‘Straight Into the Garbage’: One Piece Fans Reject New Netflix ‘HD’ Release

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Fans are overwhelmingly unhappy with Netflix’s recent high-definition re-release of classic episodes, which were remastered by Toei Animation.

The new HD remastered episodes of One Piece that Netflix released on November 15th haven’t been well-received by fans. Many are claiming the episodes weren’t actually remastered, but simply cropped to fit modern screens and then enhanced with AI. This has resulted in a picture quality that looks less sharp and more flat compared to the original versions, according to viewers on social media.

One Piece’s New Netflix Anime Release Gains Controversy Over AI Accusations

Recently, fans strongly criticized a high-definition remaster of the original Dragon Ball anime, which came out earlier this month. After appearing on Hulu and being advertised online, the remastered episodes received similar complaints. Many viewers noticed signs that Toei Animation had used AI upscaling, and felt it actually made the episodes look worse.

Netflix is adding more high-definition episodes of One Piece. Sixteen remastered episodes will be available on December 15th, with another 15 coming in January.

Although fans are disappointed with the quality of the remastered episodes, they remain excited for what’s coming in the next story arc of One Piece. This new arc will follow the Straw Hat crew as they sail the seas, searching for the lost Captain Shanks and trying to discover the full potential of Monkey D. Luffy’s powers.

During New York Comic-Con in October, the topic of creative freedom for the anime’s animation and production team came up, especially with the upcoming Elbaf arc. Matsumi explained that the goal is to give all staff members the space to express their creativity. They want to avoid limiting anyone’s abilities or imagination.

Matsumi explained that working with animators from around the world has brought fresh perspectives and artistry to their work. This collaboration allows them to create more compelling visuals, though they’re careful to maintain a balance and avoid going too far. He finds the process very exciting.

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2025-11-25 17:38