Welcome to Daizenshuu EX, your most authoritative and complete stop online for anything and everything DragonBall for over fourteen years!
Here at Daizenshuu EX we cover anything and everything relating to the Dragon World in hopes of enlightening... and a little bit of entertaining. Daizenshuu EX began its journey in 1998 as VegettoEX's Home Page, and has grown to be one of the most authoritative DragonBall sites on the web. From our various guides to our weekly podcast, any type of fan is sure to learn something new and have a great time. See you soon!
Podcast Episode #0287: DBZ Blu-ray Suspension VegettoEX @ 5:42 pm EST -- There was really only one news story this past week: FUNimation's suspension of their DragonBall Z TV remastered Blu-ray release. What exactly just went down within a mere six-month window that brought a project from conception to unceremonious death?
FUNimation Discontinues Single-Volume Kai Releases VegettoEX @ 6:53 am EST -- FUNimation has discontinued a few of their licensed properties, including the first four volumes of Dragon Ball (Z) Kai on both Blu-ray and DVD, according to an update posted on RightStuf yesterday.
In an appended update, Crunchyroll News noted that FUNimation confirmed these four volumes were discontinued in favor of "season" sets, with "season two" (covering the third and fourth individual volumes) coming this summer.
The first "season" release for Kai was released back in October covering the first two individual volumes. The set was inexplicably removed from Amazon listings for a short period of time before reappearing, yet still contained the Kenji Yamamoto original broadcast score after repopulating to retailers (despite having Shunsuke Kikuchi listed as the composer on the box art).
The first four individual volumes of Kai (covering the first 52 episodes) were released before the scandal with potential infringement in Kenji Yamamoto's score broke. After a series of short delays, FUNimation's fifth individual release of the "refreshed" series picked up with the Shunsuke Kikuchi replacement score.
The entirety of the "refreshed" series has already aired in English on Nicktoons in North America. The seventh volume is scheduled for release this coming March, a full six months after the prior volume last September.
26 January 2012
FUNimation Suspends In-Progress DBZ Blu-ray Release VegettoEX @ 7:28 pm EST -- A press release distributed today officially announces FUNimation's suspension of the in-progress remastered Blu-ray sets for the DragonBall Z TV series:
Flower Mound, TX – January 26, 2012- FUNimation Entertainment, has officially confirmed they have suspended production of all future planned Blu-ray releases of Dragon Ball Z including Level 2.1 scheduled to be released on March 27, 2012.
Blu-ray editions of Dragon Ball Z went into production based on fan demand, however due to technical challenges of restoring from the original film frame by frame, we are unable to continue these releases by way of this process. FUNimation will be re-evaluating the current process and researching more efficient methods of restoration.
Specific questions may be directed to : feedback@funimation.com
The first set (which, perhaps coincidentally, is on sale via Amazon for only $16.49) was released 08 November 2011, with the second set making its way out 13 December 2011.
The Japanese-created "refreshed" version of the TV series, DragonBall Kai, is still being released by FUNimation. The series will have had a six-month run between volumes six and seven by the time the latter makes its way out in March.
The last release to be canceled mid-run was the "Ultimate Uncut Edition", which replaced the original FUNimation edited-only, English-dub-only version of their first two "seasons". Nine discs (covering 27 episodes) made their way out before FUNimation canceled them outright in mid-2006 in favor of "season sets" that made their way out in 2007.
23 January 2012
Podcast Episode #0286: 2011's Cover Songs VegettoEX @ 2:18 pm EST -- This week's episode is a quick catch-up on a couple cover songs put out last year — one of "We Gotta Power!" by Tokyo Future Boys, and one of "Boku-tachi wa Tenshi Datta" by Sasaki Sayaka (with a little help from Hironobu Kageyama).
Podcast Episode #0285: General Blue Anime Portrayal VegettoEX @ 1:39 pm EST -- Due to it being such a light-hearted franchise, we typically have endless light-hearted discussions on our podcast. This week, however, we dive into far more serious territory, and an area we are moderately shocked never really kicked off any larger criticism or movement: in episode 56 of the original DragonBall TV series, and in a scene exclusive to the TV adaptation, General Blue is essentially painted as a pedophile. Was this just a poor attempt at humor that fell flat, or is it worthy of additional analysis and condemnation?
New Brazilian DBZ Merchandise License VegettoEX @ 9:23 am EST -- WorldScreen.com reports that Toei Animation has secured a new "master licensing and merchandising" deal with Brazil's Abr-Art Bag Rio Comercio Importacao e Exportacao:
The terms of the agreement include key consumer product categories such as polyester backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags and aprons for children. Latin America has become a top region to launch Toei Animation brands, the company says.
"Abr-Art ranks among the top manufacturers in the important Brazilian market and we are pleased to forge an alliance with the company on behalf of Dragon Ball," said Kenji Ebato, the executive VP and general manager for Toei Animation. "Locally produced products are important in order to maximize success in Brazil, however we are also focused on manufacturing quality products—and this is why we are excited to team with Abr-Art."
Back in May 2010, Toei announced a deal with Algazarra for toy figurines and a separate deal with Richtex for a line of towels. What kind of stuff have you Brazilian fans been picking up for merchandise over these last couple years, and is there anything in particular you are looking forward to? Let us know!
09 January 2012
Podcast Episode #0284: DBGT Review #2 (Episodes 6-10) VegettoEX @ 2:32 pm EST -- For the second round in our "DragonBall GT Review of Awesomeness", we charge onward through the next five episodes of the series. This time around we can an episodic story about a giant with a toothache, a two-parter with a catfish monster, and another two episodes that seem to be hinting at a larger story. Does the mix of whimsical and foreboding tones come together here, or is the mish-mash just confusing?
Original DragonBall TV Series Heading to Nicaraguan TV VegettoEX @ 9:04 am EST -- C21Media is reporting a new deal between Toei Animation and Nicaragua’s Televisora Nicaraguense that will bring the original 153-episode series to the TV channel. It comes as a part of a multi-franchise deal that also includes both modern and newer franchises alike, such as One Piece, Slam Dunk, and Saint Seiya.
The article does not list any type of time frame or language options, so you fans out there from Nicaragua (and we know you are out there!) will have to let us know what eventually goes down.
03 January 2012
Saikyô Jump #3: Super Saiyans & Episode of Bardock VegettoEX @ 6:34 pm EST -- A French anime news Twitter account (@manganewsjapon) just posted up a pretty great tidbit: the March issue of the recently monthly-relaunched Saikyô Jump will be packed with a DVD that contains both the 2010 Raging Blast 2 feature Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans as well as the recent animated adaptation of Episode of Bardock.
The March issue goes on sale 03 February 2012, and should be available at all the usual online retailers — we will be sure to post up a few links as soon as they pop up.
Saikyô Jump is also home to DragonBall SD, the spin-off manga by Naho Ooishi, who was also responsibile for the original manga version of Episode of Bardock.
If you happened to check out this week's podcast episode where we all provided predictions for 2012, you will note that this is the fastest any of my predictions have ever been shot down... and in a good way, thankfully!
01 January 2012
Podcast Episode #0283: The Year 2011 in Review VegettoEX @ 9:00 am EST -- 2011 sure was a strange year. As you will hear us talk about during this week's show, none of us could have predicted all of the shenanigans that would go down with the franchise these past twelve months. What were the top stories, how did our (and your!) predictions from last year turn out, and what's on deck for the future? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
We can't help but also mention: welcome to the 14th year of Daizenshuu EX...! It was back in 1998 that I started a terrible little links page for the franchise, and look where it brought us all!
25 December 2011
Podcast Episode #0282: Episode of Bardock (Anime Ver.) VegettoEX @ 12:00 am EST -- Episode of Bardock has been an interesting ride. You have read the manga and our review; now you have watched the anime and can listen to our review! This week the crew dives into the animated adaptation of Shueisha's Bardock marketing blitz. How does it differ from Naho Ooishi's original manga version, and does it stand on its own?
As our buddies over at Kanzentai remind us each year, it was December 24th in Age 762 that Goku became a Super Saiyan and defeated Freeza. Have a wonderful Super Saiyan-filled holiday weekend!
21 December 2011
Sayaka Sasaki Cover Song with Hironobu Kageyama VegettoEX @ 10:15 am EST -- Last month, Sayaka Sasaki released her debut album entitled sympathetic world (LACA-15174) on the Lantis record label in Japan.
As a special bonus, and presumably due to the convenience of residing on the same record label, a bonus cover version of the second DragonBall Z TV series ending theme ("Boku-tachi wa Tenshi Datta" / "We Were Angels") is included featuring backing vocals from original performer Hironobu Kageyama himself.
Episode of Bardock Anime Additional Free Stream VegettoEX @ 10:06 am EST -- As many folks have passed along, Toei Animation's "Anime Jan" website is currently featuring a separate stream of the Episode of Bardock anime adaptation originally screened at Jump Festa this past weekend.
Unlike the "Bandai Channel" stream, Toei's version is not region-locked, but will require the Microsoft Silverlight plugin to view. Our buddies over at Kanzentai pointed out that this particular stream will only be available until December 28th, so get your view on as soon as you can!
18 December 2011
Episode of Bardock Anime To Be Streamed Online VegettoEX @ 9:39 am EST -- Announced in conjunction with this year's Jump Festa in Japan this weekend, the anime adaptation of Episode of Bardock is set to be streamed online for a limited time on 19 December 2011.
The "Bandai Channel" page unfortunately features some video content that will not play outside of Japan due to IP restrictions. While the 2008 Jump Super Anime Tour special was streamed online globally (and subtitled in multiple languages), this may not be the case with Episode of Bardock.
It should be noted that, as of this update, a blurb lower on the page about the streaming availability notes the 19th as being a Wednesday, which is not accurate (the 19th is a Monday; the 21st is a Wednesday). The most prominent splash notes Monday the 19th.
A preview of the feature was shown at Jump Festa this weekend in 45-50 minute blocks.
Episode of Bardock was a three-part manga series penned by Naho Ooishi as a "sequel" to the character's original TV special from 1990. One chapter per month was published in V-Jump, Shueisha's video game magazine in Japan, over the course of August, September, and October this year. Read our full review of the short manga series for additional background information and thoughts on the story itself.
UPDATE: The online streaming version of the animated Episode of Bardock adaptation became available on the "Bandai Channel" website at noon on December 19th in Japan, and is indeed region-locked.
14 December 2011
Ultimate Blast First-Week Sales & Reaction VegettoEX @ 12:56 pm EST -- Ultimate Blast (which we received internationally last month as Ultimate Tenkaichi) launched in Japan this past week on 08 December 2011, and the first week sales are in.
The game managed to push 44,593 copies on the PS3 (no 360 sales are reported, as per the norm for Japan and this franchise's games) between its release date on the 8th and the reporting period's end date on the 11th.
Last year, Raging Blast 2pushed 47,610 copies its first week, itself down almost 10,000 copies from the prior year with the original Raging Blast.
Amazon Japan is filled with interesting comments from fans in its home land. While the few five-star reviews are short and to the point, the 57 one-star reviews (out of 100 total at this time) are moderately lengthy, occasionally praising the graphics, while noting "the bad" as "everything else". Almost every single review notes the rock-paper-scissors basis of the game, something we discussed at length a few weeks back on our podcast while reviewing the game.
11 December 2011
Podcast Episode #0281: Your Questions (lots of them)! VegettoEX @ 8:51 pm EST -- This week on the show, the dynamic duo of VegettoEX & Hujio go it alone to answer a never-ending slew of your questions. From deserted islands to mysterious Blu-rays, from name pronunciations to new fans, and from new web series to old dôjinshi, we cover just about everything there possibly is to ask with this franchise. Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
04 December 2011
Podcast Episode #0280: Catch-Ups & Anime USA Panel VegettoEX @ 5:35 pm EST -- This week on the show, Mike and Julian go it alone to follow-up a little bit on DragonBall GT review material from last week's show, and then discuss the latest episode of SMAP x SMAP in Japan which highlighted some music from our favorite franchise. The audio from the main portion of our updated "10 Things You Didn't Know About DragonBall" panel from Anime USA just a couple weeks ago takes center stage for our topic. Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
DragonBall SD Continuing Monthly in Saikyô Jump VegettoEX @ 1:05 pm EST -- DragonBall SD, the somewhat-super-deformed spin-off manga by Naho Ooishi, has appeared in all four quarterly issues of Shueisha's Saikyô Jump thus far. The magazine is set for a monthly re-launch in 2012, but there had been no official confirmation on the fate of DragonBall SD, despite most other standards set to travel along monthly, as well.
"The super-popular manga DragonBall has gone SD!
The deformed Son Goku is waiting for you, so don't miss this!!"
A preview image for the chapter shows us going all the way back to the very beginning of the series:
With the first four chapters covering Goku's training with Kame-Sen'nin, to the Freeza fight, to the Cell fight, and then to the Majin Buu fight, perhaps going all the way back to the beginning was the only natural choice. There is no indication how off-track the SD series will get this time around, so we will simply have to wait and see!
29 November 2011
Podcast Episode #0279: DBGT Review of Awesomeness #1 VegettoEX @ 7:20 am EST -- This week on the show, with the manga review complete after about four years of diving in volume-by-volume, we turn our attention to DragonBall GT. Our DB-newbie buddy Jeff is still on board with us, and material in this particular series might even be new for some of the regular hosts...! Is it everything we expected, and then some? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
This episode (and right here on the site), we also announcing the winner of our "Level 1.1" Blu-ray contest! Massive congrats go out to Richard L Zarth III for having the lucky random #179 we drew. We will be in touch with this contest's winner to send it out, and the rest of you should stay tuned for even more contests coming your way soon!
Coming a little later than I had originally intended, the review has now somehow been made all the more relevant and timely now that an anime adaptation has been announced. If you are behind on the news and what was so significant about this three-chapter spin-off manga, the review has all the context and analysis to get you up to speed.
For all you podcast listeners, be sure you are all caught up with the first five episodes of DragonBall GT, because that first review is coming your way this week!
21 November 2011
Episode of Bardock to Receive Anime Adaptation VegettoEX @ 12:19 pm EST -- Announced this past June, a special three-chapter spin-off manga titled Episode of Bardock was published in the August, September, and October issues of Japanese gaming magazine V-Jump. Written an illustrated by Naho Ooishi (also currently responsible for DragonBall SD as published in Saikyô Jump), with supervision by Akira Toriyama, the story was part of a larger marketing blitz to introduce a new Super Saiyan transformation for Bardock and his inclusion in the DragonBall Heroes arcade game, as well as a re-release of the TV special he debuted in (the first time the special ever received its own individual-disc release in Japan, coupled with the Trunks TV special).
An anime adaptation was just announced this week via the latest issue of V-Jump. It was not specified whether the adaptation is meant for TV or home media release, but the recent announcement of the Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans streaming notes that an advance screening of this new Bardock-focused anime will be available at Jump Festa next month, scheduled for December 17th and 18th.
Preliminary (though unsourced) 2channel rumors are pegging the new anime for an April 2012 TV broadcast. The rumors also note Masako Nozawa returning as the voice of Bardock, and Ryûsei Nakao (Tambourine, Freeza) somewhat returning for the role of Chilled, previously voicing the character in-game for DragonBall Heroes. Interestingly, the post also already lists the role of Beri going to Aki Toyosaki.
The new anime is attributed to the "Dragon Ball Force Project", also alongside (what may be a prior or working code name for one or more of the projects) the title "Saikyo Super Saiyan Secret Project":
Our full Episode of Bardock written review is still on the way. In the mean time, check out Episode #0271 of our weekly podcast for a review straight to your ears!
Special thanks to Rachel for quick translation work!
Web Streaming of Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans VegettoEX @ 11:58 am EST -- A remake of the storyline from the 1993 Famicom game Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku ("Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans") appeared as an animated feature on last year's Raging Blast 2 video game for the PS3 and 360, updated and retitled as Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans. Since then, it has only been available on the game disc itself.
While there is still no word about a home release, Shueisha has announced via the official V-Jump website that the feature will be streamed online in the future, though a specific time frame was not announced, nor any specific localizations.
Podcast Episode #0278 & Contest: DBZ Level 1.1 VegettoEX @ 10:02 pm EST -- This week on the show, Hujio joins in to discuss and review the first (non-Kai-ified) high definition release of the DragonBall Z TV series: "Level 1.1", out this past week from FUNimation, covers the first seventeen episodes. How does the timing of this release make any sense, and is it a worthwhile one considering how many versions are still sitting on store shelves? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
In addition to talking about it, we are giving one away! Head on over to our "Contests" page to learn how you can score yourself a free copy of the set. This is a short one, with only about a week to get your entries in, so don't delay!
07 November 2011
Podcast Episode #0277: Ultimate Tenkaichi Review VegettoEX @ 7:58 pm EST -- This week on the show, we brought on our buddies Dustin and Joe to discuss the franchise's latest fighting video game for the PS3 and 360, Ultimate Tenkaichi. You have probably read and hear a ton about it already, but is the community giving it a fair shake? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
02 November 2011
Amazon DB TV Series DVD Sale VegettoEX @ 1:54 pm EST -- All five "seasons" of the original DragonBall TV series are currently $14.99 each on Amazon right now:
These are the only currently-available versions of the original TV series here in North America, so if you have been waiting for the right price, this might be the time to jump in.
Namco-Bandai Q2 Fiscal 2012 Figures VegettoEX @ 1:44 pm EST -- Namco-Bandai has posted an ¥8.03 billion (approximately $103 million) net income for the first two quarters of fiscal year 2012.
Similar to the last several quarters, DragonBall did not perform well enough to warrant an inclusion on the top-performing list of franchises for the reporting period — the final one listed is the BEN10 franchise at ¥2.9 billion in net sales for first half of the year. For a bit of comparison, the DragonBall franchise was at ¥2.7 billion in net sales one year ago in Q2 Fiscal 2011, after which (Q3 Fiscal 2011 through today) it was no longer reported with a franchise total.
No individual DragonBall game sales were noted in the report, and with Ultimate Blast/Tenkaichi being released worldwide in this current quarter, it will be at least another three months before any corporate figures are released.
In terms of general toys and hobby merchandise (non-video games), the franchise actually managed to double its net sales from ¥0.9 billion in the first half of Fiscal 2011 to ¥2.1 billion this half-year. The company has upped its forecast to ¥3.0 billion for the year.
It remains fascinating how the numbers seem inversely proportional to the franchise's presence on Japanese television — with DragonBall Kai now off the air, the hobby and general toy merchandise sales go up. Go figure.
Podcast Episode #0276: Everything Demonic! VegettoEX @ 6:42 am EST -- We unfortunately did not have the episode done yesterday as anticipated, but a day late never really hurt anyone, right? This week on the show, our buddy Herms joined us to talk about everything demonic! Where do all these different ghouls and ghosts in the series come from in mythology, and how does Toriyama play with their concepts to flesh out the Dragon World? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
26 October 2011
DBZ Coming To The UK After All...? VegettoEX @ 1:43 pm EST -- Just about two months ago we reported on a listing on the British Board of Film Classification website that detailed a series of extra features which were originally a part of FUNimation's first "season set" for the DragonBall Z TV series. Through attributed to Manga UK, the publisher harshly denied any rumors and — true to their style with prior inquiries concerning other franchises — somewhat berated their fans and potential customers for asking such questions.
An image from the upcoming MCM Expo guide book (now since removed from its original source) surfaced online, clearly showcasing a port of FUNimation's bricks courtesy of Manga UK:
It looks like the first "season set" is due out in the UK on 26 December 2011, and pre-orders will be available soon at hmv.com.
Lesson of the day? Sometimes one plus one does equal three (or maybe just 2.5 since, to Manga UK's credit, the product they are bringing over is not actually Kai...).
19 October 2011
Podcast Episode #0275: News Catch-Up & Questions VegettoEX @ 6:00 pm EST -- Content generation has been a little slow around these parts, but we are at least getting together once a week for the podcast! This time around it's a dual Daizenshuu EX + Kanzentai extravaganza with catching up on news and answering a slew of audience questions. Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
11 October 2011
Podcast Episode #0274: Manga Review (Vol. 42) VegettoEX @ 3:38 pm EST -- Many of you long-time podcast listeners have already told us that you view this episode as the "end of an era". Over four years ago, we set out to go through the DragonBall manga volume-by-volume and review it to the best of our ability, and from a few different angles. We had a few of us that had already read the entire thing, some that were mostly fans of the TV version, and our buddy Jeff who was a complete outsider that had a vague familiarity via the old fansubs days and the occasional domestic TV broadcast, but was otherwise coming in entirely fresh with no preconceptions.
Here we are at the final volume, and our final "Manga Review of Awesomeness". It has been an incredible journey for all of us involved, and I can only hope that you have enjoyed it every bit as much as we have. Whether you are a new listener or have been with us since long before the podcast ever existed as a part of this website, there is a wealth of listening material for you to dig back into, and we could not be more proud.
New Video — Final Bout Opening: A Closer Look VegettoEX @ 1:22 pm EST -- Last week's podcast episode brought in a fantastic amount of feedback! We had long-time fans glad to reminisce with us about the olden days of gaming, newer fans loving a history lesson / dip into the past, and everything in between. We could not be more happy to provide content you enjoy!
Quite a few of you chimed in regarding the opening video to DragonBall: Final Bout for the original PlayStation. During our discussion, we somewhat glossed over the final shot in the game's opening, while many of you clearly saw something and had more to say. I decided that audio was not the best way to go about sharing what I considered "new" information... so I made a video!
Say what you want about my supposed lack of visual scrutiny with this game's opening, but I can confidently say that I have at least come around as a believer on this one. It only took fourteen years.
03 October 2011
Podcast Episode #0273: Video Game Openings VegettoEX @ 3:41 pm EST -- The 32-bit generation of video games kicked off a trend that died with the series for a few years, but started right back up again during the series' second-wave in Japan: full-motion video openings!
In light of the Ultimate Blast opening looking to be one of the best we have ever seen, we decided to take a look back at how far we have come. From amazing 2D openings to awkward 3D rendering, the franchise has seen just about every type of opening sequence thrown at it. Listen in for a game-by-game opening sequence analysis, as well as the "Top 5 Lousiest Openings"...! Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
26 September 2011
Podcast Episode #0272: The History of the Saiyan Race VegettoEX @ 7:13 pm EST -- We hinted at it last episode, and decided to go full-force with it this week: just what is the history of the Saiyan race?
From the manga to the TV series to the guide books to the various other adaptations and reference materials, what is said about where the come from and how they evolved? What types of plot holes are created, fixed, and then broken all over again by the increased amount of information tossed out there? Does any "fact" stay consistent throughout the entire series at all? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
18 September 2011
Podcast Episode #0271: "Episode of Bardock" Review VegettoEX @ 7:01 pm EST -- Everything here at Daizenshuu EX podcasting headquarters is back to normal after Hurricane Irene decided to ruin our plans for two weeks! This time around on the show, we finally got a chance to catch up on this summer's three-part spin-off manga from Naho Ooishi, "Episode of Bardock".
Penned as a sequel to the Bardock TV special, Ooishi gets a little more of a chance to shine with a quasi-original story as opposed to her usual retreads. Is this the true legend of the Super Saiyan that we have all been curious about for so many decades, or is it just another fluff piece of media that we can all casually pass over without missing much? Download the show now, or head on over to the podcast page for more information or to subscribe.
I profusely apologize for not doing so during the podcast episode itself, but amazing thanks go out to John for a donation that covered the balance on the orders and shipping costs to cover this special release. In addition to the podcast episode this week, we have a full extravaganza coming to our "Reviews" section very soon!
13 September 2011
Ultimate Blast/Tenkaichi Opening Theme & Animation VegettoEX @ 10:19 am EST -- From this week's pages of Jump we have received confirmation that Hironobu Kageyama's classic DragonBall Z TV first opening theme, "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA", will be used as the opening theme for Ultimate Blast in Japan. As reported a few days ago, the game will also feature new 2D animation in its story mode, now revealed to be over 30 minutes worth of footage.
With a couple minor exceptions, both Atari and now Namco-Bandai have consistently kept in Kageyama's vocal theme songs for the game localizations since approximately 2007 with the international release of Sparking! METEOR ("Budokai Tenkaichi 3") — incidentally, one with a replacement theme song was Super DragonBall Z on the PS2, which originally used the 2005 remix of "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" in Japan.
The standard version of "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" was also used as the opening to 2006's Sparking! NEO on the PS2 (later ported to the Wii), as well as back in 2003 for the first DragonBall Z on PS2. Dipping even further back, it was also used with the original TV opening's animation re-envisioned as 8-bit art in 1994's Idainaru Son Gokû Densetsu for the PC-Engine.
Namco-Bandai has been promoting "original Japanese music" from the start for the new game's international release as Ultimate Tenkaichi, but we will of course follow-up for solid confirmation.
09 September 2011
FUNimation DBZ TV Blu-ray: First Comparison Shots VegettoEX @ 12:49 pm EST -- FUNimation's Clarine Harp (Director of DVD, Blu-ray and Video Production) and Matt O'Hara (Manager of DVD, Blu-ray and Video Production) were interviewed this week on Anime News Network's ANNCast, where some new tidbits and discussion regarding the company's upcoming Blu-ray release of the DragonBall Z TV series were dropped.
Also included as a part of the discussion were a series of screen shots comparing the last few releases of the TV series (orange bricks, Dragon Box, upcoming Blu-ray).
Unfortunately, while a pretty good estimation of the quality comparison, all examples were provided as JPGs instead of a lossless format. Never fear, as a crack team of our forum's international fanboys and fangirls are on the case, with folks across the globe tossing up PNG examples from all of their localized DVD sets.
It is great to see the company take a new approach to remastering the series (with the understanding that, particularly with 16mm film, grain is an inherent part of the image and removing it will also remove detail from the image), but we still have plenty of outstanding questions. What will the Japanese audio source be, and what type of encode can we expect? Since it is a film source, will the title cards remain in their original Japanese? How about the recaps, previews, and eyecatches? Stay tuned as we keep tabs on this new remastering as we head toward Level 1.1's release in North America on 08 November 2011.
Ultimate Blast/Tenkaichi Story Mode Trailer VegettoEX @ 11:40 am EST -- Namco-Bandai EU has been on a roll with promotion for the upcoming Ultimate Tenkaichi (Ultimate Blast in its home country of Japan) — yesterday, the branch put up yet another trailer for the game, this time focused on a portion of the story mode, which features new 2D animation:
While I am personally hesitant about another DBZ fighting game with a mode that starts against Raditz and moves through the story verbatim from what I have already seen, read, and played for approximately 15 years... the allure of new animation is quite a draw for even someone like me.
So far it appears to be frame-for-frame accurate to the original version of the show (with a few minor differences here and there due to the new framing and size, of course). With all of the other aspects being tossed against the wall for this game, hopefully there are enough that will stick for fans of all types of gameplay.
Check it and plenty of other long bits of examination out over in our extensive "Reviews" section!
01 September 2011
Ultimate Blast/Tenkaichi Character Creation Mode Trailer VegettoEX @ 12:42 pm EST -- Namco-Bandai EU recently uploaded a new trailer for DragonBall Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi (coming out as Ultimate Blast in Japan) which showcases the game's character creation mode:
Unsurprisingly, the custom designs shown off all fall squarely in the typical Saiyan-overload promotion the games receive internationally, many even fitting in with the DragonBall AF-style of over-design. It will be interesting to see just how extensive this mode is — we see a few hints of additional templates available (such as Uub), but to what degree the player can control things like clothing style and voices will be the real clincher for many fans.
DragonBall Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is due out for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America on 25 October 2011, Europe on 28 October 2011, and later in Japan (as Ultimate Blast) on 08 December 2011.
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Saikyô Jump #3 DVD Double Feature
The March 2012 issue of the recently monthly-relaunched Saikyô Jump will come packed with a bonus DVD that contains 2010's Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans and 2011's Episode of Bardock animated features.
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"Episode of Bardock" Online Streaming
Announced in conjunction with this year's Jump Festa, the anime adaptation of "Episode of Bardock" will be streamed online for a limited time.
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"DragonBall SD" Going Monthly
Shueisha has announced that Naho Ooishi's DragonBall SD spin-off will continue monthly in the re-launch of Saikyô Jump.
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"Episode of Bardock" Anime Adaptation Forthcoming
V-Jump has announced that Naho Ooishi's three-chapter spin-off manga "Episode of Bardock" will receive an anime adaptation some time in 2012, with a preview shown at this year's Jump Festa in December.
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DBZ Coming To The UK After All...?
Two months after a classifications board listing for extra video materials surfaced online, a promotional page showcasing a concrete release of the DBZ TV series from Manga UK has appeared.
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FEATURED PAGE:
In March 2011, Toei Animation announced the sweeping removal of Kenji Yamamoto's entire musical score to DragonBall Kai. Our "Kenji Yamamoto Retrospective" takes a look at some of the most glaring offenders from Yamamoto's history with the franchise, up through and including the "refreshed" version of the DBZ TV series.
LATEST REVIEWS:
Naho Ooishi's three-chapter spin-off manga "Episode of Bardock" debuted in the August, September, and October 2011 issues of V-Jump in Japan.
The budget-priced "Special Selection DVD" contains both the Bardock and Trunks TV specials, as well as a slew of extras.
The final Japanese DVD of "DragonBall Kai" contains the final TV broadcast episode, as well as a "bonus" episode.
The "Legend of Saiyan" line is a cheap series of three-inch figures. Does the follow-up to "Freeza's Force" still warrant your cash?
The second closing theme to DragonBall Kai, Kokoro no Hane, gets a CD single with eleven different versions, and more bonus DVD content than anyone could have imagined.
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