Funi TV Discussion (Saturday Night/Sunday Morning 1:00 a.m., USA Toonami)

Elektrik Dynomite

http://funimation.tumblr.com/post/47805356553/one-piece-to-join-toonami-block-on-may-18th

BIG NEWS! May 18th! Episode 207!~

"FUNimation and Adult Swim confirmed today that the shonen anime series One Piece will join the Toonami block. The announcement was first made during the Toonami panel at Momocon on March 10th. The series will premiere on the network late Saturday night on May 18th at 1:00am ET. It will begin with episode 207 (“Great Adventure At Long Ring Long Land!”). Soul Eater will then move to its new time slot of 1:30am ET. "

wjbraden

WOO HOO! We're officially back in business!

And this was just posted by Toonami:

"One Piece news!"
On May 18th, One Piece is coming back to Toonami! After talking to lots and lots of fans and a lot of internal discussion, we’ve decided to start at episode 207 with the “Ling Ring Long Land” arc (or “Davy Fight Back” arc as it’s also known). We know we’re skipping ahead a bunch, but we think this is a great place to start- plus, it’ll be in HD! For those of you who are worried you won’t be able to jump in to the story, don’t worry! Go to Funimation.com now and you can watch ALL of the older episodes, plus there are a bunch of cool little video “catch up” pieces for folks who just want the overview. In addition, our friends at Funimation are working on some “orientation/catch up” pieces we’ll be putting on Toonami.

Get ready to cast off, May 18th. Full lineup to follow shortly!"

So no need to worry about new viewers. I can't wait!

LUFFY1fan

Great news, I always thought this was the best option. I figured a lot of you like Firecrouch and Demon Rin would be upset about the news though.

KaizokuFan22

Yay! Foxys Debuting soon..cant wait to hear his dub voice..Ive only seen the dub up to the skypia series

Electrivire

@wjbraden:

In addition, our friends at Funimation are working on some “orientation/catch up” pieces we’ll be putting on Toonami.

So the new fans get caught up, Old fans get new to TV eps, Toonami probably get's higher ratings due to prettier episodes, plus they'll skyrocket once we get to Water 7 in no time at all, and Funimation gets more people interested in the current DVDs. Everyone wins imo. [/optimism]

RollingStone

@Electrivire:

So the new fans get caught up, Old fans get new to TV eps, Toonami probably get's higher ratings due to prettier episodes, plus they'll skyrocket once we get to Water 7 in no time at all, and Funimation gets more people interested in the current DVDs. Everyone wins imo. [/optimism]

There are no such episodes.

Samwize78

New season of One Piece the 18th, new season of Venture Bros. the 19th. That will be the best weekend on [adult swim] ever.

Electrivire

@RollingStone:

There are no such episodes.

I meant in terms of HD widescreen, not to mention DBF-Water 7 are some of the best looking episodes in the anime.

KaizokuFan22

wonder what time block they will get.. I hope its 12-12:30

Galaxy 9000

Ugh, I don't like this idea at all. Hopefully they don't regret it.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@KaizokuFan22:

wonder what time block they will get.. I hope its 12-12:30

It's going to air at 1 A.M., kicking Soul Eater to 1:30.

Demon Rin

I wonder… FUNi's Masters are HD... Cartoon Network HAS An HD channel, I know because Venture Bros. Airs in HD............ could the Broadcast be in HD?!?!

Electrivire

[http://toonami.tumblr.com/post/47806865613/may-18th-line-up-one-piece-added

T](http://toonami.tumblr.com/post/47806865613/may-18th-line-up-one-piece-added)hey should probably put "(Uncut)" in front of One Piece as well. Also decent timeslot is decent. Reminds me of Toonami back in the day when One Piece came on right after Naruto.

MasterKingJC

I had a strong feeling they were going to go with this route, but I'm still excited that One Piece is finally coming back to television.

Even with starting at 207, let's hope it'll be successful.

Snowmint

hopefully after 24 eps one piece doesn't get dropped again(aka how many eps need to be broadcasted before we get to water 7) I don't get why people are mad. I hope this airing will solidly one piece being dubbed forever if it were ever to be dropped from tv again. Shippuden continues to be dubbed even though it has no tv airing.

SwordsmanOfLorelei

I am absolutely drooling at the thought of seeing One Piece in HD

Skykin

Toonami picked the worst possible option. The first two arc's potential new fans will be exposed to are the worst canon arc and the second worst filler arc that One Piece has to offer. I believe most (if not all) these potential fans will be long gone come Water 7. First impressions matter Toonami!!

Big Emperor

Alright, Funi, you've got until May 18th to decide to add episode 206 to your online cycle. If you don't, I'm totally watching a mirror to bridge the gap.

GrizzlayLeslay

Like it or not, for the future success of One Piece in America, this was the best option to go with.

They will likely promote the Collections and OnePieceOfficial.com.

They will likely promote the One Piece 101 videos.

We don't have to wait 4 years for Season 4, when Toonami hasn't even been back for 1 year. They are making the right gamble by showing NEW english episodes of One Piece to the masses, uncut.

It's clear that Funimation knows better than to keep trying to hold the hands of potential new viewers when Funimation themselves have many ways for new viewers to watch over 200 episodes of content on their own time.

I never understood how in this age of instant gratification, how anyone thinks it would ever be wise to start from Episode 1, and take years upon years to get anywhere new, when we have nearly 600 episodes of the show in existence. We all have, in one form or another, taken part in that instant gratification by watching One Piece on our own time. It astounds me that somehow, US Television is exempt from new media and we must cater to every potential new viewer ever by starting from Episode 1. Thankfully Funimation doesn't see things that way.

Samwize78

@Demon:

I wonder… FUNi's Masters are HD... Cartoon Network HAS An HD channel, I know because Venture Bros. Airs in HD............ could the Broadcast be in HD?!?!

It is in HD. I wonder, you think it'll be a better quality than the Voyages? Since they do only display the highest quality the standard DVD player can present.

Snowmint

Or toonami and funimation are crazy but then again the highest rated toonami show was the crazy dbz hack job so starting one piece at a crazy spot isnt that off.

Samwize78

@Snowmint:

hopefully after 24 eps one piece doesn't get dropped again(aka how many eps need to be broadcasted before we get to water 7) I don't get why people are mad. I hope this airing will solidly one piece being dubbed forever if it were ever to be dropped from tv again. Shippuden continues to be dubbed even though it has no tv airing.

I don't think cancellation is a problem this time around. If it's not bringing in the ideal ratings it'll probably just be moved to a later time slot. If they didn't cancel GXP then I wouldn't worry about One Piece.

Zephray

@Samwize78:

It is in HD. I wonder, you think it'll be a better quality than the Voyages? Since they do only display the highest quality the standard DVD player can present.

Definitely. DVDs are not HD.

cloudrivera

Well I hope it works out fine, because Davy Back isn't really going to excite new viewers.

Davis-Lightheart

Damnit, no 11pm hour. And apparrently it was the show that replaced GXP. Also, I was really hoping for season 3. Oh well, good luck Funimation.

BigLuffy559

I wasn't even going to watch if they were going to start from the beginning. I just watched the first several seasons on DVD not even a few months ago. But since I only have up to 205 in the DVDs, this will be the first time for me getting to see Enies Lobby on the big screen rather than my computer. I'll tune in.

Also, I think I'm the only one that actually likes the Davy Back Fight both in the manga and the anime. I acutally like the anime version even more since they add more games.

Maron

@wjbraden:

In addition, our friends at Funimation are working on some “orientation/catch up” pieces we’ll be putting on Toonami.

Get ready to cast off, May 18th. Full lineup to follow shortly!"

So no need to worry about new viewers. I can't wait!

Awesome, this is the thing I wanted most. I know some of you will be upset with this but after a while with the things said by the Toonami crew, it was to be expected and I'm really glad we're at least getting new catch up videos.

dropper

Just remember that if Toonami were to air one new episode per week from beginning, you would be waiting 4 years to watch these HD episodes on television, I can't believe people are complaining! You are so lucky!

Shift

I too feel that this is the best way to go. Season 4 and up definitely has the hot-off-the-press feel to it, both for being in HD and the fact that it really is new for many viewers; like it or not, everything up to Skypiea has been at least touched upon US airwaves. And whatever we like to think, I doubt there are that many watching who have never even heard of the series, even from the dark FoxBox days. Plus, when it comes to the past seasons, it's absurdly easy for anyone to get caught up, between Funi's streams, the super-cheap Collections, Neon Alley, and the catch-up promos they're promising. Nor are there many remnants of 4Kids' evil left to taint the pool, besides the rap.

So yeah, I'm psyched for season 4 on Toonami, and I hope it will keep the incentive up to prevent another year+ gap between seasons.

demonkicksanji

Awesome news regarding Seaosn 4 on TV…in HD! Personally, I also really like DBF, and even the "filler games" had some really fun moments. But I can't wait to see the Groggy Ring in glorious HD on a 55 inch. X3

Maron

I hope TOM makes a couple subtle jabs at the 4Kids version in future OP Toonami promos

Electrivire

I hope they really drive the point home that it's uncut too, just like they currently do with Naruto.

gyarados

I love how Funimation will be putting together some "catch-up" videos for the new fans.

http://toonami.tumblr.com/post/47806…one-piece-news

We know we’re skipping ahead a bunch, but we think this is a great place to start- plus, it’ll be in HD! For those of you who are worried you won’t be able to jump in to the story, don’t worry! Go to Funimation.com now and you can watch ALL of the older episodes, plus there are a bunch of cool little video “catch up” pieces for folks who just want the overview. In addition, our friends at Funimation are working on some “orientation/catch up” pieces we’ll be putting on Toonami.

I think this is the best course of action. It allows the long time fans to enjoy newer episodes, and it gives new fans the ability to get a general idea of what's going on, as well as the ability to go back and catch up. May 18th can't come soon enough.

Skykin

Was unaware of the "catch up" Pieces. This makes toonami's decision more understandable. I think they should start at the episode where Kuzan is introduced instead of 207. Either way I won't be watching since i don't get Cartoon Network.

light_kun

Alright awesome! Now the question is if they are going to keep the original Japanese opening or Funimation found a way to dub the song.

Electrivire

Even if they did get a chance to dub it, it'd still probably be shortened to 30 seconds or so anyway. I notice Adult Swim tends to do that alot when it comes to Anime openings and endings.

Game And Guy

I'm hoping for specials where they show Episode 1-206 in a marathon or something.

Wishful thinking, but hey - it's been a great year for One Piece.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Skykin:

the worst canon arc

Davy Back Fight worst canon arc

God if fun and games arc is the worst arc call me a cynic.

Kirk

While Davy Back is far from being the worst arc, it's probably the worst arc to start One Piece.

Maron

Eh, that's really subjective. I mean all of you seem to have your own idea on where the worst arc to start on is.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@light_kun:

Alright awesome! Now the question is if they are going to keep the original Japanese opening or Funimation found a way to dub the song.

If there was a loophole for that we'd probably know already. If Avex felt strongly enough to leave the Japanese to promote the bands on DVD, why wouldn't they keep that for TV? At this point you should just assume the songs will never be dubbed. It's been almost a year with no change so you'd be better off.

Plus with stuff like the newest One Piece opening not premiering on the simulcast tonight like in Japan, that whole situation still seems rather hopeless, though that may be fixed for the following simulcast episode.

Samwize78

The Opening and Endings will definitely be shortened, FUNimation has been doing that to all their shows airing on TV since Dragon Ball Kai, so it's to be expected.

Side note, I really do wish they get this OP/ED music hullabaloo with Toei straightened out soon, because, as Maron pointed out, tonight's simulcast won't have Opening 16 in it, and Toriko has a new Opening tonight as well. They haven't said anything about Toriko's new Opening, so hopefully that means it'll be included when the new episode is posted.

bountyhunter

Davy Back has a little bit of everything and is extremely short.

I think they made the right move, people have the opportunity to catch up on their own. I'm more worried about the filler that follows.

Snowmint

I t will crazy if the op and Ed are shortened but when the funi dub was airing in 08 the op and Ed were kept intact.

Maron

Toonami in it's current form is in more need of commercials than it was before. The 6 guys that run it now do it for free with roughly 1/8th of the previous budget.

Makes more sense for the songs to be shortened as a result, unlike before. Plus it's not like we haven't heard to regular TV size versions anyway.

Gentleman Skeleton

@Maron:

Toonami in it's current form is in more need of commercials than it was before. The 6 guys that run it now do it for free with roughly 1/8th of the previous budget.

Makes more sense for the songs to be shortened as a result, unlike before. Plus it's not like we haven't heard to regular TV size versions anyway.

What I hope they do is take the Bleach approach. Full sized OP, extremely shortened ED. All bets are off on what happens when we get to Crazy Rainbow Star though.

MasterKingJC

If getting the full opening to air means they'd have to butcher the ending and cut out the previews, then I'm all for it.

wjbraden

The only reason we got the full OP and ED for One Piece back in 2007 was because they're were several little time cuts here and there due to violence and whatnot (remember those "flash" punches).

@Gentleman:

What I hope they do is take the Bleach approach. Full sized OP, extremely shortened ED. All bets are off on what happens when we get to Crazy Rainbow Star though.

Yeah about that. They'll definitely have to do something about that. Maybe they'll cut off the last minute or so and attach it the the end and just roll the credits.

And yes it sounds like a pipe dream but I really hope they'll be able to show the songs dubbed. I would be 100% certain they won't be , but remember how TV Japan got away with airing ending 14 (with Funimation's subs too), when they were absent in both the DVD and Online releases? Maybe there's some weird licensing stipulation that songs can be dubbed for TV airings, but nothing else. We'll see, I guess…

Zephray

@wjbraden:

The only reason we got the full OP and ED for One Piece back in 2007 was because they're were several little time cuts here and there due to violence and whatnot (remember those "flash" punches).

Yeah about that. They'll definitely have to do something about that. Maybe they'll cut off the last minute or so and attach it the the end and just roll the credits.

And yes it sounds like a pipe dream but I really hope they'll be able to show the songs dubbed. I would be 100% certain they won't be , but remember how TV Japan got away with airing ending 14 (with Funimation's subs too), when they were absent in both the DVD and Online releases? Maybe there's some weird licensing stipulation that songs can be dubbed for TV airings, but nothing else. We'll see, I guess…

Unlikely, but possible. We all know that home media release is an entirely different beast from broadcasts.

wjbraden

@Zephray:

Unlikely, but possible. We all know that home media release is an entirely different beast from broadcasts.

Yep, in Russia the dubbers were allowed to dub them for TV, but are still negotiating to use them on their DVD releases.

Edit: Yeah, I just found out that the new opening won't even be in the simulcast this week, and that some Toriko endings have been skipped recently, too. What in the living heck is Toei doing with it's songs lately? Not allowing others to dub them is one thing, but it's another to completely skip them. This is getting ridiculous.

Demon Rin

They can do a Toonami + Adult Swim crossover promo where Luffy and Black Dynamite promote the power of the Afro.

Electrivire

That new guy who recently took over the international stuff over at Toei, I wonder if these were the conditions he set? "It's alot easier for you other countries to acquire our various anime series now, but there is a new catch for why this is now possible…" ..That catch being all the music-related stuff that's been happening recently with most of Toei's stuff perhaps?

demonkicksanji

@Demon:

They can do a Toonami + Adult Swim crossover promo where Luffy and Black Dynamite promote the power of the Afro.

Oh hell to the YES! If only Toonami had Afro Samurai too, then they could use the 3 of them…like an Afro Trinity, or something. XD