As such, I expected it to be something along the lines of a quirky OVA albeit with somewhat less-developed design and animation.
Much to my amazement and delight, however, I discovered that both the animation and design were just as stunning and breathtaking as in the later series. From the clean use of CGI to the setting and backgrounds, everything was practically impeccable.
Although the design of the two original characters was probably updated and slightly improved for Death Parade, their main traits and quirks stayed exactly the same. Unfortunately, their personalities and backstories are not explored in very much detail given the rather limited time scope. Nevertheless, they still manage to convey their mysterious auras as well as their peculiar relationship really well.
If you have watched the anime series beforehand, you will of course be better informed as to how the whole "Death Billiards" system operates and why the characters do what they do, but, unfortunately, that will also make this short movie somewhat more predictable for you.
Fortunately, however, you will not be able to foreshadow everything as the dynamics of Death Billiards are slightly different from those of Death Parade (and also include new characters whose backstories are undoubtedly new, too).
The music used is also different from the anime series, hence making this movie all the more unique. While not in any way better, it is certainly far from being "worse" and even farther away from being "bad" (given the fact that it fits the overall tone and mood of the story pretty well).
Although you will probably miss hearing the opening (and may have hoped that they would have had at least used some kind of opening or ending, like myself), with such a limited time frame and a story so condensed, it is easy to understand why these were omitted.
Overall, I seriously enjoyed watching Death Billiards. Despite having watched Death Parade beforehand and being able to predict some aspects of the movie (as well as losing the original "shock" value it may have had for me), I was still pleasantly surprised by the change in dynamics and music as well as the consistently immaculate art style and animation.
Whether you're already familiar with the world of Decim and The Black-Haired Woman or not, this is definitely a movie worth watching.
