Funimation took the original 35mm film elements, scanned them in standard definition (480p), and applied a digital cleanup. This involved automatic dust-busting, scratch removal, and light color correction. Unlike the controversial Dragon Ball Z "Orange Brick" sets (which cropped the image to widescreen and used aggressive DVNR that smeared animation), the Dragon Ball Blue Bricks were presented in their original 4:3 full-screen aspect ratio.
That has changed. The recent wave of "remastered" releases of the 1986 Dragon Ball has given the series a second life, allowing a new generation to witness the origins of the legend in stunning clarity. But what exactly is a "remaster," and which one should you watch? Here is the complete guide to the many faces of Goku’s first adventure. To understand the remasters, one must understand the original source. Dragon Ball was produced in the "golden age" of cel animation. The original 35mm film negatives, stored for decades by Toei Animation, are inherently analog. They contain natural film grain, slight color fading, and the occasional physical scratch or dust speckle. dragon ball 1986 remastered
The first home video releases (VHS, LaserDisc, and early DVDs) were often direct transfers from worn prints, resulting in muddy colors, poor contrast, and visible damage. By the early 2000s, fans were desperate for a clean, definitive way to watch the series. The first major remaster came courtesy of Funimation (now Crunchyroll) in North America. Nicknamed the "Blue Bricks" due to their blue casing, these DVD sets presented the entire 153-episode series across five collections. Funimation took the original 35mm film elements, scanned
The remaster allows Goku’s first Kamehameha, the death of Krillin, and the defeat of King Piccolo to hit with the same emotional weight they did in 1986. Whether you buy the "Blue Bricks" on a budget, splurge for the Blu-rays, or stream the Japanese HD version, there has never been a better time to go back to the beginning. That has changed