I am disappointed that this movie doesn't have a higher rating because I think it's one of the best movies I've watched for Anime Month! The thing is, I'm not even a "One Piece" fan! I think I read the first volume or two of the manga and it didn't interest me that much, but this movie was wonderful! Granted, I saw a subtitled version so I probably just saw the best version that exists. Anyway, I remember when I first became familiar with this series. I was kind of turned off by the weird character designs. I mean, it just didn't seem like a traditional anime.

I was very glad to watch the anime in action and be amazed by how much fun it was. It's really easy to realize that the weird designs is what makes it so unique! I don't know that much about Luffy, but certainly got associated with him and his crew. I haven't read far into the manga or watched the show much to understand what's going on. Apparently, this was an adaptation of a story arc. It's easy for me to realize that the series is about pirates, so it was very interesting to see them on land in the desert of all places!

The fight scenes are very well done and the characters are very entertaining. There's tons of funny moments and throughout all the silliness, there really is a very strong story here. This tells about one of the crew members named Vivi going back to save her hometown. I really do love the ending, where they really do the courageous thing. At first, it looks like it's going to be the same with her rejoining the crew. Instead, they did something bold and had her stay behind and rule her kingdom! It's a very heartfelt moment and I'm so glad to know more about such a popular franchise. ****

This takes place during the Alabasta Arc. when the StrawHat Pirates help out Vivi (a valiant princess)save her kingdom from the Baroque Works' conspiracy plot. The Kingdom of Alabasta is a dessert island that hasn't had a drop of rain for 3 years. King Cobra(Vivi's father) tried every he could to help his people and kingdom from falling. After all the unsuccessful promises on rain. Most of the locals and villagers plan to start a war against the kingdom itself. But little do they know is that the whole thing is a setup made possible for them all to kill each other.

Those who seen the Alabasta episodes would be familiar with the whole story and what happens. Only difference is that this movie only shows you the important events and side stories in an edit way.

You might ask what is so great about watching a movie that retells a story we already seen from the TV series. Well I'll tell you why. This movie is an alternate retelling of the Alabasta episodes. When it comes to alternate you see events and small elements that weren't in the TV episodes.

Such as different animation quality since it's a cinema film. The flow of the story is slightly different. The battles are much more massive. The drama has a bit more suspense. The background and locations are richer with the use of CGI. And the fights and visual effects are more complex. All of this makes the whole Alabasta story entirely different from what we've seen before on TV.

Another good reason in seeing this film is those who miss Vivi will get to see her again in this movie. And those who like to see Luffy fight Crocodile will be able to see it again in an entirely different view.

Overrall, Toei Animation did a great job in alternating this story arc. It be a masterpiece if it included more events and characters that were left out. If that happened it be a much longer movie. To all One Piece fans, this movie will be released by Funimation in 2008. Be sure to check it out sub or dub by then.

Okay, I, just yesterday, went to my local Wal-Mart to buy One Piece The Movie: The Desert Princess and The Pirates Adventures in Alabasta. Being the One Piece buff I am, it's only natural that I anticipate. I mean, this is the new One Piece movie, right. I got home right after buying it, popped it into my DVD player, and sat down on my couch to watch.

Shortly after pressing play, my ears were greeted by a billowing wisp of air from my television speakers, as well as a beautiful orchestral blare. The movie kept going on like this and it was a truly beautiful thing to see and hear.

The animation has greatly improved from the TV anime. Though it's not on the same level as Miyazaki's critically acclaimed Spirited Away, it doesn't mean it can't startle you now and then.

The voice-overs are expertly done, and will blow you away once you hear them. I especially loved Pell's voice, as it suited the character so perfectly, I nearly jumped up from the couch and shouted, "Yes! Do it again!" The score has been crafted by careful hands here, and expertly comments the mood of each individual scene.

This movie is entertaining and I recommend it to anybody who is a One Piece fan or likes a good action film.

10/10 (Highly Recommended)