Unlike the bombastic, heroic horns of the 90s, Sumitomo uses a somber piano and cello. It makes Goku’s decision sound tragic, not triumphant. This musical shift is a major reason fans rate this episode as "top 5" in all of Kai . In the original Z dub, Vegeta screams, "It’s because you don’t have a heart, you monster!" In the 2014 Kai dub , Vegeta’s line remains faithful to the Japanese: "His heart is pure... but his power is exactly what we need."
If you haven’t seen the 2014 dub of this episode, you haven't truly seen the Cell Saga. Stop everything, find The Final Chapters , and watch from the 12-minute mark. You’ll feel the difference immediately. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Essential viewing for any Dragon Ball fan.
If you want nostalgia, watch Z. If you want the definitive canonical experience, the 2014 dub of Episode 46 is the "top" choice without question. The Legacy: Why This Episode Remains "Top" in 2025 and Beyond Years after its release, Dragon Ball Kai Episode 46 continues to trend on forums like Reddit (r/dbz) and MyAnimeList because it represents a turning point in shonen tropes.