Directors: Kimitoshi Chioka
Studio: Toei Animation
Format: DVD & Blu-Ray
Number of discs: 2
Classification: 12 (BBFC)
Number of Episodes: 1 – 13
Licensed By: Manga Entertainment UK
Release Date: 30 Oct. 2017
The Earth is enjoying a time of peace, after Goku defeated the evil Majin Buu. Now, as he spends time with his family and adjusts to normal life, Goku, as always, wishes to continue his training. Across the stars, the God of Destruction, Beerus, awakens! Will Goku and his friends be strong enough to protect their World from the most powerful foe that they have ever met?!
Let’s get this out of the way; Dragon Ball Super Season 1 Part 1 is essentially a recap of the events that happened in the Battle Of The Gods movie, with some added scenes. So, if you have seen the first Dragon Ball Super film, then this first collection can be completely skipped. But why would you do that? It’s Dragon Ball! Totally rewatchable, no matter how many times you have seen certain scenes. This collection takes a look at what our favourite characters have been up to over the four years since the explosive battle against Majin Buu.
For example, Goten and Trunks have an entire episode where they travel off together in search of a wedding gift for Pan and Gohan. Just watching these boys battling a giant snake brings back numerous memories from Dragon Ball Z. The fighting styles are so iconic and you can see how each of them channels aspects of their fathers. It puts a lump in your throat just watching it! Even Vegeta is a changed man, a father who spends (an admittedly short) time with his family on vacation. Goku is still training every day and wishes to journey back to King Kai’s planet to utilise its excessive gravity.
The action really kicks off when Beerus is introduced. Having woken up earlier than normal, the God of Destruction only allows worlds whose planets have the most delicious foods to survive his wrath. He wakes after having a premonition of his own demise, by a powerful fighter. Now, just who could this possible be? Hmm.
Unlike GT, Dragon Ball Super isn’t filler! Written by Akira Toriyama, this is already starting to be an amazing continuation of the DB Universe. With Toei Animation back in the saddle, the animation is slick, although in parts it is a bit overly comic; there are thick black lines outlining certain facial expressions, it just made it look like it was intended for a younger audience. There is a lot of comedy involved in the show so far, but the fighting scenes are impressive. Animation has come a long way in the past decade, so Dragon Ball Super just keeps improving with every episode.
Bonus Features Include:
Catching Up on the Dragon Ball Universe: Sonny Strait & Savannah Ligaluppi,
Catching Up on the Dragon Ball Universe: Christopher R. Sabat & Hero D. Sabat,
Textless Opening & Closing Songs,
Trailers
Go out there and buy it now, you will not regret it one bit! Dragon Ball is a staple in any anime starter pack, with something for everyone. Even if you are a new fan, you will still be able to enjoy the show. For long term fans, I am pretty sure you have pre-ordered this the minute it was announced and are currently clearing space on your shelves for the forthcoming Dragon Ball Super Season boxsets! The extras are certainly special, featuring some of the English voice actors from the show, who explain the history of Dragon Ball to their own children. Hella cute and hilarious!
Overall: 9/10
