Dragon Ball Movie 3: Makafushigi Daibouken

Like all original Dragon Ball movies, Dragon Ball Movie 3 Mystical Adventure is basically a retelling of what happened up to that point slidly altered. Chaotzu is an emperor with Master Shen and Tenshinhan being his underlings. Bora, Upa, Tao Pai Pai and Arale appear in this movie but with lesser roles compared to their anime counterpart and some references are made to the main story but without the same impact. In fact, it might be the weakest of all 4 purely Dragon Ball movies simply because the scenes that end up being weak homages could never carry the same impact as most of them ... were build up for several episodes or even story arcs. Meaning it is nothing but a 46 minute movie that feels like an extended episode.
Even the way Goku surpassed Tao Pai Pai felt like an asspull where he somehow ended up at the top of the Quin Tower and received a minor advice from God of Martial Arts Korin. Compare that to how Goku worked his ass off to get to the top and received training disguised as a power up (instead the other way around like in modern Dragon Ball).

But what about elements exclusive to the film? There is an inner conflict in the nation where the story mainly takes place. Tenshinhan is conflicted what side he should take in the conflict: Loyalty to his teacher or his Emperor. Sadly this element like many others aren't taken full advantage off. Like we don't know about Tenshinhan's past events with his teacher. Only a small hint of his relationship with his Emperor.

The story has 2 subplots. The gathering of the Dragon Balls and the Tournament that takes place with both starting to merge into one. Every major cast member is involved and contribute in exposing the truth behind the Crane Master's plan. Be it Yamcha, Bulma, Oolong, Puar, Goku, Roshi and even Krillin.
However, there are way too many characters that only exist as lesser important characters because they appeared in the main story like Arale who just exist because the main story had a crossover too.

Overall, this movie is really mediocre by original Dragon Ball standards. It eats more than it can chew and that is its weakness. However, it still has some really good elements like how it uses its cast and the conflict behind the scenes. Also it has a fantastic ending and the best way Chaotzu has been treated in this franchise.

After having watched the previous Dragonball movies, it's quite clear this is the superior among them due to the quality of animation, and the ways in which the story is reworked while including most major story beats. There is far less reusing of individual frames, which adds to the watchability significantly. The way in which the story is remixed is interesting that it holds a Dragonball fans attention due to being different enough, while sticking closer to something resembling the Dragonball canon.

Unlike the previous movies which felt more like extended episodes, or filler arcs, this movie really felt closer to an anime movie experience. ... The biggest weakness however is the fact that there really are too many characters introduced in to short a time frame, that narratively messes up the ability to really tell much of a story without understanding some of the thematic placements of the characters. That is the main reason I feel this is closer to a 7, than a 8, despite being quite an enjoyable experience.

Another Dragon Ball film. Another retelling. This one combines the first and second tournament arc with the Red Ribbon arc. Then it tells it completely differently. For the curious only.

Animation seems a bit sloppy here and there. Certain facial expressions used by our beloved characters don't really match them. Bulma is just all over the place. Everything else just seems like a step down from the anime. It works, but you'll notice it as well. The English voice actors are different from the anime. A few remain the same, but big ones like Goku are wrong. They will annoy you. Goku's voice just lacks conviction. ... But the music is all fitting. So at least we have that.

The story is out of control. It starts with Roshi finishing the training of Goku and Krillin. From there they head to the tournament. But Chiaotzu and Tien are around. For some reason Chiaotzu is a ruler of an empire. It's weird. Tien and Chaiotzu are nothing like their anime counterparts. Then throw in some Red Ribbon Army. A hefty dose of Master Shen. Then you have the show. It's sounds like a mess, but if you look at it as it's own thing it works.

Do you need to watch this? No. Do I even recommend it? Not really. If you are a fan of Dragon Ball and are curious then go for it. It's not going to make your experience that much better or worse.