Dragon Ball Z: A thorough review of the ultimate showdown

"DRAGON BALL Z: The Ultimate Strongest vs. Strongest": A supreme theatrical version that lets you enjoy Akira Toriyama's worldview

"DRAGON BALL Z: The Incredible Strongest vs. The Strongest" is an animated film based on Akira Toriyama's masterpiece manga "Dragon Ball." It was released on July 20, 1991, and was distributed by Toei and produced by Toei Animation. It was a short but dense 47-minute film. This film brings out the best of the original while adding new characters and storylines, making it a special work for fans.

Story and Characters

"The Greatest vs. the Strongest" is an original story that takes place between the "King Piccolo Arc" and the "Saiyan Arc" of the original work. The story begins with a mysterious warrior named Slug suddenly appearing on Earth and trying to collect the Dragon Balls to make a wish come true. Slug was once a Namekian, the same species as King Piccolo, and his goal was to freeze the Earth and create a new Namek.

The biggest attraction of this work is the presence of the new character Slug and his subordinates. Slug is portrayed as a formidable enemy with powers far surpassing those of King Piccolo, and his subordinates are also unique and powerful warriors. In particular, the scene where Slug transforms into his final form is visually very impactful and draws the audience in.

Meanwhile, the main character, Son Goku, faces off against Slug with his friends, just like in the original. Goku's growth and fighting style have firmly inherited the essence of the original, and fans will find plenty of exciting moments. Piccolo's exploits are also not to be missed. His Namekian roots are depicted, adding depth to the character.

Visuals and Music

The visual beauty of this film was created using the animation technology of 1991. In particular, the scene where Slug transforms into his final form and the intense battle scene between Goku and Slug are drawn with such quality that it is hard to imagine the technical standards of the time. In addition, the scene where the Earth freezes over adds to the tension of the story with its visual impact.

In terms of music, the background music by composer Shunsuke Kikuchi adds excitement to the entire work. In particular, the music that heightens the tension in the battle scenes and the gentle melodies in the moving scenes stir the emotions of the audience. In addition, the theme song "DRAGON BALL Z Theme Song Medley" is a song that fans of the original work will feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

Directed and produced

The film was directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto and supervised by Daisuke Nishio. Mitsuo Hashimoto is a talented director who respects the worldview of the original work while creating a new story, and his direction brings a consistent tension and flow to the entire work. Daisuke Nishio's supervision also ensures that the characters and story of the original work are firmly preserved.

Toei Animation's production skills are also not to be missed. By faithfully recreating the character designs from the original work while adding new visuals unique to the theatrical version, the visual appeal is maximized. In addition, the compositional skills that allow the story to be fully told in the short time of 47 minutes are also worth praising.

Fan evaluation and influence

"The Strongest vs. the Strongest" was highly praised by fans of the original work. In particular, the new character Slug's presence and the portrayal of the growth of Goku and Piccolo were highly praised. In addition, the fact that it developed a new story while firmly retaining the essence of the original work was also a fresh surprise for fans.

This work also influenced the later Dragon Ball series. In particular, the presence of powerful enemy characters such as Slug could be seen in the later Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. In addition, the setting of the Namekians was deepened, which expanded the worldview of the original work.

Recommendations and how to watch

"DRAGON BALL Z: The Incredible Strongest vs. Strongest" is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like action animation. It is a must-see for those who want to enjoy the growth of Goku and Piccolo, and the presence of the new character Slug. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy a dense story in a short time.

The most common way to watch it is to purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray. It may also be available on video streaming services, so using those is another option. You will be able to enjoy it even more if you watch this one after watching the original Dragon Ball series.

summary

"DRAGON BALL Z: The Incredible Strongest vs. Strongest" is a supreme movie version that allows you to fully enjoy the world of Akira Toriyama's masterpiece "Dragon Ball". The presence of the new character Slug, the growth of Goku and Piccolo, and the story that firmly inherits the essence of the original work make this a special work for fans. The beautiful visuals and music are also points not to be missed, and you can enjoy a dense story in a short time of 47 minutes. This is a work that is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work but also for those who like action animation, so please give it a watch.