Official On-Going DBZ 2013 Movie Thread: "Battle of Gods"

[ShadowDude112]

Good news, everyone! I am offically set to see Battle of Gods on August 6th! Going with my cousin since it's at a theater close to him and not me. He doesn't like DBZ, but he's being a bro and sitting through it with me, so that's nice of him.

[Chuquita]

Checked that movietickets site linked earlier up on the page; surprised/impressed, my local theater's gonna have it. (I recall back when Funi was airing the older movies in limited runs; nowhere in-state had those, you'd have to go to NY for it). No plans to go though; I just can't do the dub anymore.

[theoriginalbilis]

No plans to go though; I just can't do the dub anymore.

Don't blame you. Especially if you've already seen the film, there's little incentive to see the film in English unless you're specifically interested in that cast.

In my case, I want to support the film in theaters just so it may increase the likelihood of more anime features getting this kind of theatrical release. That and I just got some friends into Dragon Ball via the Kai dub, so they may be interested in seeing this.

[TheDevilsCorpse]

I never watch the dub anymore, at all. I'm still going to go though (if everything works out), because it's not about the dub to me. It's about trying to emulate the experience the Japanese fans had being able to see the movie in HD on the big screen, and there aren't a lot of opportunities to get that kinda chance.

I may sync the Japanese movie track to my iPod and bring a pair of headphones just in case though.

[Kakarot88]

One of these comments is seriously blowing my mind. If you have the opportunity to see Dragon Ball Z on the silver screen, and you choose not to because you don't like the American cast and it's handling of the source material I think you're being absurd. Mike and Meri (and I admit how creepy this sounds but I've been listening to old podcasts), are objectively some of the most (if not the most) die hard American fans of the Japanese cast and vocal anti-fans of the non-ocean dub American Funimation cast and even they went and saw movie 12 in theaters.

So what?...here's my point: I just cannot fathom being a fan and not relishing in this opportunity. A big ass screen with dragon ball pictures that move!!! Bring in the original audio and sync it. I find the attitude "I'm too much of a fan of the Japanese crew to support Funimation" is just flat out juvenile. Funimation gets us inexpensive properly translated DVDs but no that's not worth casting your vote via your wallet to keep the dragon ball merchandise coming stateside.

I'm a fan of all versions but Kai so this will probably hardcore suck to me cuz I'll be hearing the old crew doing their Kai performances, and am gonna have to drive 30 miles to get there...but I'm for damn sure not gonna miss out on this epic opportunity!


How often will you get to say "I saw Dragon Ball Z in theaters," let alone the newest movie in years!! A movie the author worked on?!

In my opinion if you're a real fan and in it's in your state you'll be there. Sync it or shut it.

I never watch the dub anymore, at all. I'm still going to go though (if everything works out), because it's not about the dub to me. It's about trying to emulate the experience the Japanese fans had being able to see the movie in HD on the big screen, and there aren't a lot of opportunities to get that kinda chance.

I may sync the Japanese movie track to my iPod and bring a pair of headphones just in case though.

TheDevilCorpse has the right attitude!

[MagicBox]

I understand what you're trying to say, but the whole point of going to a movie theater is to have a fun time. If you simply don't enjoy the dub (which is totally fine), and it would actually hinder your experience at the movie theater, then there's no reason you should have to go see it. Syncing the Japanese audio to an iPod is hardly ideal. Nobody should have to do that. FUNimation didn't schedule a single subbed theatrical screening (which is odd, since they usually do), so they obviously don't have that demographic in mind. It's a very, very limited release anyway. I doubt they're expecting big box office returns.

Nobody said they were "too much of a fan of the Japanese crew to support Funimation." You're putting words in people's mouths. Fans who would rather watch the original Japanese version will get their chance to support FUNimation when the home video releases come out. It's not like they're being deprived of the opportunity to give FUNimation money.

[JulieYBM]

One of these comments is seriously blowing my mind. If you have the opportunity to see Dragon Ball Z on the silver screen, and you choose not to because you don't like the American cast and it's handling of the source material I think you're being absurd.

I don't see how it is absurd at all. Why subject oneself to something they have no interest in? This implies the chosen voice performances--performances, not performers--have less meaning than any other piece of the film be it a single frame, the placement of music and sound effects, or the script. "Oh, it's okay, they are just completely removing one of the three components of the audio, it's still exactly the same thing!" makes no sense whatsoever. Film is a medium of storytelling that is a combination of many things, the story itself is only a single piece in that proverbial trail mix. Change one aspect and you change the entire film.

Film companies have profit to make and clearly do not care about things like artistic integrity. I'm not going to worry about that, because if I did I wouldn't be able to enjoy anything, but that doesn't mean anyone has to contribute money to perpetuate the problem.

[Hellspawn28]

I can't find one for Maryland. I guess no one in Maryland has pick up yet or Funimation plans to do a screening for it at Otakon instead.

[Chuquita]

Many thanks to MagicBox and JulieYBM. Saw your posts after I finished composing the very long reply to the earlier poster below.

Re: Kakarot88

Is this directed at me? I feel like it's directed at me.

-I'm not a big theater-goer in general. Going to a theater is expensive and I tend to save my money to watch most stuff after it comes out on Netflix or Redbox. In my opinion I'm not being "absurd" at all. I'll spend what spare cash I have the way I want to spend it because it's my money.

-I'm a fan of this series, but I'm also a tired one; I really liked BOG, I own the special edition blu-ray, but it's been over a year since the movie came out and I'm just to the point where I can't keep my motivation going for that long anymore. I'm not really one to re-watch stuff in general, and I've seen BOG 4 times. I have a bunch of BOG merch (there is a ssjg Gokû figure on my desk), but I'm not the hyperactive fangirl I was a decade ago, and I'm okay with that. The temporary boost of series interest I got from July 2012 leading up to Sept 2013 has been wearing off for months now. Only way I can see my interest climbing back up is if we get a sequel announcement.

-Re: audio sync
Same as the above. I don't care enough to go through the trouble to rip the audio and take it with me. I did think it was neat work-a-round though (I do recall the podcast where Mike did that.) but there's no way I'd be able to drown out the sound coming through the theater speakers.

-Just because I have a different opinion from you is no reason to call me "juvenille".

-I bought a copy of the blu-ray back when it came out in Japan. If I want their release, I'll buy it when it comes out.

-I don't dislike Funi. I've made plenty of purchases from them.

-I don't care about Kai, it's become such a mess that I wish they'd just gone about it the way of FMA Brotherhood and Sailor Moon Crystal.

-Outside of the Naotoshi Shida animation in BOG, there really isn't much visually that elevates the look of the movie to the same level as "Strong World" and "One Piece Film Z". It's missing a sort of richness and depth of color that I'd hoped it would have. A lot of the time the characters don't move fluidly enough considering it's a film. The brief usage of CGI looks unfinished--Precure's current CGI looks better and that's a TV series. It's a fun story, yes, but it spends way too much time in Bulma's backyard.

-I don't subscribe to the notion of "real fan(s)". I find that phrase an easy way for people to say "you don't count as a fan because you don't like things the way I like things" which is close-minded to me. Everyone is free to like what they like to whatever degree they do. We are all different, each with our own individual mind-sets. This forum is for coming together to express our thoughts on Dragon Ball, not to attempt to bully others for having opinions that don't match your own.

[TheGmGoken]

One of these comments is seriously blowing my mind. If you have the opportunity to see Dragon Ball Z on the silver screen, and you choose not to because you don't like the American cast and it's handling of the source material I think you're being absurd. Mike and Meri (and I admit how creepy this sounds but I've been listening to old podcasts), are objectively some of the most (if not the most) die hard American fans of the Japanese cast and vocal anti-fans of the non-ocean dub American Funimation cast and even they went and saw movie 12 in theaters.

So what?...here's my point: I just cannot fathom being a fan and not relishing in this opportunity. A big ass screen with dragon ball pictures that move!!! Bring in the original audio and sync it. I find the attitude "I'm too much of a fan of the Japanese crew to support Funimation" is just flat out juvenile. Funimation gets us inexpensive properly translated DVDs but no that's not worth casting your vote via your wallet to keep the dragon ball merchandise coming stateside.

I'm a fan of all versions but Kai so this will probably hardcore suck to me cuz I'll be hearing the old crew doing their Kai performances, and am gonna have to drive 30 miles to get there...but I'm for damn sure not gonna miss out on this epic opportunity!


How often will you get to say "I saw Dragon Ball Z in theaters," let alone the newest movie in years!! A movie the author worked on?!

In my opinion if you're a real fan and in it's in your state you'll be there. Sync it or shut it.

I never watch the dub anymore, at all. I'm still going to go though (if everything works out), because it's not about the dub to me. It's about trying to emulate the experience the Japanese fans had being able to see the movie in HD on the big screen, and there aren't a lot of opportunities to get that kinda chance.

I may sync the Japanese movie track to my iPod and bring a pair of headphones just in case though.

TheDevilCorpse has the right attitude!

My GF trying to get me to go but I don't want to. I don't like this movie. So why should I go to see. Because it's in HD IN THE MOVIES!? That's a pretty lame excuse honestly. No disrespect for the American fanbase of DB but it's not going be this ultra huge thing like Japan made it was. It's not even going be in most states. Also please don't use the "real" fan stuff. Makes you seem desperate to get your point to others. I can say you're not a real fan for not liking Kai but that's just plain dumb. I know the comment wasn't directed to me(As I wasn't on for most of day) but even if I liked this movie why waste my time downloading a JPN movie track and try to sync it up? To much for a little DBZ movie that isn't a huge deal. Hell I know the plot but I would't dare do the whole JPN movie track idea because it's not my language. It's honestly not that big of a deal as you making it out to be. It's a DBZ movie not meeting God(If you don't believe in God...just replace God with something important).

[sangofe]

My GF trying to get me to go but I don't want to. I don't like this movie. So why should I go to see. Because it's in HD IN THE MOVIES!? That's a pretty lame excuse honestly. No disrespect for the American fanbase of DB but it's not going be this ultra huge thing like Japan made it was. It's not even going be in most states. Also please don't use the "real" fan stuff. Makes you seem desperate to get your point to others. I can say you're not a real fan for not liking Kai but that's just plain dumb. I know the comment wasn't directed to me(As I wasn't on for most of day) but even if I liked this movie why waste my time downloading a JPN movie track and try to sync it up? To much for a little DBZ movie that isn't a huge deal. Hell I know the plot but I would't dare do the whole JPN movie track idea because it's not my language. It's honestly not that big of a deal as you making it out to be. It's a DBZ movie not meeting God(If you don't believe in God...just replace God with something important).

Don't go if you don't want to, but I plan to fly from Norway to France just to see in theaters And both subbed and dubbed!

[Kakarot88]

Many thanks to MagicBox and JulieYBM. Saw your posts after I finished composing the very long reply to the earlier poster below.

Re: Kakarot88

Is this directed at me? I feel like it's directed at me.

No, I was not directly, addressing you, your opinion is shared by many vocally and I am sure some silently, you just happened to have had the most recent post of that type of statement. That's why I said "One of these posts." I did not intend for you to feel compelled to defend yourself, I was not personally addressing you but I appreciate your input and fostering the convo.

I still stand by what I said: the attitude of "I am too much of a Japanese fan to enjoy America's big screen release of Dragon Ball" is a silly idea. If this was done by Harmony Gold I would still go and just sync the audio. If I was in Korea and it was released I would go despite having no clue what was going on. I think this montra is just something people like to say to sound holier than thou about their espousal to a safe idea on this site: "funi bad, japanese good."

I'm a huge fan of Star Wars and would again waste my money on those 90s early 2000s releases of the original trilogy with added footage despite being god awful, as well as those terrible prequels because to me seeing that franchise in theaters, like Dragon Ball, is a once in a life time experience. I'll put it this way that may be clearer, I didn't want to go to my graduation from Law School, and I was right, it was long and sucked and I hate graduations, BUT I went because it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Why not try it out? See what Funimation is doing after all these years? It seems like such a wasted opportunity to at least try something new if not just to say you did it, who knows it may even surprise you that you like it better, stranger things have happened.

[MagicBox]

But... there's no "holier than thou" mentality on display here. As far as I can tell, nobody has said any of the things that you said they're saying. I really think you're responding to an argument that doesn't exist.

Going to see movies is expensive, man. You even said it yourself with your Star Wars example; you'd be "wasting money." Nobody's denying that seeing Dragon Ball in theaters is cool, and nobody's avoiding it because of some vague bias against FUNimation. And if you don't mind hypothetically spending the money to see it in dubbed by Harmony Gold or dubbed in Korean or whatever, then that's a choice you're allowed to make. And that's awesome that you would do that! Don't get me wrong. But none of us have any kind of obligation as "true fans" to go see this in theaters if he or she doesn't want to (whatever reason that may be). Remember, we'd be the ones paying to go see it. It's our money, and most of us have budgets. Why pay for the promise of "you might like it with this audio; just try it"? That's not really the time or place for an experiment like this. If I want to experiment with other audio tracks, I'll do that with the home video release that I've already paid for.

It's a limited, half-week release. Not a lot of people are going to see this thing. And, as mentioned, FUNimation usually schedules subtitled screenings of their films when they hit theaters. It's very odd that they're not doing this for Dragon Ball. They just obviously don't have that demographic in mind with this. Nobody's insulting your decision to go see the film. It's an awesome thing! Be sure to give us a recap of your experience when you get back! Just don't be upset with anyone who doesn't feel like seeing something that's only being marketed to a particular group of moviegoers. Everyone here likes Dragon Ball, and nearly everyone here from North America has been more than happy to support FUNimation on quite a few occasions. You're starting an argument with your own team.

[ss4songoku]

How are people getting movie times already? I live in Sacramento CA and checked fandango and couldn't see any showtimes that far ahead. wth

[Flame Dragon]

Is it really such a big deal?
In my opinion, the Japanese cast was not even that good in BoG. It didn't suck, but they could've done better.

[Kakarot88]

But... there's no "holier than thou" mentality on display here. As far as I can tell, nobody has said any of the things that you said they're saying. I really think you're responding to an argument that doesn't exist.
...Nobody's insulting your decision to go see the film. It's an awesome thing! ...You're starting an argument with your own team.

I'm simply calling it like I see it: this site is pervasive with a holier than thou attitude about having the same views about the American dub maintained by super fans Julian and Mike. Period.

Hell, Julian even thinks turning Funimation’s dub into a Rocky Horror picture show opportunity is a good idea, American dub fans be damned. I could not think of anything more disrespectful to those who are looking forward to seeing their version of the show.

I have yet to see a thread that is positive about the American dub that does not instantly become filled with the rage of alleged “Japanese only fans.”

I say “alleged” because I doubt very seriously anyone who grew up with the American dub and then, like myself, discovered the miracles of the Japanese dub, would throw what made them enjoy the series out the window and ONLY like the Japanese cast.

Despite, the fear of getting myself ostracized by the greater Kanzenshuu community, I call BS, I even bet a great many of the fans on here are just lying about watching the series all the way through in Japanese and they do it for community approval.

And that is something, I just do not get. Fans on this site are expected to give the Japanese dub a try…but then why not also give the American dub of Battle of Gods a try or the original broadcast in the US a try as well? Why not see what made Dragon Ball a sensation in the US.

I frequently hear “the series in the US did well despite the dub.” Really? Really? All of those videos on youtube with kids quoting Sean Schemmel’s reversioned speeches is despite the dub? All the success of Team Four Star is despite the dub?

Toonami was huge and so was dragon ball. The Japanese version did not get to many fans in the US until they bought DVDs…but that version is to be shunned, that group and their work is not to be respected, at least that’s how I see most people react.

Why do people need to proclaim that they hate the American dub, I just don’t get it. Why not at least see what the English version of Battle of Gods is like, what’s the worst that could happen? You’re out gas and $12, so what?

$12 is a hell of a lot cheaper than a plane ticket to Japan to have seen the movie when it aired. To deprive yourself of history out of what I guess pride for the Japanese version is just a silly soap box to stand on.

It’s easier to hide behind a user name and make statements about your fandom than it is to put yourself out there and say what you enjoy. Well I for one am tired of seeing dialogue restricted because of the holier than thou attitude.

From what I have seen this community, is filled with some of the best and most supportive people out there so long as you do not like the American dub, it’s a very odd hive mindset. However, part of it makes sense (to some degree) given that this site makes it clear that it is mainly for the Japanese broadcast of the series. But what is wrong with embracing the successful US version?

The war’s over, the replacement score was put in and the script butchered so move on and see what lies ahead. I got screwed by the orange bricks cuz I did not realize it was cropped till I bought the whole damn set. Rather than continue to bemoan my misfortune I went and bought the singles. I just don't get why people feel the need to live in the past, it has been over ten years!!

So, I stand by my point: to say you won’t go see history, to say you won’t do it because essentially you are too much of a super fan of the Japanese version is juvenile. Especially when one need only look at DaizenshuEX’s founder and people like DevilsCorpse (who contributes frequently to the mainpage) and TheOrginalBillis (who held the Dragon Ball You’ve Never Seen Pannel at last Year’s Anime Weekend Atlanta) who plan to see the movie in thetres to realize how sill the safe idea on this site: "funi bad, Japanese good," is just closed minded.

I love this site and the podcast, and believe me I get it, we all do, this site’s creators neither approve nor enjoy how Funimation handled the anime in the US and Kai is not worth their time.

I'm simply calling a spade a spade. Whenever someone has a chance to bash the funimation dub it seems the jab is taken, even when its new material. I was excited when I first read the positive statements and then saw what to me looked like things beginning to sour (as they always do when an American dub is discussed) so I wanted to call it out before it snowballed any further.

Now, look, you can say I am finding fault with the innocuous but I don't think I am.

Now that I have ostracized a majority of the Kanzenshuu community I’m gonna go back to being MIA for a while…hopefully…need to study. Sorry for the rant…

Btw… I'm not sure what you mean by "starting an argument with your own team."

[Baggie_Saiyan]

I dunno what I'm asking is illegal or not but if someone can record the audio & upload online that would be fab.

[Ajay]

I say “alleged” because I doubt very seriously anyone who grew up with the American dub and then, like myself, discovered the miracles of the Japanese dub, would throw what made them enjoy the series out the window and ONLY like the Japanese cast.

If I can throw my two cents in on this point. I grew up entirely on the Ocean cast and the Westwood cast (with the FUNi section in the middle). They got me into the series and they're the voices I thought of for many years. Nowadays, I watch the show exclusively in Japanese. Rewatching that version of the show that I grew up on now is painful. It's just so damn awful on near enough every level. Yeah, I still quite enjoy some of the voices but the script, the music, the acting...it's all abysmal. No amount of nostalgia is going to make me ignore that. I mean, yeah, I can watch it for a bit of fun every now and again but I wouldn't consider it 'good'.

I just find it hard to understand how anyone, with knowledge of the original, can legitimately call those initial English dubs any good. Yeah, I understand liking the cast and enjoying Kai but nope, can't understand the love for the original.

I dunno what I'm asking is illegal or not but if someone can record the audio & upload online that would be fab.

Haha! That's very illegal.

[TheGmGoken]

And that is something, I just do not get. Fans on this site are expected to give the Japanese dub a try…but then why not also give the American dub of Battle of Gods a try or the original broadcast in the US a try as well? Why not see what made Dragon Ball a sensation in the US.

Because they don't see as that big of a deal, already seen BoG, or like me think the movie is crap. Fans here aren't expected to give the original audio a chance. It's suggest to know what's dub only and what's in the original.

I frequently hear “the series in the US did well despite the dub.” Really? Really? All of those videos on youtube with kids quoting Sean Schemmel’s reversioned speeches is despite the dub? All the success of Team Four Star is despite the dub?

Correction. Here(Kanzenshuu) you see people saying it did WELL in the WEST side of the world despite the English dub. Not the USA.

You’re out gas and $12, so what?

We're required to waste money on a anime movie? It's not that big of deal. I ain't wasting money for this. I'll drop my gf off and give her money but I won't see it myself.

It’s easier to hide behind a user name and make statements about your fandom than it is to put yourself out there and say what you enjoy. Well I for one am tired of seeing dialogue restricted because of the holier than thou attitude.

What are you talking about?

to say you won’t go see history, to say you won’t do it because essentially you are too much of a super fan of the Japanese version is juvenile

You're making a huge deal out of nothing. Everything is "History". But this isn't "History". You get what I'm saying? BoG in English isn't that big of a deal. It's not even going be out in most movie areas. It's an anime movie. Not meeting God(As said eariler. Don't believe in God then replace the word with something important)

Are you arguing for the sake of arguing? Where did this even come from?

[Baggie_Saiyan]

I dunno what I'm asking is illegal or not but if someone can record the audio & upload online that would be fab.

Haha! That's very illegal.

Haha!! Little bit of me hoped that audio would be different from video.