30 April 2008

Week of Filler — Day 6
VegettoEX @ 11:50 pm EST -- We are coming at you yet again with updates to... oh, you know the drill by now. The "Complete Listing" sub-section of our "Filler Guide" has been updated with DB episode 7. We'll be finishing up our "Week of Filler" tomorrow with one more episode!

Burst Limit Opening Video
VegettoEX @ 10:56 am EST -- IGN has what appears to be the final opening video sequence for the upcoming DragonBall Z: Burst Limit for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Much like the original Budokai opening, it is comprised of nearly all in-game-engine cut-scenes (some of which we have seen before in prior trailers). At the very least, you can hear a clean version of the game's opening theme, "Kiseki no Honô yo Moeagare!!"... which, as you will remember, had a CD single release (combined with "Super Survivor", the opening to Sparking! METEOR) that was seemingly pushed back indefinitely.

We will be back later today with yet another "Filler Guide" update. See you then.

29 April 2008

Week of Filler — Day 5, "VIZ BIG" Delays?
VegettoEX @ 5:17 pm EST -- We are coming at you again with updates. The "Complete Listing" sub-section of our "Filler Guide" has been updated with DB episode 6. Remember, we are doing an episode per day for the next week!

Also, for a bit of actual news, Viz's listings for the "VIZ BIG" (ombinus) releases of DB volume 1 and DBZ volume 1 now say 03 June 2008, as opposed to 06 May 2008 which they had previously been listed at. That is a delay of about a month.

28 April 2008

Week of Filler — Day 4
VegettoEX @ 7:44 pm EST -- We are hitting you back with updates yet again. The "Complete Listing" sub-section of our "Filler Guide" has been updated with the very-minimally-filler-ific DB episode 5. Remember, we are doing an episode per day for the next week!

27 April 2008

Podcast Episode #0126 Available! Week of Filler — Day 3
VegettoEX @ 8:54 pm EST -- Episode #0126 of the podcast is available for download! As you know, the "Chouzenshuu" set finally came in, so we gave some more thoughts on it during the course of the show. We also talked about all the big news from the week, hit up some great e-mails, and gave away that Commander Red two-disc set! Definitely check it out.

In addition to all that, the "Complete Listing" sub-section of our "Filler Guide" has been updated with the slightly-more filler-ific than previous ones DB episode 4. Remember, we are doing an episode per day for the next week!

26 April 2008

Week of Filler — Day 2
VegettoEX @ 11:57 pm EST -- Getting the update done right in the nick of time, the "Complete Listing" sub-section of our "Filler Guide" has been updated with the slightly-more filler-ific than previous ones DB episode 3. Remember, we are doing an episode per day for the next week!

25 April 2008

"Filler Guide" Re-Launched! Week of Filler!
VegettoEX @ 11:42 pm EST -- We are extremely pleased to bring you a brand-new series of updates for the entire next week called the "Week of Filler"... because we are re-launching the "Filler Guide" with a huge amount of new material! Our good friend Rachel has been hard at work for a long time on this, and it is great to finally bring it to everyone.

Our "Complete Listing" sub-section will be re-starting from the very beginning of the original DragonBall TV series, and for the next week, we will be bringing you one episode per day. To celebrate the re-launch, we are actually giving you two episodes! Read all about what was added (and sometimes removed) from the original manga storyline, and so much more.

Big thanks to Rach for the awesome work. Let us know what you think about it!

I actually still need to update that "Inconsistencies" page a little bit, especially considering all the cool videos we have been doing...

24 April 2008

More Burst Limit News Than You Can Shake A Stick At
VegettoEX @ 11:15 pm EST -- First up, the new IGN blog from Donny Clay has been updated. There is really nothing new (or of interest, really), but it is great to see that IGN is at least gung-ho to allow this type of promotion. 1UP actually has their own preview of the game up, as well, from their visit to Namco-Bandai in Japan; if you're looking for a more non-biased write-up of the game than Donny Clay's, this one might be more up your alley.

The official Japanese site for the game has updated with a new, narrated trailer. Pretty good stuff. It is not completely narrated by Masako Nozawa like the vast majority of other games' trailers, but it is a fun watch, none-the-less.

Finally, back over here in the US, GameStop is offering a free t-shirt that will be shipped with all pre-orders of Burst Limit (both for the Xbox 360 and the PS3). If you can wait a day or so for it to show up and want an extra shirt, it is not too bad a deal.

Hit us back tomorrow for a re-debut of a certain section of the site...

22 April 2008

Viral Video Film School - After Effects
VegettoEX @ 6:21 pm EST -- All my video editing buds (specifically the After Effects whizzes) are pointing me over to this video, today. I won't ruin it for you right off the bat, but it does heavily involve DBZ. Keep watching.

It's great except for the wrong "Kamehameha" pronunciation, but hey... can't win 'em all, right?

20 April 2008

Podcast Episode #0125 Available! Inconsistencies Video!
VegettoEX @ 3:36 pm EST -- Episode #0125 of the podcast is available for download! It's funny when we record on Friday and things happen over the next couple days that completely contradict statements made in the episode... like the Chôzenshû showing up, and Julian being alive. Anyway, this week Meri and I took a look at another fun inconsistency between the original manga and TV series. Like the last two, you'll find a video over on YouTube showcasing the panels, the actual scene, etc. You can also check out our "Video" page, which has all of the other videos, as well.

Hope you enjoy it! Also keep in mind that we're running a contest to win a free copy of the Commander Red Saga 2-disc set, and this will be your last week to enter. Listen in for details, along with all the other fun stuff. Definitely check it out.

However, be sure to read the real big news, below.

New DragonBall Anime Coming...
VegettoEX @ 1:00 pm EST -- As you've no doubt read, we ("we" being Japan) are going to somewhat be getting some newly animated DragonBall...!

Anime News Network writes:

This year's 21st issue (released on April 21) of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine has announced that a "Jump Super Anime Tour" will visit 10 Japanese cities this fall with new anime specials for Dragon Ball and One Piece. The tour is the eighth project that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the magazine. The magazine also hints that at least one other title will also be animated.

This is pretty awesome news. We'll definitely be sending Julian to one of the events for first-hand reports. Lucky bastard...

We'll be hitting you back later today with this week's podcast episode, which includes an all-new "Inconsistencies" video! Catch up on the first two over on our "Video" page.

19 April 2008

Mr. Popo Creates Miis Over In Japan
VegettoEX @ 5:28 pm EST -- Found this hilarious and wanted to share it with everyone. One of the recent contests on Nintendo's Check Mii Out channel (for the Wii) was "the sci-fi convention superfan". I expected all of the results to be slobby otaku-style, but they were mostly Star Wars characters. Well, check out who made the fourth-most-favorite Mii for that contest:

Yep, Mr. Popo's rockin' his Nintendo Wii over there in Japan.

18 April 2008

Julian Lives!
VegettoEX @ 11:59 pm EST -- Making even more comments in this weekend's upcoming podcast even more irrelevant, we have finally heard back from Julian! He's doing fine, and is still getting everything set up in the new place.

This is from my cell phone, and my fingers are already sore. But rest assured that I am alive and well, and ready to return to the Podcast as soon as I have a connection...

We've missed you, bud.

Chôzenshû Complete Song Collection Box Review
VegettoEX @ 11:10 pm EST -- It has finally arrived.

(click to read)

Spanning 13 discs and containing over 200 songs, the Complete Song Collection Box is finally in our hands for review. We have tons of pictures and scans for you to check out, along with our final thoughts on who should buy it and who should pass it over. Did you pick it up? Let us know what you think about it.

In unrelated news, IGN has some hands-on thoughts about Burst Limit from the New York Comic Con (which we easily could have gone to, but didn't...).

We will indeed have a podcast for you this weekend, though it will not be a review of the boxset. It literally arrived moments after we finished recording the episode, today! Instead, expect a new "Inconsistencies" video (hurray!), and some additional thoughts on the music boxset next week on the show.

15 April 2008

Japan Holds Our Music Hostage
VegettoEX @ 4:46 pm EST -- Dear Japan...

You still have not delivered my 13-disc Chôzenshû set. It came out (and shipped) exactly two weeks ago. You are making all of our visitors and listeners sad, since they want us to talk about it and show lots of pretty pictures. Please rectify this situation.

Sincerely, Daizenshuu EX

In other news, all of the people arriving at this site via Google referrals looking for ill-gained downloads of the "Super Survivor" / "Kiseki no Honô yo Moeagare!!" CD single / mini-album... It's not even out. It was indefinitely-delayed. You can stop looking, now. We'll be happy to show you various places to buy it when it is (hopefully) re-announced.

13 April 2008

Podcast Episode #0124 Available!
VegettoEX @ 6:38 pm EST -- Episode #0124 of the podcast is available for download! We were out of town all weekend, so I recorded an episode Friday afternoon with Jeff. That's right, no Meri or Julian! While it's quite blasphemous, the episode that was intended to be short ended up being normal length, and the episode that was intended to have no real topic ended up having a semi-real topic! We discussed part one of IGN's "What's Wrong With DBZ" series of articles, and probably have a lot to say about it that you aren't expecting (or perhaps are expecting, based on what you've read in the below update). Yes, we know that IGN has posted up part two, but this was recorded before that... and yet, we still managed to predict their final point pretty dead-on! Definitely check it out.

10 April 2008

IGN Article — "What's Wrong With DBZ"
VegettoEX @ 10:41 pm EST -- This is the kind of article and analysis I can get behind. Before anyone gets all upset and wonders how on Earth such obviously-die-hard-fans of the series can criticize it to such an extent, please remember the first part of this sentence... die-hard-fans. Speaking solely for myself, I've been a part of this fandom for well over ten years, and I'm so comfortable with my undying love that I have absolutely no problem pointing out flaws in the story.

DragonBall is one of those shows you love in spite of its flaws. That's really saying a lot for Toriyama's talent as a writer.

So check out the article over on IGN with an open mind and the same love of the series you've come to expect from Daizenshuu EX. I'm really looking forward to "Part Two", if they get around to writing it, since I honestly agree with every single point raised in part one. Maybe some of those filler inconsistencies can be raised in part two...? I know some people who would love to help out with some examples... ^_~

08 April 2008

"DVD Guide" Updates
VegettoEX @ 7:48 pm EDT -- One thing I can safely say is that FUNimation certainly keeps me on my toes with regards to attempting to keep the "DVD Guide" up-to-date. Between the re-re-releases of the DBZ TV series and movies, it's becoming almost completely impossible to logically describe and layout the releases. If there are any glaring errors, please let us know.

Chôzenshû still hasn't come in, yet... hopefully tomorrow...!

"21st Century Version" DB Themes CD Release!
VegettoEX @ 10:06 am EDT -- Big thanks to Futabatei Shimei for digging up information on a new CD for us. With what will hopefully have better results than the "2005 Ver" releases of "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" and "Makafushigi Adobenchâ!", TEAM Entertainment will be releasing a "21st Century Version" mini-album consisting of the DB opening and ending themes, an old image song, two new (image?) songs, some remixes, and even an English version! All these from the songs' original performers, no less!

That's some pretty neat stuff right there. We have the obvious opening and closing themes to DragonBall, along with one of the better image songs of the time. Tracks 4 & 5 are completely new, and are performed by both Ushio Hashimoto and Hiroki Takahashi (the other songs on the album are solo versions just like the originals). Of extreme interest is that final track, touted as an "English Version" of the series' opening theme!

We look forward to getting more information on the CD, which drops 04 June 2008 in Japan.

06 April 2008

Podcast Episode #0123 Available!
VegettoEX @ 9:45 pm EST -- Episode #0123 of the podcast is available for download! Julian abandoned us for a week, but he probably had a pretty good reason. We took a look through volume fifteen of the manga in our awesome "Manga Review of Awesomeness". It was pretty awesome. I think it involved some manga, too. In all seriousness, the storyline is hitting some dramatic highs, and Toriyama is certainly showing some incredible evolution and maturity as an author. In addition to this, we're also starting up a podcast-exclusive contest where you can win a free Commander Red Saga DVD set. Listen in for details, of course. Definitely check it out.

One last thing to check out for the night is GameTrailers' little video from GDC interviewing Donny Clay about Burst Limit:

There's not a whole lot you haven't seen before, but it's new material to check out, none-the-less.

05 April 2008

Happy Birthday to Akira Toriyama!
VegettoEX @ 12:36 pm EST -- That's right, the master of poop jokes was born back on April 5th, 1955. We wish him many continued happy birthdays.

With that out of the way, I must get back to editing the podcast. I'm having a very difficult time doing so because my Cloud and my Zack are sitting right in front of me, begging for play time.

03 April 2008

"Video" Section Overhaul & Additions
VegettoEX @ 11:00 am EST -- First off, and it should be needless to say, but there is absolutely no word that Hironobu Kageyama will be doing anything for the upcoming DragonBall Online. As you can see in the previous update, the "title" of the song actually reads Daizenshuu-tachi no APRIL FOOL... which is a pretty good give-away. The song genuinely is named "Riding on a Time machine" and comes from Hironobu Kageyama's (otherwise very mellow) 2006 album, Cold Rain. Our jokes are usually less about genuinely fooling people (OK, with the exception of that one year...), and more about making people smile with something that fits so well.

With that out of the way, the somewhat-renamed "Video" section has been slightly overhauled. It now includes all of our "Inconsistencies" videos (more to come in the future, of course), our live-action comparison videos, "The DBZ You've Never Seen", and so much more. While you can always subscribe to our YouTube channel, videos will always show up here, and it may even get some exclusive non-streaming material!

The page is still a bit messy, but hey... there's only so much time in the day to dedicate to this stuff ^_~. Enjoy!

01 April 2008

Hironobu Kageyama To Perform DragonBall Online OP!
VegettoEX @ 9:36 am EST -- Word out of Japan this morning via the game's official website is that the man himself, Hironobu Kageyama, will be performing the theme to the upcoming MMORPG, DragonBall Online. An official 30-second sample can be found below:

--> 大全集達のエープリル・フール <--
"Riding on a Time machine"

The title of the song seems to make a lot of sense, knowing that Trunks is on some sort of time-patrol, and the player may be able to go back and forth in time to relive certain events from the original storyline. We'll let you know more information as it comes in!