Dragon Ball Z deserves an improved home media release

Dragon Ball Z, one of the most popular and culturally influential anime series of all time, has unfortunately faced a string of bad luck when it comes to its home media releases. Over the years, fans have expressed disappointment with the quality and treatment of the series on DVD and Blu-ray.

One of the notable missteps in the English-speaking territories was the release of the DVD season box sets, often referred to as the “Orange Bricks” by fans. These sets featured a remastering process that not only damaged the artists’ original line work but also resulted in smeared backgrounds and a cropped image to fit a 16:9 aspect ratio, rather than preserving the show’s native 4:3 look. This decision left fans frustrated and longing for a more faithful representation of the series.

While there were glimpses of hope with the “Level Sets” Blu-ray release, which promised a promising remaster without cropping, the line was unfortunately discontinued after the “Saiyan” arc. This left fans craving a consistent and high-quality home release for the entire Dragon Ball Z series. The subsequent main Blu-ray release repeated many of the same mistakes made with the Orange Bricks, leaving fans yearning for a definitive and respectful treatment of the beloved franchise.

However, amidst this unlucky streak, a glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected source—the recent Blu-ray release in France. This release, focusing on the original Dragon Ball series’ first 68 episodes, has become a beacon of quality and attention to detail in the franchise’s home media releases.

The French Blu-ray release, brought to fans by AB Vidéo, builds upon the “Dragon Boxes” as a foundation. These “Dragon Boxes,” initially released in Japan in 2003, featured uncropped remasters sourced directly from Toei Animation’s 16mm film prints, covering not only Dragon Ball but also Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. In 2009, the Z “Dragon Boxes” made their way to America for a limited time, quickly becoming the gold standard for Dragon Ball Z releases.

Although the “Dragon Boxes” were highly regarded, they weren’t without their own set of issues. The passage of time had taken a toll on Toei’s film prints, resulting in a somewhat washed-out image with duller colors compared to the original production. Additionally, the master audio for all three Dragon Ball series had been wiped by Toei, leaving only the optical audio hard-baked into the film reels themselves. As a result, the Japanese-language audio track suffered from a muffled quality. Despite these limitations, the “Dragon Boxes” remained highly sought after by fans.

What sets the recent French Blu-ray release apart is the meticulous care and effort put into its restoration. AB Vidéo employed AI upscaling, a technology that can be controversial when not executed properly. However, AB Vidéo’s implementation is tasteful and considered, resulting in a near-indistinguishable transfer that faithfully captures the essence of the original series. Each frame of the episodes underwent manual color correction, referencing the original animation cels to maintain the show’s intended look before the film stock succumbed to degradation. The end result is arguably the best visual presentation the series has ever received.

Another significant accomplishment of the French release is its utilization of the coveted “broadcast audio.” While Toei’s master audio had been lost, dedicated fans had managed to collect original recordings of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT during their initial airing on Fuji TV. AB Vidéo’s release incorporates this broadcast audio, resulting in a night-and-day difference compared to the muffled audio found in other releases. The inclusion of this crisp and clear audio track is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing an authentic viewing experience for fans.

For years, fans had resigned themselves to the notion that official Dragon Ball releases would forever be marred by the aforementioned issues. However, the French Blu-ray release from AB Vidéo has breathed new life into the hopes of fans worldwide. It showcases a level of dedication and attention to detail that the series truly deserves.

The success of this release raises the question of whether other Dragon Ball series, such as Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT, will receive similar treatment in the future. Fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of AB Vidéo continuing their remastering efforts for the entire franchise. The prospect of seeing the entire Dragon Ball saga restored to its full glory is tantalizing.

As the 35th anniversary of Dragon Ball Z approaches in 2024, there is no better time for the series to receive a fresh coat of paint. It would be a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Dragon Ball Z and a celebration of its impact on popular culture. With AB Vidéo’s Blu-rays setting a new standard for remastering, fans hope that any future releases will strive for the same level of quality.

The success of the French Blu-ray release also serves as a significant precedent for other Dragon Ball license holders worldwide. It demonstrates that the series can and should be remastered properly, paying homage to the original animation and the vision of its creators. By embracing this approach, license holders can ensure that future generations of fans can experience Dragon Ball in its truest form, preserving its visual and auditory integrity.

Ultimately, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT are iconic series that have captivated audiences for decades. They deserve to be preserved and presented in the best possible format, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the rich world of Goku, his friends, and their epic battles. The French Blu-ray release from AB Vidéo stands as a shining example of how the series can be given the treatment it deserves, igniting the hopes of fans and setting a standard for future releases worldwide.

With the success of the French release, fans are hopeful that other distributors and license holders around the world will take note and follow suit. The passion and dedication demonstrated by AB Vidéo in restoring the Dragon Ball series should serve as an inspiration for others to prioritize the integrity of the source material and deliver high-quality home media releases.

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z deserves a better home media release, and the recent Blu-ray release in France has proven that it is indeed possible. The meticulous restoration, the use of broadcast audio, and the commitment to preserving the original vision of the series have set a new standard for the franchise. Fans now eagerly await further remastering efforts and hope that other distributors will take cues from AB Vidéo’s success. Dragon Ball has left an indelible mark on the world of anime, and it is only fitting that its home media releases reflect the greatness of the series itself.

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