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{{Infobox animanga/Header
#REDIRECT [[Dragon Ball#Dragon Ball Z]] {{R from merge}}{{r to section}}
| name = Dragon Ball Z
| image = [[Image:Dragonballz.jpg|230px]]
| caption =
| ja_name = ドラゴンボールZ(ぜっと)
| ja_name_trans = Doragon Bōru Zetto
| genre = <!-- Do not place additional category genres such as Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, etc. WP:MOS-AM tells us to use the most well-known categories! Any extra ones added without community consensus on the talk page will be reverted and the user will receive a test warning! -->[[Martial arts (genre)|Martial arts]], [[Science fiction]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime
| director = [[Daisuke Nishio]]
| studio = [[Toei Animation]]
| network = [[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]], [[Animax]], [[Tokyo Metropolitan Television|Tokyo MX]]
| network_other = {{flagicon|Singapore}} {{flagicon|Philippines}} {{flagicon|Thailand}} {{flagicon|Hong Kong}} {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Animax]]<br/> {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Network Ten]], [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[TV3 (New Zealand)|TV 3]], [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} [[Telesistema Dominicano]]<br/> {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicação|Band]], [[Cartoon Network]], [[Globo]]<br/> {{flagicon|Canada}} [[YTV (TV channel)|YTV]]<br/> {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Indosiar]]<br/> {{flagicon|Finland}} [[Subtv]]<br/> {{flagicon|France}} [[NT1 (television)|NT1]], [[RTL9]], [[Télé Monte Carlo|TMC]], [[AB1]], [[Mangas (TV network)|Mangas]], [[MCM (French TV)|MCM]], [[TF1]]<br/> {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[MCM (French TV)|MCM]], [[AB3]], [[Club RTL]]<br/> {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Tele 5]], [[RTL II]]<br/> {{flagicon|Greece}} [[ANT1]]<br/> {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Cartoon Network]],[[Toonami]]<br/> {{flagicon|India}} [[Cartoon Network]],[[Toonami]]<br/> {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italia 1]]<br/> {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[RTM2 (Malaysia)|RTM 2]], [[TV9 (Malaysia)|TV 9]]<br/> {{flagicon|Mexico}} [[XHGC-TV]], [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Radio Philippines Network|RPN 9]], [[Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation|IBC 13]], [[GMA Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[SIC (Portugal)|SIC]], [[SIC Radical]]<br/> {{flagicon|Spain}} {{flagicon|Madrid}} [[Antena 3 (Spain)|Antena 3]], [[Cartoon Network]], [[Canal Sur]], [[Telemadrid]], [[Cuatro TV|Cuatro]]<br/> {{flagicon|Spain}} {{flagicon|Catalonia}} [[Televisió de Catalunya]], <br/> {{flagicon|Spain}} {{flagicon|Galicia}} [[TVG]]<br/> {{flagicon|Spain}} {{flagicon|Basque Country}} [[ETB]]<br/> {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Cartoon Network (UK)|Cartoon Network]], [[Toonami (UK)|Toonami]]<br/> {{flagicon|United States}} [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Venezuela}} [[Televen]], [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Israel}} [[The Children's Channel]]<br/> {{flagicon|Poland}} [[RTL 7]], [[TVN Siedem]]<br/> {{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Magic Kids]], [[Canal 9]], [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|United Arab Emirates}} [[Spacetoon]]<br/> {{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Cartoon Network]], [[Canal Caracol]], [[CityTv]]<br/> {{flagicon|Peru}} [[Cartoon Network]]<br/> {{flagicon|Chile}} [[Red Televisiva Megavisión|Megavisión]], [[Etc...TV]]<br/> {{flagicon|Costa Rica}} [[Canal|Repretel]]<br/> {{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[LNK (television station)|LNK]]<br/> {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[MCOT|Modernine TV]](First time aired in Thailand) <br/> {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[TITV|ITV or TITV]] (2005-2007) (Second Time aired in Thailand) <br/> {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Channel 3]] (2008-) (Continue aired from TITV)
| first = [[April 26]], [[1989]]
| last = [[January 31]], [[1996]]
| episodes = [[List of Dragon Ball Z dubbed episodes|276]]—[[List of Dragon Ball Z episodes|291]]
| episode_length = 30 minutes
| licensor = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Pony Canyon]]<br/> {{flagicon|United States}} [[Funimation Entertainment]]<br/> {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Globo]]<br/> {{flagicon|France}} [[AB Groupe]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Movies
| content =
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone|Dead Zone]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest|The World's Strongest]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might|The Tree of Might]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug|Lord Slug]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge|Cooler's Revenge]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler|Return of Cooler]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!|Super Android 13!]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan|Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound|Bojack Unbound]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Broly Second Coming|Broly Second Coming]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly|Bio-Broly]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn|Fusion Reborn]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon|Wrath of the Dragon]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods|Battle of Gods]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = TV Specials
| content =
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku|Bardock: The Father of Goku]]''
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks|The History of Trunks]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Original Video Animation (OVA)
| content =
# ''[[Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyan Zetsumetsu Keikaku (series)|Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{nihongo|'''''Dragon Ball Z'''''|ドラゴンボールZ|Doragon Bōru Zetto|commonly abbreviated as '''''DBZ'''''}} is a [[Japan]]ese [[Anime|animated]] [[Television program|television series]] produced by Toei Doga (now [[Toei Animation]]). ''Dragon Ball Z'' is the [[sequel]] to the [[Dragon Ball (anime)|''Dragon Ball'' anime]] and adapts the last 26 volumes of the original [[manga]] of the 42 volume [[Dragon Ball (manga)|''Dragon Ball'' manga]] series created by [[Akira Toriyama]]. Dragon Ball Z depicts the continuing the adventures of Goku and his companions to defend against an assortment of villains which seek to destroy or rule the Earth.

The anime first aired in Japan from [[April 26]], [[1989]], to [[January 31]], [[1996]],<ref name="DBZ-ANN">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=244&page=25|title=Anime News Network Dragon Ball Z episode list|accessdate=2007-11-08|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> and was [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed]] in several countries around the world, including [[Latin America]] and in the [[United States]]. The American themes and [[soundtrack]]s were composed and produced in part by [[Bruce Faulconer]].

== Plot ==
The series continues the adventures of [[Son Goku (Dragon Ball)|Son Goku]] who, along with his companions, defend the [[Earth (Dragon Ball)|Earth]] and other fictional planets against various [[supervillain]]s. While the original [[Dragon Ball (anime)|''Dragon Ball'' anime]] followed Goku through childhood into adulthood, ''Dragon Ball Z'' parallels his adult life with the maturation of his first child, [[Son Gohan]]. The series also gives focus to the evolution of his rivals, [[Piccolo (Dragon Ball)|Piccolo]] and [[Vegeta]], from evil to good, with the former's evolution occurring early in the series and latter's spanning across the entire series. The separation between the series is also significant as Dragonball Z takes on a more dramatic and serious tone, with a number of [[villain]]s threatening or committing acts of [[mass murder]] and outright [[genocide]].

== Dragon Ball Z manga ==
{{main|Dragon Ball}}
The Dragon Ball manga originally started out as a gag manga with adventure elements, but [[Akira Toriyama]] switched focus to concentrate on martial arts.<ref name="sdball">{{cite web | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20001018052115/http://www.toriyama.org/atsdb/atsd_4.html | title=The Akira Toriyama Super Database: The Story of Dragon Ball | publisher=toriyama.org | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> With this change of focus the new TV series was titled Dragon Ball Z, but the Japanese release of the manga remained Dragon Ball.<ref name="sdball" /> The North American adaptation by [[Viz Media]] was titled "Dragon Ball Z" to prevent potential confusion for readers after the success of the anime adaptation. The publication of Dragon Ball Z started in the middle of the series, at the Cyborg Saga.<ref name="dbzmangaann">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=297 | title=Dragon Ball (manga) | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> The release of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball mangas would occur together by Viz Media in contrast to the Japanese manga.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-12-21/viz-announces-4-99-releases | title=Viz announces 4/99 releases | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1999-04-03/viz-announces-products-for-7-99-release | title=Viz announces products for 7/99 release | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> In March 2001, Viz would continue this separation by re-shipping the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z titles starting with the first volumes of each work.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-12-05/march-manga-releases | title=March Manga releases | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> Viz's marketing for the manga made distinct the differences between Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z tone. Viz billed Dragon Ball Z as, "More action-packed than the stories of Goku's youth, Dragon Ball Z is pure adrenaline, with battles of truly Earth-shaking proportions!"<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-11-02/releases-from-viz | title=Releases from Viz posted on 2000-11-02 | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref>

== Dragon Ball Z anime ==
{{See|List of Dragon Ball Z episodes}}
With the ending of ''[[Dragon Ball]]'', Toei Animation quickly released a second anime series, {{Nihongo|''Dragon Ball Z''|ドラゴンボールZ(ゼット)|Doragon Bōru Zetto|commonly abbreviated as ''DBZ''}}. Picking up a few years after the series first left off, ''Dragon Ball Z'' is adapted from the final twenty-six volumes of the manga series on ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' from 1989–1995, it premiered in Japan on Fuji Television on April 26, 1989, taking over its predecessor's time slot, and ran for 291 episodes until its conclusion on January 31, 1996.<ref name="AnimeEncyc">{{cite book |last=Clements |first=Jonathan |authorlink=Jonathan Clements |coauthors=[[Helen McCarthy]] |title=The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917 |date=September 1, 2001 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |location=Berkeley, California |isbn=1-880656-64-7 |oclc=47255331 |pages=101–102 |edition=1st }}</ref>

=== English production ===

In 1995, [[Funimation]] licensed ''Dragon Ball Z'' for an English-language release in the United States. They contracted [[Saban Entertainment]] to help finance and distribute the series to television, [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer Entertainment]] to handle home video distribution, [[Ocean Productions]] to dub the anime, and [[Shuki Levy]] to compose an alternate musical score. The series premiered in the U.S. on September 13, 1996 in [[Broadcast syndication#First-run syndication in the U.S.|first-run syndication]], but was cancelled after two seasons due to a lack of interest from syndication companies.<ref name=ann17>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-11-14/pioneer-announces-last-dragonball-z-release | title=Pioneer announces last Dragonball Z release | publisher=Anime News Network | date=1998-11-14 | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> This dub of ''Dragon Ball Z'' had mandated cuts to [[Editing of anime in American distribution|content and length]]; which reduced the first 67 episodes into 53.<ref name=ann17 /><ref>''Dragon Ball Z'' Funimation/[[Saban Entertainment|Saban]] dub, episodes 1-53 (1-67 uncut)</ref> Pioneer ceased its release at Volume 17, but retained the rights to produce an uncut subtitled version.<ref name=ann17 />

On August 31, 1998, the same cancelled dubbed episodes began airing on [[Cartoon Network]] as part of the channel's [[Toonami]] programming block, where the series was more well received than previously. Soon after, Funimation, having dissolved their partnership with Saban and Pioneer, continued to dub and distribute the series by themselves. Funimation used their own in-house voice cast and included a new musical score composed by [[Bruce Faulconer]]. Less editing was required due to fewer restrictions on cable programming.<ref>''Dragon Ball Z'' Funimation in-house dub, episodes 54-276 (68-291 uncut)</ref> ''Dragon Ball Z'' was now in full production in the U.S. and the new dub of the series aired on Cartoon Network from September 13, 1999 to April 7, 2003. Dragon Ball Z was one of the most successful shows on Toonami.

The Funimation dubbed episodes also aired in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand. However, beginning with episode 108, Westwood Media (in association with Ocean Productions) produced an alternate English dub. The alternate dub was broadcast in the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada, while Funimation's dub continued to air in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. In 2004, Pioneer lost its distribution rights to the first 53/67 episodes of ''Dragon Ball Z'', allowing Funimation to re-dub them with their in-house voice cast and restore the removed content. These re-dubbed episodes aired on Cartoon Network in the U.S. during the summer of 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-12-31/funimation-2005-plans|title=Funimation 2005 Plans|date=December 31, 2004|accessdate=September 14, 2008|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-06-09/dbz-uncut-on-cartoon-network|title=DBZ uncut on Cartoon Network|date=June 9, 2005|accessdate=September 14, 2008|publisher=Anime News Network}}</ref>

In 2006, Funimation remastered the episodes in 16:9 widescreen format and then began re-releasing the series to [[DVD region code#Region codes and countries|Region 1]] [[DVD]] in nine individual season box sets. The first set was released on February 6, 2007; the final set on May 19, 2009. In July 2009, Funimation announced that they would again be re-releasing ''Dragon Ball Z'' in a new seven-volume DVD set called "Dragon Box Z", which was previously released in Japan as a two-volume set. Based on the original series masters with frame-by-frame restoration, the episodes are uncut and, unlike the previous season box sets, are presented in 4:3 fullscreen format. The first set was released on November 10, 2009; the final set was released on October 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.dragonballz.com/index.cfm?page=news&id=586 |title=Funimation Entertainment Announces First U.S. Release of Dragon Box |publisher=Funimation |date=July 20, 2009 |accessdate=August 28, 2009 }}</ref>

In January 2011, Funimation and Toei announced that they would stream ''Dragon Ball Z'' within 30 minutes before their simulcast of ''[[One Piece]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-03/funimation-to-stream-dragon-ball-z-in-north-america|title=Funimation to Stream Dragon Ball Z in North America|publisher=Anime News Network|date=January 3, 2011|accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref> As of 2013, ''Dragon Ball Z'' is being streamed on [[Hulu]], containing the English dub with the Japanese music and uncut footage, as well as subtitled Japanese episodes. In July 2011, Funimation announced plans to release ''Dragon Ball Z'' in [[Blu-ray Disc]] format. ''Dragon Ball Z Level 1.1'', containing the first 17 episodes, was released on November 8, 2011.<ref name="funimation.com">[http://www.funimation.com/rojas/blog/funimation-entertainment-announces-dragon-ball-z-series-on-blu-ray/351891 Official Funimation Anime Online Community - FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES DRAGON BALL Z SERIES ON BLU-RAY<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/funimation-entertainment-announces-dragon-ball-z-series-on-blu-ray-125982173.html Funimation Entertainment Announces Dragon Ball Z Series on Blu-ray - FLOWER MOUND, Texas, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/funimation-entertainment-announces-dragon-ball-z-series-on-blu-ray-125982173.html |title=FUNimation Entertainment Announces Dragon Ball Z Series on Blu-ray - FLOWER MOUND, Texas|location=Texas |publisher=Prnewswire.com |date=July 21, 2011|accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> However, after the release of the second volume, Funimation suspended production of the rest of the Blu-ray releases, citing concerns over restoring the original film material frame by frame.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2012-01-26/funimation-suspends-production-of-dragon-ball-z-blu-rays|title=FUNimation Suspends Production of Dragon Ball Z Blu-rays|author=Funimation Entertainment|location=Flower Mound, Texas|date=January 26, 2012|publisher=Anime News Network|accessdate=January 26, 2012}}</ref>

=== Censorship ===
Dragon Ball Z's original American release was the subject of heavy censorship which resulted in a large amount removed content and alterations that greatly changed the original work. Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga is often criticized for his role in the censorship; but it was the distributor Saban which required such changes or they would not air the work; as was done with the episode "Orphans".<ref name=geninterview>{{cite web | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20030819181750/http://www.dbzoa.net/features/gen_int.php | title=Reprinted Interview: 30-Something Questions with Gen Fukunaga | accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref><ref group=Note name=Note01/> Much of these changes included altering every aspect of the show from character names, clothing, scenes and dialogue of the show. The character Mr. Satan was renamed Hercule for the original English media including the Viz Dragon Ball Z manga and games, which includes referring to his name, erroneously, as "Hercule Satan" in ''[[Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22]]''.<ref> Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate, Battle 22, TOSE Software Co., 1995</ref> The dialogue changes would sometimes contradict the scenes itself; after the apparant fatal explosion of a helicopter the character said, "It's okay, I can see their parachutes!".<ref name=geninterview /> Funimation's redub for the 2005 release would address many of the censorship issues that was required by Saban, with the uncut releases preserving the integrity of the original Japanese release. [[User:ChrisGualtieri|ChrisGualtieri]] ([[User talk:ChrisGualtieri|talk]]) 20:58, 20 June 2013 (UTC)

=== Funimation Subtitles ===
<!-- needs the image from Simmons for effect in this section -->
Steven Simmons offered commentary on the subtitling from a project and technical stand point, addressing several concerns.<ref name="annsub">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-07-28/dbz-subtitling-article | title=DBZ Subtitling article | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref><ref group=Note name=Note02/> Simmons preferred yellow-on-black subtitles, but these were rejected for the light gray which did not cause blurring.<ref name="subs">{{cite web | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20001021082003/http://www.toriyama.org/news/dvds.htm | title=Concerning the DVDs (07/26/00) (Archived by Archive.org) | publisher=Toriyama.org | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> Simmons noted that [[Gen Fukunaga]] did not want any swearing on the disks, but because there was no taboo word list Simmons would substitute variation strength of the words by situation with the changes starting in episode 21.<ref name=subs /> The typographical errors in the script were caused by dashes (—) and double-quotes (") failing to appear, which resulted in confusing dialogue.<ref name=subs />

=== Home releases ===
The release structure of Dragon Ball Z is complicated by the licensing and release of the companies involved in producing and distributing the work. A cut and uncut version were often released together and frequently both versions would make Billboard rankings at the same time despite consisting of the same source material. Dragon Ball Z home release sales also were featured prominently on the Nielsen VideoScan charts.<ref name=scan>De La Cruz, Edwin. "'Dragon Ball Z' keeps up the momentum." Video Store. Questex Media Group, Inc. 2003. Retrieved June 20, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-111035918.html</ref> The original license for two first seasons were owned by Pioneer Entertainment, but they would soon return to Funimation.<ref name=scan/> Funimation would take the original 67 episodes and produce them through 2004 with the first releases of the uncut material appearing in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/6049.html | title=Previously Unreleased Dragon Ball Z DVDs! | publisher=ICV2 | accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> Funimation was known to release "DVDs out of sequence in order to get them out as fast as possible" as in the case of the third season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-07-23/dragon-ball-z | title=Dragon Ball Z news | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>

== Dragon Ball Kai ==
{{See|List of Dragon Ball Z Kai episodes}}

In February 2009, Toei Animation announced that it would begin broadcasting a revised version of ''Dragon Ball Z'' as part of the series' 20th anniversary celebrations. The series premiered on Fuji TV in Japan on April 5, 2009, under the name {{Nihongo|''Dragon Ball Kai''|ドラゴンボール改(カイ)|Doragon Bōru Kai|lit. "Dragon Ball Revised"}}. The ending suffix Kai (改「かい」) in the name means "updated" or "altered" and reflects the improvements and corrections of the original work.<ref>[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-19/japan-remastered-dbz-to-be-called-dragon-ball-kai Japan Remastered DBZ to be called Dragon Ball Kai]</ref> The original footage was remastered for [[High-definition television|HDTV]], featuring updated opening and ending sequences, and a rerecording of the vocal tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-06/dragon-ball-z-to-rerun-on-japanese-tv-in-hd-in-april |title=Dragon Ball Z to Rerun on Japanese TV in HD in April |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=February 6, 2009 |accessdate=February 21, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-19/japan-remastered-dbz-to-be-called-dragon-ball-kai |title=Japan's Remastered DBZ to Be Called Dragon Ball Kai |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=February 19, 2009 |accessdate=February 21, 2009 }}</ref> The footage was also re-edited to more closely follow the manga, resulting in a faster-moving story, and damaged frames removed.<ref>{{cite journal |title= ｢ドラゴンボールZ｣放送開始20周年記念! HDリマスター坂で テレビアニメが堂々復活!! 孫悟空伝説再び!! その名も... DRAGON BALL KAI|publisher= [[Shueisha]]|location= Japan|page= 10|date= February 9, 2009|language= Japanese|work=[[V Jump]]}}</ref>

On March 9, 2011, Toei announced that due to [[Kenji Yamamoto (composer born 1958)|Kenji Yamamoto]]'s score for ''Dragon Ball Kai'' infringing on the rights of an unknown third party, the score for remaining episodes and replays of previous episodes would be replaced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-10/toei-replaces-possibly-infringing-dragon-ball-kai-music|title=News: Toei Replaces Possibly Infringing Dragon Ball Kai Music|publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=March 10, 2011 |accessdate=March 14, 2011}}</ref> Later reports from Toei claimed that with the exception of the series' opening and closing songs, as well as [[eyecatch]] music, Yamamoto's score was replaced with [[Shunsuke Kikuchi]]'s original score from ''Dragon Ball Z''. This change in background music would eventually affect all episodes of the series' English dub in the U.S. The series concluded with the finale of the Cell arc as opposed to including the Majin Boo arc. It was originally planned to run 98 episodes, however due to the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Tōhoku offshore earthquake and tsunami]], the final episode of ''Dragon Ball Kai'' was not aired and the series ended on its 97th episode in Japan on March 27, 2011.

=== International release ===

Funimation licensed ''Dragon Ball Kai'' for an English-language release in the U.S., under the title ''Dragon Ball Z Kai''. The series was broadcast on [[Nicktoons (TV channel)|Nicktoons]] from May 24, 2010 to January 1, 2012.<ref>[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-02/navarre-reveals-funimation-dragon-ball-kai-license Navarre Reveals Funimation's Dragon Ball Kai License (Updated)] -- Anime News Network (Received February 2, 2010)</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Heldenfelds|first=Rich|title=Nickelodeon Announces Fall Plans|url=http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/|work=Ohio.com|publisher=Akron Beach Journal|accessdate=5 September 2012|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110714230402/http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/heldenfiles/2010/03/nickelodeon-announces-fall-plans/announces-fall-plans|archivedate=2011-07-14|date=2010-03-11}}</ref> In addition to Nicktoons, the series also began airing on [[The CW Television Network|The CW's]] Saturday-morning programming block, [[Toonzai]], on August 14, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-26/dragon-ball-z-kai-to-air-on-thecw4kids-on-saturdays|title=Dragon Ball Z Kai to Air on TheCW4Kids on Saturdays|date=April 26, 2010|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=April 26, 2010}}</ref> and continues to air on Toonzai's successor, [[Vortexx]], which began on August 25, 2012. Both the Nicktoons and Toonzai/Vortexx airings have been edited for content, though the Toonzai/Vortexx version is censored even more so than Nicktoons', most likely due to The CW being a broadcast network. In addition to the TV airings, Funimation has also released bilingual Region 1 DVD and Blu-ray box sets of ''Dragon Ball Z Kai''. These box sets contain the original Japanese audio track with English subtitles, as well as the uncut version of the English dub, which does not contain any of the edits made for the TV airings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036ZA8G2/ |title=Dragon Ball Z Kai: Part One Blu-ray |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref><ref>dragonballzkai.com</ref> [[CSC Media Group]] acquired the broadcast rights to ''Dragon Ball Z Kai'' in the United Kingdom and began airing it on [[Kix! (TV channel)|Kix!]] in early 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-animation.com/en/node/1198 |title=Dragon Ball Z Kai now broadcast in the UK &#124; TOEI Animation Europe |publisher=Toei-animation.com |date=2012-11-19 |accessdate=2012-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-20/dragon-ball-z-kai-due-on-u.k-television-this-month |title=Dragon Ball Z Kai Due on U.K. Television This Month |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2012-11-20 |accessdate=2012-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.uk/news/2012-12-11/dragon-ball-z-kai-tv-screenings-on-kix-channel-in-early-2013 |title=Dragon Ball Z Kai TV Screenings on Kix! Channel in Early 2013 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2012-12-11 |accessdate=2013-04-22}}</ref>

=== Majin Buu arc ===
On November 5, 2012, [[Mayumi Tanaka]], the Japanese voice of Kuririn, announced that she and the rest of the cast are recording more episodes of ''Dragon Ball Kai''.<ref name="kai continued">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-06/dragon-ball-z-kai-japanese-cast-records-new-episodes |title=Dragon Ball Z Kai's Japanese Cast Records New Episodes |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2012-11-06 |accessdate=2012-11-11}}</ref> She noted that the show will not be aired in Japan, but will be continuing overseas.<ref name="kai continued"/> More recently, [[Sean Schemmel]] and [[Kyle Hebert]], the Funimation dub voice actors for Goku and Gohan, announced that they've started recording for the English dub of these episodes.<ref>[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-04-24/kyle-herbert-sean-schemmel-returning-in-dragon-ball-z-kai-buu-saga-dub Kyle Herbert, Sean Schemmel Returning in Dragon Ball Z Kai Buu Saga Dub - Interest - Anime News Network<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== Theme songs ==

=== Japanese themes ===
* Openings
# {{nihongo|"[[CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA]]"|チャラヘッチャラ|Chara Hecchara}}
#: Lyrics: ''Yukinojo Mori'', Music: ''Chiho Kiyooka'', Arrangement: ''Kenji Yamamoto'', Vocals: '''[[Hironobu Kageyama]]'''
#:* Episodes 1~199
#:* Movies 1-9
# {{nihongo|"[[WE GOTTA POWER]]"|ウィ・ガッタ・パワー|Wi Gatta Pawā}} <!-- Yes, it's terrible English. It's also the correct title. Don't change it. -->
#: Lyrics: ''Yukinojo Mori'', Music: ''Keiju Ishikawa'', Arrangement: ''Keiju Ishikawa'', Vocals: '''[[Hironobu Kageyama]]'''
#:* Episodes 200~291
#:* Movies 10-12

* Closings
# {{nihongo|"Come Out, Incredible Full Power!"|でてこいとびきりZENKAIパワー!|Detekoi Tobikiri ZENKAI Pawā!}}
#: Lyrics: ''Naruhisa Arakawa'', Music: ''Takeshi Ike'', Arrangement: ''Kenji Yamamoto'', Vocals: '''MANNA'''
#:* Episodes 1~194
# {{nihongo|"We Use to be Angels"|僕達は天使だった|Boku-tachi wa Tenshi Datta}}
#: Lyrics: ''Yukinojo Mori'', Music: ''Takeshi Ike'', Arrangement: ''Osamu Totsuka'', Vocals: '''[[Hironobu Kageyama]]'''
#:* Episodes 195~291

== Cast list ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Character Name
! Voice Actor (Japanese)
! V.A. (Ocean Group)
! V.A. (FUNimation)
! V.A. (Blue Water)
|-
| [[Son Goku (Dragon Ball)|Son Goku]] || [[Masako Nozawa]] || [[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (1-26)<br/>[[Peter Kelamis]] (27-53)<br/> || [[Sean Schemmel]] || [[Peter Kelamis]]<br>[[Kirby Morrow]]
|-
| [[Son Gohan]] || [[Masako Nozawa]] || [[Saffron Henderson]] ||[[Stephanie Nadolny]] (child)<br/>[[Kyle Hebert]] (teen) || [[Saffron Henderson]]<br/>[[Jillian Michaels (actress)|Jillian Michaels]]<br/>[[Brad Swaile]]
|-
| [[Son Goten]] || [[Masako Nozawa]] || N/A ||[[Kara Edwards]]<br/>||[[Jillian Michaels (actress)|Jillian Michaels]]
|-
| [[Piccolo (Dragon Ball)|Piccolo]] || [[Toshio Furukawa]] || [[Scott McNeil]] ||[[Christopher Sabat]] || [[Scott McNeil]]
|-
| [[Vegeta]] || [[Ryō Horikawa]] || [[Brian Drummond]]<br/>||[[Christopher Sabat]]||[[Brian Drummond]]
|-
| [[Bulma]] || [[Hiromi Tsuru]] || [[Lalainia Lindbjerg]]<br/>||[[Tiffany Vollmer]]<br/>||[[Maggie Blue O'Hara]]
|-
| [[Trunks (Dragon Ball)|Trunks]] || [[Takeshi Kusao]] || N/A ||[[Laura Bailey (voice actress)|Laura Bailey]]||[[Cathy Weseluck]]
|-
| [[Future Trunks]] || [[Takeshi Kusao]] || N/A ||[[Eric Vale]] || [[Alistair Abell]]
|-
| [[Kuririn]] || [[Mayumi Tanaka]] || [[Terry Klassen]]<br/>||[[Sonny Strait]]||[[Terry Klassen]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Yajirobe|Yajirobe]] || [[Mayumi Tanaka]] || [[Brian Drummond]]<br/>||[[Mike McFarland]]|| [[Brian Drummond]]
|-
| [[Yamucha]] || [[Toru Furuya]] || [[Ted Cole]]<br/>||[[Christopher Sabat]]|| [[Ted Cole]]
|-
| [[Tenshinhan]] || [[Hirotaka Suzuoki]] || [[Matt Smith]] <br/>||[[Chris Cason]] (54-92, original dub)<br/> [[John Burgmeier]] (onwards)|| [[Matt Smith]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Chaozu|Chaozu]] || [[Hiroko Emori]] || [[Cathy Weseluck]]<br/>||[[Monika Antonelli]]|| [[Cathy Weseluck]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Chichi|Chichi]] || [[Mayumi Sho]] (1-66)<br/>[[Naoko Watanabe]] (88-291)|| Laara Sadiq<br/>||[[Cynthia Cranz]]||Laara Sadiq
|-
| [[Muten Roshi]] || [[Kōhei Miyauchi]] (2-260)<br/>[[Hiroshi Masuoka (seiyū)|Hiroshi Masuoka]] (288-291)|| [[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]] (1-26)<br/>[[Don Brown]](27-53)<br/>||[[Mike McFarland]]||[[Terry Klassen]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Oolong|Oolong]] || [[Naoki Tatsuta]]|| Doug Parker<br/>||Mark Britten (54-92, original dub)<br/>Bradford Jackson (onwards)|| Doug Parker
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Pu'ar|Pu'ar]]|| [[Naoko Watanabe]] || [[Cathy Weseluck]]<br/>||[[Monika Antonelli]]||[[Cathy Weseluck]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Mr. Satan|Mr. Satan]] || [[Daisuke Gōri]] || N/A ||[[Chris Rager]]<br/>||[[Don Brown]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Videl|Videl]] || [[Yuko Minaguchi]] || N/A ||[[Kara Edwards]]<br/>||[[Moneca Stori]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Uranai Baba|Uranai Baba]] || [[Junpei Takiguchi]] (9-34)<br/>[[Mayumi Tanaka]] (207-271) || Ellen Kennedy<br/>||[[Linda Young]]<br/>||[[Brian Drummond]]
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Deities|Dende]] || [[Tomiko Suzuki]] (49-288)<br/>[[Hiro Yūki]] (290-291)|| Paulina Gillis<br/>||Ceyil Dellgadillo (child, original dub)<br/>[[Laura Bailey (voice actress)|Laura Bailey]] (child, uncut dub)<br/>[[Justin Cook]] (adult)<br/>|| [[Andrew Francis]]
|-
| [[List of Earthlings in Dragon Ball#Gyumao|Gyumao]] || [[Daisuke Gōri]] || [[Dave Ward (voice actor)|Dave Ward]]<br/>||Mark Britten (54-180, original dub)<br/>[[Kyle Hebert]] (onwards)||[[Dave Ward (voice actor)|Dave Ward]]
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Deities|Mr. Popo]] || Toku Nishio || French Tickner<br/>||[[Chris Cason]] (54-92, original dub)<br/>[[Christopher Sabat]] (onwards)<br/>||French Tickner
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Deities|Karin]] || [[Ichirō Nagai]] (26-192)<br/>[[Naoki Tatsuta]] (238-285) || Doug Parker<br/>||<br/>[[Christopher Sabat]] <br/> || [[Ted Cole]]
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Deities|Kami]] || [[Takeshi Aono]] || [[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]]<br/>||[[Christopher Sabat]]<br/>||[[Dale Wilson]]
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Deities|North Kaio]] || [[Jōji Yanami]] || [[Don Brown]]<br/>||[[Sean Schemmel]]||[[Don Brown]]
|-
| [[List of Saiyans in Dragon Ball#Nappa|Nappa]] || [[Shōzō Iizuka]] || [[Michael Dobson]]<br/>||[[Christopher Sabat]] (88, original dub)<br/>Phil Parsons (onwards)||
|-
| [[List of Saiyans in Dragon Ball#Raditz|Raditz]] || [[Shigeru Chiba]] || [[Jason Gray-Stanford]]<br/>||[[Justin Cook]] ||
|-
| [[No. 17]] || [[Shigeru Nakahara]] || N/A ||[[Chuck Huber]] || [[Ted Cole]]
|-
| [[No. 18]] || [[Miki Itō]] || N/A ||[[Meredith McCoy]] || [[Enuka Okuma]]
|-
| [[Freeza]] || [[Ryūsei Nakao]] || [[Pauline Newstone]]<br/>||[[Linda Young]]|| [[Pauline Newstone]]
|-
| [[Cell (Dragon Ball)|Cell]] || [[Norio Wakamoto]] || N/A ||[[Dameon Clarke]]<br/>||[[Dale Wilson]]
|-
| [[Majin Boo]] || [[Kōzō Shioya]] || N/A ||Josh Martin (Fat Boo and Kid Boo)<br/>[[Justin Cook]] (Super Boo)<br/>||[[Scott McNeil]]<br/>[[Brian Dobson]]
|-
| [[List of supernatural beings in Dragon Ball#Dragons|Shenlong]] || [[Kenji Utsumi]]<br/>[[Masaharu Satō]] (193)|| [[Don Brown]]<br/>||[[Christopher Sabat]]|| [[Don Brown]]
|-
| Narrator || [[Jōji Yanami]] || Doc Harris<br/>||Dale Kelly (54-180, original dub)<br/>[[Kyle Hebert]] (onwards)|| Doc Harris
|-
|}

== Japanese staff ==
*Original author: [[Akira Toriyama]]
*Planning: Kōzō Morishita, Kenji Shimizu ([[Fuji TV]])
*Series composition: Takao Koyama
*Script writers: Takao Koyama, Aya Matsui, Katsuyuki Sumizawa, Toshiki Inoue, and others
*Production managers: Matsuji Kishimoto -> Takeshi Torimoto -> Akihiko Yamaguchi -> Yūichi Suenaga
*Chief animator (Character design): Minoru Maeda -> Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru
*Chief designer: Yūji Ikeda
*Music: [[Shunsuke Kikuchi]]
*Music Production: [[Columbia Music Entertainment]]
*Editing: Shinichi Fukumitsu (TAVAC)
*Recording: Kenji Ninomiya (TAVAC)
*Sound effects: Hidenori Arai ([[Fizz Sound Creation]])
*Music selection: Shigeru Miyashita (TAVAC)
*Recording Studio: TAVAC
*Series director: Daisuke Nishio
*Production: [[Fuji TV]], [[Toei Animation]]

== Related Media ==

===OVAs===
Four specials have been released as OVA or TV specials bearing the Dragon Ball Z title. The first is [[Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans]] which originally released {{start date|1993|09|06}} in two parts of the "Official Visual Guide" to the video game of the same title. [[Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans]] was the 2010 remake of this OVA. TV specials include [[Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku]] and the [[Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks]].

===Movies===
{{see|List of Dragon Ball Z episodes#Movies}}
The Dragon Ball Z movies comprise a total of fourteen entries as of 2013. The movies typically release in March and July in accordance with the spring and summer vacations of Japanese schools. The Dragon Ball Z movies consist of stories that take place between sagas, as stand alone entries. The movies themselves offer contradictions in both chronological and design that make them incompatible with a single continuity. Examples include Gohan having a tail while he should not or characters able to undergo Super Saiyan transformation when they were unable to in the continuity.

=== Video games ===
{{see|List of Dragon Ball video games}}
There are over 57 video game releases baring the name Dragon Ball Z across a range of platforms from the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]/Famicom to the current generation consoles; also included are Arcade games like [[Super Dragon Ball Z]] which would eventually be ported to consoles.

In North America, licensing rights had been given to both Namco Bandai and Atari. In 1999, Atari acquired exclusive rights to the video games through Funimation, a deal which was extended for five more years in 2005.<ref>"Atari and FUNimation Extend Dragon Ball License." Wireless News. Close-Up Media, Inc. 2005. Retrieved May 28, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-104260375.html</ref> A 2007 dispute would end with Atari paying FUNimation $3.5 million.<ref name="dispute1">{{cite web | url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2007/12/10/news/47333/ | title=Atari Settles 'Dragonball Z' (ALL) Dispute With FUNimation | publisher=Worthplaying | accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> In July 2009, Namco Bandai was reported to have obtained exclusive rights to release the games for a period of five years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5306502/namco-bandai-locks-down-dragon-ball-license-for-america | title=Namco Bandai Locks Down Dragon Ball License For America | publisher=Kotaku | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> This presumably would have taken effect after Atari's licensing rights expired; at the end of January 2010.<ref name="dispute1" />

=== Soundtracks ===
{{main|List of Dragon Ball soundtracks}}
Dragon Ball Z has been host to numerous releases with works like [[Cha-La Head-Cha-La]] and a series of 20 sountracks released as part of the [[Dragon Ball Z Hit Song Collection Series]]. In total, dozens of releases exist for Dragon Ball Z which includes Japanese and foreign adapted releases of the anime themes and video game soundtracks.

== Merchandising ==
{{see|Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game}}

=== North America ===
Dragonball Z merchandise was a success prior to its peak American interest, with more then $3 billion in sales from 1986-2000.<ref name=bk /> Though the merchandising of Dragonball Z would be a hit even into the holiday season.<ref>"Good holiday sales ahead for retailers." Kiplinger Business Forecasts. The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. 2000. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-93236862.html</ref>

In 1998, Animage-ine Entertainment, a division of Simitar, announced the sale of Chroma-Cels, mock animation cels to capitalize on the popularity of Dragon Ball Z.<ref name="chroma1">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-11-30/ani-mag-announces-chroma-cels-of-sailor-moon-dbz | title=Ani-Mag announces Chroma-Cels of Sailor Moon, DBZ | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> The original sale was forecasted for late 1998, but were pushed back to January 12, 1999.<ref name="chroma2">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1998-12-12/news-briefs | title=News Briefs (posted on 1998-12-12) | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>

In 2000, MGA Entertainment released more then twenty toys, consisting of table-top games and walkie-talkies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-59426864.html | title=MGA signs for Dragonball Z.(Brief Article) | publisher=Playthings | date=2000-01-01 | accessdate=2013-05-01}}</ref> [[Irwin Toy]] released more then 72 figures consisting of 2-inch and 5 inch action figures, which became top-selling toys in a market dominated by the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].<ref>Cuthbert, Joyce. "Chicago.(Brief Article)." Playthings. Furniture Today Media Group LLC. 2000. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60088372.html</ref> Irwin Toys would release other unique Dragon Ball Z toys including a battery powered Flying Nimbus Cloud which hovered without touching the ground and a die-cast line of vehicles with collector capsules.<ref name="irwinflyingnimbus">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-02-15/irwin-toy-launches | title=Irwin Toy Launches | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref> In June, [[Burger King]] had a toy promotion which would see 20 million figurines; Burger King bore the cost of the promotion which provided free marketing for Funimation.<ref name=bk>{{cite web | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62662281.html | title=Burger King Uses Kids' Meals to Promote Japanese Cartoon Series.(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News) | publisher=Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News | date=2000-06-05 | accessdate=2013-05-01}}</ref> The Halloween Association found Dragonball Z to be the fourth most popular costumes in their nationwide survey.<ref>"THE HYPE ALL DRESSED UP WITH SOMEWHERE TO GO.(L.A. Life)." Daily News (Los Angeles, CA). McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. 2000. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83398113.html</ref>

In December 2002, Jakks Pacific signed a three-year deal for licensing Dragon Ball Z toys; which was possible because of the bankruptcy of Irwin Toy.<ref>Brent Hopkins, Staff Writer. "TOY MAKER BETS ON DEAD DELINQUENT JAKKS PACIFIC SHIFTS ITS FOCUS FROM WRESTLING." Daily News (Los Angeles, CA). McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. 2003. Retrieved May 28, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9020394.html</ref>

=== Central and South America ===

In 2010, Toei closed deals in Central and South American countries which included Algazarra, Richtex, Pil Andina, DTM, Doobalo and Bondy Fiesta.<ref name="latin">{{cite web | url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/5211/Toei-seals-Latin-America-deals | title=Toei seals Latin America deals | publisher=Licensing.biz | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> In 2012, Brazil's Abr-Art Bag Rio Comercio Importacao e Exportacao closed a deal with Toei.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kidscreen.com/2012/01/09/toei-lands-licensing-deal-for-dragon-ball-z/ | title=Toei lands licensing deal for Dragon Ball Z Read more: http://kidscreen.com/2012/01/09/toei-lands-licensing-deal-for-dragon-ball-z/#ixzz2UbGXFP6k | publisher=Kidscreen | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref>

== Ratings ==

In 2001, Cartoon Network obtained licensing to run 96 more episodes and air the original Dragonball anime and was the top rated show in the Toonami block of Cartoon network.<ref>REYNOLDS, MIKE. "Cartoon Upfront With New Show Spending." Cable World. Access Intelligence, LLC. 2001. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-71874708.html</ref> Beginning March 26, 2001, Cartoon Network ran a 12-week special promotion "Toonami Reactor" which included a focus on Dragonball Z, which would stream episodes online to high-speed internet users.<ref>STUMP, MATT. "Broadband 'Toonami' Boosts Cable Modems.(Cartoon Network)(Brief Article)." Multichannel News. NewBay Media LLC. 2001. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-73848430.html</ref> Many releases were met with both the edited and unedited versions placing on in the top 10 video sales of [[Billboard magazine]]. For example, both Dragonball Z Showdown and Dark Prince Returned, edited and unedited made the Billboard magazine top video list for Oct. 20, 2001<ref>The Associated Press. "Most Popular Videos." AP Online. Press Association, Inc. 2001. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-47490330.html</ref>

The first episode of ''Dragon Ball Kai'' earned a viewer ratings percentage of 11.3, ahead of ''[[One Piece]]'' and behind ''[[Crayon Shin-chan]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-13/japanese-anime-tv-ranking-march-30-april-5|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 13, 2009|title=Japanese Anime TV Ranking, March 30-April 5|accessdate=April 29, 2009}}</ref> Although following episodes had lower ratings, ''Kai'' was among the top 10 anime in viewer ratings every week in Japan for most of its run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-16/japanese-anime-tv-ranking-april-6-12|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 16, 2009|title=Japanese Anime TV Ranking, April 6–12|accessdate=April 29, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-22/japanese-anime-tv-ranking-april-13-19|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 22, 2009|title=Japanese Anime TV Ranking, April 13–19|accessdate=April 29, 2009}}</ref>

== Cultural Impact and Legacy ==
''Dragon Ball Z'' was listed as the 78th best animated show in IGN's Top 100 Animated Series,<ref name="ign100">{{cite web |title=78. Dragon Ball Z|url=http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/78.html |publisher=IGN |accessdate=September 5, 2009 |date=January 23, 2009}}</ref> and was also listed as the 50th greatest cartoon in [[Wizard (magazine)|''Wizard'' magazine]]'s "Top 100 Greatest Cartoons" list.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.listal.com/list/wizard-magazines-top-100-cartoons|title= Wizard Magazine's Top 100 cartoons list|publisher=Listal|accessdate= April 30, 2011}}</ref>

Dragon Ball Z's popularity is reflected through a variety of data through online interactions which show the popularity of the media. In 2001, [[Children's Business]] reported that the official website of Dragon Ball Z records 4.7 million hits per day and included 500,000+ registered fans.<ref>Azoulay, Julia F.. "Character study: CB offers a licensing show cheat sheet. (Feature)." Children's Business. Conde Nast Publications, Inc. 2001. Retrieved May 28, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-80503701.html</ref> The term "Dragonball Z", ranked 4th in 1999 and 2nd in 2000 by Lycos' web search engine.<ref>Evers, Joris. "Britney Spears tops Lycos 2000 search terms list.(Industry Trend or Event)." Network World. Network World Inc./IDG. 2000. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-72443332.html</ref><ref>Monty Phan, Newsday. "Ugh, they did it again -- and again." Post-Tribune (IN). Sun-Times News Group. 2001. Retrieved May 28, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-0FF677ADDFFC6FB4.html</ref> For 2001, "Dragonball" was the most popular search on Lycos and "Dragonball Z" was fifth on Yahoo.<ref>Schorow, Stephanie. "Predictably, Nostradamus tops searches on Internet.(Arts and Lifestyle)." The Boston Herald. Herald Media, LLC. 2002. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-81526810.html</ref> DBZ token trading banned from Australian primary schools.<ref>"Bullying turns swap card fun into a packet of trouble." Australasian Business Intelligence. COMTEX News Network, Inc. 2002. Retrieved May 01, 2013 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-84322631.html</ref>

=== Meme ===
Dragon Ball Z is host to a meme of Vegeta yelling, "It's over 9000!" before smashing a scouter.<ref name="meme">{{cite book | title=Dragon Ball Z "It's Over 9,000!" When Worldviews Collide | publisher=Padula, Derek | author=Padula, Derek}}</ref> The original material stems from Dragon Ball Z's 21st episode and was altered and uploaded by a Youtube user named Kajetokun.<ref name=meme /> Created for friends on the [[4chan]] website, its popularity took off when [[VG Cats]] linked it on the front page of their website.<ref name=meme /> While the psychology and reasoning behind this meme is tied to the back-story of the characters; an additional error is the in line itself which a mistranslation which was repeated on the original Ocean Group and Funimation English dubs.<ref name=meme /> The correctly translated line was "It's over 8000".<ref name=meme /> The preference in the meme relates specifically with Ocean Group's Brian Drummond; who voiced the Vegeta line in an exaggerated way as used by Kajetokun's video.<ref name=meme /> Funimation would use the meme in its advertisements and released two versions of the scene for its 2010 re-release under ''Dragon Ball Kai''.<ref name=meme /> Dragon Ball Kai would use the widely known incorrect translation of the original 9000 for the TV release, while the DVD release would reflect the correct translation. Funimation reasoned that the DVD buyers would prefer the accuracy over the meme itself.<ref name=meme />

== See also ==
* [[Lists of Dragon Ball characters]]
* [[Dragon Ball (franchise)]]
* [[List of Dragon Ball films]]
* [[List of Dragon Ball video games]]
* [[List of Dragon Ball episodes]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
<ref name=Note01>The original interview was conducted by Steve Harmon with Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga in 1999 and was hosted on Harmon's personal website "The Vault". A record of the website exists on Archive.org, but the original interview itself was lost. The record was kept by Chris Psaros who provided a copy for the website "The Dragon Ball Z Otaku Alliance" which republished the original interview for this source.</ref>
<ref name=Note02>Steven Simmons, who uses the nickname "Daimao" in websites like Toriyama.org, wrote the original scripts for the [[Funimation]] subtitles and was involved in the localization process. His comments are included as a [[primary source]], but also definitively illustrate concerns with the subtitles its creator. This connection and background is noted at the accompanying Anime News Network reference.</ref>
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.dragonballz.com Official English Website]
* [http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z ''Dragon Ball Z''] at the [http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page ''Dragon Ball'' wiki]
* {{ann anime|id=244}}

{{Dragon Ball}}

[[Category:Dragon Ball|Z]]
[[Category:1989 television series debuts]]
[[Category:1996 television series endings]]
[[Category:Anime of the 1980s]]
[[Category:Funimation Entertainment]]
[[Category:Japanese mythology in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Martial arts anime and manga]]
[[Category:Science fiction anime and manga]]
[[Category:Shunsuke Kikuchi]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]
[[Category:YTV shows]]

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Revision as of 00:23, 21 June 2013

Dragon Ball Z
File:Dragonballz.jpg
GenreMartial arts, Science fiction
Anime
Directed byDaisuke Nishio
StudioToei Animation
Released April 26, 1989 – January 31, 1996
Movies
  1. Dead Zone
  2. The World's Strongest
  3. The Tree of Might
  4. Lord Slug
  5. Cooler's Revenge
  6. Return of Cooler
  7. Super Android 13!
  8. Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
  9. Bojack Unbound
  10. Broly Second Coming
  11. Bio-Broly
  12. Fusion Reborn
  13. Wrath of the Dragon
  14. Battle of Gods
TV Specials
  1. Bardock: The Father of Goku
  2. The History of Trunks
Original Video Animation (OVA)
  1. Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans

Dragon Ball Z (ドラゴンボールZ, Doragon Bōru Zetto, commonly abbreviated as DBZ) is a Japanese animated television series produced by Toei Doga (now Toei Animation). Dragon Ball Z is the sequel to the Dragon Ball anime and adapts the last 26 volumes of the original manga of the 42 volume Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama. Dragon Ball Z depicts the continuing the adventures of Goku and his companions to defend against an assortment of villains which seek to destroy or rule the Earth.

The anime first aired in Japan from April 26, 1989, to January 31, 1996,[1] and was dubbed in several countries around the world, including Latin America and in the United States. The American themes and soundtracks were composed and produced in part by Bruce Faulconer.

Plot

The series continues the adventures of Son Goku who, along with his companions, defend the Earth and other fictional planets against various supervillains. While the original Dragon Ball anime followed Goku through childhood into adulthood, Dragon Ball Z parallels his adult life with the maturation of his first child, Son Gohan. The series also gives focus to the evolution of his rivals, Piccolo and Vegeta, from evil to good, with the former's evolution occurring early in the series and latter's spanning across the entire series. The separation between the series is also significant as Dragonball Z takes on a more dramatic and serious tone, with a number of villains threatening or committing acts of mass murder and outright genocide.

Dragon Ball Z manga

Main article: Dragon Ball

The Dragon Ball manga originally started out as a gag manga with adventure elements, but Akira Toriyama switched focus to concentrate on martial arts.[2] With this change of focus the new TV series was titled Dragon Ball Z, but the Japanese release of the manga remained Dragon Ball.[2] The North American adaptation by Viz Media was titled "Dragon Ball Z" to prevent potential confusion for readers after the success of the anime adaptation. The publication of Dragon Ball Z started in the middle of the series, at the Cyborg Saga.[3] The release of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball mangas would occur together by Viz Media in contrast to the Japanese manga.[4][5] In March 2001, Viz would continue this separation by re-shipping the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z titles starting with the first volumes of each work.[6] Viz's marketing for the manga made distinct the differences between Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z tone. Viz billed Dragon Ball Z as, "More action-packed than the stories of Goku's youth, Dragon Ball Z is pure adrenaline, with battles of truly Earth-shaking proportions!"[7]

Dragon Ball Z anime

Further information: List of Dragon Ball Z episodes

With the ending of Dragon Ball, Toei Animation quickly released a second anime series, Dragon Ball Z (ドラゴンボールZ(ゼット), Doragon Bōru Zetto, commonly abbreviated as DBZ). Picking up a few years after the series first left off, Dragon Ball Z is adapted from the final twenty-six volumes of the manga series on Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1989–1995, it premiered in Japan on Fuji Television on April 26, 1989, taking over its predecessor's time slot, and ran for 291 episodes until its conclusion on January 31, 1996.[8]

English production

In 1995, Funimation licensed Dragon Ball Z for an English-language release in the United States. They contracted Saban Entertainment to help finance and distribute the series to television, Pioneer Entertainment to handle home video distribution, Ocean Productions to dub the anime, and Shuki Levy to compose an alternate musical score. The series premiered in the U.S. on September 13, 1996 in first-run syndication, but was cancelled after two seasons due to a lack of interest from syndication companies.[9] This dub of Dragon Ball Z had mandated cuts to content and length; which reduced the first 67 episodes into 53.[9][10] Pioneer ceased its release at Volume 17, but retained the rights to produce an uncut subtitled version.[9]

On August 31, 1998, the same cancelled dubbed episodes began airing on Cartoon Network as part of the channel's Toonami programming block, where the series was more well received than previously. Soon after, Funimation, having dissolved their partnership with Saban and Pioneer, continued to dub and distribute the series by themselves. Funimation used their own in-house voice cast and included a new musical score composed by Bruce Faulconer. Less editing was required due to fewer restrictions on cable programming.[11] Dragon Ball Z was now in full production in the U.S. and the new dub of the series aired on Cartoon Network from September 13, 1999 to April 7, 2003. Dragon Ball Z was one of the most successful shows on Toonami.

The Funimation dubbed episodes also aired in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand. However, beginning with episode 108, Westwood Media (in association with Ocean Productions) produced an alternate English dub. The alternate dub was broadcast in the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada, while Funimation's dub continued to air in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. In 2004, Pioneer lost its distribution rights to the first 53/67 episodes of Dragon Ball Z, allowing Funimation to re-dub them with their in-house voice cast and restore the removed content. These re-dubbed episodes aired on Cartoon Network in the U.S. during the summer of 2005.[12][13]

In 2006, Funimation remastered the episodes in 16:9 widescreen format and then began re-releasing the series to Region 1 DVD in nine individual season box sets. The first set was released on February 6, 2007; the final set on May 19, 2009. In July 2009, Funimation announced that they would again be re-releasing Dragon Ball Z in a new seven-volume DVD set called "Dragon Box Z", which was previously released in Japan as a two-volume set. Based on the original series masters with frame-by-frame restoration, the episodes are uncut and, unlike the previous season box sets, are presented in 4:3 fullscreen format. The first set was released on November 10, 2009; the final set was released on October 11, 2011.[14]

In January 2011, Funimation and Toei announced that they would stream Dragon Ball Z within 30 minutes before their simulcast of One Piece.[15] As of 2013, Dragon Ball Z is being streamed on Hulu, containing the English dub with the Japanese music and uncut footage, as well as subtitled Japanese episodes. In July 2011, Funimation announced plans to release Dragon Ball Z in Blu-ray Disc format. Dragon Ball Z Level 1.1, containing the first 17 episodes, was released on November 8, 2011.[16][17][18] However, after the release of the second volume, Funimation suspended production of the rest of the Blu-ray releases, citing concerns over restoring the original film material frame by frame.[19]

Censorship

Dragon Ball Z's original American release was the subject of heavy censorship which resulted in a large amount removed content and alterations that greatly changed the original work. Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga is often criticized for his role in the censorship; but it was the distributor Saban which required such changes or they would not air the work; as was done with the episode "Orphans".[20][Note 1] Much of these changes included altering every aspect of the show from character names, clothing, scenes and dialogue of the show. The character Mr. Satan was renamed Hercule for the original English media including the Viz Dragon Ball Z manga and games, which includes referring to his name, erroneously, as "Hercule Satan" in Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22.[21] The dialogue changes would sometimes contradict the scenes itself; after the apparant fatal explosion of a helicopter the character said, "It's okay, I can see their parachutes!".[20] Funimation's redub for the 2005 release would address many of the censorship issues that was required by Saban, with the uncut releases preserving the integrity of the original Japanese release. ChrisGualtieri (talk) 20:58, 20 June 2013 (UTC)

Funimation Subtitles

Steven Simmons offered commentary on the subtitling from a project and technical stand point, addressing several concerns.[22][Note 2] Simmons preferred yellow-on-black subtitles, but these were rejected for the light gray which did not cause blurring.[23] Simmons noted that Gen Fukunaga did not want any swearing on the disks, but because there was no taboo word list Simmons would substitute variation strength of the words by situation with the changes starting in episode 21.[23] The typographical errors in the script were caused by dashes (—) and double-quotes (") failing to appear, which resulted in confusing dialogue.[23]

Home releases

The release structure of Dragon Ball Z is complicated by the licensing and release of the companies involved in producing and distributing the work. A cut and uncut version were often released together and frequently both versions would make Billboard rankings at the same time despite consisting of the same source material. Dragon Ball Z home release sales also were featured prominently on the Nielsen VideoScan charts.[24] The original license for two first seasons were owned by Pioneer Entertainment, but they would soon return to Funimation.[24] Funimation would take the original 67 episodes and produce them through 2004 with the first releases of the uncut material appearing in 2005.[25] Funimation was known to release "DVDs out of sequence in order to get them out as fast as possible" as in the case of the third season.[26]

Dragon Ball Kai

Further information: List of Dragon Ball Z Kai episodes

In February 2009, Toei Animation announced that it would begin broadcasting a revised version of Dragon Ball Z as part of the series' 20th anniversary celebrations. The series premiered on Fuji TV in Japan on April 5, 2009, under the name Dragon Ball Kai (ドラゴンボール改(カイ), Doragon Bōru Kai, lit. "Dragon Ball Revised"). The ending suffix Kai (改「かい」) in the name means "updated" or "altered" and reflects the improvements and corrections of the original work.[27] The original footage was remastered for HDTV, featuring updated opening and ending sequences, and a rerecording of the vocal tracks.[28][29] The footage was also re-edited to more closely follow the manga, resulting in a faster-moving story, and damaged frames removed.[30]

On March 9, 2011, Toei announced that due to Kenji Yamamoto's score for Dragon Ball Kai infringing on the rights of an unknown third party, the score for remaining episodes and replays of previous episodes would be replaced.[31] Later reports from Toei claimed that with the exception of the series' opening and closing songs, as well as eyecatch music, Yamamoto's score was replaced with Shunsuke Kikuchi's original score from Dragon Ball Z. This change in background music would eventually affect all episodes of the series' English dub in the U.S. The series concluded with the finale of the Cell arc as opposed to including the Majin Boo arc. It was originally planned to run 98 episodes, however due to the Tōhoku offshore earthquake and tsunami, the final episode of Dragon Ball Kai was not aired and the series ended on its 97th episode in Japan on March 27, 2011.

International release

Funimation licensed Dragon Ball Kai for an English-language release in the U.S., under the title Dragon Ball Z Kai. The series was broadcast on Nicktoons from May 24, 2010 to January 1, 2012.[32][33] In addition to Nicktoons, the series also began airing on The CW's Saturday-morning programming block, Toonzai, on August 14, 2010[34] and continues to air on Toonzai's successor, Vortexx, which began on August 25, 2012. Both the Nicktoons and Toonzai/Vortexx airings have been edited for content, though the Toonzai/Vortexx version is censored even more so than Nicktoons', most likely due to The CW being a broadcast network. In addition to the TV airings, Funimation has also released bilingual Region 1 DVD and Blu-ray box sets of Dragon Ball Z Kai. These box sets contain the original Japanese audio track with English subtitles, as well as the uncut version of the English dub, which does not contain any of the edits made for the TV airings.[35][36] CSC Media Group acquired the broadcast rights to Dragon Ball Z Kai in the United Kingdom and began airing it on Kix! in early 2013.[37][38][39]

Majin Buu arc

On November 5, 2012, Mayumi Tanaka, the Japanese voice of Kuririn, announced that she and the rest of the cast are recording more episodes of Dragon Ball Kai.[40] She noted that the show will not be aired in Japan, but will be continuing overseas.[40] More recently, Sean Schemmel and Kyle Hebert, the Funimation dub voice actors for Goku and Gohan, announced that they've started recording for the English dub of these episodes.[41]

Theme songs

Japanese themes

  • Openings
  1. "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" (チャラヘッチャラ, Chara Hecchara)
    Lyrics: Yukinojo Mori, Music: Chiho Kiyooka, Arrangement: Kenji Yamamoto, Vocals: Hironobu Kageyama
    • Episodes 1~199
    • Movies 1-9
  2. "WE GOTTA POWER" (ウィ・ガッタ・パワー, Wi Gatta Pawā)
    Lyrics: Yukinojo Mori, Music: Keiju Ishikawa, Arrangement: Keiju Ishikawa, Vocals: Hironobu Kageyama
    • Episodes 200~291
    • Movies 10-12
  • Closings
  1. "Come Out, Incredible Full Power!" (でてこいとびきりZENKAIパワー!, Detekoi Tobikiri ZENKAI Pawā!)
    Lyrics: Naruhisa Arakawa, Music: Takeshi Ike, Arrangement: Kenji Yamamoto, Vocals: MANNA
    • Episodes 1~194
  2. "We Use to be Angels" (僕達は天使だった, Boku-tachi wa Tenshi Datta)
    Lyrics: Yukinojo Mori, Music: Takeshi Ike, Arrangement: Osamu Totsuka, Vocals: Hironobu Kageyama
    • Episodes 195~291

Cast list

Character Name Voice Actor (Japanese) V.A. (Ocean Group) V.A. (FUNimation) V.A. (Blue Water)
Son Goku Masako Nozawa Ian Corlett (1-26)
Peter Kelamis (27-53)
 Sean Schemmel Peter Kelamis
Kirby Morrow
Son Gohan Masako Nozawa Saffron Henderson Stephanie Nadolny (child)
Kyle Hebert (teen)		 Saffron Henderson
Jillian Michaels
Brad Swaile
Son Goten Masako Nozawa N/A Kara Edwards
 Jillian Michaels
Piccolo Toshio Furukawa Scott McNeil Christopher Sabat Scott McNeil
Vegeta Ryō Horikawa Brian Drummond
 Christopher Sabat Brian Drummond
Bulma Hiromi Tsuru Lalainia Lindbjerg
 Tiffany Vollmer
 Maggie Blue O'Hara
Trunks Takeshi Kusao N/A Laura Bailey Cathy Weseluck
Future Trunks Takeshi Kusao N/A Eric Vale Alistair Abell
Kuririn Mayumi Tanaka Terry Klassen
 Sonny Strait Terry Klassen
Yajirobe Mayumi Tanaka Brian Drummond
 Mike McFarland Brian Drummond
Yamucha Toru Furuya Ted Cole
 Christopher Sabat Ted Cole
Tenshinhan Hirotaka Suzuoki Matt Smith
Chris Cason (54-92, original dub)
John Burgmeier (onwards)		 Matt Smith
Chaozu Hiroko Emori Cathy Weseluck
 Monika Antonelli Cathy Weseluck
Chichi Mayumi Sho (1-66)
Naoko Watanabe (88-291)		 Laara Sadiq
 Cynthia Cranz Laara Sadiq
Muten Roshi Kōhei Miyauchi (2-260)
Hiroshi Masuoka (288-291)		 Ian Corlett (1-26)
Don Brown(27-53)
 Mike McFarland Terry Klassen
Oolong Naoki Tatsuta Doug Parker
 Mark Britten (54-92, original dub)
Bradford Jackson (onwards)		 Doug Parker
Pu'ar Naoko Watanabe Cathy Weseluck
 Monika Antonelli Cathy Weseluck
Mr. Satan Daisuke Gōri N/A Chris Rager
 Don Brown
Videl Yuko Minaguchi N/A Kara Edwards
 Moneca Stori
Uranai Baba Junpei Takiguchi (9-34)
Mayumi Tanaka (207-271)		 Ellen Kennedy
 Linda Young
 Brian Drummond
Dende Tomiko Suzuki (49-288)
Hiro Yūki (290-291)		 Paulina Gillis
 Ceyil Dellgadillo (child, original dub)
Laura Bailey (child, uncut dub)
Justin Cook (adult)
 Andrew Francis
Gyumao Daisuke Gōri Dave Ward
 Mark Britten (54-180, original dub)
Kyle Hebert (onwards)		 Dave Ward
Mr. Popo Toku Nishio French Tickner
 Chris Cason (54-92, original dub)
Christopher Sabat (onwards)
 French Tickner
Karin Ichirō Nagai (26-192)
Naoki Tatsuta (238-285)		 Doug Parker
Christopher Sabat
Ted Cole
Kami Takeshi Aono Michael Dobson
 Christopher Sabat
 Dale Wilson
North Kaio Jōji Yanami Don Brown
 Sean Schemmel Don Brown
Nappa Shōzō Iizuka Michael Dobson
 Christopher Sabat (88, original dub)
Phil Parsons (onwards)
Raditz Shigeru Chiba Jason Gray-Stanford
 Justin Cook
No. 17 Shigeru Nakahara N/A Chuck Huber Ted Cole
No. 18 Miki Itō N/A Meredith McCoy Enuka Okuma
Freeza Ryūsei Nakao Pauline Newstone
 Linda Young Pauline Newstone
Cell Norio Wakamoto N/A Dameon Clarke
 Dale Wilson
Majin Boo Kōzō Shioya N/A Josh Martin (Fat Boo and Kid Boo)
Justin Cook (Super Boo)
 Scott McNeil
Brian Dobson
Shenlong Kenji Utsumi
Masaharu Satō (193)		 Don Brown
 Christopher Sabat Don Brown
Narrator Jōji Yanami Doc Harris
 Dale Kelly (54-180, original dub)
Kyle Hebert (onwards)		 Doc Harris

Japanese staff

  • Original author: Akira Toriyama
  • Planning: Kōzō Morishita, Kenji Shimizu (Fuji TV)
  • Series composition: Takao Koyama
  • Script writers: Takao Koyama, Aya Matsui, Katsuyuki Sumizawa, Toshiki Inoue, and others
  • Production managers: Matsuji Kishimoto -> Takeshi Torimoto -> Akihiko Yamaguchi -> Yūichi Suenaga
  • Chief animator (Character design): Minoru Maeda -> Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru
  • Chief designer: Yūji Ikeda
  • Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi
  • Music Production: Columbia Music Entertainment
  • Editing: Shinichi Fukumitsu (TAVAC)
  • Recording: Kenji Ninomiya (TAVAC)
  • Sound effects: Hidenori Arai (Fizz Sound Creation)
  • Music selection: Shigeru Miyashita (TAVAC)
  • Recording Studio: TAVAC
  • Series director: Daisuke Nishio
  • Production: Fuji TV, Toei Animation

OVAs

Four specials have been released as OVA or TV specials bearing the Dragon Ball Z title. The first is Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans which originally released September 6, 1993 (1993-09-06) in two parts of the "Official Visual Guide" to the video game of the same title. Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans was the 2010 remake of this OVA. TV specials include Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku and the Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks.

Movies

Further information: List of Dragon Ball Z episodes § Movies

The Dragon Ball Z movies comprise a total of fourteen entries as of 2013. The movies typically release in March and July in accordance with the spring and summer vacations of Japanese schools. The Dragon Ball Z movies consist of stories that take place between sagas, as stand alone entries. The movies themselves offer contradictions in both chronological and design that make them incompatible with a single continuity. Examples include Gohan having a tail while he should not or characters able to undergo Super Saiyan transformation when they were unable to in the continuity.

Video games

Further information: List of Dragon Ball video games

There are over 57 video game releases baring the name Dragon Ball Z across a range of platforms from the Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom to the current generation consoles; also included are Arcade games like Super Dragon Ball Z which would eventually be ported to consoles.

In North America, licensing rights had been given to both Namco Bandai and Atari. In 1999, Atari acquired exclusive rights to the video games through Funimation, a deal which was extended for five more years in 2005.[42] A 2007 dispute would end with Atari paying FUNimation $3.5 million.[43] In July 2009, Namco Bandai was reported to have obtained exclusive rights to release the games for a period of five years.[44] This presumably would have taken effect after Atari's licensing rights expired; at the end of January 2010.[43]

Soundtracks

Main article: List of Dragon Ball soundtracks

Dragon Ball Z has been host to numerous releases with works like Cha-La Head-Cha-La and a series of 20 sountracks released as part of the Dragon Ball Z Hit Song Collection Series. In total, dozens of releases exist for Dragon Ball Z which includes Japanese and foreign adapted releases of the anime themes and video game soundtracks.

Merchandising

Further information: Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game

North America

Dragonball Z merchandise was a success prior to its peak American interest, with more then $3 billion in sales from 1986-2000.[45] Though the merchandising of Dragonball Z would be a hit even into the holiday season.[46]

In 1998, Animage-ine Entertainment, a division of Simitar, announced the sale of Chroma-Cels, mock animation cels to capitalize on the popularity of Dragon Ball Z.[47] The original sale was forecasted for late 1998, but were pushed back to January 12, 1999.[48]

In 2000, MGA Entertainment released more then twenty toys, consisting of table-top games and walkie-talkies.[49] Irwin Toy released more then 72 figures consisting of 2-inch and 5 inch action figures, which became top-selling toys in a market dominated by the Pokémon Trading Card Game.[50] Irwin Toys would release other unique Dragon Ball Z toys including a battery powered Flying Nimbus Cloud which hovered without touching the ground and a die-cast line of vehicles with collector capsules.[51] In June, Burger King had a toy promotion which would see 20 million figurines; Burger King bore the cost of the promotion which provided free marketing for Funimation.[45] The Halloween Association found Dragonball Z to be the fourth most popular costumes in their nationwide survey.[52]

In December 2002, Jakks Pacific signed a three-year deal for licensing Dragon Ball Z toys; which was possible because of the bankruptcy of Irwin Toy.[53]

Central and South America

In 2010, Toei closed deals in Central and South American countries which included Algazarra, Richtex, Pil Andina, DTM, Doobalo and Bondy Fiesta.[54] In 2012, Brazil's Abr-Art Bag Rio Comercio Importacao e Exportacao closed a deal with Toei.[55]

Ratings

In 2001, Cartoon Network obtained licensing to run 96 more episodes and air the original Dragonball anime and was the top rated show in the Toonami block of Cartoon network.[56] Beginning March 26, 2001, Cartoon Network ran a 12-week special promotion "Toonami Reactor" which included a focus on Dragonball Z, which would stream episodes online to high-speed internet users.[57] Many releases were met with both the edited and unedited versions placing on in the top 10 video sales of Billboard magazine. For example, both Dragonball Z Showdown and Dark Prince Returned, edited and unedited made the Billboard magazine top video list for Oct. 20, 2001[58]

The first episode of Dragon Ball Kai earned a viewer ratings percentage of 11.3, ahead of One Piece and behind Crayon Shin-chan.[59] Although following episodes had lower ratings, Kai was among the top 10 anime in viewer ratings every week in Japan for most of its run.[60][61]

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Dragon Ball Z was listed as the 78th best animated show in IGN's Top 100 Animated Series,[62] and was also listed as the 50th greatest cartoon in Wizard magazine's "Top 100 Greatest Cartoons" list.[63]

Dragon Ball Z's popularity is reflected through a variety of data through online interactions which show the popularity of the media. In 2001, Children's Business reported that the official website of Dragon Ball Z records 4.7 million hits per day and included 500,000+ registered fans.[64] The term "Dragonball Z", ranked 4th in 1999 and 2nd in 2000 by Lycos' web search engine.[65][66] For 2001, "Dragonball" was the most popular search on Lycos and "Dragonball Z" was fifth on Yahoo.[67] DBZ token trading banned from Australian primary schools.[68]

Meme

Dragon Ball Z is host to a meme of Vegeta yelling, "It's over 9000!" before smashing a scouter.[69] The original material stems from Dragon Ball Z's 21st episode and was altered and uploaded by a Youtube user named Kajetokun.[69] Created for friends on the 4chan website, its popularity took off when VG Cats linked it on the front page of their website.[69] While the psychology and reasoning behind this meme is tied to the back-story of the characters; an additional error is the in line itself which a mistranslation which was repeated on the original Ocean Group and Funimation English dubs.[69] The correctly translated line was "It's over 8000".[69] The preference in the meme relates specifically with Ocean Group's Brian Drummond; who voiced the Vegeta line in an exaggerated way as used by Kajetokun's video.[69] Funimation would use the meme in its advertisements and released two versions of the scene for its 2010 re-release under Dragon Ball Kai.[69] Dragon Ball Kai would use the widely known incorrect translation of the original 9000 for the TV release, while the DVD release would reflect the correct translation. Funimation reasoned that the DVD buyers would prefer the accuracy over the meme itself.[69]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The original interview was conducted by Steve Harmon with Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga in 1999 and was hosted on Harmon's personal website "The Vault". A record of the website exists on Archive.org, but the original interview itself was lost. The record was kept by Chris Psaros who provided a copy for the website "The Dragon Ball Z Otaku Alliance" which republished the original interview for this source.
  2. ^ Steven Simmons, who uses the nickname "Daimao" in websites like Toriyama.org, wrote the original scripts for the Funimation subtitles and was involved in the localization process. His comments are included as a primary source, but also definitively illustrate concerns with the subtitles its creator. This connection and background is noted at the accompanying Anime News Network reference.

References

  1. ^ "Anime News Network Dragon Ball Z episode list". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  2. ^ a b "The Akira Toriyama Super Database: The Story of Dragon Ball". toriyama.org. Retrieved 2013-05-28.
  3. ^ "Dragon Ball (manga)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  4. ^ "Viz announces 4/99 releases". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  5. ^ "Viz announces products for 7/99 release". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  6. ^ "March Manga releases". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  7. ^ "Releases from Viz posted on 2000-11-02". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-05-29.
  8. ^ Clements, Jonathan (September 1, 2001). The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917 (1st ed.). Berkeley, California: Stone Bridge Press. pp. 101–102. ISBN 1-880656-64-7. OCLC 47255331. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c "Pioneer announces last Dragonball Z release". Anime News Network. 1998-11-14. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  10. ^ Dragon Ball Z Funimation/Saban dub, episodes 1-53 (1-67 uncut)
  11. ^ Dragon Ball Z Funimation in-house dub, episodes 54-276 (68-291 uncut)
  12. ^ "Funimation 2005 Plans". Anime News Network. December 31, 2004. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
  13. ^ "DBZ uncut on Cartoon Network". Anime News Network. June 9, 2005. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
  14. ^ "Funimation Entertainment Announces First U.S. Release of Dragon Box" (Press release). Funimation. July 20, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2009.
  15. ^ "Funimation to Stream Dragon Ball Z in North America". Anime News Network. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  16. ^ Official Funimation Anime Online Community - FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES DRAGON BALL Z SERIES ON BLU-RAY
  17. ^ Funimation Entertainment Announces Dragon Ball Z Series on Blu-ray - FLOWER MOUND, Texas, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/
  18. ^ "FUNimation Entertainment Announces Dragon Ball Z Series on Blu-ray - FLOWER MOUND, Texas". Texas: Prnewswire.com. July 21, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  19. ^ Funimation Entertainment (January 26, 2012). "FUNimation Suspends Production of Dragon Ball Z Blu-rays" (Press release). Flower Mound, Texas: Anime News Network. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
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