900 Minutes of Uncut Action, DBZ Season 1 Arrives

[FDLink]

That actually has been considered by many fans who are lobbying for a 4:3 set, even MajinVegetaXV. Obviously such a move would not be wise, as doing that would enrage fans to levels much higher than when it was simply a matter of the top and bottom being cut off.

One would have to assume that even they aren't stupid enough to do that. It's not like they get off on all this bad press and fan complaints, as it is.

FUNi, do not prove me wrong.

[Sebastian (SB)]

I think $5 is what its well worth.

Meh, if I can get each set for $30 or less, it's worth it to me.

Then again, I'm not a hardcore purist either. I prefer the Japanese version of the show, but I'm not willing to spend $40 a 6-episode DVD for "OMG the UBER PICTURE QUALITEEZ" and no translations. Hell, I was even fine with FUNi's grainy, oversaturated, pixelated 4:3 masters for the original releases.

I'm still going to get every set though... Even VegettoEX himself said "anything can be bought for the right price." $40 or less for a whole slew of DBZ episodes is more than the right price for me.

But I still wish some kind of 4:3 release was put out alongside the widescreen sets, so that way each camp will at least be satisfied.

Still, whoever found that set for $5: a damn good find, my friend.

- Bilis

I see your point, so let me be more specific in my last post.

[MajinVejitaXV]

TOEI has no high quality version of the original Japanese instrumental Cha-La.

They actually do, it's Track #6 on Disc 5 of the Daizenshuu 5-CD set.

-Corey

[dasmith]

It's such a nice set that it would be hard to destroy it anyway XD.

If I picked up a copy of this set for $5 (or got one for free from one of the guys that just picked it up for a review then wanted to get rid of it), I would definitely be making a video proving how easy it is to send this set to HFIL

[Humpski]

It's such a nice set that it would be hard to destroy it anyway XD.

If I picked up a copy of this set for $5 (or got one for free from one of the guys that just picked it up for a review then wanted to get rid of it), I would definitely be making a video proving how easy it is to send this set to HFIL

Well really it's the best we've got is it not?

Unless you want to shell out a million and one dollars for a dragonbox what other choice do we have?

[MajinVejitaXV]

Unless you want to shell out a million and one dollars for a dragonbox what other choice do we have?

DragonBox Z Vol. 1 & 2 = 2 Boxes = 291 episodes + 2 TV Specials = 100000yen each or $828.23 = $1656.46

Individual Toei releases = 49 discs = 291 episodes = 195510yen = $1619.26

FUNimation's DragonBall Z run (uncut) = 70 discs (72 if you want the TV Specials) + 2 Season Sets = $24.95 each or $1746.50 for all 70 ($1796.40 for the 72) + $99.90 for the sets = $1846.40 for the series/$1896.30 for series and specials

Granted, if you go with the buthered season sets they'll be cheaper, but that's the score so far assuming you don't wanna rebuy everything you've already bought so far (if you're a fan who actually tried to support FUNimation and DragonBall Z in general by buying all their single discs). Also, all the above is retail, since that's their suggested baseline.

The sad thing: 6 years, 79 discs, 251 episodes out of 291, $1971.05 (sans tax) and 86.25% of the series released uncut in 4:3...and fans are utterly fucked. Those collections can never be completed. This is the thanks fans who helped FUNimation actually become a company get.

What a great set this is, ne?

-Corey

[Humpski]

Season 1 is the first time I've bought DBZ on DVD.
So I guess didn't get screwed over by the other stuff.

Hence I'm not really mad at them or anything for releasing this box set. I love it.

I'm only going to be buying these new season sets which are like 30 bucks each. Assuming there's around 8 seasons it'll cost me $240. That's $1416 cheaper than the dragon boxes.

[MajinVejitaXV]

Season 1 is the first time I've bought DBZ on DVD.
So I guess didn't get screwed over by the other stuff.

Yeah, and I'm sure you're not the only one. Problem is, there was a time when all FUNimation had was DragonBall Z. If people like myself and many, many others hadn't supported them, they would have tanked.

So, with only 40 episodes to go after 6 years of erratic DVD releases, they repay us by forcing a shitty auto-filtered, cropped budget release on us. Doesn't that seem kinda...well, fucked?

And people wonder why I bought the DragonBoxes

-Corey

[dasmith]

It's such a nice set that it would be hard to destroy it anyway XD.

If I picked up a copy of this set for $5 (or got one for free from one of the guys that just picked it up for a review then wanted to get rid of it), I would definitely be making a video proving how easy it is to send this set to HFIL

Well really it's the best we've got is it not?

Unless you want to shell out a million and one dollars for a dragonbox what other choice do we have?

The reason I never bought the FUNi singles was because there was never a consistent format that I could buy into. I would want to own the entire series, and have it be a nice consistent format that I can have on a shelf and will look good. Not a random assortment of various lines of different releases with gaps here and there.

There was a point that I was really excited to see the new dub that was coming out of all of the episodes that I had only ever had shitty fansubs of, but then that just kind of faded for me when I started to realize more and more how awful the dub was. Something that really got me was the dub voice for Buu. I was somewhat excited to see if FUNi fixed some complaints I had always had with their GT dub. That was when I stumbled across DaizEX and when I saw the FUNi trailer for GT with the "You think you know GT? WELL PREPARE TO BE BLOWN AWAY BY PHAT BEATZ AND HI-TECH LOGOS". I loved Dan Dan. That slap in the face kind of sealed the deal for me. I decided that I would just wait until there was a nice box or several consistent boxes that covered the whole series that I could buy. The Dragonboxes came out during the time when I wasn't really interested in what was going on with the series, and when I wouldn't have really had that sort of money anyways.

Today I've got some more time to do things that I personally enjoy, and I've gotten interested in the series again. I noticed the Ultimate Uncuts showing up in stores and I thought that was pretty cool, and hoped maybe the whole series would get a rerelease like that. I thought about buying the Saiyajin arc when they finished releasing them and maybe put it out in a box or something. Then FUNi cancelled the UUEs and announced this new set. I wasn't pissed because I hadn't bought any UUEs, but I was shocked that they would do something so.. stupid?.. as to cancel a release halfway through.

This latest set came out and I was pretty appalled as a fan just by the fact that it was cropped. That fact alone offended me enough to decide not to buy the set -- all of the details about the crappy remastering and FUNi lies just kinda made me chuckle at how ridiculously FUNi treats the series.

If the Dragonboxes were being released starting today, I would definitely try to put down some money for them and preorder them. I don't know Japanese and I doubt I will ever have time to learn it, but I would enjoy just having such a good looking collection of DVDs and to be able to watch my favorite episodes and scenes with good picture quality. However, the fact is that they came out when I wasn't really interested in the series and when I wouldn't have had enough money to buy them anyways.

My criteria for a box set that I would buy are not very strict. All I want is a set of boxes that physically looks good and is consistent down the line. Maybe DVD menus that look good. A Japanese audio track with the original video. No extras necessary.

What this set has shown me is that FUNi is apparently incapable of doing something so simple with DBZ. I don't own a Dragonball set, but based on what I've seen of them, if FUNi basically treated DBZ the same exact way releasing sets that looked like those I would have been interested in buying them. But they kinda blew it.

Unless I happen to be greatly interested in the series in a few years when FUNi tries again, I'm never going to own all of my favorite anime on DVD. A sad fact.

I'll probably go to the length to actually import a few of the Dragonbox singles, though, of my favorite episodes. Everything about those releases was done right, in my book. The boxart alone outweighs the value of English subtitles for me.

Just my thoughts

-Derek

[MajinVejitaXV]

Well said. I agree on all levels. My disdain for FUNimation's approach came from their overall slopiness with the handling of the series. I think the biggest gut-punch came when I had purchased about 10-20 DVD's of theirs, including the fouled-up Trunks discs, and found that they had done a stealth re-release of a disc that should have been an exchange ("Prelude to Terror"). That combined with rumors of an imminent Toei release made me back away from FUNimation and start saving my money.

A year or so later, the first DragonBox came out and my money went towards those. I picked up the occasional FUNi disc, such as the movies, but unfortunately I saw the same sloppy mistakes with the only real redeeming qualities (read: the subtitles) being the labor of one fan's love for the series.

The saddest part to me? That people don't give a damn. Apathy is rampant in the world, and while this latest release is a small thing in the bigger picture, it makes me sad that people are just excepting it because it's cheap or "the widescreen doesn't ruin it..." Then you have those who are so taken with the propaganda FUNimation released that they don't know what they're buying. They're treating us, the fans, like idiots and people are just going, "But...it's so cheap! And it looks all smooth!...hey, where'd Goku's mouth go?"

Meanwhile, guys like me who wanted a quality product are looked down upon as snobs. What the fuck bizarro world did I step into?

Oh well, watched it for 7 years now and I'm not surprised to see it continue. I guess the days of consumers demanding a quality product are dead >_>;;

-Corey
DragonBall fan and "Videophile" (the two aren't mutually exclusive, folks)

[Brad Redfield]

Meanwhile, guys like me who wanted a quality product are looked down upon as snobs. What the fuck bizarro world did I step into?

The one where people prefer getting a botched product apparently. *Insert Twilight Zone music*

I like to point out something else that's cheap and has a lot of content: Those $5 "50 Classic Cartoons" DVDs you find in the bargain bin at your local department store. Sure, it's shitastic quality-wise...but you get so many episodes for such a low price!

[Castor Troy]

Meanwhile, guys like me who wanted a quality product are looked down upon as snobs. What the fuck bizarro world did I step into?

The one where people prefer getting a botched product apparently. *Insert Twilight Zone music*

I like to point out something else that's cheap and has a lot of content: Those $5 "50 Classic Cartoons" DVDs you find in the bargain bin at your local department store. Sure, it's shitastic quality-wise...but you get so many episodes for such a low price!

At least they're not in widescreen.

[Brad Redfield]

...ouch, I don't know if I should be even more offended now...

[Anonymous Friend]

Everyone here has very valid points. Your consumers and have voiced your concerns to the company that has been promising to change and give you what you want, but for whatever reason keep screwing it up. And to be honest, I don't think they're ever gonna get it right. And the only way to get exactly what you want would be for Toei themselves to release the series with subtitles.

But for me personally, these sets are a welcomed product. I've always wanted to buy Dragonball episodes but I could never find a complete set. I understand that it may not be at the same quality as the Dragonbox releases or even at FUNi's other anime releases. But, by golly, I'm just really excited about the posiblity of owning the entire series. Even if it's not at the quality of other forms in which it has been released or even other shows that FUNi has dubbed.

I'm just a fan that's happy to be able to watch the series without it being moved from day to day and dropped fro months at a time.

The only thing else that would make me very happy if some decent special features could be added. Like the Toonami openings or the aired Uncut episodes opening. Maybe some of the Toonami Music Videos that had Dragonball clips in it.

[dasmith]

What you're saying is totally valid, and I understand where you're coming from. There is no other way to get the episodes on this set, and it's exciting to think that the whole series is supposed to be released in this this latest format, top to bottom.

I'm just saying if I were planning on buying the whole series like this, I wouldn't hold my breath. I may pick up the first set to see if I like it, then hold off and wait until they actually release the entire series like this, then buy them all at once, just to be safe. I sure wouldn't want to buy like up through the Cell saga in these boxes just to have FUNi stop making them, and start over again from the beginning with a new release.

(Note: "I may pick up the first set" shouldn't be taken out of context, because I'm not going to pick up the first set )

[Anonymous Friend]

Oh dear lord ... Hush you mouth. Don't you dare say that. I'll be so distaught if that happened.

But to be honest, if they got up to the end of the Namek Arcs, that would be enough for me. I'm seeing that the release of the full series would take about two years or more if they're taking thier time. Once they get past Cell is there that much that they have to change? They can just re-release those from the original release, right?

[TheSonofKakarrot]

I got the set myself, despite being swayed by all the negativity it was receiving on every form and I'm pleased I guess. The quality is definitely a lot better than the old FUNi DVD's. The widescreen hasn't bothered me too much because I watch it on my Toshiba Satellite Notebook I just bought recently that has a 17' Widescreen display. My one gripe more than the widescreen issue is that everything seems to "white." I can tell the level of detail in some scenes is significantly lower, despite its clarity due to the lack of grain. But other than that, I think its worth the $40 especially if you havent bought these already. As someone pointed out, you'd spend an extra $1200+ to own the Dragonboxes if you go that route and I dont think their perfect picture and extras is worth an extra 1200.

I have something interesting to state/ask.

Does anyone here own any of the Freeza saga DVD's? I ask because for some odd reason, the video quality on those episodes is superb. Grain is almost non existent, especially when compared to the Artificial Human arc and above. I was wondering how this will (or has) affected their remastering process. Maybe the detail and such wont be as affected since there is very limited amounts of grain?

Any thoughts? I know I cant be the only one who has noticed how the Freeza Saga's video quality is leagues above the rest.

[Snail]

You're right, it really would be about 2 years for the entire series to be released under this format. *sigh. I was hoping that by the time I graduated from high school I would have already been able to sit down and cruise through the entire series with leisure. Guess not.

Thanks FUNimation...I hate you.


In reply to SonOfKakorott's comment:

Hmm, I didn't notice much difference. The grain was still existent, the only small difference that I picked up was the difference in colors. Furthermore, the colors from the Android arc and onward seemed bland, whereas, the Frieza arc presented some really bright colors. But yeah, describing the video quality of the Frieza saga as 'leagues above the rest' is a bit of an exaggeration don't ya' think?

[laserkid]

Well said. I agree on all levels. My disdain for FUNimation's approach came from their overall slopiness with the handling of the series. I think the biggest gut-punch came when I had purchased about 10-20 DVD's of theirs, including the fouled-up Trunks discs, and found that they had done a stealth re-release of a disc that should have been an exchange ("Prelude to Terror"). That combined with rumors of an imminent Toei release made me back away from FUNimation and start saving my money.

A year or so later, the first DragonBox came out and my money went towards those. I picked up the occasional FUNi disc, such as the movies, but unfortunately I saw the same sloppy mistakes with the only real redeeming qualities (read: the subtitles) being the labor of one fan's love for the series.

The saddest part to me? That people don't give a damn. Apathy is rampant in the world, and while this latest release is a small thing in the bigger picture, it makes me sad that people are just excepting it because it's cheap or "the widescreen doesn't ruin it..." Then you have those who are so taken with the propaganda FUNimation released that they don't know what they're buying. They're treating us, the fans, like idiots and people are just going, "But...it's so cheap! And it looks all smooth!...hey, where'd Goku's mouth go?"

Meanwhile, guys like me who wanted a quality product are looked down upon as snobs. What the fuck bizarro world did I step into?

Oh well, watched it for 7 years now and I'm not surprised to see it continue. I guess the days of consumers demanding a quality product are dead >_>;;

-Corey
DragonBall fan and "Videophile" (the two aren't mutually exclusive, folks)

All very valid thoughts, but I think the reason you rub -some- people the wrong way is if they disagree with you you label them as idiots, either by claiming superior knowledge of video formatting (which may be true but saying it to marginalize someone elses opinion tends to set them off), or call them apathetic.

I bought season 1, despite being put to the poitn of rage at the screenshots, and watching it I didnt honestly have any problems with it. I reserved season 2 shortly therafter. Why? With these two sets done, I'M done with the entire series. Yeah IU really would have preffered the full screen format for these episodes (although I do like the remastering its not the best ever but its better then it WAS). I will NOT be rebuying the rest of the series to match however for the simple reason that - honestly FUNimation doesnt deserve me to rebuy their stuff here. I COULD buy the dragonboxes, but as much as I did study Japanese I am far from fluent. Subtitles are a necessity for my enjoyment of the show. Does that mean I don't care? Of course not! Anyone who saw my initial reaction to the widescreen knows I popped my top over it. That said there really isnt any other option for some of these episodes. Does it make me angry? Sure it does. That all said, if I played "hunger strike" would it truly affect FUNimation whose sure to make a gaziollion on these sets from parents with children who love the show and see a low pricepoint? I think not. I've written FUNimation a letter (Not an email, a letter), about my concerns. Thats about all I can do in this given situation. Buying the set, and even enjoying it is not a crime against giving a damn, really is all I'm saying.

Maybe I'm just crazy though, who knows. That said I don't think you're a snob. I reserve THAT right for a VERY select few.

[MajinVejitaXV]

All very valid thoughts, but I think the reason you rub -some- people the wrong way is if they disagree with you you label them as idiots, either by claiming superior knowledge of video formatting (which may be true but saying it to marginalize someone elses opinion tends to set them off), or call them apathetic.

That's not my intention by any means. I guess I just can't get how people will not only buy this but praise it.

Conan and I went over this last night. No, I don't think people who bought this are idiots (I bought it too, remember). What does disturb me are some of the comments. I...honestly don't see how this is better than the previous discs FUNimation produced. They cut out 20% of the picture and filtered the thing to death, which makes it look smooth but obliterates any detail (which makes mastering it at 1080p pretty damned pointless).

I dunno, I'll do a better job of explaining when I finally finish that review site I haven't had any time to work on ;p

-Corey