One Piece: Season Two, Sixth Voyage (2010) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"ONE PIECE" is a popular anime series based on the popular manga series serialized in Shonen Jump by Eiichiro Oda. Suffice to say, "ONE PIECE" is the highest selling manga for Weekly Shonen Jump and its popularity has extended to various anime (via the TV series, OVA and films) and video games in America and also worldwide. The series is so popular, the episode count currently in Japan is over 400 episodes and despite receiving a heavily edited version in North America via 4Kids Entertainment earlier on, FUNimation Entertainment began releasing the original, uncut versions since the May of 2008 with a total of 13 episodes per volume.
"ONE PIECE" is an adventure anime about a 17-year-old boy named Monkey D. Luffy who gained enormous strength (and stretching abilities) after eating a magical demon fruit. He eventually teams up with a group of pirates and have the name "The Straw Hats". Luffy's driven to one day obtain the most sought out treasure known as "One Piece" and eventually become the King of the Pirates.
In "One Piece - Season Two: Sixth Voyage", the group are in the country of Alibasta as each member of the Straw Hat Pirates takes on a member of Crocodile's group while Luffy goes against Mr. Crocodile, Zoro vs. Mr. One and Nami vs. Miss Doublefinger. Meanwhile, Smoker's second-in-command leads the marines to capture Crocodile and Baroque works and also the Straw Hat Pirates.
The "ONE PIECE - Season Two: Sixth Voyage" comes with episodes 117-130 on two DVD discs (note: In Japan, this volume is actually the conclusion of season 4). Here are the spoiler-less summaries of each episode:
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 117 - Nai's Cyclone Advisory! Clima Tart Burst - Vivi uses her new weapon in battle and takes on Miss Doublefinger.
* EPISODE 118 - Secret Passed Down In the Royal Family! The Ancient Weapon Pluton! - Crocodile intends to use the ancient weapon of Pluto to destroy the city.
* EPISODE 119 - The Secret of Powerful Swordplay! Ability to Cut Steel and the Rhythm Things Have! - Zoro vs. Mr. One.
* EPISODE 120 - The Battle is Over! Koza Raises the White Flag! - Koza raises the white flag in order to end the war but Baroque Works have something else in mind.
* EPISODE 121 - Where Vivi's Voice Gets Heart! The Hero Descends! - With a war in Alabasta, the Straw Pirates try to help Vivi get to the center of the city.
* EPISODE 122 - Sand Croc and Water Luffy! - Luffy takes on Crocodile in their second duel!
* EPISODE 123 - That Looks Croc-ish! Luffy, Run to the Royal Tomb! - The battle between Luffy and Crocodile goes underground.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 124 - The Nightmare Draws Near! This is the Sand-Sand Clan's Secret Base! - The continuation of Luffy vs. Crocodile!
* EPISODE 125 - Magnificent! Wings! My Name is Pell, Guardian Deity of the Country! - Vivi and the Straw Hats work hard to stop a bomb from destroying the city and they receive unexpected help from Vivi's guardian.
* EPISODE 126 - I Will Surpass You! Rain Falls in Alabasta! - As Vivi tries to stop her countrymen from killing each other, the rains fall on Alabasta.
* EPISODE 127 - A Farewell to Arms! Pirates and Different Ideas of Justice - The aftermath of Alabasta and how Tashigi, Smoker and the Marines must deal with what has happened in Alabasta.
* EPISODE 128 - The Pirates' Banquet and Operation Escape from Alabasta! - After the Straw Hat Pirates recuperate, it's time to eat and celebrate and leave Alabasta before the marines catch up with them.
* EPISODE 129 - It All Started On that Day! Vivia Tells the Story of Her Adventure! - Vivi must make a decision...to stay in Alabasta as princess or to fight among the Straw Hat pirates.
* EPISODE 130 - Scent of Danger! The Seventh Member is Nico Robin - Nico Robin chooses to join the Straw Hat Pirates.
VIDEO :
For most television series, because they are created nearly before they are aired on television, unlike film and OVA's, there typically is not much detail involved in a Japanese animated television series. "ONE PIECE" is probably one of those rare exceptions in that it has really cool character designs and very detailed artistic backgrounds. Of course, since it is on DVD, you will see some artifacting and edge enhancement but it's not so noticeable unless you are really looking for it.
The anime series is presented in standard 4:3 definition but for a television series, "ONE PIECE" sports cool and unique character designs and beautifully painted artistic backgrounds. Definitely one of the better looking anime series that has remained consistent and has not downgraded since it first aired on television. Character designer Kazuya Hisada (who worked on the "Dragon Ball" and "Dragon Ball GT" series) and Noboru Koizumi (who worked on "Giant Robo", "Dragon Ball GT" and "Tenchi Universe") have been very good of capturing "One Piece" creator Eiichiro Oda's unique style.
AUDIO & SUBTITLES:
As for the audio, the series is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, English Stereo and Japanese Stereo. Of course, the English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound is the better audio choice to listen to, although one who has a receiver that can set their audio to all channels can definitely enjoy the Japanese stereo track as well. But both audio tracks are done very well and I have to admit that "ONE PIECE" has one of the most solid English dub tracks for an anime TV series. Very well done on both audio tracks but again, have been very impressed by the voice talent for the series thus far.
Subtitles are in English.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"ONE PIECE - Season Two: Sixth Voyage" comes with the following special features:
DISC 1:
* Audio commentary for EPISODE 119 - The Secret of Powerful Swordplay! Ability to Cut Steel and the Rhythm Things Have! - Director Scott Sager joins voice talents Christopher Sabat (Zoro) and (Brett Weaver) Mr. One.
DISC 2:
* Textless Songs - Textless Songs for the opening and ending theme.
* Trailers - FUNimation Entertainment trailers
JUDGMENT CALL:
I absolutely love "ONE PIECE". The characters, the action, the involving and well-written storylines and of course, the wonderful voice work via Japanese and also the English dub tracks and the refreshing and unique artwork. But what I enjoyed the most about "One Piece - Season Two: Sixth Voyage" is that it has literally been a long stretch between the introduction of Vivi, the trip to Alabasta and now this volume finally gets to the final battle between Luffy and Crocodile, while Nami takes on Miss Doublefinger and Zoro takes on Mr. One, and also the Straw Hats have a new member of the group.
Although nearly every volume has its share of action, this time around the opponents are deadlier than ever before. Before it was a team taking on various opponents but now we have one-on-one battles especially an exciting first battle between Luffy and Crocodile. With the events that are featured in "One Piece - Season Two: Sixth Voyage", for those who have seen the movie "ONE PIECE MOVIE 8: THE DESERT PRINCESS AND THE PIRATES - Adventures in Alabasta" will be familiar between two of the battles that take place in this volume. But of course, the television series features more of the actual battle.
So, for those who have kept up with the adventure to Alabasta will be happy with this volume as the war in Alabasta and the battle between Crocodile and his henchman versus the Straw Hat Pirates reaches its final conclusion. No doubt that Luffy, Nami and Zoro fans will dig this latest volume. Actually, with all the action that takes place in this volume, any "One Piece" fan will dig this latest volume!
Overall, "ONE PIECE" continues to be a fantastic anime series that has a great combination of humor, action, artwork, great voice acting and cool animation. Another thrilling, action-packed volume that is highly recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: One Piece: Season Two, Sixth Voyage (2010)

Monkey D. Luffy emerges from a death-defying dirt nap to rejoin his mates on their mission to save Alabasta from the clutches of a sinister sandman. Crocodile is on the prowl for the world’s deadliest weapon, and his Baroque Works bombers are about to blast Vivi’s kingdom into oblivion! Only the Straw Hats can protect her people from their reptilian oppressor, but no one survives this battle without getting a little blood on their hands. Be on the lookout as Nami unleashes the power of thunder and lightning, Zoro tests his swords against a man made of steel, and Luffy goes underground to settle the score with Crocodile – once and for all!

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about One Piece: Season Two, Sixth Voyage (2010)

Pirates Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The idea of Pirates was grand. If you have ever seen any of the other big budget porn pireate films like Conquest, you know what you are getting into.
For a movie that seemed to be planned well, had a big budget, actually casted extras, had costumes that seemed to be made for the movie, great special effects, props, and sets, this movie failed for one reason.
No one took it seriously.
It was obvious that everyone in the film had fun being a part of this ground breaking movie. But for all its fancy packaging, special effects, and elaborate sets, the acting reduced it to a cheesy 70's porn flick. I was waiting for a pizza delivery guy to ring the doorbell and a half naked girl answer the door with a phrase like, "I hope that comes with sausage".
I know it is "just" porn, and no one is supposed to take it seriously, but others have succeeded where this film failed. Michael Ninn's Latex/Shock series is a good example, of how to assemble this kind of movie and still have it porn. Just because it is a movie with porn actors in it, doesn't mean they have to act like the usual porn actors. They could try to get into character a little to make the movie work better than it did.
All in all the sex scenes are decent, a little too much slapping the face I thought, but decent. It is worth owning, but if you are planning on buying it because it is supposed to be some great legend of a movie and you think it will be changing the face of porn forever.... Go buy yourself a copy of Debby Does Dallas. The acting is the same and both have sex scenes in them. If you are buying it for the special effects, costumes, and sets, then all the power to you.
Cpt Morgan.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pirates

Click here for more information about Pirates

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As someone who's watched the first movie repeatedly, I was extremely happy when the sequel was announced. The first movie had a playful, whimsical aspect that made it endearing and fun to watch. The pacing was excellent, and the characters were well developed.
Sadly, the sequel turned out to be very different. The direction turned to "how many over-the-top effects and fight sequences can we pack into 2 hours." The characters were lost in a morass of confused and often irrelevant action scenes. About the best part of the whole film was [warning: spoiler] Barbossa's reappearance at the very end.
I like a well choreographed sword fight or SFX scene as well as the next bloke, but making a movie that is nothing more than a series of such scenes strung together with minimal plot is ridiculous. This film could have been so much more than it is. Instead, it's too long (I found myself checking my watch, which almost never happens) and badly plotted.
Given the reappearance of several minor characters (Pintel and Ragetti, who were apparently brought back as audience favourites despite the fact that they should have been in prison following the first movie) and the overall tone of the film, it appears Disney's producers saw fit to turn what was an excellent concept into little more than a marketing vehicle designed to appeal to kids.
I'll probably see the 3rd movie just to find out what happens, and to see if it improves somehow, but I'll never buy the 2nd movie's DVD. It's just intolerable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2006)

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:DEAD MAN'S - DVD Movie

Get 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2006)

Treasure Island (1950) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When Captain Billy Bones (played by Finlay Currie) give young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) a pirate's treasure map, he sets him off on the trail of adventure. When Long John Silver (Robert Newton) gets wind of what's going down, he positions himself to be ship's cook, and fills the boat with his pirate friends. Befriending Jim, Silver plots to get the gold for himself. But someone will prove quite capable of foiling Silver's plans - young Jim Himself! [Color, released in 1950, with a running time of 1:36.]
This is a great movie, one that is surprisingly good in spite of its age. Indeed, for me this will always be the very touchstone of Treasure Island movies. Robert Newton does an excellent job of portraying Long John Silver, and to this day, whenever I imagine a pirate talking, I hear his voice and accent. Now, don't take this movie too lightly. Even though it was created by Disney Studios, it has a lot of gunplay, blood, men hit with swords, and just the sort of violence you would associate with pirates.
But, don't get me wrong, this is not a modern blood-and-gore movie; it's an interesting and captivating movie that you will want to watch with your whole family. My family loves this movie just as much as I do, and highly recommends it to your family!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Treasure Island (1950)

Ahoy, mateys! Come aboard the good ship Hispaniola and set sail in search of buried treasure in one of Disney's most critically acclaimed adventure classics -- presented in its original, uncut theatrical version! In his first all-live-action feature, Walt Disney has vividly brought to life Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless tale of buccaneers and buried gold. Authentic locales, rich color photography, and musket-roaring action set the stage for the stouthearted heroics of young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) -- and the skullduggery of that wily, one-legged pirate of all pirates, Long John Silver. Aye, for the kind of excitement that only treasure and treachery can bring, there's no better destination than TREASURE ISLAND!

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Treasure Island (1950)

Playmobil: The Secret of Pirate Island Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The toy line known as Playmobil produced by Germany-based company Brandstatter Group has been a popular toyline in the United States and other countries since 1975. The toys have been one of the most innovative toylines for children as kids can buy toys based on modern jobs or athletes to pirates, knights, princesses and more.
An example of the popular playmobil toyline toys in the market
And to celebrate the popularity of the toyline, the first major DVD release titled "The Secret of Pirate Island" based on the toyline will be released under the playmobil interactive name.
In this DVD, the film revolves around a family which includes seven-year-old Jack and his older sister as they visit their grandparents. Of course, the area where their grandparents live leads to a portal where the children can experience adventures. In this latest release, the playmobil theme revolves around the pirate characters.
But in this case, using your remote control, the viewer can select which adventure to participate in. The decision can lead to an early ending to the film or a further continuation to the story. Of course, since this is a children's DVD, even if a child choose a short ending, the child will get another chance to select the other ending or if they choose not to choose anything at all, the film will automatically select the longer, continuing version. But what's so fun about this release is that there is 27 story combinations. So, for the most part, children will enjoy the chance to choose their storyline and possibly see the toy characters that they may be familiar with.
For parents, there are two versions that you can select on the menu. The interactive version of "The Secret of Pirate Island" which is more or less 90 minutes long depending on the combinations selected or "Captain Gruff's Favorite Movie" minus the interactive combinations and the movie is about 50 minutes long.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"The Secret of Pirate Island" is a 3D CG film featuring vibrant colors and captures the toyline in CG format quite well. The kids looks like the toys and the hands are like the toys but they are animated to show expression and also designed to show the characters like it's plastic counterparts. Granted, this is not a high-budget CG film, so don't expect hyper-detailed backgrounds or environments but for the most part, the animation for this title is well-done. Video is featured via anamorphic widescreen at 1:78:1.
As for audio, the film is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital and French Dolby Surround. For those with home theaters, the film is front and center channel driven as the movie is dialogue and music-driven.
Subtitles are in English, French and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"playmobile interactive - The Secret of Pirate Island" comes with only two special features:
* Pirate Sing-a-Long - (1:53) One of the songs used on the film featuring the band (on the pirate ship) performing a song with the lyrics ala karaoke sing along at the bottom.
* Previews - Previews for Sony Wonder releases
JUDGMENT CALL:
As a guy who grew up with playmobil toys and my son having quite a bit of a collection for himself, I found this DVD release to be quite wonderful.
The world of playmobil and the characters and the look of the characters is animated quite well and for parents looking for an interactive film, "The Secret of Pirate Island" was absolutely fantastic as there are many scenes that require the children to make a decision (there are 27 story combinations) and thus, works quite well for the child or for parents watching along with their children.
For families wondering if the film can be scary, not at all. The theme is adventure-based and there is a scene with an octopus, a mummy and skeletons but for the most part, it's never scary at all. They are animated in a way to be not offending whatsoever. So, parents shouldn't worry at all. It's a family friendly film. My 6-year-old, wasn't scared at any of the scenes and for the most part, he was really getting involved with the interactive segments.
If there is anything that I do recommend is that if you have a DVD player that has a remote that needs to be closely focused towards their player, have your child positioned in a way where the signal is clear, so he/she doesn't complain about the remote not working correctly. The interactive version of the film does give adequate time to make a decision but it's important that a child holds the remote correctly and that the remote has a clear signal.
For the playmobil collectors or parents wondering if the film is only pirate-themed, there are combinations that takes both Jack and Amelia to a medieval time or playing in their grandparents yard but those scenes are very short. The film is definitely pirate-themed and since I typically see the pirated-themed toys at the stores, I'm guessing it's a big seller for playmobil but I do hope there are more playmobil interactive releases that reflect their other toylines, which would definitely be wonderful.
There's really nothing bad I can say about this DVD, for parents who are looking for a children's interactive film on DVD, this is one of the better ones that I have seen thus far. I wish there were interactive games included on the special features but overall, for its low price and what is included on this DVD, "playmobil interactive - The Secret of Pirate Island" is highly recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Playmobil: The Secret of Pirate Island

Ahoy, matey!Your favorite Playmobil toys have come to life for the very first time, in an all-new swashbuckling adventure and you're invited to join them!You'll have a treasure chest full of fun with seven-year-old Jack and his big sister Amelia as they stow away on a pirate ship headed for the mysterious Skull Island - a place filled with treasure and curious creatures.Can Jack and Amelia stay one step ahead of a bunch of wacky skeletons and get to the treasure before the pirates do?Interactive DVD includes:Interactive video version (approx. 90 mins); Captain Gruff's Favorite Movie (approx. 50 mins) and a Pirate Sing-A-Long.

Get 16% OFF

Click here for more information about Playmobil: The Secret of Pirate Island

The Pirates of Penzance (1983) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Unlike a previous reviewer, I am a long-time Gilbert and Sullivan lover who loved this movie--I first saw it some 15 years ago, and I waited for many years for it to come out on video. Needless to say, when I finally bought a VCR, I bought this as soon as I could find it.
The three key roles in Pirates are the Major General, the Pirate King, and the Sergeant of Police. All are well cast here. Tony Azito has a bit less vocal heft than a true Savoyard would like in the Police Sergeant's role, but he is superb at the physical comedy the role demands. George Rose is a superb Major General (that's, in Anna Russell's immortal phrase, "the little man who prances around and sings the patter song.") Best of all, Kevin Kline turns in a terrific performance as the Pirate King, showing once again what a wonderfully versatile actor he is.
Of the rest of the cast, Linda Rondstadt and Rex Smith, as the young lovers, are good. As Mabel, Rondstadt's job is primarily to sing with gusto, which she certainly does. G&S purists may be annoyed by Smith's casting as Frederic, since he does not have the pure tenor voice the role calls for, but he acquits himself well in the comic moments.
All in all, this is a movie to be enjoyed over and over. And for any of you out there who don't like it, a suitable penalty has been prepared. Something with boiling oil in it, I fancy. Yes, boiling oil or molten lead.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Pirates of Penzance (1983)

PIRATES OF PENZANCE - DVD Movie

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about The Pirates of Penzance (1983)

Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have never ridden the Disney ride and I don't think I need to. All I need is this DVD and someplace to watch it. I saw this in theaters 6 times because it was so good and I have been anxiously awaiting the DVD. People say women like this movie because of Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, and I say true, but I love their performance, not their looks (Although they are both attractive gentlemen). Johnny is at his comedic finest and you will not stop laughing and Orlando makes you root for the good guy even harder then normal and laugh at his comments that compliment Johnny's "uniqueness". Geoffery Rush is phenomenal and so is the actor (I am blanking on his name, sorry sir, you were still awesome) who plays Commodore Norrington (he needs way more publicity, he was phenomenal as well)...
This is by far the best movie of the year and without a doubt deserves awards for both content and actor performance. Knowing the Oscars, it will get overlooked, not enough "big names" in some over the top boring movie, so my vote goes to them by buying the DVD and encouraging others to buy it as well. Nothing says "In your face" to those who keep getting reconized for less then deserving work then getting surpassed in sales by "box office poison" Johnny Depp and his 'mates.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2003)

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer (PEARL HARBOR) comes PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, the thrilling high-seas adventure with a mysterious twist. The roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow's (Academy Award(R) Nominee Johnny Depp) idyllic pirate life capsizes after his nemesis, the wily Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and later attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the governor's beautiful daughter Elizabeth (Keira Knightley). In a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl, Elizabeth's childhood friend Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) joins forces with Jack. What Will doesn't know is that a cursed treasure has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as the undead. Rich in suspense-filled adventure, sword-clashing action, mystery, humor, unforgettable characters, and never-before-seen special effects, PIRATES is a must-have epic on the grandest scale ever.

Click here for more information about Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) (2003)

Stardust (Widescreen Edition) (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The story begins in the 19th-century village of Wall. But Wall isn't your average country village -- it guards a low, stony wall between mundane England and the fantasy kingdom of Stormhold. No one crosses the wall -- except for young Drustan Thorn, whose curiosity led him to an otherworldly market and a single night of passion with a captive gypsy -- or princess -- and nine months later he was given a son, Tristan, who was left for him by the wall.
Flash forward 18 years, and Tristan (Charlie Cox) hopes to win the heart of his beautiful but shallow love, Victoria (Sienna Miller), by recovering a star that fell somewhere beyond that wall. So Tristan sets forth on his own journey in Stormhold. Meanwhile in that magical land, the dying king (Peter O'Toole) has set his four surviving sons on a quest for the crown. And the witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) is seeking the heart of the star for an entirely different purpose, one that probably will not turn out well for anyone else involved in the story.
Despite initial trepidations over seeing a favorite Neil Gaiman story converted to film, "Stardust" is all I could hope for. The settings and scenery are lush and beautiful. The effects are seamless and spectacular. The score by Ilan Eshkeri is dramatic. Narration by Ian McKellen is compelling. And the casting is exceptional, from Robert De Niro as the delightful sky pirate Captain Shakespeare to Pfeiffer as the sumptuously evil witch.
Claire Danes is absolutely radiant as Yvaine, who in one way or another holds the resolution of every quest. Poised, beautiful and sporting a great English country accent, Danes glows even without the benefit of special effects. And Tristan Thorn is a classic everyman hero, a simple young man who grows and flourishes on his journey; Cox captures the role perfectly. A relative newcomer to the screen, he's without question an actor to watch.
Gaiman is a brilliant writer, a man with an imagination like no other. Fortunately, director Matthew Vaughn bucked the Hollywood trend by respecting the source material, creating a splendid film, one that will surely become a classic for generations to come.
by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(NET) editor

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stardust (Widescreen Edition) (2007)

Escape into the enchanted world of chivalry and romance in Stardust, an epic tale starring Claire Danes with Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro. In hopes of wooing a beautiful girl (Sienna Miller), Tristan (Charlie Cox) promises to bring her a falling star. But he’s in for the adventure of his life when he discovers the star is actually a celestial beauty named Yvaine (Danes) When an old witch Lamia (Pfeiffer) attempts to steal Yvaine’s youth, Tristan must protect her at all costs, in this magical family adventure that will make you fall in love over and over again.

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Stardust (Widescreen Edition) (2007)