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

Reviewers generally view the film as a charming, if rushed, introduction to the franchise:

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 ...

: The animation is highly regarded for its time, featuring "impressive lighting and shadows" and a higher budget than the standard TV episodes. The score by Shunsuke Kikuchi is often cited as a high point, enhancing the film's tone. Reviewers generally view the film as a charming,

Watch this retrospective to see how the film adapts classic scenes with a more serious tone and improved animation: Dragon ball Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) TOEI MONTH YouTube• Oct 31, 2017 Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) - IMDb The score by Shunsuke Kikuchi is often cited

Audiences often appreciate the film for its nostalgic value and "family-friendly atmosphere."