FUNimation released the two Dragon Ball Z TV Special features out of order (the Bardock special aired in Japan in October 1990, while the Trunks special aired in Japan in February 1993). Their original DVD releases contain the original Japanese version with accurate subtitled translations, as well as their standard-of-the-time English dubs, which featured dialogue running the gamut of accuracy, as well as music in the style of their movie releases from the same era (for example, the Bardock TV special featured ending themes by Sum-41 and American Hi-Fi). When these two Dragon Ball Z TV Specials were aired on American television by Cartoon Network, certain pieces of music were removed from these dubbed productions as they originally appeared on DVD and replaced with new music.
Continuing onwards with the success of their Dragon Ball Z TV season sets, FUNimation’s “remastered” Dragon Ball Z TV Specials “Double Feature” saw its release to DVD in February 2008, taking the place of the previous two individual releases. Touted as a complete remastering, this release was produced in a (cropped) widescreen presentation with a “remastering” process by Video Post & Transfer in Texas. Despite FUNimation’s claims, the set is indeed cropped (missing approximately 20% of its vertical resolution while only gaining approximately 5% of its horizontal resolution), it is not remastered frame-by-frame from its original film, and the color has been adjusted. Of note is the inclusion of a new audio track, featuring FUNimation’s traditional voice track (with minor line alterations where appropriate) played alongside the original Japanese musical score. For more in-depth information on these types of releases, please listen to Episode #0065 of our podcast.
Individual-disc, budget-priced releases from this “Double Feature” were announced for September 2009, despite the fact that FUNimation had already announced their acquisition of the “Dragon Box” masters for the Dragon Ball Z TV series and movies for later that same year.
The Dragon Ball GT TV Special was re-packaged as a part of “Season Two” of FUNimation’s “Remastered” Dragon Ball GT box set release. See more about this release over on the “Dragon Ball GT TV Series” page.
For more detailed information on the TV Specials, be sure to visit the “Movie Guide” on this site. There, you will find in-depth information such as the original Japanese titles, fully translated cast and crew listings, both the original Japanese and English voice actors, theme songs, and more!
Individual Releases (DVD)
FP-03005
Dragon Ball Z TV Special #1 – “Bardock: The Father of Goku”
- 30 January 2001
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 4:3 Standard / Uncut
- Format
FP-03004
Dragon Ball Z TV Special #2 – “The History of Trunks”
- 12 December 2000
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 4:3 Standard / Uncut
- Format
FN-03889
Dragon Ball Z TV Specials “Double Feature”
- 19 February 2008
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 16:9 Widescreen / Uncut
- Format
FN-02818
Dragon Ball Z TV Special #1 – “Bardock: The Father of Goku”
- 15 September 2009
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 16:9 Widescreen / Uncut
- Format
FN-02819
Dragon Ball Z TV Special #2 – “The History of Trunks”
- 15 September 2009
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 16:9 Widescreen / Uncut
- Format
FN-03852
Dragon Ball GT TV Special – “A Hero’s Legacy”
- 16 November 2004
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 4:3 Standard / Uncut
- Format
Individual Releases (Blu-ray)
FN-03857
Dragon Ball Z TV Specials “Double Feature”
- 19 February 2008
- Released
- English / Japanese
- Dialogue
- 16:9 Widescreen / Uncut
- Format