Toei Licenses Dragon Ball Kai-Freeze Saga To Cartoon Network Latin America

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Cartoon Network Latin America

LOS ANGELES – Toei Animation announced today that Cartoon Network Latin America has acquired the broadcast rights to the new anime series, Dragon Ball Kai – Freeze Saga, while also renewing Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT.

As part of the agreement, Cartoon Network has acquired the fifty-four half hour episodes of Dragon Ball Kai – Freeze Saga.

The Dragon Ball phenomena follows Goku’s quest (main character in the series) to become the strongest martial artist in the universe and his search for the seven magic Dragon Balls in a saga that encompasses Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Kai, the fourth and newest installment of the franchise. Dragon Ball is an adaptation of the successful Japanese comic of the same title by Akira Toriyama.

Dragon Ball’s fourth season, Dragon Ball Kai picks up where Dragon Ball GT ends…time has passed and life has moved on for Master Roshi's students and their associates. Goku wound up marrying Chi Chi and now has a son, Gohan, whom he brings to introduce to the whole gang at a meet at Master Roshi's house. The gathering turns out to be anything but peaceful, however, when a powerful alien named Raditz also arrives, claiming not only that he is a Saiyan, but also that Goku is, too, and his little brother to boot. He further claims that Goku was sent to Earth to ravage its population and resorts to drastic measures to try to “convince” Goku to rediscover his Saiyan heritage. An intense battle against the overwhelming power of Raditz requires both Goku teaming up with former enemy Piccolo and a great sacrifice in order to ensure Raditz's defeat, but Raditz's even more powerful Saiyan brethren are on the way. With one year to prepare, Goku's fellow fighters train diligently on Earth to up their power levels, while Piccolo works to develop Gohan's tremendous latent potential and Goku receives special training with (and learns several new techniques from) King Kai in Otherworld. In the face of the immense power of the Saiyans Nappa and Vegeta, though, can even Earth's most powerful warriors hold out long enough to allow Goku to arrive on the scene?

“We are very happy to announce that we signed a Dragon Ball Kai contract with Cartoon Network,” said Eduardo Lucio, Latin America sales manager for Toei.  “Dragon Ball Kai is already expected from hundreds of fans and new generations that are anxious to watch Goku and his friends back in action.  Fortunately, everyday cable is getting more penetration in all Latin American countries and this will help bring a large audience of enthusiastic Dragon Ball fans to Cartoon Network.”

“Adding Dragon Ball Kai to our Cartoon Network’s line-up just confirms our continued commitment to this incredible anime franchise.  We hope it brings a new generation to the amazing story of Goku, his family and friends all on Cartoon Network”, said Joy Ross, director of programming, Cartoon Network Latin America.

About Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Toei Animation (Jasdaq: 4816) ranks amongst the world’s most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation’s operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since it’s founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 10,000 episodes of TV series (more than 200 titles) and more than 200 long feature films as of January, 2010.

About Cartoon Network Latin America
Cartoon Network Latin America, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. 24-hour cable/satellite network, features the best characters in cartoon and live-action settings, including series, movies, music videos and video games, through a multiplicity of platforms including TV, internet, live events, licensed products, and mobile media. The channel is home to the largest cartoon library including award-winning original programming such as: The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Secret Saturdays, Ben 10: Alien Force, Adventure Time with Finn & Jake, Generator Rex and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. Cartoon Network launched on April 30, 1993 and is broadcast in over 33.6 million households in Spanish, Portuguese and English.