This article is about the anime and manga. For the toy, see Beyblade (toy).
Beyblade (ベイブレード) is an anime and manga series about a group of kids battling with highly powerful spinning tops enchanted with sacred bit-beasts or spirits of mythical and powerful creatures. The show focuses on the battles between Beyblading teams as they compete to become the world champions. The main characters are the Bladebreakers, a team consisting of Tyson Granger, Kai Hiwatari, Ray Kon and Max Tate. During their quest to become Beyblade champions, Tyson and his friends meet many new friends, enemies and competitors whilst overcoming problems.
Beyblade began during 1999 as a manga and a series of toys in Japan. After the manga became a success, Beyblade was made into an anime, that premeried in Japan, and was later dubbed and played in several other countries. Beyblade had three seasons, a few video games and a vast line of merchandise. The show began in 2001 ended in 2004. The anime is aimed and targeted at younger elementary/primary-school aged children. It is a Kodomo Shonen anime.
The Beyblade anime is licensed by Nelvana in North America. The Beyblade manga, made by Takao Aoki, is published in English in North America by VIZ Media, some names are changed to match the English anime version. In Singapore, it is published in English by Chuang Yi.[edit] Plot
[edit] Anime
[edit] Beyblade
(Beyblade (爆転シュート ベイブレード, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade?))
The first season's plot was linear. The Bladebreakers were mostly concerned with winning the World Beyblading Championships. Tyson enters The Japanese Regional Beyblade Qualifying Tournament in hope to be the best Beyblader in Japan. Tyson finds himself up against Ray Kon, after defeating him, Tyson runs into Kai Hiwatari, who will eventually become Tyson's greatest rival. After Tyson defeats Kai, it is revealed that Tyson, Kai, Ray and Max are to form a team called The Bladebreakers to represent Japan in the Beyblade World Championships. Tyson and his friends head off to China to match up against Ray's old team, The White Tigers. It is seen that Ray's old team holds a grudge against him for leaving them, but towards the end of the Chinese Tournament, Ray and his ex team mates make amends, and The Bladebreakers win the tournament. After this, Tyson and his friends arrive in the USA to fight The All Starz, who are coached by Max's mother. After they defeat the All Starz, the team find themselves stranded in Europe. In order to get to Russia to register for the World Championships, they must battle the Majestics who are Europe's top bladers. Once in Russia, Tyson and his friends find themselves up against The Demolition Boys, the Russian Champions, who are ruthless and obsessed with power. The Bladebreakers then discover that The Demolition Boys are merely tools for the BIOVOLT Corporation, run by Kai's grandfather, Voltaire, and Boris, a criminal mastermind. Initially, Kai was pursued by Boris to join the Demolition Boys in the ultimate quest for power, the Black Dranzer bitbeast which Kai was seeking to become the best beyblader. But later he realized his folly and joined the Bladebreakers once again. The Bladebreakers defeat the Demolition Boys in the finals, with Tyson defeating their leader, Tala, and becoming the world champion.
[edit] V-Force
(Beyblade V-Force (爆転シュートベイブレード2002, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002?))
The second season finds Tyson and his friends separated. Ray has returned to his home village in China, Max has returned to America to help his mother research Beyblading, and Kai has been sent to an all boys boarding school. The teams are reunited however when a myster
ious Beyblading group named The Saint Shields arrive and defeat everyone of them except Kai. The Bladebreakers come together to defeat this new foe who they learn wants to capture their four sacred bitbeasts and seal them away. After this, The Bladebreakers learn of a new criminal organization and a Beyblade team named Team Psykick who are also out to capture their bitbeasts by the villainous Gideon & Doctor B and use them for evil. Tyson and his friends are successful, but only by chance and Tyson is put into hospital for a short time. During the new Beyblade World Championships, Tyson must overcome his friend Zeo Zagart who needs to take Tyson, Kai, Ray and Max's bitbeast to make him human (it is revealed he is a robot).
[edit] G-Revolution
(Beyblade G-Revolution (爆転シュート ベイブレード Gレボリューション, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade G-Revolution?))
It begins with Tyson teaching children at his Beyblading Summer School, when a new blader named Daichi Sumeragi appears and demands to fight Tyson. Tyson accepts and discovers that Daichi's bitbeast is similar to his own, as are his attacks. When the World Championships are announced, Max and Ray tell Tyson that they will not be blading as Bladebreakers and leave the team. Ray returns to China to enter with The White Tigers as Max returns to America to join The All Starz. Tyson believes he, Daichi and Kai will form a new team, but is shocked when he discovers Kai has also left to rejoin The Demolition Boys who have now renamed their team, The Blitzkrieg Boys. Tyson feels betrayed but forms a tag team with Daichi and name themselves the BBA Revolution. During the World Championships, Tyson must face his old team mates and several new teams including F Dynasty and Barthez Battalion. After the championships, Tyson is shocked to find that the BBA (Beyblade Battle Association) has been brought down only to be replaced by a new professional Beyblade League known as BEGA (Beyblade Entertainment Global Association). Tyson joins up with Ray, Max and Daichi in order to bring down this new league when they realize that Boris has returned and is now using BEGA as another attempt at world domination. Tyson is shocked when Kai joins up with The BEGA League, but relieved when he later returns to help Tyson fight the BEGA League. In the finale, Tyson defeats the ultimate Beyblade Warrior, Brooklyn (BEGA). After the official fight, Tyson and Brooklyn have a beybattle for pure fun. Mr. Dickenson and Tyson's grandfather begin to rebuild the BBA soon after, and the adventures of the Bladebreakers come to a close as Tyson and Kai have a friendly battle with their friends and teammates at their side.
[edit] Differences Between Anime and Manga versions
The Beyblade manga by Takao Aoki differs from the anime in many aspects. Characters such as Kai and Tala have differing backgrounds. Kai's in particular being fleshed out more, giving a deeper understanding of his upbringing and motives.
The characters behave very differently in the manga than the anime series. Kai Hiwatari is a lot more selfish, mean, and cold. Tala Valkov is shown as being less loyal to Boris during his BIOVOLT days, and will do anything to win. Ray Kon is a lot more mysterious. Hilary Tachibana wasn't shown in the manga at all.
Several characters who were shown in the manga books weren't featured in the anime for unknown reasons, as were some characters weren't shown in the manga but appeared in the anime.
The Beyblade manga continued for 14 volumes, and was translated and sold in many countries. The books also have epilogues from Aoki Takao (the creator of Beyblade), which involved Tyson and the gang teaching their children how to beybattle.
Additionally, the manga focuses on Daichi's story, detailing his life before he joins with the Bladebreakers. In the course of his quest to become the best beyblader in Japan he meets many friends and competitors, who do not appear in the anime at all, such as Hikaru Tomonji and Kennosuke Shishi.
[edit] Epilogues
At the end of the manga series, which was the effective end of the Beyblade media franchise, there was a short chapter that revealed the fate of the Bladebreakers many years later:
Daichi: Becomes the Beyblade Tournament referee in D.J. Jazzman's place.
Kai: Becomes the President of Hiwatari Enterprises (with his grandfather in jail and father leaving the family business) and is married and has a son named Gou. Kai still retains his passion for beyblading, even putting his work on hold to battle Tyson yet again.
Kenny: Becomes a scientist at the BBA and subordinate of Max, and leads the development of new beyblades.
Max: Becomes director of the BBA in his mother's place.
Ray: Becomes the head beyblade trainer for his village, and has married Mariah and has a daughter with her named Rin (Ling), who he teaches to continue beyblading.
Tyson: Becomes a ninja trainer and gets married and has a son named Makoto, who he teaches to continue beyblading.
[edit] Media
[edit] Original Soundtracks
in the English language there are 2 different soundtracks, one of them which was made in Canada called "Let it Rip!" and the other soundtrack was made in the UK and was called "Beyblade Let it Rip!"
In Japan there are 2 Original Soundtracks for the first season Beyblade OST 1 Beyblade OST 2" The second season has no original soundtracks. The Beyblade Movie: Takao VS Daichi, has an Original Soundtrack. The last Beyblade series G Revolution has an Original Soundtrack also.
[edit] Movie
Beyblade: The Movie - Fierce Battle (爆転シュートベイブレード THE MOVIE 激闘!!タカオVS大地 - Bakuten Shoot Beyblade The Movie: Gekitou!! Takao vs Daichi) Chronologically, BeyBlade The Movie: Fierce Battle is set between second and third seasons, even though Daichi appears in the movie. A new Beyblade team named Shadow Bladers (consisting of new beybladers Steven, Ashley, Daniel, and Henry) was introduced.
After Tyson won Japanese BBA tournament, Daichi challenges him inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Professor Tengai discovers an ancient warning of the dark spirits inside a cave on the island. When Daichi's Beyblade starts glowing during the beybattle, the dark bit beast from the Demon Rock Island starts possessing Tengai's students. The Shadow Bladers seek Daichi's bit beast, Strata Dragoon, in order to release the bit beasts from the ruins. After the Shadow Bladers captured Daichi and Strata Dragoon, the dark bit beasts possess Daichi and are intent to reunite with the 4 sacred beasts, Dragoon, Dranzer, Driger, and Draciel.
The original movie storyline was also featured in volume 14 of the Beyblade manga books, but ended on a cliff hanger due to being released on DVD. Characters in the original timeline also include China, Ping Pong, and Sarenia
[edit] VHS/DVD Releases
The popularity of Beyblade in Japan was popular enough to have VHS and DVD releases of the show. In Japan all of the episodes have been released on VHS and DVD. The Beyblade 2001 DVDs first 2 volumes had 3 episodes a piece and were sold new at 4,200 yen per DVD. The rest of season 1 that had 5 episodes were sold new at 5,500 yen. The Japanese Beyblade DVDs first season titles were Called SHOOT (plus the volume number). The Beyblade 2002 DVDs were released in 2 separate titles. Blader Project (Vol 1~9) and BB Victory (Vol 1~8). G Revolution the volumes were called by the series name G Revolution and the volume number. There are 17 DVD volumes in G Revolution.
When Beyblade got dubbed by Nelvana, the USA DVDs all of the first season were only released in Nelvana TV dub edited. The second season V-Force DVDs have only got released in Australia in a box set of 12 episodes for now at least. When Beyblade G Revolution was the next season that Nelvana dubbed, Funimation released them on DVD. Volumes 1-4 were edited-only English dub, but then due to fan outcry, Volume five onwards contains the original Japanese episodes as well as the dubbed version. Volume 5 and 6 were released but no new releases have been confirmed.
[edit] Video games
There have been several video games based on the show, spanning the Game Boy Advance and the PlayStation. However, as is the case with many video games based on licensed properties these games have been critically panned.
Beyblade V Force Adventure (Gameboy Advance)
Beyblade (Game Boy Color, Japan Only)
Beyblade (PlayStation)
Beyblade 2 (PlayStation, Japan Only)
BeyBlade: Super Tournament Battle (GameCube)
Beyblade: GRevolution (Game Boy Advance),
Beyblade Ultimate Blader Jam (Game Boy Advance)
Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002: Takao Version (Game Boy Advance, Japan Only)
Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002: Daichi Version (Game Boy Advance, Japan Only)
Beyblade V-Force 2 In 1 TV Game (Plug-and-Play)
[edit] Broadcasting Blocking Issues
Brazil: Jetix (and some time ago, Globo(TV Xuxa's block), but not any more.)
Denmark: Cartoon Network (Toonami block)
India: Cartoon Network (Toonami block)(not broadcasted any more)
Ireland: RTÉ Two (The Den block)
Nepal:Ntv {not broadcasted any more}
Poland: Jetix (and some time ago, Polsat, but not any more.)
Portugal: TVI and Canal Panda
United Kingdom: Toonami, Five, S4C (In wales/Welsh language only on Planed Plant), Cartoon Network (2002 - 2004)
United States: ABC Family (JETIX block) and Toon Disney
Germany: [[RTL 2], [Jetix]] (nowadays not broadcasted)
Austria: ATV
Czech Republic: TV NOVA (nowadays not broadcasted)
Italy: Italia 1
Latin America: Jetix (before it was Fox Kids).
Costa Rica: Repretel canal 4, only G-Revolution
Canada: YTV (not broadcasted any more)
[edit] Changes in the English version
Beyblade was significantly changed to make it more palatable for a western audience. The most notable of the changes include:
The phrase "Go Shoot" was replaced with "Let it Rip", possibly to avoid references to gun violence, but the official reasoning is unknown.
New intro/opening sequences.
Several characters' names were changed, many characters having their Japanese names changed to English alternatives. The original ones can be found on the list of Beyblade characters.
Instrumental soundtracks were changed to punk and metal style music, with lyrics. There wasn't any original Japanese soundtrack remaining.
Sound effects are changed to familiar American sound effects. There weren't any original Japanese sound effects remaining.
Logos originally displayed in Japanese were redesigned in English.
In V-Force dubbing, the name of Ray's new beyblade Driger-V was mistakenly(?) called "Driger 5". However, the "V" actually stands for "Vulcan". But seeing as "V" is the Roman numeral for "5", it's easy to guess how this mix-up occurred.
AJ Topper and Brad Best were added to make comments about the tournaments. They did not exist in the original instead, Blader DJ filled this role.
In G-Revolution Season, the original Japanese dub Tyson's brother Hiro punches Tyson in episode 8. While in the English dub, it just shows Tyson on the ground with Hiro's fist held towards his face.
Kenny's bitbeast, Dizzara (aka "Dizzi"), was added for comic relief during the first two seasons. It was said in the dub version that she accidentally entered his laptop causing her to speak. Dizzi did not appear in the third season.
Before every official fight, a small scene talking about the bladers and the stadium appears. First, it shows the stadium, in different angles, with its name. Then it shows an image of the blader, his/her attack, defense and endurance points, name and special attack. An image and name of the bit beast also appears.
Elements of the dialogue were also changed.
Every episode and season had its title changed from its Japanese counterpart, except for the third season's title (G-Revolution).
In the conclusion of G-Revolution, Beyblade's last season, the original version contained some images showing all the characters that ever made an important appearance, like those in V-Force and those who didn't return in G-Revolution. For some reason, Nelvana censored the images, although they were nothing but images showing all the characters. A similar thing was done for the conclusion of Cardcaptors
Many team names were changed in the English dub. (e.g. Team BBA was changed to Bladebreakers). The only two teams to not have their names changed were the BBA Revolution and BEGA (also known as Justice 5), both of which come from the third season Beyblade G-Revolution
Originally the Beyblade name and the bit-beast name was different; for example, instead of Dragoon for both the blade and the bit-beast, it was Dragoon for the blade and Seiryuu for the bit-beast.
The characters were younger in the original with Tyson starting the series at 10 instead of twelve, with the rest of the team aged accordingly.
Fan reaction to these changes were mixed. Hardcore fans disliked the dubbed version of Beyblade and used the original Japanese versions as references instead. It should be noted that in the pilot, Tyson says winder, the original name of the tool, rather than ripcord. It should also be noted that in V-Force, whenever a bit-beasts' data was shown, it's original name is shown (e.g. Seiryu rather than Dragoon).
[edit] Nelvana Insert songs
First season:
Let's Beyblade (opening theme) - Lukas Rossi
Never gonna take me down - Anthony Vanderburgh
Let's go Beybladers - Krystal Band
Heavyweight Generation Beyblades
All Across the Nation - The Black Europeans
Switchblade - Lenz
Swing Low
Second season:
Underdog - Mudd
Always be in the game - Jason Dean Bennison
Third season:
Rise Above the Storm
I'm Not Going Down
Hang On
Beyblade (ベイブレード) is an anime and manga series about a group of kids battling with highly powerful spinning tops enchanted with sacred bit-beasts or spirits of mythical and powerful creatures. The show focuses on the battles between Beyblading teams as they compete to become the world champions. The main characters are the Bladebreakers, a team consisting of Tyson Granger, Kai Hiwatari, Ray Kon and Max Tate. During their quest to become Beyblade champions, Tyson and his friends meet many new friends, enemies and competitors whilst overcoming problems.
Beyblade began during 1999 as a manga and a series of toys in Japan. After the manga became a success, Beyblade was made into an anime, that premeried in Japan, and was later dubbed and played in several other countries. Beyblade had three seasons, a few video games and a vast line of merchandise. The show began in 2001 ended in 2004. The anime is aimed and targeted at younger elementary/primary-school aged children. It is a Kodomo Shonen anime.
The Beyblade anime is licensed by Nelvana in North America. The Beyblade manga, made by Takao Aoki, is published in English in North America by VIZ Media, some names are changed to match the English anime version. In Singapore, it is published in English by Chuang Yi.[edit] Plot
[edit] Anime
[edit] Beyblade
(Beyblade (爆転シュート ベイブレード, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade?))
The first season's plot was linear. The Bladebreakers were mostly concerned with winning the World Beyblading Championships. Tyson enters The Japanese Regional Beyblade Qualifying Tournament in hope to be the best Beyblader in Japan. Tyson finds himself up against Ray Kon, after defeating him, Tyson runs into Kai Hiwatari, who will eventually become Tyson's greatest rival. After Tyson defeats Kai, it is revealed that Tyson, Kai, Ray and Max are to form a team called The Bladebreakers to represent Japan in the Beyblade World Championships. Tyson and his friends head off to China to match up against Ray's old team, The White Tigers. It is seen that Ray's old team holds a grudge against him for leaving them, but towards the end of the Chinese Tournament, Ray and his ex team mates make amends, and The Bladebreakers win the tournament. After this, Tyson and his friends arrive in the USA to fight The All Starz, who are coached by Max's mother. After they defeat the All Starz, the team find themselves stranded in Europe. In order to get to Russia to register for the World Championships, they must battle the Majestics who are Europe's top bladers. Once in Russia, Tyson and his friends find themselves up against The Demolition Boys, the Russian Champions, who are ruthless and obsessed with power. The Bladebreakers then discover that The Demolition Boys are merely tools for the BIOVOLT Corporation, run by Kai's grandfather, Voltaire, and Boris, a criminal mastermind. Initially, Kai was pursued by Boris to join the Demolition Boys in the ultimate quest for power, the Black Dranzer bitbeast which Kai was seeking to become the best beyblader. But later he realized his folly and joined the Bladebreakers once again. The Bladebreakers defeat the Demolition Boys in the finals, with Tyson defeating their leader, Tala, and becoming the world champion.
[edit] V-Force
(Beyblade V-Force (爆転シュートベイブレード2002, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002?))
The second season finds Tyson and his friends separated. Ray has returned to his home village in China, Max has returned to America to help his mother research Beyblading, and Kai has been sent to an all boys boarding school. The teams are reunited however when a myster
ious Beyblading group named The Saint Shields arrive and defeat everyone of them except Kai. The Bladebreakers come together to defeat this new foe who they learn wants to capture their four sacred bitbeasts and seal them away. After this, The Bladebreakers learn of a new criminal organization and a Beyblade team named Team Psykick who are also out to capture their bitbeasts by the villainous Gideon & Doctor B and use them for evil. Tyson and his friends are successful, but only by chance and Tyson is put into hospital for a short time. During the new Beyblade World Championships, Tyson must overcome his friend Zeo Zagart who needs to take Tyson, Kai, Ray and Max's bitbeast to make him human (it is revealed he is a robot).[edit] G-Revolution
(Beyblade G-Revolution (爆転シュート ベイブレード Gレボリューション, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade G-Revolution?))
It begins with Tyson teaching children at his Beyblading Summer School, when a new blader named Daichi Sumeragi appears and demands to fight Tyson. Tyson accepts and discovers that Daichi's bitbeast is similar to his own, as are his attacks. When the World Championships are announced, Max and Ray tell Tyson that they will not be blading as Bladebreakers and leave the team. Ray returns to China to enter with The White Tigers as Max returns to America to join The All Starz. Tyson believes he, Daichi and Kai will form a new team, but is shocked when he discovers Kai has also left to rejoin The Demolition Boys who have now renamed their team, The Blitzkrieg Boys. Tyson feels betrayed but forms a tag team with Daichi and name themselves the BBA Revolution. During the World Championships, Tyson must face his old team mates and several new teams including F Dynasty and Barthez Battalion. After the championships, Tyson is shocked to find that the BBA (Beyblade Battle Association) has been brought down only to be replaced by a new professional Beyblade League known as BEGA (Beyblade Entertainment Global Association). Tyson joins up with Ray, Max and Daichi in order to bring down this new league when they realize that Boris has returned and is now using BEGA as another attempt at world domination. Tyson is shocked when Kai joins up with The BEGA League, but relieved when he later returns to help Tyson fight the BEGA League. In the finale, Tyson defeats the ultimate Beyblade Warrior, Brooklyn (BEGA). After the official fight, Tyson and Brooklyn have a beybattle for pure fun. Mr. Dickenson and Tyson's grandfather begin to rebuild the BBA soon after, and the adventures of the Bladebreakers come to a close as Tyson and Kai have a friendly battle with their friends and teammates at their side.
[edit] Differences Between Anime and Manga versions
The Beyblade manga by Takao Aoki differs from the anime in many aspects. Characters such as Kai and Tala have differing backgrounds. Kai's in particular being fleshed out more, giving a deeper understanding of his upbringing and motives.
The characters behave very differently in the manga than the anime series. Kai Hiwatari is a lot more selfish, mean, and cold. Tala Valkov is shown as being less loyal to Boris during his BIOVOLT days, and will do anything to win. Ray Kon is a lot more mysterious. Hilary Tachibana wasn't shown in the manga at all.
Several characters who were shown in the manga books weren't featured in the anime for unknown reasons, as were some characters weren't shown in the manga but appeared in the anime.
The Beyblade manga continued for 14 volumes, and was translated and sold in many countries. The books also have epilogues from Aoki Takao (the creator of Beyblade), which involved Tyson and the gang teaching their children how to beybattle.
Additionally, the manga focuses on Daichi's story, detailing his life before he joins with the Bladebreakers. In the course of his quest to become the best beyblader in Japan he meets many friends and competitors, who do not appear in the anime at all, such as Hikaru Tomonji and Kennosuke Shishi.
[edit] Epilogues
At the end of the manga series, which was the effective end of the Beyblade media franchise, there was a short chapter that revealed the fate of the Bladebreakers many years later:
Daichi: Becomes the Beyblade Tournament referee in D.J. Jazzman's place.
Kai: Becomes the President of Hiwatari Enterprises (with his grandfather in jail and father leaving the family business) and is married and has a son named Gou. Kai still retains his passion for beyblading, even putting his work on hold to battle Tyson yet again.
Kenny: Becomes a scientist at the BBA and subordinate of Max, and leads the development of new beyblades.
Max: Becomes director of the BBA in his mother's place.
Ray: Becomes the head beyblade trainer for his village, and has married Mariah and has a daughter with her named Rin (Ling), who he teaches to continue beyblading.
Tyson: Becomes a ninja trainer and gets married and has a son named Makoto, who he teaches to continue beyblading.
[edit] Media
[edit] Original Soundtracks
in the English language there are 2 different soundtracks, one of them which was made in Canada called "Let it Rip!" and the other soundtrack was made in the UK and was called "Beyblade Let it Rip!"
In Japan there are 2 Original Soundtracks for the first season Beyblade OST 1 Beyblade OST 2" The second season has no original soundtracks. The Beyblade Movie: Takao VS Daichi, has an Original Soundtrack. The last Beyblade series G Revolution has an Original Soundtrack also.
[edit] Movie
Beyblade: The Movie - Fierce Battle (爆転シュートベイブレード THE MOVIE 激闘!!タカオVS大地 - Bakuten Shoot Beyblade The Movie: Gekitou!! Takao vs Daichi) Chronologically, BeyBlade The Movie: Fierce Battle is set between second and third seasons, even though Daichi appears in the movie. A new Beyblade team named Shadow Bladers (consisting of new beybladers Steven, Ashley, Daniel, and Henry) was introduced.
After Tyson won Japanese BBA tournament, Daichi challenges him inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Professor Tengai discovers an ancient warning of the dark spirits inside a cave on the island. When Daichi's Beyblade starts glowing during the beybattle, the dark bit beast from the Demon Rock Island starts possessing Tengai's students. The Shadow Bladers seek Daichi's bit beast, Strata Dragoon, in order to release the bit beasts from the ruins. After the Shadow Bladers captured Daichi and Strata Dragoon, the dark bit beasts possess Daichi and are intent to reunite with the 4 sacred beasts, Dragoon, Dranzer, Driger, and Draciel.
The original movie storyline was also featured in volume 14 of the Beyblade manga books, but ended on a cliff hanger due to being released on DVD. Characters in the original timeline also include China, Ping Pong, and Sarenia
[edit] VHS/DVD Releases
The popularity of Beyblade in Japan was popular enough to have VHS and DVD releases of the show. In Japan all of the episodes have been released on VHS and DVD. The Beyblade 2001 DVDs first 2 volumes had 3 episodes a piece and were sold new at 4,200 yen per DVD. The rest of season 1 that had 5 episodes were sold new at 5,500 yen. The Japanese Beyblade DVDs first season titles were Called SHOOT (plus the volume number). The Beyblade 2002 DVDs were released in 2 separate titles. Blader Project (Vol 1~9) and BB Victory (Vol 1~8). G Revolution the volumes were called by the series name G Revolution and the volume number. There are 17 DVD volumes in G Revolution.
When Beyblade got dubbed by Nelvana, the USA DVDs all of the first season were only released in Nelvana TV dub edited. The second season V-Force DVDs have only got released in Australia in a box set of 12 episodes for now at least. When Beyblade G Revolution was the next season that Nelvana dubbed, Funimation released them on DVD. Volumes 1-4 were edited-only English dub, but then due to fan outcry, Volume five onwards contains the original Japanese episodes as well as the dubbed version. Volume 5 and 6 were released but no new releases have been confirmed.
[edit] Video games
There have been several video games based on the show, spanning the Game Boy Advance and the PlayStation. However, as is the case with many video games based on licensed properties these games have been critically panned.
Beyblade V Force Adventure (Gameboy Advance)
Beyblade (Game Boy Color, Japan Only)
Beyblade (PlayStation)
Beyblade 2 (PlayStation, Japan Only)
BeyBlade: Super Tournament Battle (GameCube)
Beyblade: GRevolution (Game Boy Advance),
Beyblade Ultimate Blader Jam (Game Boy Advance)
Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002: Takao Version (Game Boy Advance, Japan Only)
Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002: Daichi Version (Game Boy Advance, Japan Only)
Beyblade V-Force 2 In 1 TV Game (Plug-and-Play)
[edit] Broadcasting Blocking Issues
Brazil: Jetix (and some time ago, Globo(TV Xuxa's block), but not any more.)
Denmark: Cartoon Network (Toonami block)
India: Cartoon Network (Toonami block)(not broadcasted any more)
Ireland: RTÉ Two (The Den block)
Nepal:Ntv {not broadcasted any more}
Poland: Jetix (and some time ago, Polsat, but not any more.)
Portugal: TVI and Canal Panda
United Kingdom: Toonami, Five, S4C (In wales/Welsh language only on Planed Plant), Cartoon Network (2002 - 2004)
United States: ABC Family (JETIX block) and Toon Disney
Germany: [[RTL 2], [Jetix]] (nowadays not broadcasted)
Austria: ATV
Czech Republic: TV NOVA (nowadays not broadcasted)
Italy: Italia 1
Latin America: Jetix (before it was Fox Kids).
Costa Rica: Repretel canal 4, only G-Revolution
Canada: YTV (not broadcasted any more)
[edit] Changes in the English version
Beyblade was significantly changed to make it more palatable for a western audience. The most notable of the changes include:
The phrase "Go Shoot" was replaced with "Let it Rip", possibly to avoid references to gun violence, but the official reasoning is unknown.
New intro/opening sequences.
Several characters' names were changed, many characters having their Japanese names changed to English alternatives. The original ones can be found on the list of Beyblade characters.
Instrumental soundtracks were changed to punk and metal style music, with lyrics. There wasn't any original Japanese soundtrack remaining.
Sound effects are changed to familiar American sound effects. There weren't any original Japanese sound effects remaining.
Logos originally displayed in Japanese were redesigned in English.
In V-Force dubbing, the name of Ray's new beyblade Driger-V was mistakenly(?) called "Driger 5". However, the "V" actually stands for "Vulcan". But seeing as "V" is the Roman numeral for "5", it's easy to guess how this mix-up occurred.
AJ Topper and Brad Best were added to make comments about the tournaments. They did not exist in the original instead, Blader DJ filled this role.
In G-Revolution Season, the original Japanese dub Tyson's brother Hiro punches Tyson in episode 8. While in the English dub, it just shows Tyson on the ground with Hiro's fist held towards his face.
Kenny's bitbeast, Dizzara (aka "Dizzi"), was added for comic relief during the first two seasons. It was said in the dub version that she accidentally entered his laptop causing her to speak. Dizzi did not appear in the third season.
Before every official fight, a small scene talking about the bladers and the stadium appears. First, it shows the stadium, in different angles, with its name. Then it shows an image of the blader, his/her attack, defense and endurance points, name and special attack. An image and name of the bit beast also appears.
Elements of the dialogue were also changed.
Every episode and season had its title changed from its Japanese counterpart, except for the third season's title (G-Revolution).
In the conclusion of G-Revolution, Beyblade's last season, the original version contained some images showing all the characters that ever made an important appearance, like those in V-Force and those who didn't return in G-Revolution. For some reason, Nelvana censored the images, although they were nothing but images showing all the characters. A similar thing was done for the conclusion of Cardcaptors
Many team names were changed in the English dub. (e.g. Team BBA was changed to Bladebreakers). The only two teams to not have their names changed were the BBA Revolution and BEGA (also known as Justice 5), both of which come from the third season Beyblade G-Revolution
Originally the Beyblade name and the bit-beast name was different; for example, instead of Dragoon for both the blade and the bit-beast, it was Dragoon for the blade and Seiryuu for the bit-beast.
The characters were younger in the original with Tyson starting the series at 10 instead of twelve, with the rest of the team aged accordingly.
Fan reaction to these changes were mixed. Hardcore fans disliked the dubbed version of Beyblade and used the original Japanese versions as references instead. It should be noted that in the pilot, Tyson says winder, the original name of the tool, rather than ripcord. It should also be noted that in V-Force, whenever a bit-beasts' data was shown, it's original name is shown (e.g. Seiryu rather than Dragoon).
[edit] Nelvana Insert songs
First season:
Let's Beyblade (opening theme) - Lukas Rossi
Never gonna take me down - Anthony Vanderburgh
Let's go Beybladers - Krystal Band
Heavyweight Generation Beyblades
All Across the Nation - The Black Europeans
Switchblade - Lenz
Swing Low
Second season:
Underdog - Mudd
Always be in the game - Jason Dean Bennison
Third season:
Rise Above the Storm
I'm Not Going Down
Hang On
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