The very first DBZ movie, although I like The Worlds Strongest better than this one, This movie still holds up pretty close to The Worlds Strongest, It has great fight scenes and smooth animation. The story of this one is pretty good, The movie is very funny as well, such as Gohan peeing on Krillins head! and Gohans drunken dream! and this scene is not weird, and the animators were not on drugs, You people are on drugs. Think about it Gohan is clearly drunk or high whatever and that is why he is seeing all this weird stuff. And yes the sound effects are great. The reason I think "The World Strongest" is the better movie it would have to be because there are more longer fight scenes in "The Worlds Strongest"
14 Reviews
Amazing yet simply short for a DBZ Movie.
emasterslake4 January 2008
Takes place before the Saiyans landed on Earth. Kami's nemesis's son: Garlic Jr. has made his first move in seeking revenge. Due to his father loosing the title of Earth's Guardian to Kami. Junior sends out his minions to collect the Dragon Balls so that way he can wish to be immortal. Gohan was kidnapped during the Dragon Ball hunt, because he was wearing one on his head. Gohan's dad, Goku must rescue his son as well as defeat the "Immortal hungry" Junior.
For only being the first Dragon Ball Z movie. It lives up to being an enjoyable flick. Contains the same opening as the long running TV series. While the the whole thing felt like a two parter episode than a movie. Of course anything shorter than an hour always seems that way. It was the same with the first 3 Dragon Ball Movies. Ignoring that, this feature film is worth watching. I imagine the Kami/Piccolo fans to enjoy this because the play a part in it.
Available to own on DVD as well as the other 12 full length features.
For only being the first Dragon Ball Z movie. It lives up to being an enjoyable flick. Contains the same opening as the long running TV series. While the the whole thing felt like a two parter episode than a movie. Of course anything shorter than an hour always seems that way. It was the same with the first 3 Dragon Ball Movies. Ignoring that, this feature film is worth watching. I imagine the Kami/Piccolo fans to enjoy this because the play a part in it.
Available to own on DVD as well as the other 12 full length features.
The battle for our planet begins again.
Op_Prime27 January 2002
Hands down, Dead Zone is superior to Tree of Might and World's Strongest. The translation from Japanese to English is not too bad, way better than other anime series on today. Like the other Dragon Ball Z movies, the story is fast paced and exiting. The fight scenes are awesome and, as always, the best above all else. This is a must see, especially if you have already seen The Garlic Jr. Saga on the television series.
It delivers the goods
ericstevenson17 September 2016
This is the first movie with the "Dragonball Z" title on it. There were in fact some before this, but they had the original "Dragonball" series names on it. It's weird how this is actually shorter than some of the specials! I still consider it a feature length movie. If so, it might be the shortest one I've ever seen. It makes no sense with the show, even though it should with the filler of the Garlic Jr. saga. There's no reason why Krillin would be surprised Goku has a son in the first episode or why everyone is surprised when Gohan unleashes his power on Radditz as those things happened here.
With all that being said, I still enjoyed it, but wouldn't quite recommend it. The scenes where Gohan gets drunk is some of the funniest stuff the series has ever done! I love the idea of taking Emperor Pilaf's voice and giving it to a serious villain. I don't know if I ever realized that Ox King is Gohan's grandfather before. There's so many characters it's hard to keep up with how they're related! The animation is good too. ***
With all that being said, I still enjoyed it, but wouldn't quite recommend it. The scenes where Gohan gets drunk is some of the funniest stuff the series has ever done! I love the idea of taking Emperor Pilaf's voice and giving it to a serious villain. I don't know if I ever realized that Ox King is Gohan's grandfather before. There's so many characters it's hard to keep up with how they're related! The animation is good too. ***
The 1st dragon Ball z movie and not a bad one to start off with.
anywaychannel9 July 2023
The 1st Dragon Ball Z movie and not a bad one to start off with.
Dragon Ball Z Dead Zone centers around the villain Garlic junior, a villainous monster who plans to get revenge on Kami the guardian of the earth by gathering up the dragon balls and wishing for immortality.
Through this process his minions not only defeat Piccolo the second strongest fighter in the world and also kidnap Gohan who is the son of Goku.
Goku the earth's protector must now team up with piccolo to get his son back and stop Garlic Junior.
Now something you have to understand about the Dragon Ball Z movies is that they are non canon meaning they don't line up with the main show (which is Dragon Ball Z) very well.
As such they are pointless but still entertaining and usually contain great villains and action.
All of this applies toward this movie as not only is it entertaining and has great fight choreography in the action scenes but it also in a rare occurrence actually tries to take place in the main timeline as it pretty much hints it takes place between the original Dragon Ball series and Dragon ball Z.
It still doesn't succeed in that though. Mostly because at the start of the show Dragon Ball Z characters like Krillen, Master Roshi and Bulma meet Gohan (Goku's son) for the 1st time while in this movie (which is supposed to take place before the show) they meet him or at least are aware of him here.
Still it was nice that they at least tried.
As for the movie itself like I said it is still entertaining as is the main villain Garlic Jr but besides the cool fight scenes there's not much to it.
Mostly because a lot of these movies are really short, being between 40 to 60 minutes meaning they have to have really simple plots which pretty much end just as they get started.
Still they are fun to pick up and watch as is Dead Zone.
Dragon Ball Z Dead Zone centers around the villain Garlic junior, a villainous monster who plans to get revenge on Kami the guardian of the earth by gathering up the dragon balls and wishing for immortality.
Through this process his minions not only defeat Piccolo the second strongest fighter in the world and also kidnap Gohan who is the son of Goku.
Goku the earth's protector must now team up with piccolo to get his son back and stop Garlic Junior.
Now something you have to understand about the Dragon Ball Z movies is that they are non canon meaning they don't line up with the main show (which is Dragon Ball Z) very well.
As such they are pointless but still entertaining and usually contain great villains and action.
All of this applies toward this movie as not only is it entertaining and has great fight choreography in the action scenes but it also in a rare occurrence actually tries to take place in the main timeline as it pretty much hints it takes place between the original Dragon Ball series and Dragon ball Z.
It still doesn't succeed in that though. Mostly because at the start of the show Dragon Ball Z characters like Krillen, Master Roshi and Bulma meet Gohan (Goku's son) for the 1st time while in this movie (which is supposed to take place before the show) they meet him or at least are aware of him here.
Still it was nice that they at least tried.
As for the movie itself like I said it is still entertaining as is the main villain Garlic Jr but besides the cool fight scenes there's not much to it.
Mostly because a lot of these movies are really short, being between 40 to 60 minutes meaning they have to have really simple plots which pretty much end just as they get started.
Still they are fun to pick up and watch as is Dead Zone.
a good introduction to the series
Sam_Gray16 February 2000
More a long episode than anything else, Dead Zone is actually the beginning of the Dragonball Z series. Fans of the series who find themselves confused by the plot would do well to watch this (and the next view episodes) if they can find it. It establishes the fact that Goku and Piccolo, two of the show's most important characters, were once enemies, a fact that greatly affects later plot elements but is only occasionally referenced once the series gets underway. Of course, like the rest of the series, Dead Zone is light on substance and heavy on fight sequences, but that's what makes the show fun to watch, anyway. 9/10
Some Plot Holes, But Still Good When in the Zone
JayWolfgramm8 March 2023
"Dead Zone" is the first Dragon Ball Z movie and it follows Goku as he tries to rescue his son from Garlic Jr. And his demon henchmen. This movie is some classic DBZ fun. It has some well animated and more martial arts focused fight scenes. We have the final appearance of the power pole as a weapon. Piccolo and Goku aren't yet allies but must find common ground to defeat the bigger threat. The villain's plot is straight forward and effective. Goku's motivation to fight back is likewise easily understandable.
Sadly, I can't think of this movie without being distracted by its several game breaking plot holes. Why would the henchmen try to kill Piccolo before making a wish on the Dragon balls? Why does Kami think that Goku killed Piccolo? Why would the henchmen steal Gohan if all they wanted was the Dragon Ball? And even bringing in the eponymous Dead Zone makes little sense.
But, call it nostalgia, this was the first DBZ movie I saw, but I do enjoy the film. I give it credit for being the first under the "Z" series. It may not be the best script, but it does do a lot with excellent delivery. Not the series best, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Sadly, I can't think of this movie without being distracted by its several game breaking plot holes. Why would the henchmen try to kill Piccolo before making a wish on the Dragon balls? Why does Kami think that Goku killed Piccolo? Why would the henchmen steal Gohan if all they wanted was the Dragon Ball? And even bringing in the eponymous Dead Zone makes little sense.
But, call it nostalgia, this was the first DBZ movie I saw, but I do enjoy the film. I give it credit for being the first under the "Z" series. It may not be the best script, but it does do a lot with excellent delivery. Not the series best, but everyone has to start somewhere.
It's DBZ.
dieusani18 March 2002
That's all I can really say about this film. It's DBZ...like Tree of Might and The World's Strongest, it really...doesn't fit into the timeline for the show at all, though it is supposedly placed just before the beginning of the TV series. The action is pretty nice in general. The plot has a nice enough base, with a good background establishing why these guys hate each other and all. Pretty good in general, there... The problem is...there's a lot of really weird stuff. I mean, really weird stuff. Like The World's Strongest, there's a really, really odd song in this one that could only have been created in a drug induced haze...disturbing is the fact that Gohan, while singing, is pretty much drugged out himself. Creepy. The villains are odd and rather comical...moreso than the usual DBZ type--this seems more like it was made as a Dragon Ball movie rather than a Dragon Ball Z movie. In general, its entertaining enough, but...just...strange.
The best DBZ movie
DOGMANDADDY12 March 2001
First let me say that compared to the other Dragonball Z movies, Dead Zone is the only one which can possibly fit in with the timeline set by the episodes. It takes place before the series, and thus runs no risk of contradicting anything. Although the translations of Japanese animation into English is usually poor, I found the character of Goku to be, as always, the perfect combination of super hero and down to earth dad. Gohan's hidden power, which even Goku is unaware of at this time, is amazing, and he is definitely his father's son in the way that it comes out when his friends and loved ones are suffering. A must see for DBZ fans.
Kamehameha!
abstruse-29 September 2000
Though not the first Dragonball movie despite what many people thing (there were movies based on the original TV series that tells of Goku's adventures with Bulma when he was still a child), this movie is a pretty neat romp for Goku and his friends, as long as you don't think TOO hard about it...because then you'd notice there's no way it could fit into the continuity of the TV series (since Goku has mastered obviously been to King Kai's already and mastered the techniques he taught him there, but is not yet a Super-Saiyan). But if you ignore this, it's a well-animated but badly dubbed fight. Any real fan of Dragonball Z should check this out as soon as possible.
Pretty cool and fast paced.
Aaron137514 January 2002
Fast paced is the best way to describe this DBZ movie. Piccolo is apparently killed and Gohan gets kidnapped so Goku goes to the lair of Garlic jr an evil person with ambitions to rule the world, and who has already been granted immortality from the dragon. Battles ensue as Krillin joins the battle to help Goku rescue his son and the thought to be dead Piccolo also appears, but not to help, he just owes the henchmen a little pay back. All in all a pretty cool installment of DBZ.
One of the only things I like about DBZ
tequila1011 August 2011
DBZ: The Dead Zone film is one of the very rare things I ever like and still like about DBZ, it's original, it has an original story, the action is overall intense and fun to watch, the voice acting (the original voices) are good and the music (once again the original soundtrack) is excellent to listen too. So let's get deeper into the review.
This is my own opinion, i respect yours. First off, I grew up with this crap in my childhood and yes i loved it. Going back and watching most of it now, I dislike half of it. I only love this. I do not mind the Sayin and Namik sagas as they are fun to watch and they have goo plot lines. The other DBZ films are medicorish and that's where i love this one most because the story was new, the characters were new and everything. When we got the Android/Cell and Buu Sagas and even DBGT, it felt like a replay, where everything was just been played like a broken record all over again. I also loved the Garli Jr. Saga.
Now back to the film....
I think the characters are very original and they are developed quickly. The story doesn't waste time into presenting into what it want to presents and show and the action mentioned above is freakin awesome. I also love Garlic Jr. Great character. The visual effects for a 1989 animation was good. If you love combat films this definitely one for the books in my collection. I own the original version in English and I got an Italian version when I was little :P.
As far as DBZ stuff goes (episodes and films) avoid most of it, but this should have Ur attention straight away :D.
8.5/10
This is my own opinion, i respect yours. First off, I grew up with this crap in my childhood and yes i loved it. Going back and watching most of it now, I dislike half of it. I only love this. I do not mind the Sayin and Namik sagas as they are fun to watch and they have goo plot lines. The other DBZ films are medicorish and that's where i love this one most because the story was new, the characters were new and everything. When we got the Android/Cell and Buu Sagas and even DBGT, it felt like a replay, where everything was just been played like a broken record all over again. I also loved the Garli Jr. Saga.
Now back to the film....
I think the characters are very original and they are developed quickly. The story doesn't waste time into presenting into what it want to presents and show and the action mentioned above is freakin awesome. I also love Garlic Jr. Great character. The visual effects for a 1989 animation was good. If you love combat films this definitely one for the books in my collection. I own the original version in English and I got an Italian version when I was little :P.
As far as DBZ stuff goes (episodes and films) avoid most of it, but this should have Ur attention straight away :D.
8.5/10
Pretty damn cool!
MARVELMANIAC6927 July 2004
I watched this feature length anime less than two hours ago and I must say I was impressed. I like "Dragonball Z" the series but I never really get round to watching it much (unlike my younger brother who is a huge fan), I found with this film even if you are not a fan of the show you may enjoy this, as its easy to follow.
I must say I expected this movie to ponder on but I was wrong as it was only on for 45 minutes so it is very short and sweet and I thought that this was a spot on running time for this film.
This film I think is suitable for people of all ages as children enjoy watching the show and older people also really enjoy to see the great action sequences.
Adams Rating - 8/10
I must say I expected this movie to ponder on but I was wrong as it was only on for 45 minutes so it is very short and sweet and I thought that this was a spot on running time for this film.
This film I think is suitable for people of all ages as children enjoy watching the show and older people also really enjoy to see the great action sequences.
Adams Rating - 8/10
Beautiful animation, often dragging plot
AnthonyRS19832 July 2002
This is the first movie of the Dragon Ball Z TV series released during the series' Japanese TV run. In the debut DBZ movie, it re-tells how Gohan discovered his hidden powers. The movie's premise is about the adult Goku rescuing his four-year old son Gohan, whom has been kidnapped by a demon, who lives on the Makyo Star, named Garlic Jr., in order to obtain the four-star Dragon Ball worn on the boy's head. Garlic Jr. uses the Dragon Balls to wish for immortality. Soon enough, Kami (God) descends to Earth and reveals to Goku that Garlic Jr.'s father was a bitter rival, competing for the Kami throne, whom was sealed up by the preceding Kami after Garlic Sr. and his army of demons attempted to take the throne by force. Kami also reveals that Garlic Jr.'s plans are to seek revenge for his father's exile. Goku, Kami, and Krillin team up with Goku's old enemy, Piccolo, to stop Garlic Jr. from sucking the Earth into his own personally-created black hole known as the "Dead Zone". This movie, mirroring the action-fighting tone of the Dragon Ball Z TV series, is more serious that the trilogy of Dragon Ball movies, which focused on light-hearted comedy. The high points of the movie are the animation and the movie's hilarious inserted musical sequence "Tenka Ichi Gohan". The low points of the movie is that it drags a little from time to time, despite the short 45 minute length of this movie.
GRADE: 2.5 out of 5
GRADE: 2.5 out of 5
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