating. In a fight against a Youma, an enraged Rei activate her powers and defeats the Youma out of anger. Later on, the Senshi mourn over Minako's loss as Rei reads them her final words in case she doesn't come back. 
48 "Mamoru is Captured by Metalia!"
"Mamoru wa Metaria ni Nottorareta!" (衛がメタリアにのっとられた!) 		September 18, 2004
Defying Queen Beryl, Mamoru allows himself to become influenced by Queen Metaria to convince Usagi that he has it under control. He orders Kunzite into a duel with the intent to defeat Queen Metaria, but Jadeite(under Queen Beryl's orders) intervenes and accidentally kills Kunzite. Kunzite's defeat proves to be too much for Mamoru, causing him to become Metaria Endymion. When Usagi arrives with Mio, Metaria Endymion destroys her for her troublesome ways. In spite of the revelation, Usagi's only option is to defeat Metaria Endymion to save her friends by using Endymion's sword. Ami begs her not to, warning her that Serenity will take over again if she goes through with destroying Mamoru. 
Final Act "The Five Sailor Senshi Surpassed Their Previous Lives"
"Zensei o Norikoeta Gonin no Senshi-tachi" (前世をのりこえた5人の戦士たち) 		September 25, 2004
After Metaria Endymion's defeat, Usagi awakens again by the spirit of Princess Serenity in the Princess Sailor Moon form who seeks to destroy Earth yet again. Despite their best efforts, Jupiter, Mars and Mercury are unable to stop her and Earth is destroyed, killing everyone there. On the destroyed Earth, Princess Serenity finally sees the consequences of her actions and grieves for the people of Earth. Soon, a revived Mamoru convinces Serenity to sacrifice the Mystical Silver Crystal to restore Earth, giving everyone a new chance at life. When her friends remember her, Usagi too is resurrected with Mamoru. Usagi makes peace with Serenity(as Princess Sailor Moon) and returns to Earth with Mamoru. 

Direct-to-video

Title Original release date
Special Act "We're Getting Married!!"
"Watashi-tachi Kekkon Shimasu!!" (わたしたち結婚します!!) 		November 24, 2004
Four years after the world is restored, Usagi and Mamoru are engaged. However, evil rises again in the form of a reborn Mio Kuroki and, with Rei incapacitated, the remaining Sailor Senshi must rejoin and battle one more time. 
Act.ZERO "The Birth of Sailor V"
"Sērā Bui Tanjō" (セーラーV誕生) 		March 25, 2005
This episode explores how Artemis met Minako (much like Luna would do to Usagi later) and made her aware of her calling as the elusive crimefighter Sailor V, while Usagi and her friends decide to help out by trying to stop thieves assaulting Naru's mother's jewelry store. 
Act.ZERO "Hina Afterward"
"Hina... Sonogo" (陽菜…その後) 		March 25, 2005
A short drama showing what happened to Hina after she left Mamoru. 
Act.ZERO "Tuxedo Mask's Secret Birth"
"Takishīdo Kamen Tanjō no Himitsu" (タキシード仮面 誕生の秘密) 		March 25, 2005
Usagi wants to know how Mamoru became Tuxedo Mask. 

Cast

Music

In March and April 2004, singles for each of the five Sailor Guardians were released with image songs on them.[3][4][5][6][7] Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Original Song Album ~ Dear My Friend was released in June 2004.[8] A 3-CD box set, "Moonlight Real Girl" was published in September 2004.[9]

DJ MOON

Koro-chan Packs

Moonlight Real Girl

Other albums

Singles

Distribution and reception

There are several radio programs called "DJ Moon" based on the show that originated from Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting radio and were broadcast on other radio networks in Japan. The shows were a combination of a radio drama and promotional tool for the TV series, often foreshadowing upcoming events. These shows were later sold on CD.[10][11][12]

The broadcast's ratings were not as high as those of the anime. The show had a high start, but then the ratings declined. They picked up in January 2004 and then again at the end of the series.

In addition to the series, there was also a stage musical performance, Kirari Super Live! by characters on the show. Some footage from the filming of the stage show was used in the television broadcast. A special limited-edition promotional video, Super Dance Lesson, was available for purchase only through order forms found in the magazines Youchien, Mebae, and Shougaku Ichinensei in July 2004.[13]

Changes to story

Although Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon is a retelling of the first manga story arc, there are many differences that set it apart from the manga and anime. The storylines are more character-based and driven, focusing on the girls' civilian lives and their connection to the past more than on action sequences. While the first few episodes seemed directly based on anime and manga story lines, by the time Sailor Jupiter had arrived the show was starting to spin off in its own direction. Additionally, Usagi and Rei's relationship is closer in spirit to the manga; while they have their disagreements, it never gets to the heated level that it does in the anime.

One of the most profound changes was to the character of Minako Aino, who, rather than being an ordinary girl among the other Guardians, is a famous pop idol. When introduced, she is fighting crime as "Sailor V," and makes subtle reference to this double life in her music. Her most popular song, "C'est La Vie (Watashi no Naka no Koisuru Bubun)" (C'est la vie 〜私のなかの恋する部分), is a Japanese pun: "Sailor V" (セーラーV Sērā Bui) and "C'est la vie" (セ・ラ・ヴィ Se Ra Vi) are pronounced nearly identically. Minako was also debilitated by a head condition that caused her to have headaches, blurry vision, and fainting spells that plagued her through most of the series. She later agrees to have an operation, but dies before the operation can be performed. This was a major change to the Sailor Guardian makeup as well, although Minako later returns in the Final Act, after Usagi uses the power of the Silver Crystal to restore the world after she destroyed it while being under the influence of her past life.

In addition to plotline changes, some updating has been done to minor elements of the series, making them more in line with modern culture. For example, in the original anime and manga, there were scenes involving Ami and a cassette tape. In the new version, the tape is replaced by a MiniDisc. Instead of a transformation pen and communicators, each Guardian is given a bracelet and a magical camera phone. Also, their secret hideout is not hidden in a video arcade, but rather in a magic karaoke room.

With the new adaptation of the show, certain characters were modified to give it freshness and originality. New characters and plot additions include Sailor Luna, Dark Sailor Mercury, and Princess Sailor Moon. A new antagonist, Mio Kuroki, is also introduced.

Notes

  1. ↑ The live action series was the first Sailor Moon property to translate senshi into "guardian" rather than "soldier" in its official English title. Reprinted copies of the manga would begin to use this English translation as well.

References

  1. ↑ Font, Dillon (May 2004). "Sailor Soldiers, Saban Style". Animefringe. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  2. ↑ Adapted from http://www.sailormoon.ws/archives/040205.html
  3. ↑ "Sailor Moon : Usagi Tsukino (live action series) Usagi Tsukino (Miyu Sawai) CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  4. ↑ "Sailor Mars : Rei Hino (live action series) Rei Hino (Keiko Kitagawa) CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  5. ↑ "Sailor Venus : Minako Aino (live action series) Minako Aino (Ayaka Komatsu) CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  6. ↑ "Sailor Mercury : Ami Mizuno (live action series) Ami Mizuno (Chisaki Hama) CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  7. ↑ "Sailor Jupiter : Makot Kino (live action series) Makoto Kino (Myuu Azama) CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  8. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp： 美少女戦士セーラームーン オリジナルソングアルバム Dear My Friend: 音楽". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  9. ↑ "Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon CD Box - Moon light real girl (Japan Version) CD - Japan Animation Soundtrack - Japanese Music - Free Shipping - North America Site". Yesasia. 2004-09-22. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  10. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp： 美少女戦士セーラームーン オリジナルアルバム DJムーン: 音楽". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  11. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp： 美少女戦士セーラームーン オリジナルアルバムDJムーン(2): 音楽". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  12. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp： 美少女戦士セーラームーン オリジナルアルバムDJムーン3: 音楽". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  13. ↑ Act.38 バックナンバー - 美少女戦士セーラームーン（東映公式

See also

Preceded by
Kirby of the Stars
(10/6/2001 - 9/27/2003)		 Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting Saturday Morning 7:30 Timeframe
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
(October 4, 2003 - September 25, 2004) 		Succeeded by
Ultraman Nexus
(10/2/2004 - 6/25/2005)
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