900 Minutes of Uncut Action, DBZ Season 1 Arrives

[BlueSunrise]

I have the set, and I've watched quite a bit of footage.

Packaging - it's better in person. The box is shiny; the orange isn't too great but otherwise the case is quite nice. The booklet is a little wonky, but at least we finally have one! The DVDs are placed in three sections, with 2 discs on each sleeve of the foldout. All of the disks and menus feature the same artwork, which is disappointing.

Widescreen? At first, it was noticeable, because I was specifically looking for particular moments where I'd miss some important elements of the shot. After watching it for a while, it looks like it's not as bad as I thought it'd be. There are a few moments here and there where you can tell that you're missing something (a part of someone's head, for example), but those moments are few and far between, so it's not an enormous deal. Watching it in motion has calmed my nerves about the cropping, and that's a fact. Would I still have preferred full screen? I won't lie; I would have. But I'll take my sets like this; at least we'll have all the episodes in one place, fully uncut, with Japanese audio, and for a reasonable price.

99% of the people out there buying this set won't mind the widescreen at all, and for those of us that do (myself), it's not as bad as I thought it'd be.

Colors are a little off, but everything appears a lot sharper than the old footage we had in the US. Lines are more prominent, etc.

As a whole, I'm fairly impressed. It's certainly the best set we've had released so far, so I'm going to enjoy it.

[Conan the SSJ]

Also, at a point I was hoping for Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT to get sets like these, but now I don't think I really care. Maybe if they do get releases like this, I'll complete my collection in this form, for the sake of consistency. Maybe. It really depends on what kind of impression this first one makes on me.

Well, obviously there's kinda an issue with original DB because Lion's Gate are taking forever to be reasonable. However, you can easily get all of FUNi's "saga-set" releases and get the first 13 episodes from either Madman or Toei's new R2 singles. Obviously it's something I'm not gonna do, as I'm stuck waiting for FUNi's intended release.

But about GT, it's already available, decently priced and with box-sets to hold the volumes.

DBGT Starter-Set (LE Volume 1).
DBGT LE Volume 2.
DBGT LE Volume 3.
DBGT LE Volume 4.
DBGT LE Volume 5.
DBGT Box-Set 1 (Volumes 1-5).
DBGT Box-Set 2 (Volumes 6-10).
DBGT Box-Set 3 (Volumes 11-15).
DBGT TV Special: A Hero's Legacy.

$246.76 if you buy all that at Amazon. Over $250 cheaper than any GT Dragonbox. Ahoy?

Sorry if that was off topic.

[BrollysKin]

Well, since most people on this forum seem to understand that this set is junk, I have been posting my rage over at the Funi forums. Anyone who wants to help me out and back me up is more than welcome.

[KinoFourpaws]

Also, at a point I was hoping for Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT to get sets like these, but now I don't think I really care. Maybe if they do get releases like this, I'll complete my collection in this form, for the sake of consistency. Maybe. It really depends on what kind of impression this first one makes on me.

Well, obviously there's kinda an issue with original DB because Lion's Gate are taking forever to be reasonable. However, you can easily get all of FUNi's "saga-set" releases and get the first 13 episodes from either Madman or Toei's new R2 singles. Obviously it's something I'm not gonna do, as I'm stuck waiting for FUNi's intended release.

But about GT, it's already available, decently priced and with box-sets to hold the volumes.

DBGT Starter-Set (LE Volume 1).
DBGT LE Volume 2.
DBGT LE Volume 3.
DBGT LE Volume 4.
DBGT LE Volume 5.
DBGT Box-Set 1 (Volumes 1-5).
DBGT Box-Set 2 (Volumes 6-10).
DBGT Box-Set 3 (Volumes 11-15).
DBGT TV Special: A Hero's Legacy.

$246.76 if you buy all that at Amazon. Over $250 cheaper than any GT Dragonbox. Ahoy?

Sorry if that was off topic.

Arr, me hearties!

I think I'm pretty much good as far as Dragonball DVDs go for now. Besides the Vejita Saga box set here I've got pre-ordered, I also managed to find a Dragonball (it said Dragon Box, though at the price it was at, I'm not sure...) boxset with all the episodes on eBay and I'm gonna be getting that as soon as it's paid for. It was at a pretty nice price, too.

Really quick, though, if no one minds me steering the thread off-topic for a bit: can anyone take a look at this page and tell me if this is a legitimate release? The seller says everything is factory-pressed (not on DVDRs or anything like that), but I just wanted to get some confirmation from someone else as to whether or not I've just screwed myself with this purchase... DDD:

If anyone wants to take a quick look and tell me what's up, it'd be greatly appreciated. ^^; ---> Clicky?

Okay, getting back on topic: you know, for a good majority of this thread, I was scared kinda shitless that I'd just wasted my money. But with the reviews some other people who've gotten their sets already have given, I'm feeling a lot more hopeful now. I hope the feeling gets affirmed as soon as I get my own copy in the mail next month... ^____^;

[fps_anth]

Also, at a point I was hoping for Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT to get sets like these, but now I don't think I really care. Maybe if they do get releases like this, I'll complete my collection in this form, for the sake of consistency. Maybe. It really depends on what kind of impression this first one makes on me.

Well, obviously there's kinda an issue with original DB because Lion's Gate are taking forever to be reasonable. However, you can easily get all of FUNi's "saga-set" releases and get the first 13 episodes from either Madman or Toei's new R2 singles. Obviously it's something I'm not gonna do, as I'm stuck waiting for FUNi's intended release.

But about GT, it's already available, decently priced and with box-sets to hold the volumes.

DBGT Starter-Set (LE Volume 1).
DBGT LE Volume 2.
DBGT LE Volume 3.
DBGT LE Volume 4.
DBGT LE Volume 5.
DBGT Box-Set 1 (Volumes 1-5).
DBGT Box-Set 2 (Volumes 6-10).
DBGT Box-Set 3 (Volumes 11-15).
DBGT TV Special: A Hero's Legacy.

$246.76 if you buy all that at Amazon. Over $250 cheaper than any GT Dragonbox. Ahoy?

Sorry if that was off topic.

Arr, me hearties!

I think I'm pretty much good as far as Dragonball DVDs go for now. Besides the Vejita Saga box set here I've got pre-ordered, I also managed to find a Dragonball (it said Dragon Box, though at the price it was at, I'm not sure...) boxset with all the episodes on eBay and I'm gonna be getting that as soon as it's paid for. It was at a pretty nice price, too.

Really quick, though, if no one minds me steering the thread off-topic for a bit: can anyone take a look at this page and tell me if this is a legitimate release? The seller says everything is factory-pressed (not on DVDRs or anything like that), but I just wanted to get some confirmation from someone else as to whether or not I've just screwed myself with this purchase... DDD:

If anyone wants to take a quick look and tell me what's up, it'd be greatly appreciated. ^^; ---> Clicky?

Okay, getting back on topic: you know, for a good majority of this thread, I was scared kinda shitless that I'd just wasted my money. But with the reviews some other people who've gotten their sets already have given, I'm feeling a lot more hopeful now. I hope the feeling gets affirmed as soon as I get my own copy in the mail next month... ^____^;

Bootleg.

[KinoFourpaws]

Bootleg.

Gah, crap... and I already purchased the thing... >___<;;;

How do you know, though? I don't know what to look for to figure it out for myself...

[SonGokuGT]

SelMod! Your Cover art is absolutely gorgeous! I've always been a big fan of the DB covers. Keep up the great work!

I must be persistent as well... someone post a damn video clip! I'm really looking forward to it... Pretty, pretty please?

[nathantheguitarist]

Well, since most people on this forum seem to understand that this set is junk, I have been posting my rage over at the Funi forums. Anyone who wants to help me out and back me up is more than welcome.

I've been trying there forever... no use... it's like they're all corrupted

[Conan the SSJ]

How do you know, though? I don't know what to look for to figure it out for myself...

Basically, if it's offering English subtitles and it's the entire series with no dub, then it's a bootleg. Unless the release contains the actual Dragonbox discs or all the FUNi discs with Madman's first 13 episodes, then it's not legit. Sorry.

[KinoFourpaws]

How do you know, though? I don't know what to look for to figure it out for myself...

Basically, if it's offering English subtitles and it's the entire series with no dub, then it's a bootleg. Unless the release contains the actual Dragonbox discs or all the FUNi discs with Madman's first 13 episodes, then it's not legit. Sorry.

Aww... @*#%$!

I don't know what to do, then... the item's already bought... any suggestions? @___@;

[shannarafan]

The inclusion of Chinese subs are also a dead giveaway.
The English ones are shitacular, by the way.

[KinoFourpaws]

The inclusion of Chinese subs are also a dead giveaway.
The English ones are shitacular, by the way.

... *sinks into the ground* >___<;

[Conan the SSJ]

Aww... @*#%$!

I don't know what to do, then... the item's already bought... any suggestions? @___@;

Well...selling it wouldn't be entirely moral. There's only two suggestions I can think of, and this isn't sarcasm: A) Throw it away or B) Give it to some poor kid. I'm really sorry you got lured into buying that Kino, you're a really good person and knowing someone like you getting ripped off just sucks in a very rotten way. Perhaps try buying the FUNi saga-set releases, they're legit and uncut, fantastic subs, and a really good dub containing the Japanese BGM; obviously the first 13 episodes aren't available with this choice. It's your call.

[KinoFourpaws]

Aww... @*#%$!

I don't know what to do, then... the item's already bought... any suggestions? @___@;

Well...selling it wouldn't be entirely moral. There's only two suggestions I can think of, and this isn't sarcasm: A) Throw it away or B) Give it to some poor kid. I'm really sorry you got lured into buying that Kino, you're a really good person and knowing someone like you getting ripped off just sucks in a very rotton way. Perhaps try buying the FUNi saga-set releases, they're legit and uncut, fantastic subs, and a really good dub containing the Japanese BGM; obviously the first 13 episodes aren't available with this choice. It's your call.

Hmm... well, I'm entertaining the idea of taking a look at it when I get it, and possibly sending it back for a refund. Twenty dollars in shipping both ways is a lot better than seventy just to keep it... @_@;

I guess I'll either end up doing that or burying it somewhere in the hidden recesses of my closet (for now). I don't know how I could think of selling it now that I know what it is. I'll be looking at those saga-set releases from now on then, I guess...

God, I feel so stupid.

[BrollysKin]

Well, since most people on this forum seem to understand that this set is junk, I have been posting my rage over at the Funi forums. Anyone who wants to help me out and back me up is more than welcome.

I've been trying there forever... no use... it's like they're all corrupted

I know, I have been trying to back you up.

[SonGokuGT]

Well, since most people on this forum seem to understand that this set is junk, I have been posting my rage over at the Funi forums. Anyone who wants to help me out and back me up is more than welcome.

I've been trying there forever... no use... it's like they're all corrupted

I know, I have been trying to back you up.

Wow, it's really going down over there isn't it... That Gozar guy just won't get it will he?

[G1Ravage]

I think it's official: Toei is still refusing to permit FUNimation to produce a quality DVD release of Dragon Ball Z. There is absolutely no excuse for such a hyped product to come out so terribly wrong. This is what *I* want in my DVD release:

-A well cleaned-up picture. Dragon Box quality would certainly be nice.
-Snazzy cover art and simple disc layout. One disc under another = LOSE
-Appropriate openings and closings WITH proper credits. I don't care if I can't read Japanese yet. At the very least, offer English translated credits that correctly credit EVERY Japanese individual who had something to do with the episode, including the coffee boy.
-PREVIEWS. THEY EXIST. GET THEM.

FUNimation, DBZ has a huge fan following. It has for many, many years, and you know that. All we want is a perfect, must-own DVD boxset release of the entire series with all the trimmings, with the episodes presented PERFECTLY, as they're SUPPOSED to be seen. Just like the Japanese got with Dragon Box. Just like YOU do with so many of your other shows. Why do you consistently screw up with DBZ?

It must be Toei. But I also think FUNi just isn't trying hard enough. Look at this release:

-Ugly boxart, and DVD's arranged in a hard-to-manage "stacked" method.
-Dub doesn't get Cha-La?
-From the screen shots I've seen, the "remastered" video doesn't look all that great.
-Widescreen. Ugh.
-"Booklet" written by someone who clearly doesn't know a lot about the show's history.
-Opening creditless, and ending only uses credits from episode 1.
-No previews.

It's pretty much EXACTLY what we were already getting from the previous DVD releases, except now it's in SUPPAA AWESOME WIDSCR33N!!111, and we have the ability to listen to the English dub with the Japanese music. Which is something we've only been wanting since, oh, back when DBZ first came to DVD many, many years ago? Something only Pioneer managed to do?

I'll most likely pass on this set. I can certainly imagine that sometime down the road, FUNi will rerelease DBZ with the set we've all been waiting for. Either by finally doing it right themselves, or by bringing over the Dragon Box if Toei lowers the price for the cleaned up animation. And did I forget to mention that the Japanese audio is STILL in mono?

It seems FUNi still insists on altering DBZ in any way to make it more "suitable" for American audiences. It considers English DBZ..."their" DBZ...to be the TRUE DBZ, and views the Japanese version only as an afterthought.

[shannarafan]

... *sinks into the ground* >___<;

Lol. Yeah, what a way to make you feel even worse. [not my intention]

As big a rip-off as that set is though, having all those episodes is still pretty cool... in a really guilty sort of way.

...and I'll shut up now.

[mAcChaos]

The inclusion of Chinese subs are also a dead giveaway.
The English ones are shitacular, by the way.

... *sinks into the ground* >___<;

Time to fire up eBay.

[BrollysKin]

I've been trying there forever... no use... it's like they're all corrupted

I know, I have been trying to back you up.

Wow, it's really going down over there isn't it... That Gozar guy just won't get it will he?

No, and I am about ready to give up. His arguements just keep getting weaker. But my only purpose is to let Funi know how much I hate them. He's only collateral damage.