Ah what the hfil is up with the DBZ world these days.. For me, online Dragonball Z is slow, or should I say getting "less-exciting." Slow, you may ask, what do I mean? When I started getting into the world of online Dragonball Z, everything was booming. DBZ sites popped out and each, as refreshing as the next. Of course they were those "un-original" sites, that refuse to get the author's permission, and give credit for their works.. You've seen these sites before, so I don't need to go into further details (I'll leave that for a future editorial or something ^_^). Eh, where am I getting at; exactly? Well, years ago, and even just last year, there were doubts that Dragonball Z would even make it far. The doubts of DBZ being a huge success, or even making it to the introduction of the ever-so charismatic Mirai no Torankusu. Finally, we've gotten through "Season 3," (which does surprise me at times) and is heading toward "Season 4." Or in other words, the Android Saga. Of course you can find the first two tapes at various online stores, and at local retailers.

By now, these babies should be hitting stores everywhere. You may ask.. is it worth it, to buy them? It depends. The prices has never been at a comfortable range for anybody, but since I got a few moolah for my b-day, I decided to "waste" twenty bucks on a FUNi tape. *Gasp,* yes a FUNi TAPE. Nonetheless, the tapes' content is improving somewhat, that is the blood and violence. These edits, starting from Season 3, are much better than the first two seasons. Of course, like season one and two, corny dialogues are there; nonetheless. Even so, the dialogue seem to get worse..

Ok, I start by popping in the tape. Bunch of FUNi commercials.. Merchandise, toys, games, apparels, etc.. Time to hit that trusty ffwrd button. Ah, the Trunks preview. I decide to just sit back and check it out. I like what I see, but I never understood why they changed the VA in the preview, which seem to be a bit better than the current VA ~_-. Ok, another lame FUNi ad.. There comes the ffwrd button again. Start of the episodes.. The corny intro. I don't hate it, I just don't like it. I even like "Rock the Dragon" than this. Of course, it's all in one's taste. Then again, none of the US intros hold a candle to Cha-La, or We Gotta Power.

The announcer starts by recapping the last episode. Although, I should skip the details of this, I have noted something interesting. Time for a lil' backtrack. If you ever bought a FUNi tape, (Oh, enough with the laughing..) you would notice that on the side is a piece of artwork. When the same series is bought together, put side by side, the picture will be complete. Ah ha, so to complete the picture, one must go out and buy all the tapes of that series.. Not exactly. Well, in the case of the Trunks "series," there are only TWO tapes commercially released. But put these tape together and Trunks will have a head without a left side. Where is this side? Going back to the intro of episode 111 (First episode of the first Android tape), they recap the dubbed episode number 108. Hmm, that's a two episode difference. In fact, ep. 108 is where the second Trunks tape end. Did FUNi screw up? Nope, they screwed us! Well.. sorta. The episode they cut off was an episode of the "Z warriors" training, and the famous driving episode. For those who missed the Burger King promotion may have lucked out.. Cause that's the only way you can get this special two-episode tape, is by sending in an official BK order form. Even if you send it now, you can't get a tape. I have a feeling that these tape will soon show up on eBay for ridiculous prices.. (Luckily I did bother to send out a form.. >=) Oh wait, episode 111 recapped episode 108! What does this mean.. Quite possibly, the two episodes on the special BK promo tape, may not be shown on TV after all! So for those that ordered the tapes.. Consider yourself lucky, somewhat. Of course I went back and check the form, it did mention that this tape is a limited edition special offer. "Has YET to be released in America." So they may or may not release the tapes, it's up to FUNi.

Here's the cheesy episode summaries from the back of the tape, as well as my comments: (As well as the original episode titles)

The Androids Appear
Three years have come and gone, and the day of reckoning has finally arrived! The Androids are here, just as Trunks predicted, and they're wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting city! Goku and his friends must now put their training to the test, but are they ready to face these mechanical monsters? (Episode 111)

Original Ep #126.) Killers Without a Trace, Who are the Artificial Humans?
This was the first episode of the tape. I do note, that as far as content, such as blood and gore goes (in uncut) that there was no changes. But, there is still weird VAs, corny dialogues at times, pointless comments, and the lack of original music. There's also an interesting thing I would like to note, but I'll get to more on that later. The Z senshi are flying towards to the location Trunks specified. Gokou, Gohan, and Krillin finds the island and is somewhat shock to see Bulma holding a small baby. Gohan ask Yamcha, who was with her, if it was his. Yamcha, of course dissappointed, says that it's not his kid. Gokou then approaches Bulma, and says that it must be baby Trunks, son of Vegeta. Bulma is "shock" that he knew of his name, even though she haven't told any of the fighters. I'm not really sure on this, but I think that Bulma (in the original) at this point haven't named the baby yet. This is similar to how the original went, but the dialogues changed once more. Another thing I noted in this episode is the contially use of "power level." They never once mention ki, nor do I expect them to. It's just that power level and ki, is two "different meanings" and are usually assosiated but not interchangable in usage. So when the Androids exploded Yajerobi's craft, they could not sense them coming at all. Gohan says that since they are "Androids" that they can't sense their power levels. Other than this, there was just a bunch of screwy dialogue.. Although there was a little change in BG that I noticed, a relief as it was a good change to hear. As impose to the usually hard rock bg that plays.

A Handy Trick
Yamcha is held at the mercy of the ruthless Android 20, and Goku and the others must race to help their friend. Believing their power to be far superior, the Androids tempt Goku's rage by leveling half of the city! But there's one thing the Androids didn't count on -- Goku's a Super Saiyan!

127.) Cold blooded #20's Path of Evil, Goku's Transformation of anger...
Not many changes I've noted, but I may be wrong. Yamcha is injured by Artificial Human 20, and is the first to "fight" the Androids. Of course, once again FUNi doesn't use the term Artificial Human, but uses the term Androids only. Interesting to see, as Krillin does later on marry one of the "Androids." This will probably make it seem that Krillin's bride is a robot, instead of somewhat being human. Then again, I haven't seen the appearance of #18, #17, or #16; so I may be too quick to judge.

Double Trouble For Goku
The battle with the Androids begins in earnest as Goku launches an all out assault against Android 19. The Super Saiyan seems to have the fight well under control, but something is horribly wrong! Goku's strength is mysteriously dragining away! And Android 19 isn't showing any signs of slowing down. (Episode 113)

128.) Goku's Double Shock!! Caught between Disease and the Enemy.
In this episode Marron, the ditzy girlfriend of Krillin arrives to the Kame House. I did note, that Muten Roshi and Oolong, more so Kamesennin, was acting pretty perverted in this scene. Of course, Marron acted a lot clueless during the whole scene. During Kamesennin's story of the Red Ribbon, it's also weird to hear Chibi Gokou being voiced by the current Gohan. (Which is obvious once heard) Also nice to see the scenes intact. During Gokou's and #19 fight, there was another change from the usual BG.. Not as good as the original, but it was certainly a refreshing change.

Upgrade to Super Saiyan
Attacked from within by a crippling virus, Goku is helpless against the maniacal Android 19. But just when it looks like the end for Goku, Vegeta appears on the scene! And he's got a few big surprises in store for the Androids! (Episode 114)

129.) Vegita's Strength, The Awakened Blood of a Super Saiya-jin.
Ah, the last episode. The team tries to give Gokou a senzu, but of course it doesn't work. After Gokou is helpless they finally realize that it's Gokou's heart disease. So they need to somehow get Gokou out of #19's grip. (Who is currently draining Gokou's energy) The change I did note was the weird dialogue with the arrival of Vegeta. Piccolo makes a weird remark about how he couldn't save Gokou, because of Vegeta. Then Vegeta arrives. The dialogue was changed slightly, sorta. I should note that of the Androids so far, #19 has the weirdest VA thus far. -_-

#19: [extends his palm towards Vegeta]
Vegeta: I was watching your battle with Kakarot, so I've seen your energy absorbing technique.. Oh well, if I can't blast you away, I'll just pound you into a pulp that's all!

#19: You know some of my moves, but I know all yours, Vegeta! Oh Yes, Dr. Gero has studied you very throughly!
Vegeta: Is that a fact? Then why were you so surprise when Kakarot turned into a Super Saiyan? I'll tell you why, your data doesn't cover any of the battles we had in space! Your bonehead creator picked a fine chapter to omit from your memory banks!

#19: Oh?
Vegeta: That's right my friend! Let me ask you, does a machine like yourself ever experience fear?!

Krillin: You've got to be kidding me! I don't believe it!
#20: Not him too!!
Gohan: Woah! You know who joined the Super Saiyan Club!

Krillin: Whoa! I thought you had to be like Goku, to be a Super Saiyan! Goku's so calm, and detached, and pure-hearted. Well I guess those aren't exactly considered prerequisites.

Then Vegeta goes on to tell his story, and that he turned SSj because of motivation. Surprising, yet expected that they couldn't mention that Vegeta was as pure as Goku, just pure evil. >=) As you can see in this scene, Gohan made an absolutely ridiculous remark, "Super Saiyan Club?" What, another advertisement plug? Oh well.

As I looked at the credits, I saw that the list grew. At first I thought that they must have hired more VAs. A few days later, VegettoEX has posted on his news that Brian Drummond, Ian Corlett and the crew may be back, or.. Rather not. Apparently, the Android tapes credit these VAs and more, on the Season 4 voice credits. So I went and checked the credits, myself. No doubt, Ian Corlett, Brian Drummon, Scott McNeil, among others were on the list. So I decided to jot these name down and show you the list myself, just about unedited. This appeared as it did on my screen.

The List, as it appeared on my screen; slightly modified.

What even more interesting, is that most of these guys don't do these VAs.. Well, not anymore that is. Also, my ears does not deceive me; but that's not the Brian Drummond that does the VA for Vegeta in those episodes. It's interesting why FUNi would put these guys up on their credit. Is this just a compile list of all the VAs including Season 1+2; or is FUNi trying to deceive people. As of now, there's not much detail on this weird situation.

Uncut dub, isn't that so FUNi?
Hm, another interesting note. It's been known to a few that the "uncut" DBZ dubs aren't really "uncut". Of course BESIDES from the _obvious_ changes from the original such as VAs, Music, BGs, etc. Are there any other changes? Season one and two has been known to cut out some scenes that they deemed too "bloody" to show on TV and videos. Videos shouldn't be that restricted, but of course most people know what was Saban's deal. Anyway, now that FUNi is in charge of everything, has those blood and gore scene left intact. The answer quite simply is yes, but there's STILL content being cut! What kind of cuts..? As far as I know, nudity and any scenes involving them are cut, or not shown. Now these are "uncut" dub version, hmm.. So, I decided to check the back of the label of the box, and a little sentence caught the attention of my eyes, "Unrated. Some contents not suitable for children. May contain violence and brief nudity.." Brief nudity?? I don't know about anyone else, but I have yet to see any type of "nudity" on the dub version. If you decide to buy the first android tape, be sure to pay attention to the scene where "Uncle" Yajerobi is playing with Chibi Trunks. Well, one thing leads to another and Trunks just decided to wet his pants, as well as Yaji's face.. Bulma changes him, but the shot of Trunks is cut. (It may have been retouched, but I may have to go back and view the vid) So, we don't get any baby nudity here, should we be relieved now? Somewhat, but this is evident that FUNi is lying through their teeths with their supposed uncut version. Of course, this is not really so surprising. I just hope that by the end of DBZ, we should have a somewhat decent dub, but by then about half of the series would be mediocre. The dub is just getting better slightly, and it's progression is too slow. The same complaints, err.. Needed changes need to be change in the dub. Well, everyone knows what those changes are.

Wait.. Should I buy this $#&@?!
I'm rating this thing differently, because it depends on your situation. If you haven't seen this saga, or the original (yes it's okay to be a dubbie.. somewhat), maybe you should give this thing a chance and check it out. That is, if you don't mind a few corny lines, some okay music (exception of intro), and some irritating VAs. As of now, the VAs have come a long way.. Most have gotten a little better, but they do have some funny dialogue. The music, besides the intro, is definately REFRESHING, and is such a relieving change. If you are an dbz otaku, then maybe you should avoid this, and wait til' they release the series on the DVDs; as you will probably be dissapointed. Not a really bad dub, but it does pose some problems; the common FUNi problems. For those dubbie, this will probabably satify you more, than if you're an otaku. (Rating out of Ten)

Dubbie Rating: 8½••••••••½ :|If you like the dub, you might find this tape a lot refreshing than the last batch of tapes, especially the Garlic Jr Saga. One of the most exciting saga of DBZ. If you are a semi-dubbie/otaku; still might be worth a look.
Otaku Rating: 4•••• :|Most likely you probably should not buy this tape, other than webmasters. Great quality, does make good screen caps. XD