Watch Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is a Japanese animated movie released in 1989. The movie is based on the popular manga series Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama. It is the first movie in the Dragon Ball Z franchise. The movie opens with our protagonist Goku, who is a member of the Z warriors, spending time with his son, Gohan, and friends Krillin and Master Roshi in the woods. Suddenly, a group of soldiers led by a mysterious man named Garlic Jr. attacks them. They are looking for Gohan, who unknowingly possesses a rare power that Garlic Jr. needs to resurrect his father, Garlic.

Garlic Jr. is successful in capturing Gohan and takes him to his castle in the Dead Zone where he plans to use his power to give his father back his youth and ultimate power. Meanwhile, Goku and the rest of the Z warriors set out on a rescue mission to save Gohan and stop Garlic Jr. from bringing his father back to life.

Throughout the movie, the Z warriors battle against Garlic Jr. and his henchmen, who have become more powerful by drinking the fruit of the Tree of Might. While the warriors face intense fights, they also learn of the tragic backstory of Garlic Jr.'s family and his reasons for seeking ultimate power.

The animation quality is impressive, and the movie is well- paced with plenty of action, suspense, and humor. The intense fight scenes and animation of the ki blasts are particularly well done, showcasing the beauty and power of the characters. While the character development is not extensive, the film includes some meaningful moments that add depth to them.

The voice cast of the movie is the same as in the Dragon Ball Z TV series. Masako Nozawa voices Goku, Gohan, and Goten, while Toshio Furukawa voices Piccolo and Hiromi Tsuru plays the role of Bulma. The voice actors deliver a stellar performance, bringing life and emotions to the characters.

The movie’s main villain Garlic Jr. is also a standout. While he is not the most memorable villain in the Dragon Ball Z franchise, he is certainly one of the more complex ones. His motivations for seeking ultimate power and his tragic past are explored enough to make him more than just a one-dimensional villain.

The movie’s soundtrack is fitting, with a blend of instrumental and rock music that elevates the action scenes. The opening theme “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” and the ending theme “Dear Zarathustra” are particularly memorable and beloved by fans of the franchise.

Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is a must-watch for Dragon Ball Z fans, especially those who want to see the origins of the movie franchise. It has everything a Dragon Ball Z movie should have – intense action, moments of humor, and beautiful animation. While it is perhaps not the best movie in the franchise, it is still an entertaining and enjoyable ride.

Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is a 1997 animated movie with a runtime of 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.