Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug

Name: Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Released: 1991-03-19
Duration: 43 minutes
Cast: Masako Nozawa, Toshio Furukawa, Hiromi Tsuru, Mayumi Tanaka

General Info

Awards	BMI Film & TV Awards (1999)
Genres	Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Music By	Shunsuke Kikuchi
Edited By	Shinichi Fukumitsu
Film Name	Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Starring	Masako Nozawa, Toshio Furukawa, Hiromi Tsuru, Mayumi Tanaka
Languages	Japanese
Directed By	Mitsuo Hashimoto
Produced By	Chiaki Imada, Tomio Anzai
Release Date	1991-03-19
Running Time	43 minutes
Screenplay By	Takao Koyama
Content Rating	TV-PG
Distributed By	Toei Company
Original Title	Doragon bôru Z 4: Super Saiyajin da Son Gokû
Cinematography	Masatoshi Fukui
Country of Origin	Japan
Trailer Youtube URL	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d10ciGgEaso
World Premiere Date	Invalid date
Production Company Name	Toei Company
Production Company Website URL	http://www.toei.co.jp/

General Info and Description: Dragon Ball Z Lord Slug

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is a Japanese animated film released in 1991. It is the fourth film in the Dragon Ball Z series and features an original storyline not found in the manga. The film was directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto and produced by Toei Animation.

The story follows a group of space pirates led by Lord Slug, a powerful Namekian, who arrive on Earth in search of the Dragon Balls. The pirates plan to use the Dragon Balls to restore their home planet to its former glory, but their efforts are obstructed by Goku and his friends. As Goku and the Z Fighters face off against Slug and his minions, they find themselves forced to confront the dark secrets of Namekian history and power.

The film features intense action sequences and beautifully animated fight scenes against Lord Slug and his minions. It also explores the themes of power and greed, as Slug's quest for power and the Dragon Balls ultimately leads to his downfall.

Release Date: March 9, 1991 (Japan)
Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
Budget: $2.2 million USD
Box Office: $20 million USD

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is a must-watch for fans of the Dragon Ball Z series and is a great introduction for newcomers to the world of Dragon Ball. With its memorable characters, stunning animation, and thrilling action, it is a classic in the Dragon Ball universe.

Overview

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is an animated movie based on the Dragon Ball Z anime series, produced by Toei Animation. The movie premiered on March 19, 1991, in Japan, and was later dubbed and released in English in North America on August 7, 2001. Directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto, the film takes place between the events of the Namek and Android sagas of the anime series. The movie begins with a group of space pirates terrorizing a planet called Earth. The planet's inhabitants are helpless against the invaders, who are led by a former Namekian named Lord Slug. With his army of soldiers, Slug sets up a base and begins to terraform the planet into a new home for his kind. It is up to Goku, Piccolo, Gohan, and Krillin to put a stop to his plans. The plot of Lord Slug revolves around the search for the Dragon Balls. After learning of the planet's distress, Goku and his friends journey to Earth to help. They soon discover that Lord Slug is also after the Dragon Balls for his own purposes. The Dragon Balls are seven magical orbs that, when brought together, grant a wish. Lord Slug hopes to use them to restore his youth and regain his power. The majority of the movie takes place on Earth, with Lord Slug's forces engaging in battles with Goku, Piccolo, and the other Z Fighters. The film features a number of memorable moments, including a sequence where Goku transforms into a Great Ape, and a final battle between Goku and Lord Slug that takes place in space. As with many Dragon Ball Z movies, Lord Slug boasts impressive animation and action sequences. The film also features a memorable soundtrack and voice acting from the series' original cast. The English dub features the voice talents of Sean Schemmel (Goku), Christopher Sabat (Piccolo/Vegeta), Sonny Strait (Krillin), and Stephanie Nadolny (Gohan). Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is a fun and action-packed addition to the franchise. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other Dragon Ball Z movies, it is certainly worth watching for fans of the series. Its focus on the search for the Dragon Balls, along with its memorable villains and action sequences, make it a worthy entry in the Dragon Ball Z canon.

Trailer

Screenshots

Plot

Warning: Spoilers Ahead! The Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug film began with a peaceful day in the city, with Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin heading to school while Goku is at home working on his farm. Suddenly, the sky darkens, and a massive spaceship enters the atmosphere, descending into a lake. Soon after, soldiers appear in the city looking for the Dragon Ball, which, in this case, was with the young hero Gohan. The group of heroes was quick to answer the invaders' attack and dispose of them all in various fights. It is important to point out that Lord Slug, the movie's antagonist, was not present at this time. Afterward, during the confrontation, it was evident that something bigger was going on, since the soldiers appeared immune to the heroes' ki attacks. Piccolo sensed that the soldiers' strength came from the same source, and they were likely not from Earth. The quest for the Dragon Ball continued, and the heroes eventually found themselves at an abandoned oil rig where the final Dragon Ball was kept. However, once they grabbed the ball, a giant spaceship emerged from the water, and the heroes were sucked in. It was in this moment that the movie's villain made his first appearance - Lord Slug, the last survivor of his race, who had found a new planet to call home. He saw Earth's blue sky and vital minerals as a perfect place to rebuild his civilization. Lord Slug sends out his army of giant henchmen to hunt down the Dragon Balls while he and his soldiers take on the heroes. Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan face huge foes partnering up in pairs, while Goku stays out of the fight until needed. While the heroes have their hands full, Lord Slug's plan for terraforming Earth commences. Using the second Dragon Ball wished for eternal youth, Slug turns the Earth into the inside of a slug-like creature, complete with cloudy skies, falling rocks, and an inhospitable atmosphere. With the earth shaking and the terrain altering, Goku steps up to the fight and ends up facing Lord Slug alone. The fiend pulls out all the stops, using his powerful regenerative abilities, his strength, and even his special healing powers to bring himself back to full health. Considering Lord Slug had access to Goku's full power, it seemed that he had a slight advantage, however, Goku once again proved that he is the mightiest Saiyan to ever exist, pushing himself beyond his limits. After a long and difficult battle, Goku managed to hit Lord Slug with a massive Spirit Bomb. The attack didn't finish Lord Slug, but it did weaken him enough to fall right into the lake, where his spaceship had landed. Goku's final act was to create another Spirit Bomb, taking energy from all the life on Earth to his universe's sun, giving it a massive power boost. Once this was done, the namekian Porunga was summoned, and the Eternal Dragon granted Goku's wish, restoring the Earth to its former glory and removing the effects of Lord Slug's terraforming. With the crisis averted, the dragon and the heroes' left Lord Slug to his fate in the frozen ship. In the aftermath, the film ends with a festive moment as Goku meets Piccolo in a field, where Piccolo finally acknowledges Goku as a friend. And with that, the film Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug comes to a close.

Production

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is the fourth Dragon Ball Z film to be produced and released in theatres. Unlike the previous three films, Lord Slug was produced by Toei Animation and released on March 19, 1991. This film is considered one of the most memorable movies in the Dragon Ball Z franchise due to its dark themes and high stakes. The film opens with Son Goku and his son Gohan camping in the mountains. Suddenly, they are interrupted by a group of soldiers who have been dispatched by an unknown entity. After easily taking care of them, Goku and Gohan hear a mysterious voice calling out to them. They follow the voice and come to a small planet that is surrounded by an asteroid field. Upon their arrival, Goku and Gohan quickly realize that the inhabitants of the planet are in trouble. Lord Slug, a powerful and evil Namekian, has taken over the planet and enslaved its inhabitants. He has also found the Dragon Balls and plans to use them to restore his youth and take over the universe. Goku and his friends quickly team up to take on Lord Slug and his minions. With the help of Krillin, Master Roshi, and Piccolo, they begin to fight back against the alien invasion. However, Lord Slug is not easily defeated. He possesses incredible strength and regenerative abilities, making him almost invincible. In addition, Slug has control over the weather. He can create destructive storms and earthquakes, severely damaging the planet. This puts Goku and his friends in a race against time to stop Lord Slug before he destroys the planet and everyone on it. The production of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug was a massive undertaking for Toei Animation. The film was directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto, who had previously worked on some of the Dragon Ball Z TV episodes. The movie was produced by Chiaki Imada, who had also worked on previous Dragon Ball films. The music for the movie was composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi, who had worked on the Dragon Ball series since the beginning. Kikuchi's score for Lord Slug is considered to be one of the best in the Dragon Ball franchise, with its blend of orchestral pieces and rock-inspired tracks. The animation for Lord Slug was done by Toei Animation's in-house studio. The film combined traditional 2D animation with some 3D elements that were incorporated during the climactic battle between Goku and Lord Slug. The finished product was visually stunning and showed off the incredible skill of the animators and artists. One of the unique things about Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is the darker tone of the movie. Unlike previous films in the franchise, Lord Slug contains more mature themes such as slavery and genocide. The ending of the movie is also quite somber, with Goku and his friends facing down an unstoppable force that nearly destroys an entire planet. The voice acting for the movie was done by the same cast who had worked on the Dragon Ball Z TV series. With veteran voice actors such as Masako Nozawa (Goku), Toshio Furukawa (Piccolo), and Mayumi Tanaka (Krilin), the performances in Lord Slug are top-notch. Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is a standout movie in the Dragon Ball Z franchise. While it is not as well-known as some of the other films in the series, it deserves recognition for its engaging storyline, incredible animation, and mature themes. The production of Lord Slug was a massive undertaking for Toei Animation, but the final product was a thrilling and memorable addition to the Dragon Ball universe.

Release

The release of the Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug film was a significant moment for fans of the iconic anime franchise. Set in the same universe as the main Dragon Ball Z series, the movie expands on the already expansive world by introducing viewers to a new villain, Lord Slug. At the heart of the film is the eternal battle between good and evil, as Lord Slug seeks to harness the power of the Dragon Balls to take over the universe. The heroic Z-Warriors, including Goku, Piccolo, and Gohan, are tasked with stopping him at all costs. One of the standout features of the movie is its stunning visuals. The animation is top-notch, and the fight scenes are expertly choreographed. Fans of the anime will be pleased to know that the film is faithful to the source material, with character designs and personalities remaining consistent with the series. Another draw of the movie is the themes it explores. Lord Slug is a complex antagonist, driven by a desire for power and a need for validation. His past, revealed through flashbacks, shows a character who was oppressed and abused, leading to his thirst for control. Meanwhile, the Z-Fighters are forced to confront their own motives and beliefs, as they question the justification of violence and if it's right to sacrifice one's own life for the greater good. The film also manages to weave in elements of humor and heartwarming moments. Goku's childlike innocence and insatiable appetite for food contrast with his incredible strength, making for some lighthearted moments. Gohan's relationship with his father is explored, as he struggles with the pressure of following in Goku's footsteps. And Piccolo, who was once a villain, gets a chance to showcase his redemption arc and growth as a character. Overall, the release of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug was a success, both in terms of fan reception and box office numbers. It's a must-watch for any Dragon Ball Z aficionado, and a great entry point for newcomers to the franchise. With its stunning animation, complex characters, and well-executed themes, it's a film that stands out as one of the best in the franchise.

Reception

The reception of the Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug film was mixed, with both praise and criticism being hurled at the movie. On one hand, fans were elated to see the beloved Z warriors back in action, fighting against an incredibly powerful foe. On the other hand, some viewers felt that the film fell short of their expectations. One of the main criticisms of the film was that it did not add anything new to the Dragon Ball Z universe. Fans were already familiar with the formula used in previous movies, which involved a powerful villain threatening the Earth and the Z warriors being called in to save the day. Many fans felt that storylines had become stagnant and that the filmmakers were simply repeating the same plot over and over again. Despite these criticisms, there were still plenty of things to like about Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug. For example, the animation quality was top-notch, with fluid movements and eye-catching visuals. Some reports suggest that the animation quality of the Lord Slug movie was actually better than some of the episodes of the TV series. Another highlight of the film was the action scenes. As always, the Z warriors were at their best when they were unleashing devastating attacks on their enemies. Viewers were treated to some intense fights, including some jaw-dropping moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. In terms of the story, there were still some elements that set Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug apart from its predecessors. For example, the movie introduced us to some new characters, such as Lord Slug himself and his henchmen. These characters brought a fresh dynamic to the story and provided a new set of challenges for our heroes to overcome. Additionally, the film also explored the theme of aging and mortality. The Z warriors are no longer young and vibrant like they once were, and the film made a point of highlighting their physical limitations. This added an interesting layer of realism to the story and made the action scenes all the more compelling. Overall, the reception of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug was somewhat mixed. While some fans were underwhelmed by the movie's lack of originality, others appreciated the solid action scenes and engaging character dynamics. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, there's no denying that the movie remains an important part of the Dragon Ball Z canon and a memorable chapter in the franchise's history.

Cultural impact

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is a 1991 Japanese animated film. It's the fourth film in the Dragon Ball Z series, and it centers around Goku and his friends battling Lord Slug, an evil namekian who seeks to destroy Earth and make it suitable for his kind. The film was a commercial and critical success, and it had a significant cultural impact that is still felt today. The Dragon Ball franchise began airing in Japan in 1986, and it quickly became popular for its unique blend of action, comedy, and adventure. It centers around Goku, a pure-hearted Saiyan warrior who undergoes various trials and battles against powerful foes to protect the Earth from danger. The franchise has since expanded into numerous media, including manga, anime, video games, and films. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug was one of the earliest anime films to be released outside of Japan, and it helped to popularize anime in the West. The film was dubbed in English and released in North America in 2001. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences and humorous moments. The film was also popular among fans of the franchise, who appreciated its faithful adaptation of the manga and its memorable characters. The impact of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug can be seen in various aspects of popular culture. The franchise has been referenced and homaged in numerous anime, films, television shows, and video games. For example, the popular anime series One Piece has made several references to Dragon Ball, including homages to its characters and iconic moments. The influence of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug can also be seen in the realm of video games. The franchise has been the basis for numerous video games, both in Japan and abroad. The games have been popular with fans of the franchise, who appreciate the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters in virtual worlds. Additionally, the franchise has been adapted into various other media, including trading card games, board games, and mobile apps. The appeal of Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug lies in its blend of action, comedy, and adventure. It's a film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages and backgrounds. The characters are memorable, the action sequences are exciting, and the humor is witty and clever. The film also has a strong message about the power of friendship and courage, which is a timeless theme that resonates with audiences of all ages. In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug was a landmark film in the Dragon Ball Z franchise. It helped to popularize anime in the West and introduced the franchise to a new generation of fans. Its influence can be seen in various aspects of popular culture, including anime, video games, and other media. The film's unique blend of action, comedy, and adventure has made it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

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