One Piece with FUNi at the helm

[doesn't matter]

Just recently it has been revealed that FUNimation has acquired the broadcast and DVD rights to One Piece, as revealed in an interview at animeOnline.com [linkage]

Basically, the jist of it all is that they'll be hiring new VA's to provide a newly dubbed version of the series for broadcast on television. They'll be starting at the Jaya arc, which is episode 144 (or 105 in accordance with the previous dub house - see how much 4Kids cut out? p.p). However, due to American broadcast laws some elements such as smoking will have to be removed.

But get this - they'll also be distributing an uncut and subtitled version on DVD. So I think that's pretty awesome ^o^

 

[Ryoutarou]

Okay, now this is what we want since Funimation is one of the best dubbers out there. Even with their edited versions, they'll allow a lot more to pass than 4Kids ever did. So since they're starting with the Jaya arc, I guess that means they won't redub the original and skipped episodes?

 

[doesn't matter]

No I guess they won't be. I believe that they're in a similar situation with the first 13 episodes of Drangonball and the first movie.

Hopefully though they'll release them on DVD, since justice is indeed needed for Kuina and Bellemere. But I think there may be issues with that as well :<

Still, it's awesome :3

 

[Loki]

Let us dance and sing and rejoice with a water sprinkler!!

*WHOOTZ.*

ONE PIECE IS ALIIIIVE. [/shot] This'll be awesome. I definetely want to see this, even though I probably won't be fond of it- I'll definetely watch some episodes just to relish the fact that Sanji doesn't sound like an r-tard, Zoro doesn't sound like he's going through puberty, and Usopp doesn't sound like he needs to go through puberty.

Then, Luffy and Nami and Tony Tony! *hyperventilation*

Just wish they could re-dub the beginning episodes. Oh, and I seriously hope they don't use that, "Don't give it up Luffy/Sanji/Zoro/Nami" opening that's like, half rap half... pop.

 

[doesn't matter]

Water sprinkler? XD

Anywho, if you read the second page of the interview ...

Most importantly, will you use One Piece's original score?
COOK: We plan to. We feel that the original vision, the scope and soundscape of One Piece is wonderful. We will only try to polish the existing canvas, and add slight coloring with our new cast.

What about the opening and closing music?
COOK: It's still under discussion, but I assure you we will not be using the "Gum-Gum Rap."

So yeah, there ain't no rap :D

Also, it appears I missed the first page of the interview XD

 

[Lucy Lu]

This is wonderful news, sorry I got it a little late. XD Yes! FUNi gets One Piece! They should of gotten it the first place, but 4Kids beat them. Now FUNi got what they wished for!

I am sorry to say the 4Kids version is not that good. =x It has its moments, but most of the time it was just awful. I just couldn't sit through listening to Luffy's voice. x.x It was so bad! And all the edits they did. Oh well they had their chance.

Now it is FUNi's turn! This is going to be so awesome! I am going to watch this full force now. =D

I really don't mind for them to start what 4Kids left off, as long they will get back to the beginning. And by doing that is putting episodes 1-144 in uncut DVDs. ^^ I think it is a little too late for them to redo those for tv, but they can do it on DVD. That is what I think.