Doragon Bôru Zetto Ora no Gohan o Kaese!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.