|
The series gets even better with the second
DVD of this pulse pounding car series. After the introductory sequences of the
first disc, this time we are able to get into the actual car racing side of
things a little bit more than last time.
I love this series and this disc reinforced
that feeling. Add to that the fact that my wife also loved it and that is
saying a lot for the show. She's into anime but it has to be pretty darn good
for her to take notice. Initial D mixes traditional cel drawn techniques for
the main parts of the story involving people and conversations and then uses
computer graphics for the car scenes that look amazingly good.
From the last disc, it's discovered that Tak
Fujiwara is actually the driver of the Eight-Six that they are all so in awe
of and it takes Tak beating KT of the Akagi Red Suns for everyone to believe
it was really him. Bunta, Tak's father was meant to drive, however he sent his
son to take his place. Tak still couldn't care about the racing, he just
wanted the tank full of gas his father promised if he won! He just wants to
take Natalie to the beach!
As per last DVD, car racing is talked about
with almost a mysticism that does border on the hilarious and on one scene we
are told that when man and car are truly together they leave an aura, I
laughed out loud. It's kinda hokey to the point of being very very cool.
The DVD covers three episodes titled:
Act 4: Into the Battle!
Act 2: Dogfight!
Act 3: A New Challenger
The pacing of this disc is perfect with each
episode ending on a cliffhanger that makes you hit the enter button on your
remote to get to the next one quickly. The storyline has a great flow to it
that will keep your interest the whole way through. We are starting to get to
know more about the players in this story and can't wait to find out if Tak
will actually get enthused about the high speeds he is capable of driving at.
I highly recommend this one!
The disc is shown in
4:3 full screen and there are no video problems with the disc at all. The way
that we are shown the car sequences is fantastic and the effects really suit
what you see on the screen. The discs menu system is easy to navigate and very
functional. You have a choice here
of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround in both Japanese and English audio. With some
anime, I prefer to listen to it in Japanese and deal with the subtitles,
however this was good enough to concentrate on the movie and listen to the
English version. Sounds are crisp and clear throughout and we are treated to
some rocking tunes throughout every episode including a pumping title song.
I wasn't that impressed with the extras on this disc, however car nuts will be
pleased with Showroom #2 section that shows you how to do certain moves in
your car. There is also the option to watch the movie in it's original
Japanese or enhanced English version.
|
Initial D Battle
02: Challenge: Red Suns Features | | | | 
