Dragon Ball Z: Dragon Box Two
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Christopher R. Sabat, Masako Nozawa, Sean Schemmel, Sonny Strait, Toshio FurukawaBrand: Funimation
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); Japanese (Original Language), Mono; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Box set, Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 1000 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2010-02-16
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Product features:
- Originally produced in limited quantities in Japan, the incredibly rare Dragon Box has long been the ultimate prize for the most avid Dragon Ball Z collectors. Now this coveted collection has been reproduced for the first time in the United States, giving hardcore fans the definitive Dragon Ball Z experience. The battle to harness the power of the seven Dragon Balls explodes in vivid detail l
Movie Reviews of Dragon Ball Z: Dragon Box Two
Movie Review: The second action-packed volume of "Dragon Ball Z" via "Dragon Box Z" is here!
Summary: 5 Stars
The second volume of the Dragon Boz features episodes 43-84 on six DVD's. The DVD's are numbered Disc 7-12 in this latest volume.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Dragon Ball Z" via this "Dragon Box Z Vol. 2' set contains episodes featured in standard definition (4:3 aspect ratio). The colors are much different than the previous box set where colors were deeper and more pronounced, the colors of the series features its original presentation as it was in Japan and of course, restored frame by frame in which the previous season was not. Personally, I don't have a preference to which is better but if anything, this set is for the hardcore fans who preferred the original Japanese presentation.
But for a series that debuted back in 1989, you have to acknowledge how good the transfer was for this restoration. Granted, there is a "Dragon Ball Kai" currently airing in Japan in High Definition but for this release, considering it's 20-years-later, for the diehard fans who have wanted these episodes in its original presentation for so long, Pony Canyon definitely did a very good job on restoration and again, great to see FUNimation Entertainment bring this box set to the US.
As for audio, this is where things are a bit different from the original Japanese audio presentation. Because FUNimation Entertainment had to include the English dubbed audio, instead of using the 448 kb/s audio, they went with 96 kb/s. This may upset fans who wanted a higher bitrate but because its important to attract those who are prefer English dubs and make the set even more marketable, the English dub had to be included. With that being said, I've grown up watching the Japanese audio and typically, I prefer to watch anime in Japanese BUT with "Dragon Ball Z", I have always felt that the English dub was among the best out there and the voices just sound right for the characters.
But the intention for this box set was for those who wanted the Japanese audio. Personally, it's a preference that I would rather have 5.1 surround versus mono or stereo soundtracks. And when I do, I typically set my receiver to stereo on all channels since I have a 7.2 setup. But fans will be happy that they get the original Japanese audio for the complete episode, previews for the next episode, opening and ending theme and you get Hironobu Kageyama's "Cha-La, Head-Cha-La" instead of the Falcouner score.
Subtitles are in English.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Dragon Box Z Vol. 2' doesn't come with any special features but it comes with cool packaging and an awesome booklet. What we have is a yellow slip case box with Goku on the front, unlike the season box sets which were gateway folded, the DVD's are presented in two foil covered DVD cases and are presented in Japanese style with the first disc on the right hand side and the two discs on the left.
Also included is a hardcover 50-page booklet titled "Dragonbook" in Japanese style which has information on each character, episode summary, fashion and design works collection are featured. It's a pretty solid presentation for the hardcore fans and I have to admit, looks way cooler than the previous orange box sets.
JUDGMENT CALL:
For the most part, this DVD box set is definitely worth it. But before fans who have bought the original single volumes and then the season box sets go on a tirade of having another version of "Dragon Ball Z" released, the main thing to remember is that those who have been vocal from the start were the diehard fans. They wanted the original 4:3 aspect ratio, they wanted the original Japanese presentation and the could care less about the English dubs and the Falcouner score.
Personally, the season box sets are still solid for those who are not so demanding. This box set is primarily for those hardcore fans and FUNimation Entertainment are giving those fans what they wanted for so long and I see that as quite admirable because they invested in bringing this release stateside and preparing it for the American consumer. And for those not familiar with those season box sets, well the good news is that the English dub is featured as well.
Do I have a preference on which I like better? Well having watch both...and enjoying the season box sets, I am actually content with both but I will have to say that "Dragon Box Z" has a much cooler packaging presentation and about 6-8 more episodes but you will be paying about $15 more. So, it's really up to you if it's worth it. Personally, if you just want to see the episodes and prefer to watch it with the English dubs, the original season box sets can be found for a great price these days and were solid releases to begin with, it was just not to the liking of those who wanted the original Japanese presentation.
This box set was created for those who wanted "Dragon Ball Z" to be presented how it was in Japan and they have waited a long, long time for it. So, I look at these box sets as fans are now getting the best of both worlds and now those fans should be happy. Now the only thing is left will be the Blu-ray fans who will be clamoring for "Dragon Ball Kai" ("Dragon Ball Z" minus the filler episodes, remastered with new intro and vocals all re-recorded) and want their HD fix and truthfully, I can't wait to see how gorgeous the series will look whenever it is released in the US especially with lossless HD Japanese audio, but for now, don't expect DBK to come out in the US anytime soon. Your good with the original season box sets or the Dragon Box set. Again, both are solid releases.
In terms of the the episodes featured in this volume, the Freeza saga is possibly the longest saga in the "Dragon Ball Z" series (especially if you include the Planet Namek series) as the majority of the episodes focus on Vegeta, Gohan, Kuririn and Bulma. There are a good number of battles and Vegeta fans will surely love this volume as he takes on Freeza's henchmen and then the battle against the Ginyu Force begins. As for Goku fans, you'll have to wait until vol. 3 because the battle between Goku and Freeza is coming up soon! And definitely one of my favorite story arcs of the "Dragon Ball Z" series.
Overall, for its presentation, 40+ episodes in its original presentation, remastered and its' cool packaged content... for those hardcore fans who have waited this long, "Dragon Ball Z - Dragon Box Vol. 2' is highly recommended.
Summary of Dragon Ball Z: Dragon Box Two
Originally produced in limited quantities in Japan, the incredibly rare Dragon Box has long been the ultimate prize for the most avid Dragon Ball Z collectors. Now this coveted collection has been reproduced for the first time in the United States, giving hardcore fans the definitive Dragon Ball Z experience.The battle to harness the power of the seven Dragon Balls explodes in vivid detail like never before. The Dragon Box two features episodes 42-83, remastered and restored frame by frame, rendering the legendary action in pristine clarity. Each episode is presented in Japanese with the complete opening and closing credits and includes the original episode previews.
Truly the essential edition for Dragon Ball Z purists, this set isn?t an addition to your archive ? it is your archive. Your wish is finally granted. The Dragon Box is here.
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