Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins is a 1995 American animated direct-to-video film directed by Joseph Francis. It is set in the universe of the Mortal Kombat video game series and was produced to serve as a tie-in to the 1995 live-action film. The animated movie stars the voices of Jeff Bennett, Jim Cummings, Ron Feinberg and Jennifer Hale. The film zeros in on familiar figures in the Mortal Kombat universe - notably Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade and Liu Kang, delving into their origins and motivations.

In this captivating animation, we are introduced to three primary characters: martial artist Liu Kang, actor Johnny Cage, and Special Forces operative Sonya Blade. Each of the characters, while possessing a unique background, shares one commonality: an invitation to the mysterious Mortal Kombat Tournament. The stakes of the tournament are enormous; the fate of Earth hangs in the balance. The Emperor of the Outerworld, Shang Tsung, intends to conquer the realm of Earth by winning ten consecutive Mortal Kombat tournaments. It’s a high-stakes game where the warriors must fight not only for personal glory but to prevent a dimensional apocalypse.

Jeff Bennett voices the arrogant yet good-intentioned Johnny Cage, balancing the character's humor and seriousness. Jennifer Hale brings depth and determination to the character of Sonya Blade as she hunts down the international criminal Kano while training for the tournament. Meanwhile, Ron Feinberg provides the voice for the cruel and cunning Shang Tsung, bringing a chilling edge to the character's threatening demeanor.

In addition to the film's main characters, viewers are introduced to a host of other familiar faces plotted on the extensive Mortal Kombat continuum. Jim Cummings, for instance, lends his voice to the four-armed monstrous warrior ‘Goro’ - the current champion of Mortal Kombat and Shang Tsung's prized fighter. Throughout the movie, snippets of these characters' back-stories are expertly woven into the primary narrative, adding depth to the universe and setting the stage for epic battles.

The animated film acts as a precursor to the 1995 live-action film, providing a foundation and context for the terrifying tournament and showcasing the origin and lore of many characters. The central narrative blends the classic elements of martial arts films with fantasy/sci-fi, for a captivating and tension-filled build-up. As the characters venture to the mysterious island for the tournament, the movie teems with sinister forces, unusual environments, and looming battles, offering fast-paced and captivating entertainment throughout.

In terms of visual style, Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins features traditional 2D animation for characters. At the same time, it incorporates early 3D animation for some of the fight sequences and larger set pieces, a choice that sets it apart from other animated films of its era. The style is deliberately harsh and rugged, in line with the video game's aesthetic, and the action scenes are vividly and deliberately choreographed to capture the video gaming sensation.

The film serves as an exciting expansion of the Mortal Kombat gaming world, endeavoring to make the characters and franchise more accessible to both devoted fans and new audiences. Apart from the brilliantly designed animation and engaging battles, the film's strengths lie in its storytelling. The narrative is laced with top-notch voice acting that brings each character to life, ranging from menacing villains to ambitious heroes.

Overall, Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins is an intriguing addition to the Mortal Kombat franchise's grandiose universe. With its distinctive blend of 2D and 3D animation styles, compelling narrative and stellar voice cast, it serves as an entertaining accompaniment to the live-action film and a valuable narrative tool for fans of the franchise. An exciting and intriguing watch for any Mortal Kombat aficionado or someone looking to dive into the realm of the series.