One Piece More: Is a UK Release Possible?

When One Piece was originally shown in the UK, it ran on the Toonami channel from Spring 2005 to the end of 2006. Although we continue to get the manga around the same time as the American releases, and get the occasional video game, the One Piece anime hasn't been seen for a very long time. However, Manga Entertainment—, the biggest Anime distributor in the UK—, has  recently posted a query on both Twitter and Facebook asking if UK anime fans want to see One Piece on DVD in our neck of the woods. See my thoughts after the jump.

-Superneku

Confessions and Elaborations

Immediately, the prospect of One Piece finally coming to DVD over here makes me want to squeal to the heavens, because people who are either unaware of the series or dismiss it due to the mark  4Kids left can finally experience it the way it was meant to be seen, in English or Japanese. Possibly an even more important reason is that it would finally be legal to watch for UK fans. As a lot of you know, One Piece is only available to watch in the US either on Funimation's website or on streaming sites like Hulu, making it impossible to watch legally in the UK. Which means that unless you own the US DVDs and have something to play them on, then you will be resorting to piracy . I'm not going to lie to you all, I am guilty of watching illegally, but I really don't want to. I've shown my support by importing the recent Collections from the US and buying the manga as soon as it is released here, and I want to continue doing so by buying UK DVDs.

The main two reasons that I can think of for why One Piece hasn't been released on DVD here is that One Piece isn't that popular due to the fact that it hasn't gotten enough exposure and the fact that Toei licenses are expensive. This alienates distributors like Manga Entertainment because it would be a risky investment to make. However, a light at the end of the tunnel started to peer out back in March of this year when Manga Entertainment announced that they had gained the license...for Dragon Ball Z. Naturally, the UK fanbase exploded with excitement because DBZ had practically been in the same boat as One Piece for a long time and now we are finally getting it. This is important because it could mean that Toei Animation Europe and Manga Entertainment now have a better relationship . This could lead to One Piece finally getting a UK release.

IT'S SO GOOD!

As I stated above the break, Manga Entertainment recently asked followers on both Twitter and Facebook if they wanted to see One Piece in the UK. Responses have varied from a BIG YES to people only buying it if they were the US Collections with twenty-six episodes rather than the Voyage sets with only thirteen. Which brings me now to the inevitable begging. If you are either from the UK or wish to see UK One Piece fans finally get the show in their own country, please check out the links below. Also please spread the word to Manga Entertainment or show this post/the links to anyone else who may be interested. Another thing regarding UK anime fans, if you haven't already done it, please show your support by purchasing Dragon Ball Z on DVD because this could show Toei Animation Europe that fans of Shonen shows  are around in the UK and could really want their favorite shows.

Watch this space, keep your eyes on Twitter or Facebook and maybe someday Manga Entertainment will license this amazing show for all of the UK fanbase to see. Once again, check the links below to see how you can help out.  Follow them on Twitter, like their Facebook page, post sensible comments, every little bit helps. Thank you all very much for reading this and have a great day.

Manga Entertainment's Twitter (remember to hashtag #OnePieceUncutUK if you want to tweet your support)

Manga Entertainment's Twitter Query

Manga Entertainment's Facebook Page

Manga Entertainment's Facebook Query

Buy DBZ Season 1 on DVD (For UK fans only)

One Piece Uncut UK DVD Topic on Arlong Park Forums