Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F': Difference between revisions

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
Japanese release poster
Directed by	Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Screenplay by	Akira Toriyama
Produced by	Norihiro Hayashida Rioko Tomonaga
Starring	Masako Nozawa Ryō Horikawa Toshio Furukawa Ryūsei Nakao Mayumi Tanaka
Cinematography	Yosuke Motoki
Edited by	Shinichi Fukumitsu
Music by	Norihito Sumitomo
Production company	Toei Animation
Distributed by	Toei Company 20th Century Fox
Release date	April 18, 2015 (2015-04-18) (Japan)[1]
Running time	94 minutes[2][3]
Country	Japan
Language	Japanese
Budget	$5 million[4]
Box office	$62.8 million[5][6][7][8]

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (Japanese: ドラゴンボールＺ　復活の「Ｆエフ」, Hepburn: Doragon Bōru Zetto: Fukkatsu no 'Efu') is the nineteenth Japanese animated feature film based on the Dragon Ball series and the fifteenth to carry the Dragon Ball Z branding, released theatrically on April 18, 2015. It is the first Japanese film to be screened in IMAX 3D and receive screenings at 4DX theaters.

Resurrection 'F' is the second film personally supervised by series creator Akira Toriyama, following Battle of Gods in 2013. The movie depicts the return of the villain Frieza, as well as the God of Destruction Beerus and Whis from Battle of Gods.

The film received worldwide release, both in the original Japanese language and in localized dubbed versions. Funimation's English dub of the film received a limited release in North American theaters on August 4 and ran through until August 13, 2015. Madman Entertainment released the film in Australian theaters on August 6, where it ran through until August 19, 2015. Manga Entertainment acquired the rights for the release in the United Kingdom in September 2015. The film received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising the quality of animation and the fast-paced action sequences, while criticizing its formulaic and lackluster story tailored for a dedicated target audience without a broad appeal.

With their power dwindling due to the absence of their leader, the remnants of Frieza's army are led by an alien named Sorbet (ソルベ, Sorube), who decides to revive their master. He then sets off to Earth with one other minion, Tagoma (タゴマ, Tagoma), where they convince Pilaf, Mai, and Shu, who have collected the Dragon Balls to let them summon Shenlong instead. As Shenlong is unable to fully revive Frieza, he brings him back to life in pieces, which his minions reassemble using their advanced technology over the following two months. Once restored, Frieza plans revenge against Goku and Future Trunks, and then kills Tagoma when he objects to this, and learns that Goku has gotten much stronger, to the point of defeating Majin Boo and thus, he decides he too needs to become more powerful. Frieza reveals that, since his power was inborn, he had never trained a day in his life, and so he trains himself for the first time, before returning to Earth with his army four months later. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman travels to earth to warn Bulma that Frieza is approaching, and she gathers the other Z fighters to fight him. With Goku and Vegeta training on Beerus' Planet with Whis, unaware that Frieza has been revived, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan and Jaco fight off Frieza's soldiers. Frieza, even in his base form, is more than a match for the five and almost kills Gohan with a single punch. Bulma's message eventually reaches Whis, and Goku and Vegeta travel back to Earth to fight Frieza. Whis and Beerus, the God of Destruction join them in order to eat a strawberry-flavored dessert Bulma has prepared for them, however neither of them care about the outcome of the battle. Despite Frieza's power increase, Goku is able to fight him in his final form with ease. However, Goku deduces that Frieza is holding back. The two then agree to fight at full power, with Goku transforming into a Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (超(スーパー)サイヤ人ゴッドSS(スーパーサイヤ人), Sūpā Saiya-jin Goddo Sūpā Saiya-jin), and Frieza evolving into a new gold-plated form which he dubs "Golden Frieza" (ゴールデンフリーザ, Gōruden Furīza). Frieza is finally able to gain the upper hand, however Goku and Vegeta soon realize Frieza's greatest weakness. Due to his hastiness for revenge, he rushed to Earth after learning the Golden form. Therefore, the form drains his powers quickly, leaving him vulnerable afterwards.

Goku turns the tables, and eventually gives Frieza the chance to leave earth forever, but is shot in the heart by Sorbet. After torturing Goku, Frieza stands over the incapacitated Goku and offers Vegeta a chance to kill Goku for him in exchange for his own life. Vegeta refuses and transforms into a Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan form as well, much to Frieza's shock. Vegeta tells Krillin to revive Goku with a Senzu bean. As the latter moves to do so, Frieza attacks him, but Vegeta intercepts and deflects Frieza's blast towards Sorbet, killing him. Vegeta attacks a weakened Frieza, nearly defeating him. Frieza, fully drained of his power, reverts to his final form, finally realizing that he cannot win. Frieza decides to destroy the planet, killing Vegeta in the process. Shortly afterwards, Earth is destroyed, but Whis creates a barrier around a small piece of rock to protect himself and the others. While the Z fighters lament the loss of the earth, Goku regrets not killing Frieza when he had the chance. Whis tells him that he has the power to set back time but only three minutes earlier. He does so, and they arrive back right before Frieza destroys the Earth. Goku immediately attacks with a Kamehameha and kills Frieza.

As the characters say their goodbyes to Beerus and Whis, Goku and Vegeta discuss Whis' assertion that, if the two of them were to team up they would have easily killed Frieza. Vegeta states that although this is true, he still prefers to fight alone in order to test his own abilities and become the greatest fighter on his own. Surprisingly, Goku agrees with him and the two share a laugh over having finally found something they agree on.

In a post-credits scene, Frieza returns to hell and is welcomed back by the dancing happy angels, much to his dismay.

The film was originally announced in July 2014 under the tentative title of Dragon Ball Z 2015 in the September 2014 issue of V Jump magazine. The image of Son Goku in Super Saiyan form using the Shunkan Idō technique confirmed Toriyama's credits for the original concept, screenplay and character designs and his mention that the film would be a continuation of his original manga. The author stated that the film will also be a sequel to Battle of Gods, that he strictly scrutinized all the dialogue, and promised more action scenes.^[11] A flyer of the same image, with a backside showing Shenlong, handed out at the Jump Victory Carnival event on July 19 revealed that Dragon Ball Z animation supervisor Tadayoshi Yamamuro is directing the new film.^[12] Later that month, a short teaser trailer was released of Shenlong bringing someone back to life with text calling this "The worst wish in history." (史上最悪の願い。), followed by Goku transforming into a Super Saiyan.^[13][14]

In November 2014, the film's Japanese title of Dragon Ball Z: Fukkatsu no F and basic plot outline were unveiled in the January 2015 issue of V Jump. A promotional image released for the film depicts Frieza, Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Son Gohan, Krillin, as well as the God of Destruction Beerus and Whis from the previous film Battle of Gods. Also featured in the image were two new characters that are servants of Frieza, Sorbet and Tagoma. The magazine also disclosed that Toriyama came up with the title while listening to rock band Maximum the Hormone's 2008 song "F", which is about Frieza himself.^[1]

On December 5, 2014, the first full trailer for the film was aired on Fuji TV's morning show Mezamashi TV.^[15] The following day a slightly different trailer and a special audio message from Frieza (Ryūsei Nakao) were added to the film's official website,^[16] as well as some of the cast and crew. People who order advance tickets receive an earphone jack strap of either Goku or Frieza designed by Toriyama.^[16]

Momoiro Clover Z appeared with Masako Nozawa at a press conference in Tokyo on February 3, 2015, where it was announced that all five members will have roles in the movie as "angels from hell." Costumed mascots of Son Goku and Frieza were also present at the event which was held on Setsubun, and accordingly beans were thrown at Frieza in the mamemaki tradition.^[17]

On March 2, 2015, a second full trailer was released for Resurrection 'F' revealing Frieza's new form, covering his skin in both gold and dark shades of purple. Other details included in the trailer were a defeated Gohan and Goku, Frieza's henchmen fighting against Piccolo, Tien Shinhan, Master Roshi and Krillin. It also features Jaco from Toriyama's 2013 manga series Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, which is set before Dragon Ball.^[18] A trailer featuring the series' heroes fighting Frieza and his 1,000-man army was released on March 24 by Mainichi Shimbun.^[19]

In April 2015, the 20th issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump revealed Goku's new form of the Super Saiyan God transformation he acquired in Battle of Gods.^[20] Toei released a short advertisement depicting Goku and Freeza fighting in their new forms, days before the magazine's official release.^[21]

External videos
"Z no Chikai" This music video takes its theme from the Dragon Ball universe with the members of Momoiro Clover Z dressed as its characters.

Like the previous film, the music in Resurrection 'F' was composed by Norihito Sumitomo. Its theme song is "Z no Chikai" (『Z』の誓い, "Pledge of Z") by the Japanese idol group, Momoiro Clover Z.^[18] A Toei producer said each member is a fan of the series. The song was released as a single on April 29, 2015 and includes a cover of Hironobu Kageyama's "Cha-La Head-Cha-La", the original opening theme of Dragon Ball Z.^[22] An English-language version of the song has also been recorded for use in international versions of the film.^[23] Maximum the Hormone's 2008 song "F" appears in the film during a fight scene.^[24] The film's original soundtrack, containing 32 tracks, was released on May 8, 2015.^[22]

In December 2014, Toho Cinemas collaborated with Resurrection 'F' for a television commercial promoting their Cinemileage Card. In it Frieza explains how the card program works and Goku's yelling of Frieza's name appears as a pun on the word "free."^[25]

A three-chapter manga adaptation of the film, drawn by Toyotarō, began in the April 2015 issue of V Jump.^[26]

As part of a collaboration with the J. League Division 1 football team Yokohama F. Marinos, a special poster with players mimicking the film's own was displayed in promotion of their matches with Vegalta Sendai on April 12 and Shonan Bellmare on April 25, 2015.^[27]

In March 2015, a collaboration between Toei Animation and Kirin Company spawned two dance parody commercials tying Resurrection 'F' with Kirin's Mets cola beverage, with the grape flavor advertisement featuring Frieza and his henchmen, and the orange flavor ad featuring Goku and the other heroes.^[28][29]

A collaboration with Curry House CoCo Ichibanya will run from April 1 to May 31, 2015. Anyone with a receipt of over ¥1,000 from one of the restaurants can send it in to enter a merchandise lottery, where they can win exclusive items such as shot glasses and a platter featuring Goku eating curry.^[30]

Frieza's new form from the film is a playable character in the video games Dragon Ball Heroes, Dragon Ball Zenkai Battle Royale, Dragon Ball Z Extreme Butōden and Dragon Ball Xenoverse.^[31][32] Extreme Butōden also has Goku's new form from the movie as a playable character and Vegeta's as an assist character.^[20][33] Along with Frieza's new form, the Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan forms of both Goku and Vegeta also appear as downloadable content for Dragon Ball: Xenoverse video game.^[34][35]

The first 1.5 million filmgoers received a book called Dragon Ball Volume F (ドラゴンボール 巻「Ｆ」), which includes Toriyama's complete script for the movie as well as design materials. They also got either a Goku or Vegeta card for the Dragon Ball Heroes arcade game and a certificate that gives them access to exclusive content for five different Dragon Ball video games.^[36] Like its prequel, the events of Resurrection 'F' were later adapted as the second story arc of Dragon Ball Super.

Resurrection 'F' opened in 658 2D and 3D theaters across Japan on April 18, 2015.^[37] It is the first Japanese film to be screened in IMAX 3D Digital theaters, shown in eighteen such establishments across the country. The previous movie Battle of Gods was the first ever Japanese film to be shown at IMAX Digital theaters, but was not in 3D.^[38] It is also screened in ten 4DX theaters across Japan, which adds environmental effects such as seat motion, wind, rain and scents to the standard video and audio.^[39] Prior to its nationwide release, preview screenings were held in seven different cities for 2,264 winners of a lottery held amongst 24 different Shueisha magazines. The earliest four taking place on March 30, two more the following day, and the final two on April 2.^[40]

The film was planned to screen in 74 countries worldwide.^[37] On March 15, 2015, Funimation announced that they licensed the film for North America and, together with Toei, screened the subtitled movie at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on April 11.^[41] Their English language production premiered in North American theaters on August 4 for a limited run, initially to August 12,^[42] and then extended to August 17.^[8] It opened in Canada on Thursday, August 6.^[43] Madman Entertainment released the film in Australian theaters on August 6, both subtitled and dubbed in English, where it ran through until August 19, 2015.^[44][45] On July 26, 2015, at MCM Manchester Comic-Con, Manga Entertainment announced the release of the film in the United Kingdom in September 2015.^[46]

The film was released on home video in Japan on October 7, 2015,^[47] North America on October 20, 2015,^[48] and in Australia on November 18, 2015.^[49]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 79%, based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10.^[50] Shawn Saris of IGN awarded the film a score of 8 out of 10, saying "DBZ: Resurrection ‘F’ is a fast-paced film with tons of action and great animation, but lacks any meaningful punch."^[51] Sam Leach of Anime News Network gave the film a B.^[52]

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' opened at number one in the Japanese box office, earning approximately US$8.1 million with 716,000 tickets sold in its first two days. It made 40.3% more and sold 27.4% more tickets than Battle of Gods did in its opening weekend.^[53] Deadline.com reported that it had the biggest opening in Japan to that point for 2015, making Japan the only territory in the world where Furious 7 did not debut at number one.^[4][53] The film earned around US$10.9 million by its sixth day and sold 1 million tickets by the end of its first week, making it the fastest film to reach that attendance number in Japan to that point in 2015.^[54] By May 6, 2015, it grossed 3.1 billion yen (approximately US$25.9 million) on 2.36 million admissions, surpassing Battle of Gods in 19 days.^[55][56]

In mid June, the film debuted in Latin American markets grossing $7.11 million during its opening weekend.^[57] In the United States, it debuted with an $1.97 million opening from 895 theaters and grossed another $1.55 million the following day.^[43] In Australia it has made AUS $1.5 million by its third weekend of August 20–23.^[58] The film opened in Italy on September 11, 2015 and finished with a total weekend gross of €0.52 million (approximately US$0.6 million).^[59]

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' grossed a final total of $8.4 million in the United States and Canada.^[8][60] In other territories, the film has grossed an estimated $53.7 million as of September 16, 2015.^[5]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dragon Ball.

• Official website
• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' at IMDb