One Piece: Episode of Alabaster - Sabaku no Ojou to Kaizoku Tachi

"One Piece: Episode of Alabasta - The Desert Princess and the Pirates" is a TV special that serves as a condensed retelling of the Alabasta arc, one of the most iconic and pivotal storylines in One Piece history. This special condenses the original arc's 100+ episodes into a single, streamlined format. While it provides an accessible way for new viewers to experience the emotional highs and action-packed moments of Alabasta, it doesn't quite capture the full impact and depth of the original material.

One of the standout features of Episode of Alabasta is its pacing. The Alabasta arc is one of the longest in One Piece, so condensing it into a 2-hour TV special allows the key moments to shine without feeling drawn out. The film focuses on the central themes of the arc-courage, loyalty, and the fight against corruption-making sure to deliver the emotional beats that make the Alabasta saga so beloved by fans. Key moments like Vivi's struggle with her duty to her kingdom and Luffy's unwavering support for her, despite the cost, are impactful even in the condensed format.

The animation is updated compared to the original episodes, with more refined visuals and a smoother animation style, which enhances the action sequences. The fight between Luffy and Crocodile, in particular, is dynamic and well-choreographed, capturing the intensity of the battle without losing any of the original's drama.

The special also does a good job of showcasing the main characters of Alabasta, particularly Princess Vivi. The focus on her emotional journey, including her relationship with the Straw Hat crew and her internal conflict as she contemplates her role in her kingdom's future, is a strong point. The film stays true to the heart of her character arc, making her one of the most compelling parts of the special.

The biggest issue with Episode of Alabasta is its inability to fully capture the depth and intricacies of the original arc. Alabasta is not just about the epic battles but also about the complex world-building, character development, and intricate politics surrounding the kingdom. In its shortened format, a lot of the nuance gets lost. For example, the backstories of certain characters, like the rebel army and Crocodile's motivations, feel underdeveloped. The film also glosses over the more subtle emotional moments that were integral.

RATING 6.4/10 Because is actually something unnecessary for One Piece viewers.

Okay, I, just yesterday, went to my local Wal-Mart to buy One Piece The Movie: The Desert Princess and The Pirates Adventures in Alabasta. Being the One Piece buff I am, it's only natural that I anticipate. I mean, this is the new One Piece movie, right. I got home right after buying it, popped it into my DVD player, and sat down on my couch to watch.

Shortly after pressing play, my ears were greeted by a billowing wisp of air from my television speakers, as well as a beautiful orchestral blare. The movie kept going on like this and it was a truly beautiful thing to see and hear.

The animation has greatly improved from the TV anime. Though it's not on the same level as Miyazaki's critically acclaimed Spirited Away, it doesn't mean it can't startle you now and then.

The voice-overs are expertly done, and will blow you away once you hear them. I especially loved Pell's voice, as it suited the character so perfectly, I nearly jumped up from the couch and shouted, "Yes! Do it again!" The score has been crafted by careful hands here, and expertly comments the mood of each individual scene.

This movie is entertaining and I recommend it to anybody who is a One Piece fan or likes a good action film.

10/10 (Highly Recommended)

A few months ago I was really into watching the series and figured I should get around to the movies it seems there's a lot of them to go with at least Netflix has a handful to enjoy. Alabaster arc was pretty good except a little to much of the desert nice to see some of the same bits that were from the series, I need to see the one about the 2 year gap after the crew disappeared that will be good. I've been to watch the movies and live action this one is awesome for its vibes! The music, colors, great story, wonderful characters, and intriguing enough all of the One Piece content overall is worth it!

This One Piece movie takes place in Alabaster which is a fictional city in the One Piece Anime world. All the usual heroes team up to fight the known Crocodile bandit and many other Pirates. The best part of this is a newer character named Vivi (a princess) who adds much needed emotion to balance out the awesome brutal fight scenes! One Piece is an awesome Anime. It's also very rocky, but it always seems to hang on the cliff and pull it's self back up. That's the verbal message found throughout the film. Which I find kind of funny. It practices what it preaches.

DUB; I have to say I know there were some problems with the English dub on the external level. There were two dubs. One bad, one amazing. When you would watch the T.V. series online for free you had a 50/50 chance of getting one or the other and I have to say it seems like this movie is the bad. Luffy sounds like a stupid little kid who has no power behind his voice but he does pull off the emotion it just seems a tad wimpier than the other dub which brings me to my next point.

ANIMATION: A lot of people are saying the Animation is better. I'm not convinced. I thought there was a lot of crappy CG here, and a lot of still shots which are a sign of cheapness (or making little kid films). But most importantly Luffy seems like he is drawn by the x**-holic artist and he looks more wimpy than I remember. Yet I do want to say the Animation is still very cool overall.

BOTTOM LINE: One Piece teaches us that even though a movie can have a ton of characters and story lines it doesn't necessarily mean it will be confusing, and that despite some obvious flaws it can still be better than a lot of other Anime out there. The emotional depth of the characters made this great. The scenes with Vivi and Luffy are emotionally pummeling and make you feel like you are in the best 90's Disney movie ever. There are no strings left untied, except for one or two which makes you want more.

RATING: During the movie many times I thought this was like a 6 or 7 but One Piece fought it's way to an 8 because it had a lot to say. I would still recommend sticking with the "good dub" in the first season of One Piece. That I believe is more enjoyable. Hopefully in the future One Piece can take some notes from Inu Yasha which is a little less crazy but sucks you in unpretentiously. If it does this One Piece could be one of the best Animes around. But like I said I think the T.V. series does this already so watch that first.

It's merely a synopsis of the Arabasta Arc, which had a fantastic plot and deserves at least a nine on its own. However, numerous amazing moments, such as Ace's cameo and Mizu Mizu Luffy, are missing from the film. A lot of elements were trimmed and rearranged, which diminished some of its brilliance (particularly the crew's fight scenes). It was not a fantastic idea to make the eighth movie a recap of an arc, especially one that was very long and had a lot of content, but since it is a movie, I was expecting some things to be cut and left out. Some find the artwork of One Piece to be distinctive and interesting. Some find it repulsive, believing it to be drawn and unattractive. I rate it an eight since I like it. The film did include some lovely visual effects that enhanced the animation. Characters received tens, and appearances were included. Like Ace's, those pirates that cruise on their boat on the sand, and those turtle-looking guys. It did, of course, include the main characters and everything, and they are all amazing. Since I hadn't seen the Arabasta Arc in a while, this kind of brought back memories of it, which is probably why most One Piece fans would also love it. But as I've already mentioned, it omitted some excellent scenes, and I believe I would have preferred an entirely new film to serve as the eighth film. Just like every other film that came before it, this one deviates from the plot.