Just re watched what is considered by many (including myself) to be the greatest film in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. I just bought this on DVD that includes the theatrical and extended cut just a few hours ago as I am writing this. (Money worth spent) I've never really heard anybody explain why it is the greatest film in the franchise so I'll explain why myself.
First of all the pacing in this movie is really tight, especially for something from Dragon Ball. The premise is really well thought out, and the buildup to Beerus is really felt throughout the movie, where we see the kais and vegeta cower in fear to the thought of Beerus. The amount of build up towards Beerus then rewards us with one of the best fights in the entire series, (from an animation and chorography perspective)
Which leads to my second point, the animation. There are defiantly some points where I feel like the drawings do look a bit daft. But throughout most of the movie it is fine. Especially in the fight scene between Goku and Beerus. I know lots of people complain about the CGI in the fight, but personally it works for me.
The weakest point in this film for me personally is the characters. You see hints of what Goku is to become in Dragon Ball super (I very regressed character who acts very immature and childish) but throughout most of the movie, he remains mostly likeable. Vegeta is also fine throughout most of the film but I feel like some of the things to criticise are the way he acts. This movie is meant to take place 4 years after the Buu saga, he should be acting less nasty and more of a caring and developed character. But overall Vegeta is done really well, especially when showing his fear of Lord Beerus, and letting himself to get humiliated to ensure the safety of earth. (Sadly Super would also regress Vegeta's character development)
I could also critique some minor aesthetics, such as Vegeta wearing his battle despite him probably getting rid of it over a decade ago in the lore, and Goku having a symbol on his Gi, Goku not having his symbol on his Gi was supposed to represent he is a fully trained and developed character, and Vegeta's lack of battle armour was meant to represent his adaptation and acceptance to Human life.
To get this clear, I am a massive fan of Dragon Ball, what I am not a fan of however is Dragon Ball Super, I feel like Dragon Ball super regresses almost all the development that our characters make in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z for the sake of having the story to progress. This film doesnt degress our characters entirley but shows hints of it.
After giving some of my thoughts on the film, I can confidently say it is the best film in the franchise.
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