The Community.

SonEric84 · Post by **SonEric84** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:02 pm

bkev wrote:People, it could be worse. They could have re-animated it themselves. Stop complaining, especially those of you that have those better Japanese releases. It doesn't matter to you, because you have your precious "perfect" Dragon Box sets. Me? I'm playing the waiting game, but watching this is getting annoying.

Looks like someone has a case of Dragon Box envy.

(By the way, I'm just kidding.

)

Lavender Saiyan · Post by **Lavender Saiyan** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:22 pm

I actually think most DragonBall fans would be envious of those who own the complete Dragon Box. No doubtuing it's the most superb DB Video on the planet.

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:16 am

bkev wrote:Me? I'm playing the waiting game, but watching this is getting annoying.

Then don't read this thread if it annoys you. Or is someone got you tied to a chair with a gun to your head forcing you to?

laserkid · Post by **laserkid** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:58 am

The state of the fandom, you ask? That's a good question to be honest I don't know that I have an answer. My best answer is...asleep. At least I've been. I gave in to the first two season sets to just finish off the collection I started 7 years ago. I did so, and now I'm at the point where I've over talked the hell out of DBZ and by the time I think of something to say, someone else already has. It took a wikipedia vandalism thread, and Sparking Meteor to get me to post about anything DBZ related. This makes me sad, I -WANT- to be in the DBZ community, this is easily one of my favorate shows of all time. But everything seems so - stagnant.

As Mike said, having been around a while (In his deifnition for me, it's day 1 I found DB in 1995 randomly) - its always been the same things. FUNimation Vs. fandom. I guess it just got old. Sure, we've had diffrent flavors but God it just got so old and tedious, and I can't stand to be angry at something for that long.

I'm also sick to damn mother hell oblivion death of season set bickering. Like 'em, hate 'em. I just don't care. What bothers me is that's all anyone seems to talk about these days and it makes me sad.

I remember when I joined this variation of the Daizenshuu EX board and we had lots of interesting conversations (One of the most memorable, to me anyway was the good old timelines discussion). Maybe I need to pay more attention. If so someone please shake me awake.

But dear Lord and savior, I want to see this cimmunity be more lively and varied again. It's also entirely possible I'm rose tinting the past.

Like I said, I just don't know what the state of the fandom is, but I wish I did.

Conan the SSJ · Post by **Conan the SSJ** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:14 pm

MajinVejitaXV wrote:Whereas they're cropping...?

-Corey

So were FUNi's previous 4:3 releases (as I pointed out, about equivalent when watching on a TV), yet those don't get nearly as much flak as the season sets are getting regarding cropping. I guess black bars really make a difference. Corey, if I may suggest, rent or borrow the first Ultimate Uncut volume and watch it with Brandy on your set, tell me if she notices the same amount of eyes going out of frame, bits of hair being cutoff, or whatnot else. Seriously, I was and still am in the same boat as yourself and others regarding this issue, but it's both interesting and odd to notice both versions released by FUNi are pretty much equal in footage amount. And if we're gonna have some rule where an altered aspect ratio means editing, then the same applies for FUNi's previous 4:3 releases of the DBZ movies? I dunno, maybe that's an apples/oranges case.

Nonetheless, my point stands. And I'm not the only one who's brought this up. It mainly irks me in the manner that people are immediate to point out cropping, yet the same amount of vertical footage was already being lost in CN airings and previous FUNi DVDs. Comparing FUNi releases, I've noticed only TWO shots where the cropping proves to be more. Sorry if I'm sounding like a broken record, I just think it's important to know that even if some of us go out of our way to get as many of FUNi's previous 4:3 releases based on the wide-screen issue alone, all we're getting in the end is better detail in the animation and no frame bleeding here or there in some Namek episodes. I'm in no way excusing FUNi's call to crop either release in the manners they have, but really the only available option for more intended footage are the Dragonbox singles -- and quite a couple reasons have been pointed out why lots of us can't afford and/or don't wish to get those.

I'm done bringing this up. Done. If you guys wanna either discuss this subject further or ignore it, be my guest.

Orochi_Rockman · Post by **Orochi_Rockman** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:33 pm

Take away the cost, and what do you have that's honestly worthy of praise?

I'm not praising them, I'm just not going to bitch about them. So they aren't perfect, I don't care. This is a chance to have the show on DVD for practically nothing and I'm not going to pass it up.

If DBZ is ever released again on DVD (and that's a big freaking IF) it will be totally dependant on how well the movie does and such releases will take place after that. IF this happens and they release the series again in better form then I'll have chance to get those down the road but if they do not release the show again, well then at the very least I've got these and to me it's better than nothing.

bkev · Post by **bkev** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:43 pm

SonEric84 wrote: Looks like someone has a case of Dragon Box envy.

(By the way, I'm just kidding. )

No, it's true, I do. :/. But, my point still stands - those of you that have the DragonBox sets, stop complaining.

Vekurotto · Post by **Vekurotto** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:16 pm

Conan the SSJ wrote:So were FUNi's previous 4:3 releases (as I pointed out, about equivalent when watching on a TV), yet those don't get nearly as much flak as the season sets are getting regarding cropping. I guess black bars really make a difference. Corey, if I may suggest, rent or borrow the first Ultimate Uncut volume and watch it with Brandy on your set, tell me if she notices the same amount of eyes going out of frame, bits of hair being cutoff, or whatnot else. Seriously, I was and still am in the same boat as yourself and others regarding this issue, but it's both interesting and odd to notice both versions released by FUNi are pretty much equal in footage amount. And if we're gonna have some rule where an altered aspect ratio means editing, then the same applies for FUNi's previous 4:3 releases of the DBZ movies? I dunno, maybe that's an apples/oranges case.

I suppose it wouldn't be too late if we could get some screencaps of this is it?

TheGreatness25 · Post by **TheGreatness25** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:35 pm

Yeah I do find it weird that those who have the Dragon Boxes do come on and complain about FUNimation butchering the show. What do you care if you have the Dragon Boxes? I have the 4:3 releases and I'm happy about them. Same thing as the Dragon Box, especially if you take away the sharpness. The first ones I bought, I was like, "Man these are really grainy...wait, I can fix that." Boom, turn the sharpness down, picture quality is much better. I'm the type of person who doesn't know Japanese, and so the Dragon Box would be no good for me. Plus, I grew up watching the FUNimation dub, so THAT'S what I have a sentimental attachment to really. I mean yeah, I used to watch the Japanese ones, but nothing beats the memory of getting home quickly to record Toonami's DBZ. In fact, if I didn't have some sort of wonderful memory of that, I wouldn't even give a damn about Dragon Ball in terms of collecting it. I like lots of shows now but I don't collect them because they don't bring me back to that nice childhood feeling.

So anyways, I don't really know what the problem is, I just see people with Dragon Boxes always bashing FUNimation. Well it's simple really. You don't like it, don't buy it, get Dragon Box. So you do, so what's the problem?

Conan the SSJ · Post by **Conan the SSJ** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:35 pm

Vekurotto wrote:I suppose it wouldn't be too late if we could get some screencaps of this is it?

No DVD drive in my computer (and even if there were, it wouldn't account for overscan from my television) and the webcam I have would result in extremely crappy-quality pics (if it could even reach to my set). No digital camera either. But Sato/SaiyamanMS has also noticed what I have (in his case, he's even seen more verticle footage at times in his season 1 set than an UUE volume), so I'm not the only one who's caught this.

TheGreatness25 · Post by **TheGreatness25** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:36 pm

Well I can get those if you really want.

Post by **VegettoEX** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:33 pm

TheGreatness25 wrote:So anyways, I don't really know what the problem is, I just see people with Dragon Boxes always bashing FUNimation. Well it's simple really. You don't like it, don't buy it, get Dragon Box. So you do, so what's the problem?

Is it too much to ask that we get a near-perfect version of the show with subtitles?

I mean, honestly... can't we just get the show? Done correctly? Why is it still this difficult?

To continue answering your question, if you're perceiving that it's more people with the Dragon Box "complaining" about these sets (which I see little proof of), perhaps it's that these people are simply more educated on a broader level, actually owning all necessary items in order to have first-hand experiences and observations to share with the community?

Death-T · Post by **Death-T** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:38 pm

Who's to say all of us have the Dragon Box(es) ? I am one of those who can't afford the Dragon Box(es), yet also shake off the temptation to get the season sets because of it's disgusting quality. I'm trying to purchase the Dragon Box collection via the single disc release, but it's very expensive. Not to mention I've other series' to collect.

It just annoys me to no end why the only other alternative I have aside from importing a superior Japanese product which I am yet to understand, is to purchase FUNimations awfull season sets. It's that, or track down the singles. But even those have their own flaws.

So I'll complain about that from time to time. And I sure as hell hate being lied to by a seemingly very proffessional company, in regards to their other releases. But what annoys me even more, is that their lie has become the number one best selling anime DVD of the year. I'm not reffering to anyone here. You've chosen to go with a cheaper alternative which features the story in a language you can understand with the option of veiwing the Japanese version with optional English subtitles. And better yet, you know what you're buying. But the mass majority of people who've purchased these DVDs, really don't know what they're buying. They honestly beleive all of the lies they're being told. And because of that, we're stuck with a half assed product. So who is to blame for that ? FUNimation. And I'm sure Toei shares some of the fault to, but we all know FUNimation could've given us a much better product. Because of them, I have to spend extra money to import one of my favorite series', in a language that I am yet to understand. You can't blame me for wanting to vent some of my fustration on them, from whom I could've purchased a decent product had they contributed more effort.

TheGreatness25 · Post by **TheGreatness25** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:55 am

You know honestly, thinking about it, there's way too much bickering over nothing. I mean everyone has their preferences. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Call it the holiday season mood, but I don't feel like bickering with anyone anymore. I like this Forum and a lot of people in it are very educative on Dragon Ball/Z/GT and in this day and age, that's hard to come by. Since DBZ isn't on TV anymore (well not unless you count once a week

) it's hard to find people who really still care so much about the series. That's why instead of fighting, we should kind of realize that we're all just salvaging what's left of the Dragon Ball craze together.

Maphisto86 · Post by **Maphisto86** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:17 am

While I like visiting the other Dragonball fan sites (the ones still around anyway...) I only go to this forum now. I used to visit Dragonball Unlimited's forums but they shut down a year after I joined. And the other forums are just too disorganized and lax on moderation. That, and the immaturity really got to me.

As for FUNImation... well as a few of you know I was once a passionate fan of the dub. While I still enjoy it a lot, there are a lot of things I do not like and I think could have done much better. Sadly it does not look like any change is forthcoming. Overall I prefer the original to any dub...

However I am glad FUNImation made one smart choice in hiring Steve Simmons to sub their DVD's. I also would like to say that despite my utter loathing of the wide screen format, their half assed job with the coloration and sloppy marketing of the latest season sets, I'm now more than ever tempted to buy them. I initially sent a letter expressing my disgust over the wide screen issue but now I just want to watch the episodes uncut. I only bought a few Freeza saga episodes on VHS when they where first released but that's it! I do not own any of the manga and other than my random couple of old tapes, all I have to view Dragonball is through the video games. Still I feel a bit hypocritical if I do buy them... but I then remember that many of you have bought the series more than once. Dilemmas...

Genki-Dama · Post by **Genki-Dama** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 12:39 pm

Both the Funimation releases and the Dragon Box releases make me mad. Funimation's releases are cropped, but cheap. The Dragon Box is perfect but too damn expensive for a 14 year old. If I could get a Dragon Box I would piss my pants, but my parents don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on some foreign Japanese cartoon show. So people bash me for buying these fake "remastered" box sets and say that I am supporting Funimation. Well if it's the only way I could own the series until I get a job than so be it....

Big Momma · Post by **Big Momma** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 4:32 pm

I really don't see anything wrong with the remastered sets. Sure, the video isn't perfect, but honestly, it isn't really that important. You can still tell whats going on, its not like Piccolo is a different color or anything. Even if the widescreen cuts of an inch or two, you still aren't missing much. I like the widescreen! It feels like I'm in a movie theatre!

I'm a little tired, so really don't know what I may or may not be writing at this time. XD

Lavender Saiyan · Post by **Lavender Saiyan** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:02 pm

It feels like I'm in a movie theatre!

I agree. A lot of people call other idiots for saying that,. But it's the truth, the rectangular screen DOES give a cinematic feel.

Gyt Kaliba · Post by **Gyt Kaliba** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:24 pm

And Genki Dama's case isn't all that uncommon - heck, I'm 18 and I can't afford the Dragon Boxes! Or every single one of FUNi's individuals, even if I were so inclined. You gotta make due with what you can get, it's better than not having the series at all.

It comes down to money really. If you can afford Dragon Boxes or the singles of them, spit on the Season Sets and get the D-Boxes idiot! But, if you can't afford them, then wipe that spit off and claim it as your own.

Kendamu · Post by **Kendamu** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 7:04 pm

Gyt Kaliba wrote:And Genki Dama's case isn't all that uncommon - heck, I'm 18 and I can't afford the Dragon Boxes! Or every single one of FUNi's individuals, even if I were so inclined. You gotta make due with what you can get, it's better than not having the series at all.

It comes down to money really. If you can afford Dragon Boxes or the singles of them, spit on the Season Sets and get the D-Boxes idiot! But, if you can't afford them, then wipe that spit off and claim it as your own.

You could always narrow down which DBox singles contain your favorite episodes, get those, and then fill the rest in later with whichever releases you'd prefer to fill in the blanks with.