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

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(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!

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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!

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Transformers Animated: Season Two (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I really like Transformers, a lot! I was there at the dawn of the G1 Series, and have seen almost every other (Japanese) Transformer series that followed, including the very bad attempts at adapting a few of these series for the U.S. Though none of these series were on par with even the slowest/silliest G1 Episodes! Beast Wars, & Transformers: Armada were fun, for the most part and had some of the "spirit" of the G1 series, but weren't quite there. Now we have the newest series: Transformers Animated. I saw some of the early designs for the "new" versions of the classic characters at the San Diego ComicCon a few years ago, and thought that they might be a little too cartoony, but they still looked kind of cool. Although, I still cannot stand Optimus Prime with a mouth!!! Anyway, I started watching this series with my nephews, and found myself really enjoying the stories (simple as they are), and the animation as well. The first season is good, and the second season is a bit better. So, if you haven't watched any of this series, please give it a try. You might enjoy it more than you think you would!

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Danny Phantom- Season 2 (4 Disc Set) Review

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(More customer reviews)3 stars. Viacom, you idiots, you have the season dividings wrong! They have the seasons split- Season 2 is only half of season 1 and the first several episodes of season 2! Which means this DOES NOT have the best episode ever, The Ultimate Enemy, my reason for snagging Season 2 first! Props for DP DVDs, anti-props for deceptive labelling! >:(

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There're more ghostly good adventures in Season 2 of Danny Phantom. On 3 action-packed DVDs, you'll encounter spirited specters like Skulker, Desiree, Youngblood, and more, all unleashed on the world and ready to take over... if Danny doesn't capture them in time! Hang on, because once you tune in, there's no tuning out on these spirited unearthly missions!
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.\r\n
This disc is expected to play back in DVD Video "play only" devices, and may not play in other DVD devices, including recorders and PC drives. \r\n

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Prison Break: The Final Break (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The previously not shown two hours of the TV show Prison Break were packaged as this film. It's a final hurray for the 4-season long show that started out strong and ran into "creative difficulties" at the end. These two hours fill in a few gaps that the series finale glanced over. This is definitely a movie for the die-hard fans, as there are character reveals and returning characters as well as the regulars acting in a predictable manner. This is not a stand-alone film. Anyone who has not been a fan of the show, even anyone who has skipped most of season 4, will not really understand what is going on in the storyline and why the leads are worth rooting for. My recommendation is to watch the series finale up to the "Four Years Later" sequence, then seeing Prison Break: The Final Break, then returning to the season finale and watching the last few minutes (the montage at the end). The storyline is thus complete and makes more sense as well as provides more canon and insight into the lives and storyline of each characters.

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The federal government can’t touch Michael Scofield, so they’re going after the woman he loves. When Sara is arrested for murder, only Michael can rescue her — and their unborn child — from an impenetrable women’s prison. With a price on Sara’s head and time running out, Michael must rely on his deadliest enemies to help attempt the most daring breakout ever.

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Las Vegas - Season One Uncut & Uncensored (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Last year, when this show came on, I dismissed as yet another trendy crime show. I chose not to watch it, but my dad really got into it. Every now and then, I'd see bits and pieces of the show, and for the most part, I liked what I saw, whether it was actual plot, beautiful women, or great panoramic views of Las Vegas. Eventually, I started watching the show, and here is my final conclusion: my first assumption was not far off, but maybe that's not such a bad thing.
The series centers around the security team of the fictional Monticeto Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The team is headed by Ed Deline (James Caan), an ex-CIA operative who apparently can make grown men cry using nothing but a fork. Ed's right-hand man is Danny McCoy (Josh Duhamel), a former Marine. And he isn't an actual part of the security team, valet Mike Cannon (James Lesure) often lends a helping hand to investigations due to his engineering degree (even though he could be doing other things, he prefers to be a valet). The rest of the main cast includes the Entertainment Director (and possibly ex-escort) Mary Connell (Nikki Cox), Casino Host Samantha Jane Marquez (Vanessa Marcil), pit boss Nessa Holt (Marsha Thompson), and Ed's sexually active daughter Delinda (Molly Sims), who eventually becomes the host of the Monticeto's main restaurant, Mystique. Each character brings something different to the casino. Sam is a cold and calculating woman who can get almost anything done for a client. Nessa is one of Vegas' best and most intelligent pit bosses. Mary has a good eye for talent and is the softie of the group. And Delinda's "knowledge" of what is hip transformed Mystique into one of Vegas' most popular restaurants.
The stories are pretty episodic. For the most part, plots involve cheaters, murders, thieves, and scams from other casinos, but that doesn't mean that things are limited to those events. One of my favorite episodes involves a power loss throughout the city. In addition to the episodic plots, there are a few mini-arcs that develop throughout the season. Ed and Danny's relationship is put to the test when, in the first thing that happens in the entire series, Ed catches Danny sleeping with Delinda. Danny and Mary's "relationship troubles" is probably the most developped arc. Danny and Mary grew up together in Vegas, and they have a very special bond (I won't say what it is). This storyline is both a strength and a weakness for the show, because it is an interesting story, but at the same time, the writers have trouble giving the actors good dialogue in which to tell the story. In the episode where a lot of their history is revealed, I both liked and hated the scenes with the two of them going through the events (they were stuck in an elevator, so they had a lot of time to talk).
For a first season show, Las Vegas must have had a HUGE budget. Not only did they have James Caan as a regular, but they got some very famous, and probably very expensive guest stars, such as Wayne Newton, Jean Claude Van Damme, Sugar Ray and Mark McGrath, Penn and Teller, Paul Anka, Blue Man Group, and Alec Baldwin. Other guest stars of note include Jon Lovitz (who probably would have been in the first category a few years ago), Sean Astin, Elliot Gould, and Harry Groener (the guy who played the Mayor on Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Furthermore, since the show was only filmed in Vegas for the pilot, they had to reconstruct the casino they used for all subsequent shows. The set is a very loyal adaptation of the interior of the Mandalay Bay, and it looks very expensive.
A few of the biggest surprises that I found with this show dealt with its crew. The creator, Gary Scott Thompson, is responsible for some of my most hated movies ever, yet, not only do I enjoy this show, I find it leagues ahead of said films. Also, one of the producers/writers is Rebecca Rand Kirchner, who worked on a few of my all-time favorite shows, so when I saw her name, I was really excited.
Ok, having gone over the good stuff, it is time to address the negatives. A lot of things that happen seem very unrealistic, such as Jon Lovitz's winning streak, Mike's ability to beat an expert poker player after a huge absence from the game, or Sam coming in second place in a competitive eating contest (the girl looks like she weighs 100 pounds, and in the context of the episode, I think it would have been much funnier for her to have to lose). Also, in the first few episodes, events were narrated by Danny, which was not very insightful. Fortunately, the inner monalogue was quickly phased out. Speaking of Danny, there were some times when my belief in him as an ex-Marine was called into question, but for the most part, I'm willing to accept that backstory. There were some other character problems. In my opinion, Delinda's intelligence levels seemed to fluctuate. She was never stupid by any means, yet sometimes, she seemed to be of normal intelligence and at other times, she seemed to be above average.
The good aspects of this show far outweigh the bad, and while this show is nothing new or special, I find myself liking it a lot due to its setting, eye candy, and guest list. This is definitely not for everyone, but I think that many people can find something that they like about it.

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LAS VEGAS:SEASON 1 (UNCUT & UNCENSORE - DVD Movie

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Transformers Animated: Season One (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This boxset will include the remaining 13 episodes out of 16. You must buy the "Transform and Roll Out" dvd if you want the pilot.
Included episodes are:
Episode 4: Home is Where the Spark is
Episode 5: Total Meltdown
Episode 6: Blast From the Past
Episode 7: Thrill of the Hunt
Episode 8: Nanosec
Episode 9: Along Came a Spider
Episode 10: Sound & Fury
Episode 11: Lost & Found
Episode 12: Survival of the Fittest
Episode 13: Headmaster
Episode 14: Nature Calls
Episode 15: Megatron Rising, Part One
Episode 16: Megatron Rising, Part Two
I did not include any synopsis in case you did not get the chance to watch all the episodes and wanted to be surprised.
This is a fantastic series and great for both kids and adult fans. Season 2 just ended, and it just keeps getting more and more exciting.
From what I gather, it will be in full screen, and Dolby Digital Audio with a total run time of 286 minutes.
I highly recommend new and old fans alike to buy this!

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Studio: Paramount Home VideoRelease Date: 08/19/2008Run time: 286 minutesRating: Nr

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