Note: |
Although Dragon Ball Z is the second series chronologically, the Dragon Box DVD series was actually launched with Dragon Ball Z, making this the second Dragon Box release! |
What are the Dragon Boxes?
Starting in 2003 and ending in 2005, Toei Animation, in cooperation with the DVD manufacturing company Pony Canyon, released a series of four box sets covering the entire Dragon Ball TV series property. In 2006, Toei Animation dropped Pony Canyon and released all of the Dragon Ball movie properties on their own in the fifth and final Dragon Box.
The Dragon Boxes were limited items in the truest sense of the word. An order start date would be announced several months in advance, as well as an order deadline. The ordering windows were typically several months in length, and all manufacturing of the box sets were based solely on the number of orders received. In other words, they only made enough boxes to satisfy the orders made within the given timelines, after which point production on the boxes ended indefinitely. With so few actual Dragon Boxes in circulation (most of which already in the loving arms of Dragon Ball fans), it makes finding these boxes nowadays somewhat difficult.
General Information
Order Start Date: |
N/A |
Order Deadline: |
15 July 2003 |
|
Released: |
18 September 2003 |
Retail: |
¥100,000 |
Catalog Number: |
PCBC-50369 |
Original Copyright: |
1986 – 1989 |
Property Holders: |
Bird Studio / Shueisha / Toei Co. Ltd. / Fuji TV |
Manufacturer: |
Pony Canyon |
Encoding: |
Region 2 / NTSC (Japan) |
|
Discs: |
24 discs + 2 special discs |
Disc Format: |
Single Sided / Dual Layered |
Encoding Format: |
MPEG-2 |
Video Format: |
4:3 Standard Size |
Running Time: |
Approximately 3,600 minutes |
Contains: |
Dragon Ball Z episodes 148 through 291 (series finale), plus bonus features |
|
Audio Format: |
2.0ch monaural (presented in Dolby Digital) |
Language: |
Japanese |
Subtitles: |
None |
Alternate Angles: |
None |
|
Extra Features: |
— Specially designed box
— Picture labeled discs (uncommon for Japanese DVDs)
— 128-page book (fully colored)
— Kaiyodo Deluxe Piccolo Action Figure (with interchangeable parts)
|
Box Design
The box uses a special design made specifically for the Dragon Box series. It is a large solid box, inside of which it contains a series of “DVD books”. The outer box contains the Dragon Box Z logo on the front and spine, with some nice images of Goku and Cell lunging toward each other on front of the box. These images, including the Piccolo on the spine and Vegeta on the back, are all original artwork by veteran Toei Animation artist Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru. The spines of the books are labeled one through seven using both kanji and actual Dragon Balls for the numbering, with a large image of Gohan spanning across the spines. This is yet another beautiful image by Nakatsuru, which is a continuation from Dragon Box Z Volume 1.
Box Dimensions: |
Height – 10 ¾ inches |
Width – 7 ¾ inches (across the front) |
Depth – 4 ¾ inches (across the spine) |
DVD Books (Vol. 1 & 2 combined)
DVD Book Designs
On the front of each book is the primary image of Son Gohan, with an outlined image of Shenlong on the back. All DVD books in this box are finished in a nice gloss, and all bear the exact same design. Inside each book is an orange transparent plastic to hold the DVDs, beneath which is a screen shot from an episode on that disc, displaying a character from the corresponding disc’s label. The interior of the 7th book only contains discs on one side, with an empty space for the Dragon Book on the other. The image seen in this empty spot is the primary image from this particular boxes’ advertising campaign, which is also used on the corresponding Dragon Book cover, as well as the cover for the first disc of the 2006 Dragon Ball Z BGM Collection.
DVD Book Dimensions: |
Height – 10 ¼ inches |
Width – 7 ½ inches (across the front) |
Depth – 5/8 inches (across the spine) |
Discs / Contents
The image used on each disc is simply a character cropped out from one of the Dragon Ball Z episodes appearing on that disc. Alternatively, disc 25 and 26 feature the beautiful Cell and Son Goku images from the front of the Dragon Box.
PCBC-50369-1
Disc #01
148
天を裂く激烈光弾!!ピッコロVS人造人間17号
Ten o Saku Gekiretsu Kōdan!! Pikkoro Tai Jinzōningen Jūnana-Gō
The Gekiretsu Kodan that Split the Heavens!!
Piccolo vs Artificial Human No. 17
149
この日を待っていた!!セル・完全体への序曲
Kono Hi o Matte Ita!! Seru · Kanzentai e no Jokyoku
How I Have Waited For this Day!!
Cell’s Prologue to Perfection
150
捨て身の反撃及ばず!ピッコロ燃え尽きる!!
Sutemi no Hangeki Oyobazu! Pikkoro Moetsukiro!!
The Suicidal Counterattack Proves Ineffective!
Piccolo’s Flame Burns Out!!
151
残された唯一の望み…無言の戦士16号立つ!!
Nokosareta Yuītsu no Nozomi… Mugon no Senshi Jūroku-Gō Tatsu!!
One Final Remaining Hope…
The Silent Warrior No. 16 Takes Action!!
152
17号を飲み込んだ…変身セルは超グルメ
Jūnana-Gō o Nomikonda… Henshin Seru wa Chō-Gurume
No. 17 is Swallowed…
The Transforming Cell is a Super Gourmet
153
明日はオメエを叩きのめす!!悟空の挑戦状
Ashita wa Omē o Tatakinomesu!! Gokū no Chōsenjō
Tomorrow I am Going to Pulverize You!!
Goku’s Challenge
PCBC-50369-2
Disc #02
154
全てオレが片付ける!!新生ベジータ親子出現
Subete Ore ga Katazukeru!! Shinsei Bejīta Oyako Shutsugen
I’ll Finish Everything!!
A Reborn Vegeta, Father and Son, Sally Forth
155
いきなり全開!!光り輝くベジータの超パワー
Ikinari Zenkai!! Hikarikagayaku Bejīta no Chō-Pawā
Suddenly Full-Throttle!!
The Radiant Vegeta’s Super Power
156
セルよひざまずけ!オレは超ベジータだ!!
Seru yo Hizamazuke! Ore wa Sūpā Bejīta da!!
On Your Knees, Cell!
I am Super Vegeta!!
157
危険なプライド!!完全体セルへの挑戦
Kiken na Puraido!! Kanzentai Seru e no Chōsen
Dangerous Pride!!
A Challenge to Cell’s Perfect Form
158
オレ悩んじゃう!!クリリンの18号破壊工作
Ore Nayanjau!! Kuririn no Jūhachi-Gō Hakai Kōsaku
I’m So Distraught!!
Kuririn’s Handiwork in Destroying No. 18
159
全宇宙に衝撃!!セル、完全体へ驚異の進化
Zen’uchū ni Shōgeki!! Seru, Kanzentai no Kyōi no Shinka
A Shock to the Entire Universe!!
Cell, A Spectacular Evolution Toward His Perfect Form
PCBC-50369-3
Disc #03
160
戦闘力無限大!!セルという名の破壊神誕生
Sentō-ryoku Mugendai!! Seru to Iu Na no Hakaishin Tanjō
An Infinate Battle Power!!
The Birth of the God of Destruction is Named Cell
161
超ベジータ危うし!!完全無欠の恐怖が迫る!!
Sūpā Bejīta Ayaushi!! Kanzen Muketsu no Kyōfu ga Semaru!!
Super Vegeta in Peril!!
An Absolutely Perfect Terror Closes In!!
162
超サイヤ人の限界突破!!嵐を呼ぶトランクス
Sūpā Saiya-jin no Genkai Toppa!! Arashi o Yobu Torankusu
Breaking Through the Boundaries of the Super Saiyan!!
Trunks Summons a Storm
163
父を救え!!天をも焦がすトランクスの怒り
Chichi o Sukue!! Ten o mo Kogasu Torankusu no Ikari
Save Your Father!!
Trunks’ Fury, Which Scorches Even the Heavens
164
絶望の未来!!地獄を生き抜いた男トランクス
Zetsubō no Mirai!! Jigoku o Ikinuita Otoko Torankusu
A Future of Despair!!
Trunks, the Man Who Lived Through Hell
165
超トランクスに弱点!!セル、衝撃の爆弾発言
Sūpā Torankusu ni Jakuten!! Seru, Shōgeki no Bakudan Hatsugen
Super Trunks Has a Weakness!!
Cell, A Shocking Bombshell Declaration
PCBC-50369-4
Disc #04
166
悟空に迫る大決戦!!新天下一武道会の謎
Gokū ni Semaru Daikessen!! Shin-Tenka’ichi Budōkai no Nazo
A Final Battle Closes in on Goku!!
The Mystery of the New Tenka’ichi Budōkai
167
視聴率 100%!!死を呼ぶセルゲーム独占生放送
Shichōritsu Hyaku Pāsento!! Shi o Yobu Seru Gēmu Dokusen Namahōsō
Ratings 100%!!
The Cell Games Call for Death With an Exclusive Live Broadcast
168
悟空と悟飯…ヒーロー親子究極のレべルアップ
Gokū to Gohan… Hīrō Oyako Kyūkyoku no Reberu Appu
Goku and Gohan…
The Hero Father and Son’s Ultimate Level-Up
169
悟空の余裕!?休んで待とうセルゲーム
Gokū no Yoyū!? Yasunde Matō Seru Gēmu
Goku’s Composure?!
Just Rest and Wait for the Cell Games
170
戦士の休息…少女と嘘と悟飯の決意
Senshi no Kyūsoku… Shōjo to Uso to Gohan no Ketsui
The Relaxation of the Fighters…
The Girl, The Lie, and Gohan’s Decision
171
秘められた力!!悟飯が赤ン坊だった頃
Himerareta Chikara!! Gohan ga Akanbō Datta Koro
The Hidden Strength!!
When Gohan Was a Baby
PCBC-50369-5
Disc #05
172
神様を探し出せ!!悟空、大瞬間移動
Kami-sama o Sagashidase!! Gokū, Dai-Shunkan-Idō
Find a New God!!
Goku, the Great Instant Movement
173
デンデの初仕事!!ドラゴンボール復活だ
Dende no Hatsu Shigoto!! Doragon Bōru Fukkatsu da
Dende’s New Occupation!!
The Dragon Balls are Revived
174
悟空に難問!?神龍球をとり戻せ
Gokū ni Nanmon!? Doragon Bōru o Torimodose
Goku’s Perplexing Problem?!
The Dragon Balls are Taken Back
175
セルに挑む者たち!!決戦の幕開け
Seru ni Idomu Mono-tachi!! Kessen no Makuake
Cell’s Standing Challenge!!
The Opening to the Decisive Battle
176
ちょっと待った!!サタン軍大暴れ
Chotto Matta!! Satan Gun Ōabare
Wait Just a Minute!!
The Great Satan Army Arrives
177
勝負だ悟空!!超緊迫セルゲーム
Shōbu da Gokū!! Chō-Kinpaku Seru Gēmu
Goku’s Bout!!
The Super-Tense Cell Games
PCBC-50369-6
Disc #06
178
地球直撃!!セルの特大カメハメ波
Chikyū Chokugeki!! Seru no Tokudai Kamehameha
A Direct Hit to the Earth!!
Cell’s Huge Kamehameha
179
敗北か死か!?悟空、逆転の秘策
Haiboku ka Shi ka!? Gokū, Gyakuten no Hisaku
Lose or Die?!
Goku, A Secret Turnabout Plan
180
死闘に決着!!悟空の降参宣言!?
Shitō ni Ketchaku!! Gokū no Kōsan Sengen!?
The End of the Desperate Struggle!!
Goku Surrenders?!
181
最強を継ぐ者…その名は悟飯
Saikyō o Tsugu Mono… Sono Na wa Gohan
Someone Who Will Succeed the Strongest…
His Name is Gohan
182
怒れ悟飯眠れる力を呼び起せ
Ikare Gohan Nemureru Chikara o Yobiokose
Get Angry, Gohan
Release the Dormant Power Within
183
ちっちゃな脅威!!セルジュニア来襲
Chitcha na Kyōi!! Seru Junia Raishū
Miniature Threats!!
The Cell Juniors Attack
PCBC-50369-7
Disc #07
184
16号無惨!!動き出した怒りの超悟飯
Jūroku-Gō Muzan!! Ugokidashita Ikari no Son Gohan
The Tragedy of No. 16!!
Super Gohan’s Anger Explodes
185
吹き荒れる真の力!!セルジュニア粉砕
Fukiareru Shin no Chikara!! Seru Junia Funsai
Anger Exploding Into Power!!
The Cell Juniors are Destroyed
186
セルをko!!たった2発の超鉄拳
Seru o Nokku Auto!! Tatta Nihatsu no Chō-Tekken
Cell is Knocked Out!!
Taken Down With Two Super Punches
187
セルに異変!!崩された完全体
Seru ni Ihen!! Kuzusareta Kanzentai
Cell’s Disaster!!
The Destruction of His Perfect Body
188
バイバイみんな!!悟空最後の瞬間移動
Bai Bai Min’na!! Gokū Saigo no Shunkan-Idō
Bye-Bye Everyone!!
Goku’s Last Instant Movement
189
白昼の悪魔!!恐怖はより完璧に
Hakuchū no Akuma!! Kyōfu wa yori Kanpeki ni
The Nightmare is Reborn!!
An Absolute and Perfect Terror
PCBC-50369-8
Disc #08
190
悟空から悟飯へ…父の魂は伝わった
Gokū kara Gohan e… Chichi no Tamashī wa Tsutawatta
From Goku to Gohan…
A Father’s Spirit is Passed Down
191
戦いは終った…ありがとう孫悟空
Tatakai wa Owatta… Arigatō Son Gokū
The Fight is Over…
Thank You, Son Goku
192
オラあの世で修業する!!笑顔の別れ
Ora Ano Yo de Shugyō Suru!! Egao no Wakare
I Will Carry On in the Next World!!
Farewell with a Smile
193
新しい日々…父さん!ボクがんばる
Atarashī Hibi… Tōsan! Boku ga Ganbaru
A New Day Will Come…
Father! I’ll Hang in There
194
もう一つの結末!!未来はオレが守る
Mō Hitotsu no Ketsumatsu!! Mirai wa Ore ga Mamoru
End it All Again!!
I Will Protect the Future
195
大感激!!いたぞ!あの世のスゲエ奴
Dai-Kangeki!! Ita zo! Ano-yo no Sugē Yatsu
A Great Inspiration!!
I’m Ready! The Awesome Guy from the Afterlife
PCBC-50369-9
Disc #09
196
あの世一はオラだ!!歴代の勇者大集合
Ano-yo’ichi wa Ora da!! Rekishi no Yūsha Dai-Shūgō
I’m the Best in the Afterlife!!
The Great Assembly of Past Heroes
197
大界王星熱狂!!まきおこせ悟空旋風
Dai Kaiō-sei Nekkyō!! Makiokose Gokū Senpū
Wild Enthusiasm on Dai Kaiō’s Planet!!
Goku Stirs Up a Whirlwind
198
炎の決勝!!悟空かパイクーハンか!?
Honō no Kesshō!! Gokū ka Paikūhan ka!?
A Blazing Decision!!
Will it be Goku or Paikuhan?!
199
逃すな勝利!!決めろ超速かめはめ波
Nogasu na Shōri!! Kimero Chōsoku Kamehameha
Don’t Let Victory Escape!!
Decided With an Ultra-Fast Kamehameha
200
あれから7年!今日から僕は高校生
Are kara Shichinen! Kyō kara Boku wa Kōkōsei
It’s Been 7 Years Since That Event!
Starting Today, I’m a High School Student
201
愛と正義のグレートサイヤマン参上
Ai to Seigi no Gurēto Saiyaman Sanjō
The Champion and Lover of Justice
The Great Saiyaman Appears
PCBC-50369-10
Disc #10
202
悟飯のハチャメチャ初デート!?
Gohan no Hachamecha Hatsu Dēto!?
Gohan’s Confusing First Date?!
203
悟飯、緊急出動!ビーデルを救え!!
Gohan, Kinkyū Shutsudō! Bīderu o Sukue!!
Gohan, Get Moving Quick!
Rescue Videl!!
204
盗難事件発生!!犯人はサイヤマン!?
Tōnan Jiken Hassei!! Han’nin wa Saiyaman!?
A Robbery Case!!
The Culprit is Saiyaman?!
205
悟空も復活!?天下一武道会出場だ!!
Gokū mo Fukkatsu!? Tenka’ichi Budōkai Shutsujō da!!
Goku’s Also Resurrected?!
He’s Participating in the Tenka’ichi Budōkai!!
206
悟飯もビックリ!悟天の爆発パワー
Gohan mo Bikkuri! Goten no Bakuhatsu Pawā
Even Gohan is Surprised!
Goten’s Explosion of Power
207
あっ飛べた!!ビーデルの舞空術入門
A Tobeta!! Bīderu no Bukūjutsu Nyūmon
Ah, I Flew!!
Videl’s Introduction to Bukūjutsu
PCBC-50369-11
Disc #11
208
おかえり悟空!Zチーム全員集合!!
Okaeri Gokū! Zetto Chīmu Zen’in Shūgō!!
Welcome Back, Goku!
The Whole Z Team Assembles!!
209
危うしサイヤマン!激写に御用心!?
Ayaushi Saiyaman! Gekisha ni Goyōjin!?
You’re in Danger, Saiyaman!
Guard Yourself Against a Perfectly Timed Photo?!
210
ハンパじゃないぜ!!チビトランクス
Hanpa ja Nai ze!! Chibi Torankusu
No Small Matter!!
Little Trunks
211
ボクの出番だ!!悟天、緊張の第一戦
Boku no Deban da!! Goten, Kinchō no Daīssen
It’s My Turn!!
Goten’s Anxious First Fight
212
うれしさ百万倍!少年王者決定!!
Ureshisa Hyakumanbai! Shōnen Chanpion Kettei!!
Happiness Times a Million!
The Junior Champion is Decided!!
213
どうするサタン!?史上最大のピンチ
Dō Suru Satan!? Shijō Saidai no Pinchi
Now What, Satan?!
The Greatest Pinch in History
PCBC-50369-12
Disc #12
214
対戦相手決定!!早くやろうぜ一回戦
Taisen Aite Kettei!! Hayaku Yarō ze Ikkaisen
Event Match-ups Decided!!
Let’s Hurry and Hold the First Round
215
どうしたピッコロ!!まさかの不戦敗
Dō Shita Pikkoro!! Masa ka no Fusenbai
What’s the Matter, Piccolo?!
An Unheard-of No-Fight Forfeit
216
不死身で不気味!?スポポビッチの謎
Fujimi de Bukimi!? Supopobitchi no Nazo
Undyingly Unpleasant?!
The Mystery of Spopovitch
217
ビーデル無残!!出るか怒りの超悟飯
Bīderu Muzan!! Deru ka Ikari no Sūpā Gohan
A Tragic Videl!!
Are You Coming Out, Angry Super Gohan?
218
バレちゃった!!サイヤマンは孫悟飯
Barechatta!! Saiyaman wa Son Gohan
Exposed!!
The Saiyaman is Son Gohan
219
うごめく陰謀!!悟飯の力が奪われた
Ugomeku Inbō!! Gohan no Pawā ga Ubawareta
A Slithering Conspiracy!!
Gohan’s Power is Stolen
PCBC-50369-13
Disc #13
220
黒幕登場!!悪の魔導師バビディ
Kuromaku Tōjō!! Aku no Madōshi Babidi
The Man Behind the Curtains Appears!!
The Evil Mage Bobbidi
221
待ち受けるワナ!!魔界からの挑戦状
Machiukeru Wana!! Makai kara no Chōsenjō
The Awaiting Trap!!
A Challenge From the Demon Realm
222
なめるな!!ベジータ怒りの初戦突破
Nameru na!! Bejīta Ikari no Hassen Toppa
Don’t Toy With Me!!
Vegeta’s Breakthrough First Strike of Fury
223
悟空パワー全開!!ブッ飛べヤコン
Gokū Pawā Zenkai!! Buttobe Yakon
Goku’s Power Wide Open!!
Blow Away Yakon
224
大誤算!!サタンVS3人の超戦士!?
Dai-Gosan!! Satan Tai San’nin no Chō-Senshi!?
A Great Miscalculation!!
Satan vs Three Super Warriors?!
225
強いぜチビッコ!!18号大苦戦!?
Tsuyoi ze Chibikko!! Jūhachi-Gō Dai-Kusen!?
Such Strong Kids!!
No. 18’s Close Fight?!
PCBC-50369-14
Disc #14
226
たちはだかる魔王!出番だ悟飯!!
Tachihadakaru Maō! Deban da Gohan!!
A Confrontation With the Demon King!
It’s Your Turn Gohan!!
227
見つけられた邪心!!ダーブラの名案
Mitsukerareta Jashin!! Dābura no Meian
A Wicked Heart is Discovered!!
Dabra’s Good Idea
228
破壊王子ベジータ復活!!武闘会乱入
Hakai Ōji Bejīta Fukkatsu!! Budōkai Rannyū
Vegeta, the Prince of Destruction, is Revived!!
Intrusion at the Budōkai
229
宿命の超対決!!激突 悟空 VS ベジータ
Shukumei no Chō-Taiketsu!! Gekitotsu Gokū Tai Bejīta
A Super Confrontation of Destiny!!
The Clash of Goku vs Vegeta
230
待ってろ バビディ!!野望は許さない
Matte’ro Babidi!! Yabō wa Yurusanai
Just You Wait, Bobbidi!!
Your Aspirations Will Not be Allowed
231
解けた封印!出るぞ 凶悪魔人ブウ!!
Toketa Fūin! Deru Kyōaku Majin Bū!!
The Seal is Broken!
Out Comes the Vicious Majin Boo!!
PCBC-50369-15
Disc #15
232
復活させない!!抵抗のかめはめ波
Fukkatsu Sasenai!! Teikō no Kamehameha
I Won’t Allow the Revival!!
A Kamehameha of Resistance
233
絶望へ一直線!?嘆きの界王神
Zetsubō e Itchokusen!? Nageki no Kaiōshin
A Straight Line to Despair?!
The Grief of Kaiōshin
234
魔人恐るべし!!悟飯に迫る死の恐怖
Majin Osoru Beshi!! Gohan ni Semaru Shi no Kyōfu
The Terrifying Majin!!
Gohan’s Approaching Fear of Death
235
食べちゃうぞ!!腹ペコ魔人の超能力
Tabechau zo!! Harapeko Majin no Chō-Nōryoku
Gonna Eat’cha!!
A Hungry Majin’s Supernatural Power
236
戦士の決意!!魔人はオレが始末する
Senshi no Ketsui!! Majin wa Ore ga Shimatsu Suru
A Warrior’s Resolution!!
I Will Dispose of the Majin
237
愛する者のために…ベジータ散る!!
Ai Suru Mono no Tame ni… Bejīta Chiru!!
For Those Whom He Loves…
Vegeta Perishes!!
PCBC-50369-16
Disc #16
238
悪夢ふたたび!生きていた魔人ブウ
Akumu Futatabi! Ikite Ita Majin Bū
The Nightmare Revisited!
Majin Boo has Survived
239
ビーデルたちの奮闘!探せ神龍球
Bīderu-tachi no Funtō! Sagase Doragon Bōru
The Struggle of Videl and the Others!
Find the Dragon Balls
240
でっかい希望!!チビたちの新必殺技
Dekkai Kibō!! Chibi-tachi no Shin-Hissatsuwaza
Enormous Hope!!
A New Finishing Technique for the Little Squirts
241
悟天 トランクス全世界に指名手配
Goten Torankusu Zensekai ni Shimei Tehai
Goten and Trunks
The World’s Most Wanted
242
悟飯復活界王神の秘密兵器!?
Gohan Fukkatsu Kaiōshin no Himitsu Heiki!?
Gohan is Revived
Kaiōshin’s Secret Weapon?!
243
抜けたァ~!!伝説のゼットソード
Nuketaa~!! Densetsu no Zetto Sōdo
It Came Ou~t!!
The Legendary Z Sword
PCBC-50369-17
Disc #17
244
狙われた西の都!止まれ魔人ブウ!!
Nerawareta Nishi no Miyako! Tomare Majin Bū!!
West City is Targeted!
Stop, Majin Boo!!
245
アッと驚く大変身!!超サイヤ人3
At’to Odoroku Dai-Henshin!! Sūpā Saiya-jin Surī
An Astounding, Great Transformation!!
Super Saiyan 3
246
バイバイ・バビディ!!魔人ブウ反逆
Bai Bai · Babidi!! Majin Bū Hangyaku
Bye-Bye, Bobbidi!!
Majin Boo Rebels
247
メチャカッコ悪い!?特訓変身ポーズ
Mecha Kakko Warui!? Tokkun Henshin Pōzu
Absurdly Awful Looking?!
The Special Training Transformation Pose
248
じゃあな みんな!!悟空あの世に帰る
Jā na Min’na!! Gokū Ano Yo ni Kaeru
See You Later, Everybody!!
Goku Returns to the Other World
249
悟飯はどこだ!?界王神界の猛特訓
Gohan wa Doko da!? Kaiōshin-kai no Mōtokkun
Where is Gohan?!
Training in the Kaiōshin Realm
PCBC-50369-18
Disc #18
250
ウソだろ!?ゼットソードが折れちゃった
Uso Daro!? Zetto Sōdo ga Orechatta
You’re Kidding, Right?!
The Z Sword is Broken
251
合体超人誕生!!その名はゴテンクス
Gattai Chōjin Tanjō!! Sono Na wa Gotenkusu
The Birth of a Superhuman Warrior!!
His Name is Gotenks
252
最終兵器始動!?サタンは地球を救う
Saishū Heiki Shidō!? Satan wa Chikyū o Sukū
The Final Weapon is Engaged?!
Satan Will Save the Earth
253
殺すのやめた!!魔人ブウよい子宣言
Korosu no Yameta!! Majin Bū Yoi Ko Sengen
I’ve Stopped Killing!!
Majin Boo’s Good Boy Declaration
254
逃げろサタン!!怒りの魔人ブウ出現
Nigero Satan!! Ikari no Majin Bū Shutsugen
Run Away, Satan!!
An Angry Majin Boo Emerges
255
どっちが勝つの!?善悪ブウブウ対決
Dotchi ga Katsu no!? Zen’aku Bū-Bū Taiketsu
Which One Will Win?!
A Good and Evil Boo-Boo Confrontation
PCBC-50369-19
Disc #19
256
待ったなしの破局!!地球人類絶滅
Matta Nashi no Hakyoku!! Chikyū Jinrui Zetsumetsu
A Catastrophe With No Time to Lose!!
Earth’s Humanity is Exterminated
257
特訓成功!!これで終りだ魔人ブウ
Tokkun Seikō!! Kore de Owari da Majin Bū
The Special Training is a Success!!
You’re Finished Now, Majin Boo
258
本気で行くぜ!!超ゴテンクス全開
Honki de Iku ze!! Sūpā Gotenkusu Zenkai
I’m Going Like I Mean It!!
A Wide-Open Super Gotenks
259
やったぜ!!オバケで成功 ブウ退治!?
Yatta ze!! Obake de Seikō Bū Taiji!?
I’ve Done It!!
Boo Successfully Eliminated With Ghosts?!
260
異次元からの脱出!!超ゴテンクス3
Ijigen kara no Dasshutsu!! Sūpā Gotenkusu Surī
Escape From Another Dimension!!
Super Gotenks 3
261
ノリすぎ!?ブウブウ バレーボール
Norisugi!? Bū-Bū Barēbōru
Going Too Far?!
Boo-Boo Volleyball
PCBC-50369-20
Disc #20
262
まさにグレート!!新生悟飯地球へ
Masa ni Gurēto!! Shinsei Gohan Chikyū e
Truly Great!!
A Reborn Gohan Returns to Earth
263
ブウを圧倒!!悟飯のミラクルパワー
Bū o Attō!! Gohan no Mirakuru Pawā
Boo is Overwhelmed!!
Gohan’s Miracle Power
264
やったか!?魔人ブウ大爆発
Yatta ka!? Majin Bū Dai-Bakuhatsu
Has He Done It?!
Majin Boo’s Great Explosion
265
ブウ最悪の反則!!ゴテンクス吸収!?
Bū Saiaku no Hansoku!! Gotenkusu Kyūshū!?
Boo’s Worst Foul Play!!
Gotenks is Absorbed?!
266
全宇宙のために…よみがえれ孫悟空
Zen’uchū no Tame ni… Yomigaere Son Gokū
For the Sake of the Entire Universe…
Return to Life, Son Goku
267
奇跡は一度…なるか悟飯との超合体
Kiseki wa Ichido… Naru ka Gohan to no Chō-Gattai
A One Time Only Miracle…
Will the Super Combination With Gohan Come About?
PCBC-50369-21
Disc #21
268
合体!!ベジータの誇りと悟空の怒り
Gattai!! Bejīta no Hokori to Gokū no Ikari
Merged!!
Vegeta’s Pride and Goku’s Rage
269
壮絶パワー!!究極を超えるベジット
Sōzetsu Pawā!! Kyūkyoku o Koeru Bejitto
Magnificent Power!!
Vegetto Surpasses the Ultimate
270
次元に亀裂!!ブウがキレちゃった!?
Jigen ni Kiretsu!! Bū ga Kirechatta!?
A Fissure Between Dimensions!!
Has Boo Snapped?!
271
ブウの奥の手!!アメ玉になっちゃえ
Bū no Oku no Te!! Amedama ni Natchae
The Ace Up Boo’s Sleeve!!
You Become a Hard Candy
272
ヒーロー喪失!?吸収されたベジット
Hīrō Sōshitsu!? Kyūshū Sareta Bejitto
A Hero is Lost?!
Vegetto is Absorbed
273
魔の迷宮!!ブウの腹に何がある!?
Ma no Meikyū!! Bū no Onaka ni Nani ga Aru!?
A Demonic Maze!!
What is There Inside Boo’s Belly?!
PCBC-50369-22
Disc #22
274
悪夢か幻か!?悟空と悟飯の親子対決
Akumu ka Maboroshi ka!? Gokū to Gohan no Oyako Taiketsu
Nightmares or Illusions?!
Goku and Gohan’s Father-Son Confrontation
275
魔人の秘密!!ブウの中に2人のブウ
Majin no Himitsu!! Bū no Naka ni Futari no Bū
The Majin’s Secret!!
Two More Boo’s Inside of Boo
276
出口はどこだ!?崩れるブウから脱出
Deguchi wa Doko da!? Kuzureru Bū kara Dasshutsu
Where is the Exit?!
Escape From a Collapsing Boo
277
地球消滅!!ブウ邪悪への逆変身
Chikyū Shōmetsu!! Bū Jāku e no Gyaku-Henshin
Earth Disappears!!
Boo’s Reverse-Transformation of Evil
278
ブウ来襲!!界王神界で決着だ
Bū Raishū!! Kaiōshin-kai de Ketchaku da
Boo’s Assault!!
A Conclusion in the Kaiōshin Realm
279
未来をつかめ!!宇宙をかけた大決戦
Mirai o Tsukame!! Uchū o Kaketa Daikessen
Seize the Future!!
A Decisive Battle With the Universe at Stake
PCBC-50369-23
Disc #23
280
ベジータ脱帽!!悟空おまえがNo.1だ
Bejīta Datsubō!! Gokū Omae ga Nanbā Wan da
Vegeta Takes Off His Hat!!
Goku, You are No. 1
281
耐え抜けベジータ!!命がけの1分間
Taenuke Bejīta!! Inochigake no Ippunkan
Pull Through, Vegeta!!
One Life-Threatening Minute
282
サタンをいじめるな!!元祖ブウ復活
Satan o Ijimeru na!! Ganso Bū Fukkatsu
Don’t You Pick on Satan!!
The Original Boo is Revived
283
ベジータの秘策!!神龍と2つの願い
Bejīta no Hisaku!! Porunga to Futatsu no Negai
Vegeta’s Secret Plan!!
Porunga and the Two Wishes
284
最後の希望!!作るぜでっかい元気玉
Saigo no Kibō!! Tsukuru ze Dekkai Genki-Dama
A Last Hope!!
We’ll Make a Huge Genki-Dama
285
超感激!!できたぜみんなの元気玉
Chō-Kangeki!! Dekita ze Min’na no Genki-Dama
Ultra Impressive!!
The Genki-Dama From Everyone is Finished
PCBC-50369-24
Disc #24
286
やっぱり最強孫悟空!!魔人ブウ消滅
Yappari Saikyō Son Gokū!! Majin Bū Shōmetsu
Son Goku is the Strongest After All!!
Majin Boo is Annihilated
287
戻った平和!!正義の味方魔人ブウ!?
Modotta Heiwa!! Seigi no Mikata Majin Bū!?
Peace Returns!!
Majin Boo, the Champion of Justice?!
288
遅いぜ悟空!みんなでパーティ!!
Osoi ze Gokū! Min’na de Pāti!!
You’re Late, Goku!
Everyone Party!!
289
悟空おじいちゃん!私がパンよ!!
Gokū Ojī-chan! Watashi ga Pan yo!!
Grandpa Goku!
I Am Pan!!
290
オイラはウーブ!今10歳で元魔人!?
Oira wa Ûbu! Ima Jussai de Moto Majin!?
I Am Oob!
Now 10 Years Old, the Former Majin?!
291
もっと強く!!悟空の夢は超でっけえ
Motto Tsuyoku!! Gokū no Yume wa Chō-Dekkē
Even Stronger!!
Goku’s Dream is Super-Huge
PCBC-50369-25
Disc #25
SP1
絶望への反抗!!
Zetsubō e no Hankō!!
Defiance in the Face of Despair!!
SP2
ノンテロップ版・オープニング&エンディング –2ndバージョン–
Non Teroppu Han · Ōpuningu ando Endeingu –Sekando Bājon–
Non-credit Version – Opening & Ending –2nd Version–
SP3
オリジナルフイルム映像
Orijinaru Fuirumu Eizō
Original Film Videos
PCBC-50369-26
Disc #26
SP4
ドラゴンボールZ 外伝 サイヤ人絶滅計画・上巻
Doragon Bōru Zetto Gaiden Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku · Jōkan
Dragon Ball Z: Side Story – The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, Part 1
SP5
ドラゴンボールZ 外伝 サイヤ人絶滅計画・下巻
Doragon Bōru Zetto Gaiden Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku · Gekan
Dragon Ball Z: Side Story – The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, Part 2
SP6
DRAGON BALL Z 店頭用プロモーション映像
Doragon Bōru Zetto Tentōyō Puromōshon Eizō
Dragon Ball Z Storefront Promotional Video
Bonus Features
- Special 1
One-Hour TV Special, “Defiance in the Face of Despair!!“
- Special 2
Non-credit “WE GOTTA POWER” animation
Non-credit “We Were Angels” animation
- Special 3
Raw archival footage of the third “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” opening animation and “WE GOTTA POWER” opening animation. This is a real treat for all the true purists out there, since this is essentially the rawest form of Dragon Ball animation available. It is simply a straight projection of the original 16mm film, completely untouched by Pony Canyon, with all of the film damage and defects still present. Many people may find this to be pointless, but it serves as a great piece of archival footage, and allows those without access to the original film a chance to see the work that Pony Canyon actually put into remastering the video!
- Special 4
Famicom “Official Visual Guide”
Dragon Ball Z: Side Story – The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, Part 1
- Special 5
Famicom “Official Visual Guide”
Dragon Ball Z: Side Story – The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, Part 2
- Special 6
A promotional video for the Sony PlayStation 2 game, “Dragon Ball Z”.
DVD Menus
The DVDs open with a little Dragon Box Z animation. The main Dragon Box logo first flies onto the screen, followed by the “A journey that began long ago…” text, which materializes itself underneath. The entire logo then bumps up, and the text “Presented By Shueisha, Fuji Television, and Toei Animation” appears.
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The main menu is actually quite complex in presentation. There is a large blue scouter over the screen, and in it you are given the options of “All Play”, “Story Mode”, and “Episode Select”. “All Play” simply plays all the episodes in order, while “Story Mode” plays all episodes, but removes the openings, endings, and previews. In the top right corner of the scouter is a video of Super Saiyan 3 Son Goku fighting Kid Boo, which you can also see playing behind the scouter over the entire TV screen. The audio for the menu is actually the audio from this particular fight. There is also a video of Majin Vegeta fighting Fat Boo kind of camouflaged into the bottom left corner of the scouter, as well as a static image of Goku clashing with Perfect Cell to the right. The episode menus use the same scouter design, except with a fight between Goku and Perfect Cell raging in the background. Once again, the audio for the menu is the actual audio from the fight.
Although the menus are very unique, they are unfortunately all the exact same, with the exception of discs 25 and 26. They instead use a completely static and silent menu.
Episode Presentation
So what exactly are you getting for your money, and what sets this DVD box set apart from other releases? The answer is quite simple, and it’s that with this box set you are truly getting the purest presentation of Dragon Ball Z possible.
Complete Episodes
Presented here are the full episodes from start to finish, as they aired on TV over two decades ago (and counting). This includes the complete opening credits, ending credits and episode previews, which are not available outside of the Dragon Box release (although they are now available on the Japanese individual disc releases).
Source Video
For these DVDs they actually pulled the original 16mm film reels out of cold storage, and used them as the primary source material. All previously released Dragon Ball content (even the original Fuji TV airings) were based off either the master tapes (copies of the 16mm film), or copies of the masters. Since the 16mm film is actually the original photography of the animation cels, what you are seeing when viewing these discs is essentially the original cel animation, almost as fresh as the day it was painted!
Remastering
Since the source material is the original cel photography, the picture is already as pristine as it will ever be. However, as with any film, it is bound to suffer some damage. Pony Canyon took the time to carefully remove all damage from the film, presenting us with a perfectly clean picture, yet never compromising the integrity of the actual animation. On top of this, since they have gone back to the 16mm film, they can create an all-new frame alignment!
When making the original masters for a series, it is typical to copy the film while slightly zoomed-in. This reduces the risk of catching the edge of a misaligned cel (i.e. seeing the edge of the image). However, with time, money, and new digital technology on their side, Pony Canyon has created a new print that captures more image than the original masters. In some cases this actually meant re-aligning some of the frames, which not only allowed for a larger image surface, but also greatly reduced all former traces of jitter!
Source Audio
As with the video, they have also gone straight to the source material for the audio. Unfortunately, since the series was recorded in mono, it will always have that dated feel to it, but the audio presented here is of very good quality, all things considered. The audio never gives out or cracks during high notes in a song or loud screams, and the typical background noise (that horrible “shhhhhhh” sound) is virtually nonexistent. Also, the opening and ending themes, although remaining in their broadcast mono forms, have been greatly improved and sound very close to stereo quality.
Dragon Book
The Dragon Book is 128 pages in length and is closest in size to JIS B5 format (18.2 × 25.7 cm). The covers are soft, but are very sturdy, being printed on a thick, almost cardboard-type paper, which was then finished with a nice gloss. The actual pages in the book are in full color and are complete with a nice finish (similar to a gloss, giving thickness and durability to the paper). As with most Japanese books, the book is designed to be read from right to left. This book is essentially just a continuation of Dragon Book Z Volume 1.
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Front Cover
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Back Cover
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Dragon Book Contents
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- A Message From Toriyama-sensei (read translation)
- 001
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- Dragon Book Z Vol. 2 Contents
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- Part 1 — The World of Z
- 005
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- The Cast of Dragon Ball Z Vol. 2
- 010
- A screen shot collage of the main characters in this portion of Dragon Ball Z, including both heroes and enemies.
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- Legend of Dragon Box Z Vol. 1
- 012
- A brief recap of the events already covered in Dragon Box Z Vol. 1.
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- Dragon Ball Z Regular Staff / Complete Cast File
- 014
- A list of the regular series staff for this portion of Dragon Ball Z, along with the main voice actors.
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- Part 2 — Stories & Characters of Z
- 015
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- Profile of Goku Family Vol. 2
- 016
- This section provides character profiles for 10 main characters.
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- Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Correlation Chart Vol. 2
- 018
- A correlation chart that lists many of the characters, both heroes and enemies, that appear in these episodes and how they relate to Son Goku.
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- Dragon Box Z Vol. 2 Perfect Guide (episodes 148–291)
- 020
- The section is essentially an episode guide that examines the episodes included with the Dragon Box, which are divided up by their respective discs, and begins with a breakdown of the series’ story arcs. Each episode listing includes the episode title, original air date, respective credits (director, scenario, animation supervisor, and artwork), episode description, and a screen shot. Each page of the episode guide includes a “Close-Up!!” look at a specific point of interest from those particular episodes. Many of the pages also include a “Coming Up!!” section that takes a detailed look at something coming up on the next disc.
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- Original Story Pick Up! Vol. 2
- 078
- A detailed chart which extracts all of the filler from episodes 148 to 291.
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- Special Index Vol. 2
- 082
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This section provides a detailed look at everything Dragon Ball Z. It serves as a complete reference guide with episode listings for the following events:
- People — a listing of when each character is first introduced.
- Battles — a listing of every fight in the entire series.
- Attacks — a listing of every attack/technique used in the series, and when they are used.
- Astonishment — a listing of bizarre/unexpected events.
- Wishes — a listing of all wishes, as well as the dragon they were made under.
- Romances — a listing of scenes where a character shows affection toward their significant other.
- Funnies — a listing of all the gags/puns.
- Fusions — a listing of every character fusion, and how it was obtained (Fusion dance or potara).
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- Top Ten Excellent Ratings!! Vol. 2
- 090
- This section breaks down the highest rated episodes, as well as an average rating for each story arc. Amazingly, the Garlic Jr. arc beat out both the Majin Boo, Cell, and Saiyan arcs!
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- Part 3 — Inside of Z
- 095
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- Special Roundtable: Project Z — A Great Gathering of Voice Warriors – The Z Warriors’ True Faces
- 096
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An eight page roundtable discussion with:
- Masako Nozawa — Son Goku
- Mayumi Tanaka — Kuririn
- Toshio Furukawa — Piccolo
- Ryō Horikawa — Vegeta
- Tōru Furuya — Yamcha
- Hiromi Tsuru — Bulma
- Naoko Watanabe — Pu’er
- Jōji Yanami — Narrator (Kaiō-sama)
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- Dragon Ball Z Design Works Collection Vol. 2
- 106
- Six full pages of sketch designs for the series, including character head/expression shots, detailed vehicle and item designs, costume designs, and location designs.
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- Appendix — About the Special Disc
- 117
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- Defiance in the Face of Despair!! The Remaining Super Warriors – Gohan and Trunks
- 118
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- Opening & Endings — 2nd Version
- 120
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- Original Film Videos
- 121
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- Dragon Ball Z: Side Story – The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans / PS2 “Dragon Ball Z” Demo Video
- 122
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- Handling Notice / How to View the Menu Screen
- 128
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- Dragon Column
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- Column 1 — Wise and Strange Sayings Collection
- 038
- Essentially, a bunch of wise and odd quotes from the series.
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- Column 2 — History of Dragon Ball Z Vol. 2
- 052
- A full timeline from September 1992 to January 1996. The timeline includes important dates in the anime/manga, product release dates, dates concerning other famous Jump series, Dragon Quest release dates, and other dates of interest.
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- Column 3 — Anything Countdown Vol. 2
- 066
- A countdown of “Top 3’s” — top 3 handsome guys, sexy girls, etc.
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- Column 4 — Saiyan & Namekian – The Two Great Races Perfect Analysis
- 076
- A detailed analysis/comparison of the Saiyan and Namekian races.
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- Column 5 — World’s Greatest Couples Championship
- 080
- A look at some of the various couples seen in Dragon Ball Z (Son Goku and Chi-Chi, Vegeta and Bulma, Tenshinhan and Lunch, etc).
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- Column 6 — Shine! The First Place One Hit Wonder
- 092
- A quick look at some of the weaks fighters who got their asses whooped!
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- Column 7 — Son Goku’s Path to Infinite Power
- 094
- A detailed look at Son Goku’s apparent ever-increasing power.
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- Column 8 — Great Saiyaman Explanatory Diagram
- 104
- An illustrated diagram of the Great Saiyaman with explanations for all his gadgets.
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- Column 9 — Fashion Check Vol. 2
- 112
- This fashion column looks at various odd outfits characters wore throughout the series.
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- Column 10 — The Two Faces of Mr. Satan
- 114
- A brief look at the two faces of Mr. Satan; the hero of Earth and a complete wuss.
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- Column 11 — Understanding Moments in Dragon Ball Z Vol. 2
- 116
- A list of little things to look for that are hidden throughout the series (Colonel Sanders in the Majin Boo arc, etc.).
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- Column 12 — Trivial Data
- 124
- A rundown of trivial series data, such as Son Gohan fights in 35 battles, Son Goku’s name appears in 62 title cards, Yamcha is dead for 36.8% of the series, etc.
Special Present
The special present included with this set was a beautiful Piccolo action figure made by Kaiyodo. The figure stands approximately 10 inches tall and has interchangeable parts. Also, it may be hard to notice in the images below, but the box really has a fantastic design. It is actually a close-up image of the “Demon” kanji on Piccolo’s shirt. If you look closely you can actually see the thatching of the shirt material, and the stitching of the symbol (it even has a few threads starting to come out!).
Negative Aspects
Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to not list the downsides of this release, although luckily there isn’t much to complain about here.
- The first problem you may notice is the missing episode preview for the series’ second TV special. For reasons unknown, they have opted to leave the preview out, even though they included the preview for the first TV special back on Dragon Box Z Volume 1. Seeing as how this set is supposed to be perfect, this is somewhat disappointing.
- Also missing from this set is the preview for Dragon Ball GT episode 01 from the end of Dragon Ball Z episode 291. Now to be fair, the preview was released later with the Dragon Box GT, but that particular piece of footage really does belong with Dragon Ball Z episode 291, making its absence from this release somewhat disappointing.
- There’s a pretty nutty disc misprint which you may have noticed on the above disc scans. They accidentally printed Kid Boo on disc 19, and Super Boo on disc 22. This is no doubt a mistake, as Kid Boo does not appear in the episodes from disc 19, nor does Super Boo appear in the episodes from disc 22. Furthermore, the images printed in the DVD books under the discs are correct, with Super Boo appearing under disc 19 and Kid Boo appearing under disc 22. Oops!
- Toei Animation was generous enough to clean out their original archives for their use on these box sets, with one glaring exception. In 1993, Dragon Ball Z hosted a Fuji TV year-end special, which is listed as currently being in the Toei archives. However, this being the last box release of Dragon Ball Z televised material, it is somewhat sad that this footage was not included on either of the boxes. It would be understandable if the footage was lost or caught up in another company, but the special is clearly listed as being present the Toei archives, and was simply never released.
- This one is very debatable, but I find it to be an issue. The DVD books and the actual Dragon Book are finished in a nice gloss. Although this looks very pretty, it is quite easy to damage, and tends to get somewhat scuffed from general usage (i.e. taking the DVD books in and out of the box). This may not be an issue for everybody, and of course I could say just as many good things about the gloss finish, but it does pose as a minor problem.
NOT a Negative Aspect!
Let me just state for the record that this release not having English subtitles, contrary to popular belief, is NOT a negative. This release was intended for the Japanese public, not Dragon Ball fans who live on the other side of the planet. Arguing these sets not having English subtitles as being a negative aspect is about as logical as arguing for Korean, Portuguese, or German subtitles. Not to say that I don’t sympathize with the people who want/need English subtitles, but you simply must realize that if you are so desperately in need of subtitles, then these DVDs weren’t really created for you to begin with.
On to Dragon Box GT!
オッス、オラドラゴンボールウイズドム!
Goku finally convinces Oob to release his power for the sake of all things good. However, as they finish training, an old menace appears and is once again about to cause some serious trouble for Goku! Be sure to find out what happens in the next exciting edition of Dragon Box!
次回、ドラゴンボクスジーティー: 謎のDBW出現!!フジオが助平に!?
あの~ 助平じゃない・・・