I did not care much for Oden's death in the manga, but I appreciated how cinematic and evocative this episode was. It felt like the climatic end of a Kabuki play, with the overdramatized performances, but the direction found in old Samurai films. The use of Koto and a more eastern style soundtrack for Oden's death sells the authenticity more. (Though the Scabbards as beams of light Oden scattered across was a weird choice.)
I can confidently say that I liked the anime's flashback over the manga. Oden just seems much more likeable and endearing. His natural charisma and aura shine more in this medium. The scenes which fell flat in the manga, such as Oden scarring Kaido, had the impact it deserved. Roger and Newgate's adventures with Oden carried the wonder and charm it was meant to have, and the use of additional scenes let things flow better.