Resurrection F Arc

Lore & Background

Sorbet, commander of Frieza's remnants, forces the Pilaf Gang to use the Dragon Balls to summon Shenron and revive their fallen leader. Due to his previous dismemberment, Frieza is revived in pieces but reassembled by Sorbet's minions using advanced technology. Once restored, Frieza learns that Goku has grown significantly more powerful, prompting him to postpone his invasion to train for the first time. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman arrives on Earth to warn Bulma of the approaching threat while Goku and Vegeta are away training with Whis on Beerus' planet. In their absence, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan, and Jaco assemble to resist Frieza's army, successfully defeating thousands of his soldiers before being overwhelmed by Frieza's newly increased power.

In Their Own Story

Goku and Vegeta return to Earth after Bulma contacts Whis, rescuing their allies to face the resurrected tyrant. Goku engages Frieza first, quickly gaining an advantage until he realizes Frieza is holding back; both agree to fight at full power. Goku transforms into Super Saiyan Blue, characterized by glowing blue hair and aura, while Frieza assumes his new gold-plated form, dubbed Golden Frieza. Although Frieza initially gains the upper hand, his energy drains rapidly due to inexperience with the transformation. After Goku bests him and offers a chance to leave, Frieza's rage explodes when Sorbet shoots an incapacitated Goku with a raygun. Vegeta refuses Frieza's offer to become his second-in-command, transforms into Super Saiyan Blue, and dominates the fight. When Krillin attempts to use a Senzu bean on Goku, Frieza attacks him, but Vegeta deflects the blast, killing Sorbet instead. Humiliated, Frieza destroys Earth with a surprise energy blast, killing Vegeta. Whis reverses time by three minutes, allowing Goku to kill Frieza with a Kamehameha.

Reader's Guide

The film was released theatrically on April 18, 2015, becoming the first Japanese film screened in IMAX 3D and at 4DX theaters. It received a limited North American release between August 4–13, 2015, followed by releases in Australia/New Zealand (August 6–19) and the UK/Ireland (September 30). The plot was adapted into the second story arc of Dragon Ball Super with added scenes set before the film's events. Akira Toriyama conceived the idea while watching Maximum the Hormone perform their 2008 song "F" at a concert. The theme song, "Z no Chikai" by Momoiro Clover Z, was released on April 29, 2015, and includes a cover of "Cha-La Head-Cha-La." Critics praised the animation quality and fast-paced action but noted some shortcomings in the dramatic plot.

Did You Know?

• Akira Toriyama wrote the screenplay for Resurrection 'F', marking the first time the series creator penned a script for an animated feature in the franchise.
• The film was released on April 18, 2015, and became the first Japanese film to be screened simultaneously in IMAX 3D and 4DX theaters.
• Frieza's resurrection was conceived by Toriyama after he watched the metal band Maximum the Hormone perform their 2008 song 'F' at a concert.
• Momoiro Clover Z performed the theme song 'Z no Chikai,' with all five members appearing in the film as 'angels from hell.'
• In the post-credits scene, Frieza returns to Hell and is welcomed back by his former subordinates.