Summary
The Bilibili Dragon Ball stage performance shows the potential of a quality live-action adaptation of the beloved anime. Complex special effects add a visually stunning element to the live performance, capturing the essence of Dragon Ball's iconic action sequences. Unlike previous live-action attempts, the Bilibili show stays close to the source material, giving hope for a faithful adaptation in the future.
Same reasons why Dragon ball has become one of the most popular anime of all time, such as its action scenes and visually impressive fight scenes, also making it difficult to produce it as a live-action series. . However, the recent version of the story has proven that, with some creative effort, a great live-action version of Dragon Ball is possible.
The show in question, also reported by @catsuka in an early January post to X, was a special double celebration. On one hand, it was performed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dragon Ball – which will take place on November 20, 2024. On the other hand, it was performed to celebrate the New Year of the Dragon, which according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, takes place on February 10, 2024.
Indeed, the performance took place at Chinese streaming giant Bilibili's annual New Year's Gala. The more than 11-minute staged performance was performed by the famous Chinese dance group Old DOG, and features the appearance of Hiroki Takahashi – an artist famous for performing the opening theme song of the original Dragon Ball anime. With a healthy dose of artistic license, the performance summarized the Dragon Ball story from Goku landing on Earth as a Saiyan boy to his fight against the evil Majin Buu.
Bilibili's Dragon Ball performance is a great representation of the source material
This music and dance show is co-produced by Bilibili
Stage performances are mainly performed through music and dance activities. Although Dragon Ball is not typically associated with music, performance of Bilibili demonstrated just how versatile Akira Toriyama's enduring masterpiece can be in right hand. Goku's story is not only portrayed in an interesting way through the lyrics and the performer's dance moves, but it is also done in a way that is most accurate to the story. Indeed, those unfamiliar with Dragon Ball will gain a basic understanding of Dragon Ball mythology after the Bilibili show.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the integration of special effects into the live performance. The result is, Many of Dragon Ball's most iconic effects have been realized right before the viewer's eyes. Furthermore, the display and use of special effects are clunky and low quality. The effects achieve a remarkably faithful representation of the manga and anime's action.
The exceptionally effective combination of the Dragon Ball performance is a win for fans
Soul bomb AKA energy ball is considered by many to be one of Dragon Ball's strongest attacks. Drawing energy from everything in the nearby area, the user gathers it into a giant ball of light, which is then fired at the opponent. In the Dragon Ball manga and anime, the gathering of energy is depicted visually as rays of white or blue light that emanate from locations around the user and flow toward the energy ball above the user's head. The energy is also clearly depicted as crackling energy blasts.
The effect was recreated in the Bilibili Dragon Ball performance using the rear screen. The performer playing Goku stands in front of the screen with an energy ball on the back screen – displayed above his head. The audience – all of whom were given small white balls of light – were asked to pretend to throw the balls towards the energy ball on the screen. Afterward, uses both physically controlled drones holding balls of white light and computer technology, the ball of energy above Goku's head grew larger and larger. It has stunning visual effects that look better than depicted in manga and anime.
Dragon Ball has a history of repeating bad live-action
In addition to being a unique and fun Dragon Ball experience, the Bilibili performance also proves that A quality live-action version of Dragon Ball is completely possible. Considering other official Dragon Ball live-action efforts, specifically James Wong's 2009 Dragonball Evolution and Chun-Liang Chen's 1991 Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins, it's understandable that some fans can be doubtful.
Although negative reactions to Evolution eventually led to the creation of Dragon Ball Super, it is still remembered as the worst product associated with the franchise. The main complaints about those efforts were that they deviated significantly from the source material and that the special effects left much to be desired. Indeed, as TheDivaReview reported at the time about Dragonball Evolutions, the creators tried:
Created some of the worst special effects seen outside of an Ed Wood film – indeed, whoever approved CGI for this film should have their license revoked.
Certainly, one of the difficulties fans often cite when banning a quality Dragon Ball live-action movie or TV series is the special effects. According to this discussion, the fantasy nature of Dragon Ball and its over-the-top action and fighting scenes cannot be fully recreated in a live-action show. Either the effects will be terrible, like in Dragonball Evolution, or they will rely so much on computer technology that it's unbelievable.
Bilibili Dragon Ball performance gives fans hope for a proper live-action movie or series
Bilibili's Dragon Ball show shows that a live-action show can actually stay true to the source material. To be sure, the performance maintained its precision with the music and dancing. It also demonstrates that special effects can be used effectively to accurately recreate the energetic elements that make up the Dragon ball very known and loved all over the world
Source: @Catsuka, TheDivaReview