Dragon Ball Z season 1
| Dragon Ball Z | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
 DVD release poster | |
| No. of episodes | 39 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Fuji Television |
| Original release | April 26, 1989 – March 7, 1990 |
| Season chronology | |
The first season of the Dragon Ball Z anime series contains the Raditz and Vegeta arcs, which comprises the Part 1 of the Frieza Saga, which adapts the 17th through the 21st volumes of the Dragon Ball manga series by Akira Toriyama. The series follows the adventures of Goku. The episodes deal with Goku as he learns about his Saiyan heritage and battles Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta, three other Saiyans who want Goku to join them and help them destroy life on Earth.
The season initially ran from April 1989 until March 1990 in Japan on Fuji Television. The season was then licensed for a heavily edited dubbed broadcast by Funimation Entertainment. Their adaptation first ran in September 1996 through September 1997, primarily on FOX,[1] UPN and WB affiliate stations in the United States and Canada. The 39 episodes were cut down to a mere 28. Their edited adaptation was syndicated to television by Saban Entertainment, and was released by Geneon Entertainment (then known as Pioneer) on VHS and DVD in 1999. Eventually, Geneon Entertainment lost the distribution license to the first 67 episodes and Funimation began redubbing the series for an uncut broadcast. The unedited version was released on DVD in 2005, but later cancelled and Funimation eventually began releasing season box sets of Dragon Ball Z and they re-released their first season on February 6, 2007. In late 2013, the company released the first season box set on the Blu-ray Disc format. In June 2009, Funimation announced that they would be releasing Dragon Ball Z in a new seven volume set called the "Dragon Box". Based on the original series masters with frame-by-frame restoration, the first set was released November 10, 2009.[2]
Two pieces of theme music were used throughout the season. The opening theme, "Cha-La Head-Cha-La", is performed by Hironobu Kageyama and the ending theme, "Detekoi Tobikiri Zenkai Power!" (でてこいとびきりＺＥＮＫＡＩパワー！, Detekoi Tobikiri Zenkai Pawā!, "Come out, incredible full-force power!") is performed by Manna. The theme for the original 1996–1997 English dub is "Rock the Dragon", performed by Jeremy Sweet. The uncut English redub from 2005 uses "Dragon Ball Z Movie theme" by Mark Menza.
Development
English dub production
In 1996, Funimation began working on their first season of an English dub for Dragon Ball Z. The company had previously produced a dub of Dragon Ball's first 13 episodes and first movie during 1995, but when plans for a second season were cancelled due to lower than expected ratings,[3] they partnered with Saban Entertainment (known at the time for shows such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and X-Men) to distribute their adaptation to Fox, UPN and The WB affiliate stations.[4][5][6][3] While Saban had a history of acquiring the rights to various anime series to be dubbed, Funimation still controlled the American license to the property during this period.[7]
The program would air during early morning time slots in most markets. It was part of the "Saban Network for Kids", a 1996–97 syndicated programming block[8] which included other Saban anime dubs, such as Eagle Riders and Samurai Pizza Cats,[6][9][10] as well as Masked Rider, Saban's Adventures of Oliver Twist and The Why Why Family.[1][6] Heightened exposure from Saban helped ensure a larger audience for the series, which led to Funimation creating a second syndicated dub season in 1997, intended to air in its own hour long block.[3]
Like the prior Dragon Ball dub from 1995, this production used Canadian voice actors from Vancouver, British Columbia. However, this time ADR work was handled by The Ocean Group (now known as Ocean Productions), leading to fans referring to this dub as "the Ocean dub".[3][11] Funimation also outsourced the role of music to ex-Saban musician Ron Wasserman, who was allowed to compose the background score from his home in Los Angeles, California.[12][13] The theme song "Main Title" (known by fans as "Rock the Dragon") was created by Saban Entertainment,[3] with the vocals performed by Jeremy Sweet.[11][13]
In 2004–2005, Funimation redubbed these episodes, now with their then-current American voice actors from Dallas, Texas. Unlike the 1996–1997 Ocean/Saban co-production, this dub had no episodes or scenes cut out, and no visual censorship; and while the script was still not based on a translation, they did rewrite it, and even threw in curse words. It featured a new background score by Dallas-based composer Nathan M. Johnson.
Episodes
| No. overall | Initial dub no. | Translated title/Funimation's dub title Original Japanese title | Original air date | English airdate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Mini-Goku is an Overprotected Boy! I Am Gohan." / "The Arrival of Raditz" [The New Threat] Transliteration: "Mini Gokū wa Obotchama! Boku Gohan Desu." (Japanese: ミニ悟空はおぼっちゃま！ボク悟飯です。) | April 26, 1989 | September 13, 1996 June 14, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 2 | 1 | "The Mightiest Warrior in All of History is Goku's Older Brother!" / "The Arrival of Raditz" [Reunions] Transliteration: "Shijō Saikyō no Senshi wa Gokū no Ani Datta!" (Japanese: 史上最強の戦士は悟空の兄だった！) | May 3, 1989 | September 13, 1996 June 15, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 3 | 2 | "All Right! This is the Strongest Combo in the World!" / "The World's Strongest Team" [Unlikely Alliance] Transliteration: "Yatta! Kore ga Chijō Saikyō no Konbi Da!" (Japanese: やった！これが地上最強のコンビだ！) | May 10, 1989 | September 20, 1996 June 16, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 4 | 3 | "Piccolo's Trump Card! Gohan, the Crybaby-kun" / "Gohan's Hidden Powers" [Piccolo's Plan] Transliteration: "Pikkoro no Kirifuda! Gohan wa Nakimushikun" (Japanese: ピッコロの切り札！悟飯は泣きむしクン) | May 17, 1989 | September 27, 1996 June 20, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 5 | 4 | "Goku Dies! There's Only One Last Chance" / "Goku's Unusual Journey" [Gohan's Rage] Transliteration: "Gokū Shisu! Rasuto Chansu wa Ichido dake" (Japanese: 悟空死す！ラストチャンスは一度だけ) | May 24, 1989 | October 4, 1996 June 21, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 6 | 4 | "Even Yama-sama is Surprised — The Fight Continues in the Next World" / "Goku's Unusual Journey" [No Time Like the Present] Transliteration: "Enmasama mo Bikkuri — Ano Yo de Faito" (Japanese: エンマ様もビックリあの世でファイト) | June 7, 1989 | October 4, 1996 June 22, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 7 | 5 | "Survival with Dinosaurs! Gohan's Harsh Training" / "Gohan's Metamorphosis" [Day 1] Transliteration: "Kyōryū to Sabaibaru! Gohan no Tsurai Shugyō" (Japanese: 恐竜とサバイバル！悟飯のツライ修行) | June 14, 1989 | October 11, 1996 June 23, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 8 | 5 | "A Great Transformation on a Moonlit Night! The Secret of Gohan's Power" / "Gohan's Metamorphosis" [Gohan Goes Bananas!] Transliteration: "Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru ni Daihenshin! Gohan Pawā no Himitsu" (Japanese: 月の輝く夜に大変身！悟飯パワーの秘密) | June 21, 1989 | October 11, 1996 June 27, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 9 | 6 | "Sorry, Robot-san — The Desert of Vanishing Tears" / "Gohan Makes a Friend" [The Strangest Robot] Transliteration: "Gomen ne Robottosan Sabaku ni Kieta Namida." (Japanese: ゴメンねロボットさん砂漠に消えた涙。) | June 28, 1989 | October 18, 1996 June 28, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 10 | 6 | "Don't Cry, Gohan! His First Fight" / "Gohan Makes a Friend" [A New Friend] Transliteration: "Naku na Gohan! Hajimete no Tatakai." (Japanese: 泣くな悟飯！はじめての闘い) | July 5, 1989 | October 18, 1996 June 29, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 11 | 7 | "The Saiyans, Mightiest Warriors in the Universe, Awaken!" / "Trouble on Arlia" [Terror on Arlia] Transliteration: "Uchūichi no Kyōsenshi Saiyajin Mezameru!" (Japanese: 宇宙一の強戦士サイヤ人めざめる！) | July 12, 1989 | October 25, 1996 June 30, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 12 | 8 | "Catnap on the Serpentine Road Goku Takes a Tumble" / "Home For Infinite Losers" [Global Training] Transliteration: "Hebi no Michi de Inemuri Gokū ga Okkochiru" (Japanese: 蛇の道でいねむり悟空が落っこちる) | July 19, 1989 | November 1, 1996 July 4, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 13 | 8 | "Hands Off! Yama-sama's Secret Fruit" / "Home For Infinite Losers" [Goz and Mez] Transliteration: "Te o Dasu na! Enmasama no Himitsu no Kudamono" (Japanese: 手を出すな！エンマ様の秘密の果実) | July 26, 1989 | November 1, 1996 July 5, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 14 | 9 | "Such Sweet Temptation! The Snake Princess-sama's Hospitality" / "Princess Snake's Hospitality" [Princess Snake]" Transliteration: "Ama〜i Yūwaku! Hebihimesama no Omotenashi" (Japanese: あま～い誘惑！蛇姫さまのおもてなし) | August 2, 1989 | November 8, 1996 July 6, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 15 | 10 | "Escape from Piccolo! Gohan Summons a Storm" / "Escape from Piccolo" [Dueling Piccolos] Transliteration: "Pikkoro kara no Dasshutsu! Arashi o Yobu Gohan" (Japanese: ピッコロからの脱出！嵐を呼ぶ悟飯) | August 9, 1989 | October 28, 1997 (video premiere) September 14, 1998[14] July 7, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 16 | 10 | "Run, Gohan! Longing for Mount Paozu, Where Chichi is Waiting" / "Escape from Piccolo" [Plight of the Children] Transliteration: "Hashire Gohan! Chichi no Matsu Natsukashi no Paozu Yama" (Japanese: 走れ悟飯！チチの待つなつかしのパオズ山) | August 16, 1989 | October 28, 1997 (video premiere) September 14, 1998 July 11, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 17 | 11 | "City of No Tomorrow! The Long Road to Victory" / "Showdown in the Past" [Pendulum Room Peril] Transliteration: "Asu Naki Machi! Shōri e no Tōi Michinori" (Japanese: 明日なき街！勝利への遠い道のり) | August 30, 1989 | November 15, 1996 July 12, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 18 | 12 | "Last Stop on the Serpentine Road! Are You Kaio-sama?" / "The End of Snake Way" [The End of Snake Way] Transliteration: "Shūte〜n Hebi no Michi! Omē Kaiōsama ka?" (Japanese: 終点～ん蛇の道！おめえ界王様か？) | September 6, 1989 | January 3, 1997 July 13, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 19 | 13 | "The Battle with Gravity! Catch Bubbles-kun" / "A Fight Against Gravity... Catch Bubbles!" [Defying Gravity] Transliteration: "Jūryoku to no Tatakai! Baburusukun o Tsukamaero" (Japanese: 重力との戦い！バブルス君をつかまえろ) | September 13, 1989 | January 10, 1997 July 14, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 20 | 14 | "The Saiyan Legend Reborn! Goku's Roots" / "The Legend of the Saiyans" [Goku's Ancestors] Transliteration: "Yomigaeru Saiyajin Densetsu! Gokū no Rūtsu" (Japanese: よみがえるサイヤ人伝説！悟空のルーツ) | September 20, 1989 | January 17, 1997 July 18, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 21 | 15 | "Come Forth, Shen Long! The Saiyans Finally Arrive on Earth" / "A Black Day for Planet Earth" [Counting Down] Transliteration: "Ide yo Shenron! Saiyajin Tsui ni Chikyū Tōchaku" (Japanese: いでよ神龍！サイヤ人ついに地球到着) | September 27, 1989 | January 24, 1997 July 19, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 22 | 16 | "Unbelievable! Saibaimen, Born of the Soil" / "The Battle Begins... Goku Where Are You?" [The Darkest Day] (Japanese: んなバカな！土から生まれたサイバイマン) | October 11, 1989 | February 1, 1997 July 20, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 23 | 17 | "Yamucha Dies! The Terror of the Saibaimen" / "The Saibamen Strike" [Saibamen Attack!] Transliteration: "Yamucha Shisu! Osoru Beshi Saibaiman" (Japanese: ヤムチャ死す！おそるべしサイバイマン) | October 18, 1989 | February 8, 1997 July 21, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 24 | 18 | "Farewell Ten-san! Chaozu's Suicide Strategy" / "Nappa... The Invincible?" [The Power of Nappa] Transliteration: "Sayonara Tensan! Chaozu no Sutemi no Senpō" (Japanese: さよなら天さん！餃子の捨て身の戦法) | October 25, 1989 | February 15, 1997 July 25, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 25 | 19 | "Tenshinhan Cries Out!! This is My Final Kikoho" / "Tien Goes All Out!!" [Sacrifice] Transliteration: "Tenshinhan Zekkyō!! Kore ga Saigo no Kikōhō Da" (Japanese: 天津飯絶叫!!これが最後の気功砲だ) | November 1, 1989 | February 22, 1997 July 26, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 26 | 19 | "An Intense Three-Hour Delay! The Kinto Un Bullet-Express" / "Tien Goes All Out!!" [Nappa's Rampage] Transliteration: "Hitasura Matte Sanjikan! Dangan Hikō no Kintoun" (Japanese: ひたすら待って3時間！弾丸飛行の筋斗雲) | November 8, 1989 | February 22, 1997 July 27, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 27 | 20 | "Leave it to Me! Gohan's Great Burst of Anger" / "Time's Up!" [Nimbus Speed] Transliteration: "Boku ni Makasete! Gohan - Ikari no Daibakuhatsu" (Japanese: ぼくにまかせて！悟飯・怒りの大爆発) | November 22, 1989 | April 12, 1997 July 28, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 28 | 21 | "Ferocity of the Saiyans! Kami-sama and Piccolo Both Die" / "The Return of Goku" [Goku's Arrival] Transliteration: "Saiyajin no Mōi! Kamisama mo Pikkoro mo Shinda" (Japanese: サイヤ人の猛威！神様もピッコロも死んだ) | November 29, 1989 | April 19, 1997 August 1, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 29 | 22 | "Father is Awesome! Kaio-ken, the Ultimate Finishing Technique" / "Goku Strikes Back" [Lesson Number One] Transliteration: "Tōsan Sugē ya! Kyūkyoku no Hissatsuwaza - Kaiōken" (Japanese: 父さんすげぇや！究極の必殺技・界王拳) | December 6, 1989 | April 26, 1997 August 2, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 30 | 23 | "A Hot, Unbounded Battle! Goku vs. Vegeta" / "Goku vs. Vegeta... A Saiyan Duel!" [Goku vs. Vegeta] Transliteration: "Genkai o Koeta Atsui Tatakai! Gokū Tai Bejīta" (Japanese: 限界を超えた熱い戦い！悟空対ベジータ) | December 13, 1989 | May 3, 1997 August 3, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 31 | 23 | "Now, Goku! A Final Technique with Everything on the Line" / "Goku vs. Vegeta... A Saiyan Duel!" [Saiyan Sized Secret] Transliteration: "Ima da Gokū! Subete o Kaketa Saigo no Ōwaza" (Japanese: いまだ悟空！すべてを賭けた最後の大技) | December 20, 1989 | May 3, 1997 August 4, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 32 | 24 | "Battle Power Times Ten!! Vegeta's Great Metamorphosis" / "Vegeta... Saiyan Style!" [Spirit Bomb Away!] Transliteration: "Sentōryoku Jūbai!! Bejīta Daihenshin" (Japanese: 戦闘力10倍!!ベジータ大変身) | January 17, 1990 | May 10, 1997 August 8, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 33 | 25 | "Don't Die, Father!! This is the Depth of Gohan's Power" / "Stop Vegeta Now!" [Hero in the Shadows] Transliteration: "Shinanaide Tōsan!! Kore ga Gohan no Sokojikara" (Japanese: 死なないで父さん!!これが悟飯の底力) | January 24, 1990 | May 17, 1997 August 9, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 34 | 25 | "Shoot, Kuririn! The Genki Dama, Packed with Hope" / "Stop Vegeta Now!" [Krillin's Offensive] Transliteration: "Ute Kuririn! Negai o Kometa Genkidama" (Japanese: 撃てクリリン！願いをこめた元気玉) | January 31, 1990 | May 17, 1997 August 10, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 35 | 26 | "Cause a Miracle! Son Gohan, the Super Saiyan" / "The Battle Ends" [Mercy] Transliteration: "Kiseki o Okose! Sūpā Saiyajin Son Gohan" (Japanese: 奇跡を起こせ！スーパーサイヤ人孫悟飯) | February 7, 1990 | May 24, 1997 August 11, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 36 | 27 | "We're Off Into Space! The Star of Hope is Piccolo's Homeland" / "A New Goal... Namek" [Picking Up the Pieces] Transliteration: "Tobidase Uchū e! Kibō no Hoshi wa Pikkoro no Furusato" (Japanese: 飛び出せ宇宙へ！希望の星はピッコロの故郷) | February 14, 1990 | September 13, 1997 August 15, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 37 | 27 | "Mysterious Yunzabit! The Search for Kami-sama's Spaceship" / "A New Goal... Namek" [Plans for Departure] Transliteration: "Nazo no Yunzabitto! Kamisama no Uchūsen o Sagase" (Japanese: 謎のユンザビット！神様の宇宙船を探せ) | February 21, 1990 | September 13, 1997 August 16, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 38 | 28 | "Blast-off for Planet Namek! The Terror Awaiting Gohan & Co." / "Journey to Namek" [Nursing Wounds] Transliteration: "Namekkusei Iki Hasshin! Gohantachi o Matsu Kyōfu" (Japanese: ナメック星行き発進！悟飯たちを待つ恐怖) | February 28, 1990 | September 20, 1997 August 17, 2005 (re-dub) |
| 39 | 28 | "Friends or Foes? Children of the Mysterious Giant Spaceship" / "Journey to Namek" [Friends or Foes?] Transliteration: "Teki ka Mikata ka? Nazo no Kyodai Uchūsen no Kodomotachi" (Japanese: 敵か味方か？謎の巨大宇宙船の子供たち) | March 7, 1990 | September 20, 1997 August 18, 2005 (re-dub) |
Notes
- The episode "Escape from Piccolo" was scheduled to premiere in syndication on November 9, 1996, but was pulled by Saban, due to questionable content. The dub of this episode instead debuted on VHS ten months later in October 1997, when the second season was airing in syndication. It later premiered on television in September 1998 via Cartoon Network's Toonami block.
- The 1997 dub episodes "A New Goal... Namek" and "Journey to Namek" were produced as part of Funimation and Saban's second broadcast season of the show, and premiered in the fall of 1997, four months after the previous episode "The Battle Ends."
References
- ^ a b "Barter Syndication Agreement Between Saban and Fox for the 1996-97 broadcast season". Law Insider. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
- ^ "Funimation Entertainment Announces First U.S. Release of Dragon Box" (Press release). Funimation. July 20, 2009. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Vol.6, No.3 of Animerica magazine
- ^ Hontz, Jenny (1996-12-02). "Saban to sell new'Kangaroo,' 'X-Men' – Variety". Variety.com. Retrieved 2019-01-15.
- ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television cartoon shows: an illustrated encyclopedia, 1949 through 2003. McFarland & Co. pp. 283–285.
- ^ a b c "TV's Fall Animation Lineup". Awn.com. Retrieved 2019-01-15.
- ^ "FUNimation and Toei Animation own copyrights and trademarks. The Company has exclusive U.S. distribution rights on a year-to-year basis through 2001." 1996 fiscal report for Saban Entertainment. [1] September 27, 1996.
- ^ "Archive » Saban's kids". Kidscreen. 1996-02-01. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
- ^ Indiana Gazette, Apr 27, 1997, p. 53
- ^ "Television violence report" (PDF). www.digitalcenter.org. 1997. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
- ^ a b Dragon Ball Z end credits (FUNimation/Saban dub, 1996–97)
- ^ Mighty RAW (a.k.a. Ron Wasserman) just finished Monty Python's Holy Grail CD-ROM and the Ace Ventura, Pet Detective CD-ROM. His music can also be heard on Pythonline on the WEB. He is also doing music for the Saban show titled "Dragon Ball Z". "The Power Rangers Zeo Newsletter" grnrngr.com, July 31, 1996.
- ^ a b "2014 interview with Ron Wasserman". Marvel.com. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
- ^ ""Escape From Piccolo" Unaired English Dub Episode Played on Cartoon Network". Kanzenshuu.
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