Firstly I'd like to point out that Naruto should be watched in Japanese with subtitles. This is because it has been Americanised with the dubbing, so it seems very much like a cartoon with the American actors. It is an anime not a cartoon.

Ok. I am a huge Naruto fan and currently watching Shippuuden, the second series. This first film and all the others are just like an extended episode, or a few of them wrapped into a film. I'd rather describe it as feature length episode. And i dont like to put it down but it's pretty much a general plot with the Team 7 being employed to bodyguard then fight.
But anyway thats not to say it isn't a great watch. I'm just comparing it with other episodes. The plot is still enjoyable and great with the all familiar characters. And yes i would recommend watching the series first. But also the main thing, if your already a Naruto fan then its blatent you need this film. The colours in it are extremely vibrant and i was pretty much amazed when i watched it and i love the song at the end. If you haven't seen Naruto then dont buy this. YET.

As a huge fan of the series and owning the first 4 dvds released by Manga Entertainment this was my first viewing of a Naruto movie.

While it's not essential for watching this movie, I'd firstly recommend viewing at least the first series part 1 of Naruto. I would give a link too but the review box won't accept URLS! So just do a search on play for it!

By doing so you'll have a vague understanding of the characters and thus give yourself a bit more knowledge ability when watching.

The movie did surprise me as a lot of anime series spin-off movies tend to be a disappointment.

This one however contained plenty of action, was nicely paced but suffered from a very quick scene wrap up when coming to the last battle.

The animation was nicely done but nothing too overly ambitious.

I'm frowned up by most anime fans for watching Dubs but the voices in Naruto have never bothered me.

I did infact watch this movie with the subs on and while I don't know if they were straight translations taken from the Japanese audio I can say they did differ from the dubbed scripting, which I can only take as being a good sign....

Overall this movie is worth a watch if your either a keen Naruto fan or someone just getting into it!

Review by Matthew Bennion

This is most likely the best of the Naruto films.
It carefully balances plot with action to make this a good watch and make it feel like a proper film.
A must buy for Naruto fans, especially at this price.

I would like to make that clear to people, by watching this movie it is not, and should not be considered, part of the storyline of the series. With that out of the way...let's have a little look at the movie itself.

The movie is set around the TV episodes 98-106, in it Team 7 (Kakashi Sensei, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura) have been assigned to protect a Movie Star in 'The Country of the Snow'. However sinister plots lay in store for them, is the Movie Star all she says she is?

Definitely something to own if you're a hardcore Naruto fan but something that would probably not interest the casual watcher. A movie you must add to your collection if you call yourself a true fan.

This first movie is a far stretch from the fun and adventure found in the series version of Naruto we know and love. Its definately worth a watch but not at this price. Especially considering its been out for several years elsewhere.

Be warned the 2nd movie is pretty terrible the 3rd movie is shocking.