Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Note: This is not a movie, but a set of tapes with episodes of the Dragon Ball Z show on them.

RUNTIME: 4 hours, 28 minutes

Ok, here’s some introductory info:

Background: Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) is a Japanese cartoon (anime) that was created by Akira Toriyama. DBZ is a show of super-powerful beings that fight evil – most of the conflict centered around magical items called dragonballs. Dragonballs can only be created by Nameks, powerful alien beings (of which the character Piccolo is one). The idea? Collect all seven dragonballs and a dragon will appear and grant anywhere from 1-3 wishes (depending upon which set of dragonballs one is using – there are about 4 sets throughout the entire DBZ existence). The main hero of the entire series is Goku. Goku is a Saiyan – an alien race that thrives on battle (Goku is the exception) and was destroyed many years ago. However, after a while several enemies no longer care about the dragonballs and are simply bent on various stages of desctruction (killing the Z fighters, destroying earth, conquering the universe, etc.).

Now there have been seven previous sagas; The Saiyan Saga, the Namek Saga, the Captain Ginyu Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Garlic Jr. Saga, the Trunks Saga, and the Android Saga. If anything, I strongly recommend at least checking out the Trunks Saga and the Android Saga before looking into this one – otherwise you’ll be watching this and wonder, “Who are these people?” But even then, there’s still a lot you won’t know.

Now then…

Now there are developments that even Trunks has no idea about. Suddenly strange things are happening in towns and cities everywhere – people are disappearing with only their clothes and objects left behind. This is not the work of the Androids – so what is it? No one knows just what is going on, when Goku will awaken, or where the Androids are. So many strange things going on at once!

Then they realize that it’s something else…something Krillin and Trunks found out while searching Dr. Gero’s basement. At about the same time, Piccolo meets the new, strange creature. His name is Cell and he is composed of the strongest Z fighters – Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, Tien, and more. It seems he has come back from Trunks time in order to become what he calls, “perfect.” Krillin and Trunks found Cell in the basement, still developing. However, they still have to deal with the Cell from Trunk’s future. He’s seeking the two Androids, #17 and #18 and they have no idea that he is after them. Everyone is everywhere – and Piccolo is left on his own to face Cell.

Will he get any help from anyone? Is Piccolo strong enough to defeat this Imperfect Cell? Or will Cell get the better of everyone and find the Androids to become perfect? The only way to find out is to watch and see…

I thought this saga was interesting – it was definitely different. Cell is a pretty cool looking being and I liked his first dubbed voice, though I can’t really say that for his second. Some characters still have occasional dumb lines (in English) and it only gets dull when there is downtime or those who are going to fight take their sweet time doing so. But that’s to be expected from the realm of DBZ. There’s still plenty of nifty stuff going on. Krillin is starting to not be a wuss again, Piccolo gets a power up, and more.

I was torn on whether or not to give this 3 or 4 stars. I really don't think it's quite 4 star material, but it's above a regular 3. If anything I'd give it a 3.9 and I guess then I should round up, but it's just lacking in DBZesque suspense or something. I can't place my finger on it, but it's just not quite a 4...

Once again, these volume sets are generally $5 per tape, but if you shop around, there's a good chance you might be able to get it for less. This can also be bought on DVD, though DVDs are usually more expensive. And as I’ve said everything; English uncut is good, Japanese uncut with subtitles is always better.

NT

Episode List:

#125 Seized with Fear
#126 The Reunion
#127 Borrowed Powers
#128 His Name is Cell
#129 Piccolo’s Folly
#130 Laboratory Basement
#131 Our Hero Wakes
#132 Time Chamber
#133 The Monster is Coming
#134 He’s Here
#135 Up to Piccolo
#136 Silent Warrior
#137 Say Goodbye, 17

Other DBZ reviews:

The Series:
Sagas before this one:
Dragon Ball Z - Saiyan Saga: 8-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Namek Saga: 9-Volume Set
Dragon Ball Z - Captain Ginyu Saga: 2-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Frieza Saga: 10-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Garlic Jr. Saga: 3-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Trunks Saga: 4-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Androids Saga: 4-Volume Box Set

Sagas after:
Dragon Ball Z - Perfect Cell Saga: 4-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - World Tournament Saga: 3-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Babidi Saga: 4-Volume Box Set
Dragon Ball Z - Majin Buu Saga: 7-Volume Box Set

The Movies:
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – Dead Zone
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie - The World's Strongest
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie - The Tree of Might
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – Cooler’s Revenge
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – The Return of Cooler
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – Super Android 13
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Z: The Movie – Bojack Unbound

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older