The fourth episode of the remake of Dragon Ball SuperBeerusTitled \”The Saiyan God,\” this episode slows the pace. Where previous installments condensed three to four episodes of the 2015 anime, this one adapts about an episode and a half: it starts halfway through episode 8 and goes up to episode 9. The result is an episode closer to the original, with tweaks that are most noticeable in the humor and the music.
A pace closer to that of 2015
The project was announced at the Genkidamatsuri event, coinciding with Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary. Since then, the remake has compressed the Beerus saga at breakneck speed, and that reduction came at a price: comedic scenes were cut and action was stretched out where necessary.
In this episode, the balance shifts. The plot follows the same milestones as the 2015 version—the search for the five pure-hearted Saiyans needed for Super Saiyan God, Goku’s arrival on Earth—and most of the changes are cosmetic or affect subplots.
What’s on and what’s cut in episode 4 of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus
Oolong and Beerus, more intense
The rock-paper-scissors duel between Oolong and Beerus remains in full absurdity, and even gains an added twist: a new image of the two facing off, mortal pig and divine cat testing their strength. It’s one of the few moments of pure comedy that the remake has chosen to preserve.
Pilaf’s gang loses again
Pilaf’s henchmen keep wasting precious minutes. In the 2015 version, when they try to escape in a boat, Pilaf sees Shenron in the distance and orders Mai and Shu back to Bulma’s ship. Here, only half of that scene remains: the emperor sees the dragon, but the dialogue with his subordinates is cut from the final version.
Vegeta’s vacation, in comic strips
Vegeta’s family trip with Bulma and Trunks, which in the original anime took up a good portion of episode 2, was omitted from the first three installments. It returns, but is reduced to a brief montage of flashbacks shown while Chi-Chi reprimands Piccolo for implying that Vegeta’s heart is not pure.
Goku arrives silently
Goku’s arrival on Earth to confront Beerus retains the dialogue but lacks a soundtrack: the remake removes the music from the scene entirely. This is one of the most striking changes, as it affects one of the most talked-about moments in the saga since its original broadcast.
Shenron, less funny
The dragon humbles himself before Beerus, yes, but less so. The new version cuts out much of that reverence and removes the scene’s punchline: Krillin’s joke about Shenron’s haste to leave is gone.
Four minutes of Super Saiyan God
The transformation is where the remake shines. From the moment Videl joins the group until her new form appears, about four minutes pass, compared to almost seven in the 2015 version. Less footage, but a more cinematic result.
Where to watch the new episodes
New episodes of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus premiere every Sunday on Crunchyroll and Hulu, and arrive on Netflix the following Saturday. With the saga moving toward the direct confrontation with Beerus, it remains to be seen whether the remake will maintain this more leisurely pace or pick up speed again.
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Fountain: CBR Anime
