Source: Toei Co., Ltd., Lucky Red Official Site: dragonball2013.com (Japan) The international release of Toei Animation`s box office hit DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS (???????Z ???, Doragon Booru Zetto: Kami to Kami, 2013) continues into 2014. Distributor Lucky Red will open the film in Italy on February 1st, and Madman Entertainment will release the movie to theaters in Australia and New Zealand early next year. A North American release has yet to be announced. The following production notes and images from DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS are courtesy of Toei and Lucky Red...

INTRODUCTION

The strongest start moving. Now, the wish of all mankind will be fulfilled.

The top-selling comic for more than 10 years in a row after its start as a serial in Weekly Shonen Jump (????????, Shuukan Shonen Janpu) in 1984... Dragon Ball (???????, Doragon Booru), the legendary comic that needs no introduction. Through both the TV anime series -- which maintained viewer ratings of over 20% for more than 11 years -- and the movie versions -- that reached 17 works and smashed records -- Dragon Ball has built up an era of popularity in the 17 years since it`s end as a serialized manga. In 2009, making the best use of the recent digital technology, the reinterpretation DRAGON BALL KAI (????????, Doragon Booru Kai) aired. The digital card game, DRAGON BALL HEROES (??????? ?????, Doragon Booru Hiiroozu) gained great popularity with kids and continues to generate fans to this day. Moreover, the anime is broadcast in over 24 countries, the comics are published in over 24 countries, single-volume books and anthologies have surpassed 230 million sales worldwide. Transcending generations and global barriers, it continues to excite people.

And DRAGON BALL returned to the screen in 2013. The most recent theatrical release was DRAGON BALL 4: THE WAY TO THE STRONGEST (??????? ?????, Doragon Booru Saikyoo e no Michii) in 1996, 17 years years ago. The stage now depicted is a number of years after the battle with Majin Buu, which exactly resembles the genuine Dragon Ball at the time of its serialization. And, in this long-awaited project, original creator Akira Toriyama has added his name to the script, the story, and the character design, and -- for the first time -- Toriyama was deeply involved from the scenario stage to the final version, and even designed the character clothing. As special guest voices are two eminent DRAGON BALL fans... Kaori Matsumoto, the winner of the London Olympics women`s under 57-kilo weight class judo gold medal, and Shoko Nakagawa, who boasts a rich acting ability as a voice actor in many anime. And FLOW, who produced songs that match well with anime such as those for NARUTO (???) and EUREKA SEVEN (???????????, Kookyooshihen Eureka Sebun), will breathe new life into the famous theme song, “Cha-La Head-Cha-La.” Moreover, it was decided that DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS would be the first IMAX digital theater screening ever in the history of Japanese cinema. The strongest clash deserved to be experienced with the highest presentation. With a veteran staff, a new elite, and new technology concentrating to produce a new DRAGON BALL, don`t miss it!

PRODUCTION NOTES

Creator: Akira Toriyama Akira Toriyama was born in 1955, Aichi Prefecture. In 1978, he debuted as a manga artist with his one-issue story, Wonder Island (??????????, Wandaa Airando), in the magazine Weekly Young Jump. His popularity exploded with Dr. Slump (Dr. ????, Dokutaa Suranpu), which began serialization in 1980. In 1984, he began the serialization of Dragon Ball, which continued to run for an 11-year period. In addition, he`s also lent a hand in the series DRAGON QUEST and game character design. Comments It`s already been 17 years since the first DRAGON BALL anime! Up to now, I`ve basically let others do the animation work, but for the first time, I wanted to give creating a story a try. Though the keywords “Super Saiyan God” and “Bills the God of Destruction” were in the first draft of the script writer, that was all there was up to that point... we assumed it would be a continuation of the serial and we created an original story. The idea of the main character becoming stronger in a dilemma was a really good one. First, we decided on creating the character Bills and the setting for the story. The original, independently designed and drawn Bills the God of Destruction is an overwhelmingly strong and fearsome opponent who exceeds even the greatest enemies introduced up to now. But my specialty is making the contents not dark so I am, at least, satisfied with having completed a very fun work. By the way, the battle scene in the latter half is really quite a masterpiece! I was deeply moved beyond my wildest expectations. That marvelous Japanese anime is quite superb, huh?! Really great job, all you staff! Please enjoy DRAGON BALL again after a long, long time!

STORY

“While there is a god who gives birth to stars in this universe, there is also a god who destroys them...” There was an existence that transcended everything. Several years after the sublime fight with Majin Buu for the fate of the universe, another crisis is about to take place on the peaceful Earth... Bills, the God of Destruction who maintains the balance of the meta-galaxy, is awakened by Whis from a long sleep! The news frightens not only Kaio, but the Kaioshin as well. Having heard the rumor of the Saiyan who destroyed Frieza, Bills and Whis track down Goku in Kaiouhoshi. Goku is excited to have new powerful enemies and challenges them to a fight. But he cannot lay a finger against their overwhelming power and loses! “I wish there was someone worth destroying on the Earth.” Bills leaves the scene with these eerie words. The threat by Bills spreads over the Earth... can warriors like Vegeta and Goku ever hope to prevent their destruction at the hands of Bills?! And who could be the “Legendary Warrior” whom Bills is so eager to find...? The history of battle is about to enter a new chapter!

CAST

Masako Nozawa Born October 25, in Tokyo. A voice actor who has had a number of prominent roles such as Kitaro in GEGEGE NO KITARO (???????) and Tetsuro Hoshino in GALAXY EXPRESS 999 (????999, Ginga Tetsudoo Surii Nain). In the DRAGON BALL series she performed three main characters, Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Son Goten. Aside from her work in animation, she is active in dubbing Western films and narrating. Koichi Yamadera Born June 17, from Miyagi Prefecture. Debuted as voiceactor in 1985. Later, as “The Man with the Seven-Color Voice,” he was active as a leading personality in Western films, radio, narration, and variety of voice-related genres. His many appearances have included the Japanese dub roles of Beast in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Donkey in SHREK, plus Ryoji Kaji in NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (???????????, Shin Seiki Evangerion) and a great many more.

Masakazu Morita Born October 21. Hometown, Tokyo. He gained attention for acting the role of Tidus in the PS2 game FINAL FANTASY X. For chief appearances, his roles include that of Ichigo Kurosaki in BLEACH (????, Buriichi), Barnaby Brooks, Jr. in TIGER & BUNNY (????????, Taigaa Ando Banii) and Shin in KINGDOM (?????, Kingudamu). Special Guest: Kaori Matsumoto Born in 1987. From Ishikawa Prefecture. Height, 163 cm. She is from a family of five children, and has an elder brother, two elder sisters, and a younger brother. Started judo from the age of six at the Iwai judo cram school. Graduate of Kenroku Junior High School, Kanazawa Higashi High School, and Teikyo University. In the 2012 London Olympics, she was the first Japanese person to obtain the gold medal women`s judo under 57-kilo weight class. No. 1 Japanese athlete at the London Olympics. Kumite (grappling hand), right grip. Rank, fourth-dan. Her special techniques are sode tsurikomi goshi, kosoto gari, and newaza. She belongs to the Four Leaf Japan Judo Club. In November 2012, she was awarded a Shiju Hosho (medal of honor with purple ribbon). Comments at Casting Thank you for casting me in the role of the woman motorcycle patrol cop in DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS. I`m so happy to be able to appear in what has been my favorite anime since I was a child; this will be a treasure I will not be able to forget my whole life. However, being my first voice experience I was probably even more nervous than with judo... I had apprehension of whether I would be able to do it the right way, and thought it was a dream. With this chance to perform, as I can get a bit closer to Son Goku, I want to really try my best to pour myself into the role and continue to have fun.

Special Guest: Shoko Nakagawa Born May 5, 1985. From Tokyo. Hobbies include computer illustration, reading, games, movies, anime, cos-play, etc. Special skill, Nunchakus. In 2002, she won an award in the shonen magazine Miss and made her celebrity debut. In 2012, the tenth anniversary of her debut, she launched her first Asian tour. In Japan, she held the Yaon Live, The Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka Tour, and the Nationwide Zepp Tour. Official website: shokotan.jp Comments at Casting When I saw the notice for the new DRAGON BALL movie in Jump, I trembled with excitement and thought, “Could this really be a casting call for a guest appearance?!” This is the greatest miracle of a lifetime!! This is the ultimate! Thank you so much! Being the long-awaited new work the whole world and universe have been wishing for, I concentrated my overflowing emotions into DRAGON BALL and challenged my entire body and soul. I thought I would be able to meet Trunks, Goku, Vegeta and all those guys again, and I`m glad I lived to see the day, from the bottom of my heart. There are really no words to express the joy and deep emotions I have.

STAFF

Director: Masahiro Hosoda Born 1961. From Saitama Prefecture. Director affiliated with Toei Animation. Handled the scripts for the DIGIMON FUSION BATTLE (???????????, Dejimon Kurosu Woozu) and the YU-GI-OH! (???????????????, Yuugioo Dyueru Monsutaazu) series. Script: Yusuke Watanabe Born in 1979. From Chiba Prefecture. Debuted as a screenwriter while a student at Waseda University. After that, he worked on numerous TV dramas and films. His chief works include the TBS television drama BLOODY MONDAY (??????????, Buraddi Mandei) and the movie series 20TH CENTURY BOYS (??????, 20-Seiki Shonen) and GANTZ (??, Gantsu).

Drawing Supervisor: Tadayoshi Yamamuro Born in 1960. From Kanagawa Prefecture. After working on the TV anime DR. SLUMP (Dr.??????????, Dr. Suranpu Arare chan) he continued to work on projects based on Akira Toriyama`s original works, where he showed his high level as an illustrator. In the theatrical versions of DRAGON BALL, he supervised the character design and illustration from DRAGON BALL Z 8: THE BURNING BATTLES in 1993 to THE WAY TO THE STRONGEST in 1996. Theme Song: FLOW “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” Five-Member Mixed Rock Band. They have produced many hit songs, such as “Go!!!,” the opening theme song of the anime NARUTO, and “Days,” the opening theme song of EUREKA SEVEN, and have established a reputation for matching their songs well with anime. They have recently expanded their work overseas and have appeared in anime festivals worldwide. Singles for the theme song “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” and the song in the anime “Hero, Song of Hope” were released on March 20, 2013. Comments We, FLOW, are delighted that we can cover “Cha-La Head-Cha-La.” We`ve been watching DRAGON BALL since we were kids and all of us are totally psyched! AND we`ve been singing “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” when we went to karaoke, but never dreamed of getting a chance to cover the song! We are so looking forward to this movie, and would be happy if you like the movie and our version of “Cha-La Head-Cha-La.”

CHARACTERS

Son Goku (Voice: Masako Nozawa) A member of the Saiyan warrior race brought up on Earth who has saved the world from countless powerful enemies. He loves to fight; the stronger the opponent, the more excited he gets. Vegeta (Voice: Ryo Horikawa) A proud Saiyan prince. He burns with indomitable energy in order to defeat Goku. Once, he was a merciless soldier of evil, but he came to have the right heart the more he found Goku and his comrades. Son Gohan (Voice: Masako Nozawa) The son of Goku and Chi-Chi, he is half-earthling, half-Saiyan. Though his ardent childhood dream was to become a scholar, once he becomes combative, he exerts the power to surpass a pure Saiyan. Trunks (Voice: Takeshi Kusao) The son of Vegeta and Bulma. A gifted boy who has inherited a Saiyan`s sense of combat and Bulma`s superior brains. Son Goten (Voice: Masako Nozawa) Goku`s second son. Said to be able to transform into Super Saiyan from an early age, a thoroughbred with amazing talent. Piccolo (Voice: Toshio Furukawa) Soldier in Namek, where the Dragon Ball was born. He used to be an evil demon king who shared a body with the God of the Earth. He is the master of Gohan and he opens his heart only to him. Krillin (Voice: Mayumi Tanaka) He became a disciple of Master Roshi with Goku and is his long-time training partner. The strongest soldier among Earth people who survived many desperate fights together. Videl (Voice: Yuko Minaguchi) Gohan`s classmate. A daughter of Mr. Satan. She has a strong sense of justice, and has been contributing to villain extermination. Her ability far exceeds that of her father. Bulma (Voice: Hiromi Tsuru) The first ally Goku first encountered deep in the mountains. They have been travelling together to look for Dragon Balls, and she is always watching over Goku. Yamcha (Voice: Toru Furuya) Thief who got close to Goku for Dragon Balls, but became a disciple of Master Roshi, and grew up as a martial artist. He has retired from the frontlines of combat. Ten Shinhan (Voice: Hikaru Midorikawa) He has aspired to become a world-class assassin, but changed his mind after meeting Goku and others. A solitary martial artist. On a training journey with Chiaotzu. Mr. Satan (Voice: Unsho Ishizuka) Videl`s father, the champion of the martial arts world. Admired as a hero who defeated Cell. Mr. Buu (Voice: Kozo Shioya) Majin created by an evil demon sorcerer long, long ago in ancient times. Identifies himself as Mr. Boo, and is close to Mr. Satan. Android 18 (Voice: Miki Ito) Android remodeled by Dr. Gero in order to kill Goku. After the battle against Cell, she got married to Krillin and became an ally of Goku. Chiaotzu Martial artist who works hard knight-errantry with Ten Shinhan. Uses supernatural powers such as sleep paralysis. Master Roshi (Voice: Shoji Sato) A legendry martial artist who established a reputation as a Takeshitenroushi, and the master of Goku and Krillin. Currently living free from worldly cares at Kame House. Oolong (Voice: Naoki Tatsuta) An ally who traveled together with Goku to look for Dragon Balls. Has the ability to transform all sorts of things. Puar (Voice: Naoko Watanabe) Yamcha`s buddy and Oolong`s classmate. Like Oolong, possesses the ability to transform. Chi-Chi (Voice: Naoko Watanabe) Goku`s wife, Ox-King`s daughter. After she married, she became a die-hard “Tiger Mom.” Ox-King (Voice: Ryuzaburo Otomo) Chi-Chi`s father. He used to be a hellion who was ruling Fry-Pan Mountain, but now a doting grandpa. Dende (Voice: Aya Hirano) Namekku hoshinin, who became the God of Earth after Gohan and Krillin met at Namekku Hoshi. Emperor Pilaf, Shu, Mai (Voices: Shigeru Chiba, Tessho Genda, Eiko Yamada) Minor villains, who try dominate the world, but always get prevented by Goku. King Kai A mighty existence who stands above the gods. A master who taught Goku, who came to the other world, the King Kai Fist and the Great Genki-Dama. Kibito Kai (Voice: Yuji Mitsuya) God who stands above King Kai and his people. Once fused with the servant, Kibito, and changed to his present form. Old Kai (Voice: Ryoichi Tanaka) Kaioshin 15 generations before. In the battle with Majin Buu, he was unsealed and released. Bills (Voice: Koichi Yamadera) A god with the power to protect or destroy the balance of the Earth. Once offended, he destroys surrounding stars and life. King Kai and Kaioshin live in fear of him. Whis (Voice: Masakazu Morita) A mysterious man who works with Bills.

MOVIE PREMIERE COMMEMORATION EVENTS

A Number of events were held in Japan to celebrate the release of DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS in 2013... Akira Toriyama - The World of DRAGON BALL A super project starting with original serial manuscripts and color illustrations chuck-full of fascination for Dragon Ball. Tokyo Hall: Nihonbashi Takashimaya, Thursday, March 28 - Monday, April 15. Osaka Hall: The 8th floor at Hanshin-Umeda headquarters, Wednesday, April 17 - Tuesday, April 23. Nagoya Hall: Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store Museum, Saturday, July 27th - Sunday, September 1. Dragon Ball Z Festival Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Movie Museum, became an attraction field for commemoration of the movie premiere, Saturday, March 16 - Sunday, September 8. Movie Premiere Commemorative Special Show April 7 (Sun) 9:00 - 10:00 Is this the beginning of the end!? Special one-hour program of the popular anime collaboration on Fuji-affiliated networks nationwide: TORIKO & ONE PIECE & DRAGON BALL Z. (First Part, “Run! Elite Corps, Toriko, Luffy, and Goku!”. Second Part, “The Super Strong Collaboration VS The Glutton of the Sea”)

FILMOGRAPHY

DRAGON BALL 1: THE LEGEND OF SHENRON (??????? ?????, Doragon Booru Shenron no Densetsu) aka DRAGON BALL MOVIE 1: CURSE OF THE BLOOD RUBIES Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Tohiki Inoue December 20, 1986 DRAGON BALL 2: SLEEPING BEAUTY IN DEVIL CASTLE (??????? ????????, Doragon Booru: Majin-Joo No Nemuri Hime) aka DRAGON BALL: SLEEPING PRINCESS IN DEVIL`S CASTLE Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Keiji Terui July 18, 1987 DRAGON BALL 3: MYSTICAL ADVENTURE (????????????????, Doragon Booru: Makafushigi Dai-Booken) Director: Kazuhisa Takenouchi, Screenplay: Yuki Yoshifumi July 9, 1988 DRAGON BALL Z 1 (???????Z ??????????!!, Doragon Booru Zetto Ora no Gohan o Kaese!!) aka DRAGON BALL Z: DEAD ZONE Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 15, 1989 DRAGON BALL Z 2: THE STRONGEST GUY IN THE WORLD (???????Z???????????, Doragon Booru Zetto: Kono Yo de Ichiban Tsuyoi Yatsu) aka DRAGON BALL Z THE MOVIE: THE WORLD`S STRONGEST Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Takao Koyama Movie: March 10, 1990 DRAGON BALL Z 3: SUPER BATTLE IN THE WORLD (???????Z ?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto: Chikyuu Marugoto Chookesse) aka DRAGON BALL Z THE MOVIE: THE TREE OF MIGHT Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 7, 1990 DRAGON BALL Z 4: SUPER SAIYA, SON GOKU (???????Z ?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto Suupaa Saiyajin da Son Gokuu) aka DRAGON BALL Z: LORD SLUG Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto, Screenplay: Takao Koyama March 9, 1991 DRAGON BALL Z 5: THE STRONGEST RIVALS (???????Z ???????????, Doragon Booru Zetto: Tobikkiri no Saikyoo tai Saikyoo) aka DRAGON BALL Z: COOLER`S REVENGE Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 20, 1991 DRAGON BALL Z 6: BILLION ILLION POWER WARRIORS (???????Z ??!!100?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto Gekitotsu!! Hyaku-Oku Pawaa no Senshi-tachi) aka DRAGON BALL Z: THE RETURN OF COOLER Director: Daisuke Nishio, Screenplay: Takao Koyama March 7, 1992 DRAGON BALL Z 7: SUPER BATTLE OF THREE SUPER SAIYAS (???????Z ?????!!???????, Doragon Booru Zetto Kyokugen Batoru!! San Dai Suupaa Saiyajin) aka DRAGON BALL Z: SUPER ANDROID 13 Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 11, 1992 DRAGON BALL Z 8: THE BURNING BATTLES (???????Z ?????!!?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto Moetsukiro!! Nessen Ressen Choo-Gekisen) aka DRAGON BALL Z: BROLY -- THE LEGENDARY SUPER SAIYAN Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Screenplay: Takao Koyama March 6, 1993 DRAGON BALL Z 9: SUPER GUY IN THE GALAXY (???????Z ??????!!?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto: Ginga Giri-Giri!! Butchigiri no Sugoi Yatsu) aka DRAGON BALL Z: BOJACK UNBOUND Director: Yoshihiro Ueda, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 10, 1993 DRAGON BALL Z 10: DANGEROUS RIVALS (???????Z ??????!?????????, Doragon Booru Zetto Kiken na Futari! Suupaa Senshi wa Nemurenai) aka DRAGON BALL Z: BROLY -- SECOND COMING Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Screenplay: Takao Koyama March 12, 1994 DRAGON BALL Z 11: ATTACK! SUPER WARRIORS (???????Z ?????!!???????, Doragon Booru Zetto Suupaa Senshi Gekiha!! Katsu No wa Ore da) aka DRAGON BALL Z: BIO-BROLY Director: Yoshihiro Ueda, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 9, 1994 DRAGON BALL Z 12: REVIVAL FUSION (???????Z ?????????!!???????, Doragon Booru Zetto Fukkatsu no Fyuujon!! Gokuu to Bejiita) aka DRAGON BALL Z: FUSION REBORN Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Screenplay: Takao Koyama Movie: March 4, 1995 DRAGON BALL Z 13: EXPLOSION OF DRAGON PUNCH (???????Z ????!!???????????, Doragon Booru Zetto Ryuu-Ken Bakuhatsu!! Gokuu ga Yaraneba Dare ga Yaru) aka DRAGON BALL Z: WRATH OF THE DRAGON Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto, Screenplay: Takao Koyama July 15, 1995 DRAGON BALL 4: THE WAY TO THE STRONGEST (??????? ?????, Doragon Booru Saikyoo e no Michi) aka DRAGON BALL: THE PATH TO POWER Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Screenplay: Aya Matsui March 2, 1996

POWER DATA

Original Comics: 42 Volumes Total Domestic (Japan) Circulation: Approximately 140 million Total Global Circulation: 230 million Complete Version: 34 Volumes Total Circulation: 20 million TV series DRAGON BALL (???????, Doragonbooru) Broadcasting period: February 26, 1986 - April 19, 1989 Number of Episodes: 153 Average audience rating: 21.2%. Highest audience rating: Episode 47 -- 29.5%. DRAGON BALL Z (???????Z(???), Doragon Booru Zetto) Broadcasting period: April 26, 1989 - January 31, 1996 Number of Episodes: 291 full episodes + 2 special episodes Average audience rating: 20.5%. Highest audience rating: Episode 218 -- 27.5%. DRAGON BALL GT (???????GT, Doragon Booru GT) Broadcasting period: February 7, 1996 - November 19, 1997 Number of Episodes: 64 full episodes + one extra episode Average audience rating: 14.6%. Highest audience rating: Episode 2 -- 19.7%. DRAGON BALL KAI (????????(??), Doragon Booru Kai) Broadcasting period: April 5, 2009 - March 27, 2011 Number of Episodes: 97 full episodes Average audience rating: 9.5%. Highest audience rating: Episode 47 -- 12.3%. Toys Game Software Dragon Ball Z total sales broke 23 million copies!! ?Domestic sales 5.61 million copies ?North America-Europe sales 17.57 million copies DRAGON BALL HEROES Digital card game Started running in November 2011! The total number of issues shipped broke 1 million copies! Merchandising Licensing: About 100 companies through all series Merchandise: DRAGON BALL About 600 items DRAGON BALL Z and DRAGON BALL GT About 2,500 items DRAGON BALL KAI About 1,200 items

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For more information on DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS in March 2013
• New DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS Images
• Madman Acquires DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS for Australia