JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – A Nostalgic Reunion or Cash Grab?

Let’s cut to the chase: Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death isn’t a new story. If you binged Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen like the rest of us, you already know the drill. This 1-hour-51-minute film, directed by Shouta Goshozono and animated by MAPPA, is a compilation of the beloved Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc—you know, the one where Gojo and Geto were still besties, not sworn enemies. But here’s the thing: even if you’ve seen every frame of the original episodes, this movie hits different.

First off, let’s talk about the visuals. MAPPA didn’t just slap old footage together and call it a day. The remastered scenes? Chef’s kiss. Gojo’s iconic “Limitless” blue blasts pop brighter, the curse battles feel more visceral, and that rain-soaked rooftop showdown between the two sorcerers? It’s like watching it for the first time, but with a 4K upgrade. For fans who fell in love with the arc’s emotional weight, seeing those moments polished to perfection is worth the ticket alone.

But wait—what about the story? If you’re new to Jujutsu Kaisen, this is your crash course in Gojo and Geto’s tragic friendship. Set in 2006, the film follows the pair as they protect Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel destined to merge with the immortal Tengen. Along the way, they clash with cultists, curse users, and their own conflicting ideals. The dialogue still stings: Geto’s quiet frustration with the jujutsu world, Gojo’s cocky yet vulnerable one-liners, and Riko’s stubborn refusal to accept her fate. It’s a masterclass in character development, even if you already know how it ends.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the fan backlash. Scroll through MyAnimeList, and you’ll see comments like, “Compilation movies are dirt cheap to produce” and “Just copying Attack on Titan at this point.” Ouch. Some fans are calling it a cash grab, arguing that MAPPA should focus on new content instead of rehashing old arcs. But here’s the counterpoint: other anime do this all the time. Demon Slayer turned its Mugen Train arc into a blockbuster film, and Naruto has been churning out compilation movies for years. Is Jujutsu Kaisen really that different?

Plus, let’s be real—this movie isn’t just for diehard fans. It’s a gateway drug. If you’re a newbie who’s been intimidated by Jujutsu Kaisen’s 40+ episodes, this film is the perfect starting point. It’s concise, action-packed, and introduces you to the series’ core themes without overwhelming you. And for long-time fans? It’s a chance to relive the good old days when Gojo and Geto were still laughing together, before betrayal tore them apart.

Sure, there are no new scenes (yet—fingers crossed for a post-credits surprise), but that’s not the point. This movie is a love letter to the arc that made us fall in love with Jujutsu Kaisen’s darker side. It’s a reminder of why we care about these characters: their flaws, their loyalty, and their inevitable downfall.

At the end of the day, Hidden Inventory / Premature Death is what you make of it. If you go in expecting a groundbreaking new story, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re here to revisit one of the best arcs in modern anime, with better visuals and a tighter pace? You’re in for a treat.

So grab your popcorn, ignore the haters, and let yourself get swept up in Gojo and Geto’s final hurrah. Because even if it’s just a compilation, some stories are worth watching twice.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A must-see for fans, and a solid entry point for newbies. Just don’t go in expecting reinventing the wheel—this is Jujutsu Kaisen doing what it does best: breaking your heart, one cursed technique at a time.