CNN reports the official FUNimation and Toei Animation announcement concerning Dragon Ball Z Kai.

“Navarre Corporation (Nasdaq:NAVR) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary FUNimation® Entertainment and Japanese powerhouse producer Toei Animation Co., Ltd. have entered into a multi-year agreement for the U.S. anime leader to distribute the latest chapter of the genre-establishing Dragon Ball franchise, “Dragon Ball Z Kai.”

“Dragon Ball Z Kai has been hotly anticipated in the states,” said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. “We are pleased to come together with Toei and offer passionate fans, who have been waiting for developments in the Dragon Ball universe, the opportunity to see the new series.”

Read more at CNN…

There have been rumored reports going around that Dragon Ball Z Kai will hit North American television stations sometime this fall. There is no concrete evidence on this just yet. But seeing how Japan is already streaming DB Kai on TV and Mexico will air it via Televisa in 2011, it is very possible that North America will see DB Z Kai aired on TV soon as well. We will keep you updated.

As Kanzentai reported, we will be seeing Goku transform into the legendary Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball Kai very soon. But what exactly should we expect from TOEI Animation? I expect a visually enhanced transformation with brightened golden aura. But it will be interesting to see what’s done music wise. We will find out when the episode airs two weeks from now. Here is a translated list with dates of the next two Dragon Ball Kai episodes.

Episode 046 – February 28, 2010
「これが最後の切り札だ！悟空の特大元気玉」
“This is the Last Trump Card! Goku’s Extra-Large Genki-dama”

Episode 047 – March 7, 2010
「目覚めろ伝説の戦士…超サイヤ人、孫悟空！」
“Awaken, Legendary Warrior… Son Goku, the Super Saiyan!”

Post in the comments what you would like to see enhanced with this legendary transformation. When the Super Saiyan episode airs I will snag a clip of the transformation for everyone to view.

FUNimation updated their blog confirming the recently announced new voice cast for DB Kai and added in the retaining voice actors and their roles.

Reprising their roles from Dragon Ball Z:

Goku – Sean Schemmel
Vegeta and Piccolo – Christopher R. Sabat
Raditz – Justin Cook
Master Roshi – Mike McFarland
Tien – John Burgmeier
Ox King – Kyle Hebert
Chi-Chi – Cynthia Cranz
Nappa – Phil Parsons

Also returning are Linda Chambers Young as Frieza and Sonny Strait as Krillin and Bardock.

Joining the cast:
Gohan – Colleen Clinkenbeard
Bulma – Monica Rial
Narrator – Doc Morgan
Chiaotzu and Puar – Brina Palencia

FUNimation Entertainment will begin releasing the series on DVD and Blu-ray starting with Part One on May 18, 2010.

ANMTVLA is reporting that the Mexican television station known as Televisa has renewed its rights for Dragon Ball Z. There are also still negotiations regarding Dragon Ball Kai for Latin America. TOEI Animation is expected to grant rights to DB Kai for Televisa to begin airing by 2011. This could also possibly mean FUNimation will air their version of DB Kai on TV (Cartoon Network). But I would not get my hopes up yet regarding that.

FUNimation has announced the new cast members for dubbing Dragon Ball Kai. Most of the cast does stay the same, however here are the new voice actors and their roles.

Gohan: Colleen Clinkenbeard
Bulma: Monica Rial
Narrator: Doc Morgan
Chiaotzu and Puar: Brina Palencia

Click here to check out the box art for the first release.

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