Dragon Ball - Movie 1: The Legend Of Shen Long ... May 2026

“The story is simple -- but entertaining -- and the characters are the same ones you probably already know and love.” DVD Talk · 15 years ago

The movie follows a greedy, cursed monarch named , whose insatiable hunger has transformed him into a gluttonous monster. While his soldiers, Pasta and Bongo, exploit the land for valuable "Blood Rubies," the King seeks the Dragon Balls to wish away his eternal hunger. Dragon Ball - movie 1: The legend of Shen Long ...

(released internationally as Curse of the Blood Rubies ) is the first feature film in the Dragon Ball franchise. Originally premiering in Japan on December 20, 1986, this 50-minute film serves as an alternate universe retelling of the series' first major story arc. Plot & Core Conflict “The story is simple -- but entertaining --

: The movie is considered "standalone canon"—meaning it is an official product but exists in its own separate continuity. Notable changes include the replacement of Emperor Pilaf with King Gurumes and the first appearance of the sky darkening during Shenlong's summoning. Viewer Perspectives Originally premiering in Japan on December 20, 1986,