MistareFusion's Dragon Ball Dissection! (Updated 2/16/26!)

[Gaffer Tape]

I like Scrappy. I also liked all the different configurations of the cast in the '80s (such as Daphne taking the lead with Fred and Velma's absence and the 13 Ghosts cast), and evidence of the time points to the idea that his introduction did revitalize an aging franchise. So, yeah, it is rather sad that he's become persona non grata by this point.

[coola]

I like Scrappy too, and i don`t understand why they made him bad guy in the movie, and that he is so hated. as for video, great and very informative like always, but, i`ve noticed something else in this arc, how tolerant RRA was, despite being villain group, i know it`s fictional world (Through, UN flag oppose that) but still, during time this arc was written, homosexual and black people didn`t have easy live, to say the least, yet here, we have homosexual as a General, and black man as a right hand of Commander.

[Gaffer Tape]

DBD: The Legend of Shenlong

So I take a little break from finishing up the Red Ribbon Army arc, but not arbitrarily because this is the exact point in the run of the manga when this film was released.

Extra special thanks to JulieYBM for sifting through my exhaustive, time-coded list of screenshots and getting me the footage I needed when my DVD drive on my computer refused to read my copy of the movie. But I suppose it worked out for the best because, damn, those Dragon Box shots look gorgeous!

[JulieYBM]

I believe the movie (like the first Dragon Ball Z film) was referred to simply as Dragon Ball when released in theaters. At least, such is what I recall reading once.

Anyway, excellent review, perhaps the most in-depth and pithy review I've ever seen of the film. I actually do like how un-Dragon Ball it is, but I do feel the film would have seen improvements. I think the scene of the Turtle Sage buffing up is perhaps the best cut in the entire film. Although I kind of have to wonder if they considered using Chichi instead of Pansy. That would have been wild.

[Gaffer Tape]

I believe the movie (like the first Dragon Ball Z film) was referred to simply as Dragon Ball when released in theaters. At least, such is what I recall reading once.

I believe this one actually did have its title upon its original release. I mean, the title does appear within the movie itself. I suppose they could have added that later, but, then again, they didn't do the same for the first Z movie when, as you say, its title was added later for home video. "Return my Gohan" doesn't appear anywhere within that film.

And I agree that I like that the feel of the film feels different from other things Dragon Ball. I just don't like that it feels like the Dragon Ball elements are an intrusion upon the story rather than blended to a point that they feel necessary.

[Kid Buu]

I haven't seen any DB Movie outside of Path to Power. So this will be an interesting watch!

[JulieYBM]

I believe the movie (like the first Dragon Ball Z film) was referred to simply as Dragon Ball when released in theaters. At least, such is what I recall reading once.

I believe this one actually did have its title upon its original release. I mean, the title does appear within the movie itself. I suppose they could have added that later, but, then again, they didn't do the same for the first Z movie when, as you say, its title was added later for home video. "Return my Gohan" doesn't appear anywhere within that film.

True enough. Although Toei has been known to make changes to their films, like Hokuto no Ken or the seventh One Piece movie.

[Gaffer Tape]

Well, anyone is free to correct me if I am wrong. I'd just be sad because it's too late, and I've always planned on making a point of the title add for my eventual review of the first Z movie, so it would suck if I missed it here.

Anyway, I hope you now see why I especially needed that shot of Pansy and Kame'sennin I had to go back and ask you for. And thanks for doing it.

Also, the weird thing is is that I used to really enjoy this movie. After I got into DBZ, I found FUNimation's website and ordered all of their Dragon Ball VHS tapes, including this movie. It was odd, though, because, due to the trailers they put in front of the tapes, I used to think this movie was the origin of Dragon Ball, and that the TV continuity had been a result of the success of this film. The trailer referred to this film as "the feature-length pilot that started the adventure" (emphasis mine). But I hadn't watched it in many years and had never seen its original version until I got the DVD in preparation for this video, and that's when I began to take a more critical look at its storyline.

[Kid Buu]

I noticed you mentioned it basically the story of the girl + DB Characters cameo. Funny you say that, that's how I felt about DBZ Movie 13.

[Insertclevername]

Gaffertape. I love you. I haven't watched the review yet but, damn. You're on a freaking roll these past couple of weeks.

[JulieYBM]

Anyway, I hope you now see why I especially needed that shot of Pansy and Kame'sennin I had to go back and ask you for. And thanks for doing it.

Hehe, it was one of my favorite parts. It's been a while since I saw the full movie so I had forgotten the Muten Roushi did that.

Also, the weird thing is is that I used to really enjoy this movie. After I got into DBZ, I found FUNimation's website and ordered all of their Dragon Ball VHS tapes, including this movie. It was odd, though, because, due to the trailers they put in front of the tapes, I used to think this movie was the origin of Dragon Ball, and that the TV continuity had been a result of the success of this film. The trailer referred to this film as "the feature-length pilot that started the adventure" (emphasis mine). But I hadn't watched it in many years and had never seen its original version until I got the DVD in preparation for this video, and that's when I began to take a more critical look at its storyline.

I should be surprised by this, but FUNimation makes enough dumb mistakes even with their larger staff these days that I'm not surprised.

[Gaffer Tape]

Actually, does anyone happen to have that commercial or know where it is online? A YouTube search has so far revealed nothing (although I'm finding the accompanying toy commercial quite easily). Now that I recall that story, I'm really annoyed at myself I didn't put it in this video. I'm thinking I'll recall it when I get to the next film.

[Insertclevername]

One thing that's pretty cool about the trilogy of Dragon Ball films is that they stand alone in their own continuity. But yeah, I found Dragon Ball movie 2 to be much more entertaining. Movie 3...eh.

[coola]

Great video, but, correct me if I'm wrong, isn`t Blooma and Goku just head south, because they are not sure with direction thieves went, so, they run for nearest DB? I really liked it, especaially Blooma exclusive clothes for this movie but, i agree, it`s more about Pansy, and that reintroduction of characters was done badly, i still really liked it, as well as rest of DB Movies. Animation look realy goregous even after almost 27 years, especially on Dragon Box Movies edition.

[Gaffer Tape]

As far as my subtitles go, that's never said as far as I can remember (and I did watch this three times in preparation). But even in terms of simple inference, that wouldn't really make any sense. Blooma has the Dragon Radar. It'd be easy to track down that particular ball because it's both extremely close to them and moving rapidly away. The ball they end up going after has neither of those qualities as it's stuck on an island in the middle of the ocean.

[Gaffer Tape]

DBD: The Red Ribbon Army Arc Part 8!

The end is here, and I finally put the Red Ribbon Army arc in its place... in the rankings. Get ready to debate and argue with me endlessly (I hope).

[Insertclevername]

Woah, didn't expect that placement from you, especially so early. I respect your choice.

I always considered the RRA arc to be the "core" Dragon Ball due to it's blend of action, adventure and humor.

Great cap off to your arc dissection. I'll be anticipating whatever your future videos!

[JulieYBM]

I found this to be wholly satisfying, serving as a great new look at an often overlooked arc. The fact that Toriyama can fit in so much character and story, but also a ton of fighting, really impresses.

Now the long, slow wait for the Twenty-Second Tenka'ichi Budoukai arc. Damn.

[Ringworm128]

Since you're doing non manga stuff does that mean you will eventually tackle GT and the TV specials?

[TheGmGoken]

DBD: The Red Ribbon Army Arc Part 8!

The end is here, and I finally put the Red Ribbon Army arc in its place... in the rankings. Get ready to debate and argue with me endlessly (I hope).

Your reviews are awesome.