One Piece (Uncut) Collection 11 (Episodes 253-275) [DVD]

This eleventh collection of episodes for the brilliant 'One Piece' anime continues the storyline that is considered by many to be the best that the series has produced. The episodes in this set can be split into two parts with the first eleven episodes (253-263) concluding the Water 7 arc with the Sea Train chase while the final twelve episodes (264-275) begin the awesome Enies Lobby arc.The conclusion of the Water 7 arc is very good with some great action sequences and some very funny moments as well. This section of the arc also ‘introduces’ one of the better characters of the arc, Sniper King from Sniper Island, complete with his own theme song. As I said the battles in this arc are good with Sanji and Franky both getting some nice moves in as they fight their respective opponents.Enies Lobby is the highlight of the collection however with the Straw Hats and their allies launching a full invasion of the Justice Island, one of the World Governments three most important strongholds on the first section of the Grand Line. The episodes of this section of the collection are predominantly action orientated as the invasion goes ahead and the thousands of Marines fight to defend themselves against the vengeful pirates. Although the focus is on the action, there is also time for the show’s usual light-hearted moments and the final episode of the collection begins to tell the story of Robin’s emotional backstory.While the animation of the episodes in this collection is reasonably good, generally up to the standards of the rest of the series but there are a few dips in quality and repeated use of animation here and there which is a little disappointing. Having said this the majority of the action is still nicely animated and Luffy’s fight against Blueno is particularly good. As with the previous collection, this is the point where the anime was catching up to the source material and as such there are often extended catch-up sections at the beginning of some episodes.The English dub of the anime is as solid as always with the voices of all the new characters for the new arc being very good. Of particular note are Phil Parsons and Alexis Tipton who play CP9 members Jabra and Fukuro respectively. The only voice I didn’t really like much when I heard it was probably Andrew Love’s performance as Kumadori, who I feel can’t get the kabuki style quite right, but I did get used to the voice as the episodes progressed. The original Japanese is included as well of course.For special features the collection includes the usual cast and crew commentaries, clean versions of the (spoiler full) opening and ending songs and a couple of behind the scenes featurettes.Overall this was another very good instalment of the 'One Piece' anime and, although I am a little annoyed that they ended things in the middle of Robin’s backstory, I will still give the set a full five stars.

Fun series and fun for all. Great collection for anime lovers

Love this so much

I wish there was more on it, and I didn't have to wait for the next one. One piece is awesome

Outstanding series and it just gets better as the adventure continues A*

Great anime

thank you very much.......

brilliant