21 reviews
Yes it is an anime with a lot of cars in it BUT don't get fooled by that (especially if you are a person who doesn't care much about cars, drives Vauxhall or likes) and give this anime a try. If you watched Death Note, Shingeki no Kyojin, Psycho Pass, Silver Spoon and other anime like them you will probably like Initial D. Only connection with before mentioned anime is originality, and that should be enough to give it a try.
Initial D has funny, interesting and original storyline with specific soundtrack that will change your perspective on cars, and make you wanna own some of the cars that are shown in the series. Also series are full of interesting trivia. Most valuable thing about Initial D is that petrol-heads will love it, but it is not exclusive for them, so they can share and watch it with non petrol-heads friends :D
Negative side, part of the animation that is in "3D"
p.s. Just in case you are in dilemma: don't watch English dubbed version, watch original in Japanese language
Initial D has funny, interesting and original storyline with specific soundtrack that will change your perspective on cars, and make you wanna own some of the cars that are shown in the series. Also series are full of interesting trivia. Most valuable thing about Initial D is that petrol-heads will love it, but it is not exclusive for them, so they can share and watch it with non petrol-heads friends :D
Negative side, part of the animation that is in "3D"
p.s. Just in case you are in dilemma: don't watch English dubbed version, watch original in Japanese language
What an amazing Anime, Great characters, great story, great voice talents and completely unique animation blending 2D and 3D elements; it's really neat.
"Initial D : First stage" is everything that a first season should be, it introduces all the main characters, you watch the main character Takumi develop as the season progresses. the racing is obviously a highlight, using the aforementioned 3D animation, the fast paced movement, the heavy hum of the engines, the pulsing euro-beats in the back ground, IT'S TO DIE FOR!
This is one great Anime, whether or not you like cars or even Anime in general, it's worth it just for the story and the memes.
but nothing is perfect, so It's still getting 9 out of 10 stars.
- josuethehobbit
- Sep 29, 2019
- Permalink
- theelementalflow
- Apr 3, 2017
- Permalink
"Initial D: First Stage," which first aired in Japan in 1998, is a consistently exciting and compelling anime series based on Shuichi Shigeno's popular manga (comic book) about downhill mountain road racing in Japan's Gunma Prefecture. The protagonist is high school boy Takumi who, unbeknownst to his classmates and buddies at the gas station where he works, has been honing his downhill driving skills for the past five years by speeding up and down Mt. Akina making early morning deliveries for his father's tofu shop. When Takumi just matter-of-factly beats an area road racing star on an impromptu downhill race, he finds himself thrust, somewhat reluctantly, into the world of "touge" (mountain) racing and the various teams from neighboring mountains. His close buddies, Iketani and Itsuki, who are tied to the local Akina Speed Stars, are stunned to learn of Takumi's secret skills and are somewhat infuriated by his nonchalant attitude. Takumi's single father, once a downhill champ himself, has made a point of nurturing this attitude by guiding his son, not by example or instruction, but by letting him find his own way.
Once the secret is out, as quick as you can say, "Draw!," Takumi finds himself challenged by an increasingly sophisticated group of rivals and also finds himself attracting the attentions of Natsuki, a girl at school who has secretly been involved in a bit of "subsidized dating" with an older man. Much attention in this series is paid to the characters, their development, and their sometimes turbulent interaction with each other. We care for these kids because, quite simply, they're believable human beings.
The look of the series draws closely on that of the manga with somewhat simple, almost cartoonish (but surprisingly effective) design for the characters, created in 2-D animation, contrasting noticeably with the technically detailed look of the cars and races, which are recreated with 3-D CGI for the anime. While the integration of 2-D and 3-D is somewhat awkward in the early episodes, it improves greatly as the series progresses. The character design gets better also, with more detailed, expressive facial features becoming quite evident by the fifth volume in the series (eps. 16-18).
The races are edited and designed with great skill and thought. These sequences are genuinely exciting even to those of us who never followed any kind of auto racing outside of "Speed Racer" and action movie car chases. And, besides, the technical aspects of this form of racing, particularly the all-important practice of "drifting," are adequately spelled out for novices--to the point where the series might even be called educational.
The music track deserves singling out for its lively collection of pulsating, catchy songs in the "Eurobeat" style popular in Japan (a mix of rock, hip hop, and techno). The songs come into play in the opening and closing credit sequences and during the racing sequences (where they work perfectly). The instrumental tracks during the quieter scenes are expertly done as well. (Warning: the English dubbed tracks on the U.S. DVD releases have completely new music soundtracks. Stick with the "Classic" version option.)
As anime series go, at least for fans in the U.S., this one is quite unlike any other this reviewer has come across in the U.S. (after a decade of reviewing anime) and has proved to be among the most rewarding. This review covers the first season (First Stage), which was followed by a second series (Second Stage), a movie (Third Stage), and yet a third series (Fourth Stage). There are also video games based on the series. Let's hope it all continues.
Once the secret is out, as quick as you can say, "Draw!," Takumi finds himself challenged by an increasingly sophisticated group of rivals and also finds himself attracting the attentions of Natsuki, a girl at school who has secretly been involved in a bit of "subsidized dating" with an older man. Much attention in this series is paid to the characters, their development, and their sometimes turbulent interaction with each other. We care for these kids because, quite simply, they're believable human beings.
The look of the series draws closely on that of the manga with somewhat simple, almost cartoonish (but surprisingly effective) design for the characters, created in 2-D animation, contrasting noticeably with the technically detailed look of the cars and races, which are recreated with 3-D CGI for the anime. While the integration of 2-D and 3-D is somewhat awkward in the early episodes, it improves greatly as the series progresses. The character design gets better also, with more detailed, expressive facial features becoming quite evident by the fifth volume in the series (eps. 16-18).
The races are edited and designed with great skill and thought. These sequences are genuinely exciting even to those of us who never followed any kind of auto racing outside of "Speed Racer" and action movie car chases. And, besides, the technical aspects of this form of racing, particularly the all-important practice of "drifting," are adequately spelled out for novices--to the point where the series might even be called educational.
The music track deserves singling out for its lively collection of pulsating, catchy songs in the "Eurobeat" style popular in Japan (a mix of rock, hip hop, and techno). The songs come into play in the opening and closing credit sequences and during the racing sequences (where they work perfectly). The instrumental tracks during the quieter scenes are expertly done as well. (Warning: the English dubbed tracks on the U.S. DVD releases have completely new music soundtracks. Stick with the "Classic" version option.)
As anime series go, at least for fans in the U.S., this one is quite unlike any other this reviewer has come across in the U.S. (after a decade of reviewing anime) and has proved to be among the most rewarding. This review covers the first season (First Stage), which was followed by a second series (Second Stage), a movie (Third Stage), and yet a third series (Fourth Stage). There are also video games based on the series. Let's hope it all continues.
- BrianDanaCamp
- Sep 3, 2004
- Permalink
I started this series years ago with my brothers and I mean all of them. My oldest brother would come by the house every time a new DVD would be available. We all started this show like right when it hit the American market. So glad we did!! I remember waiting in sun coast videos waiting for my pre order when these dropped.
The story is great, at the character are interesting and the story evolves. Any anime fan should give this a chance if you haven't yet. It is definitely worth a watch and you will rewatch it so many times as well.
The story is great, at the character are interesting and the story evolves. Any anime fan should give this a chance if you haven't yet. It is definitely worth a watch and you will rewatch it so many times as well.
- johnnyreevesbass
- Jul 20, 2018
- Permalink
- ketankulkarniv
- Aug 30, 2021
- Permalink
This show takes place in a more rural area which has a very popular street racing culture. This isn't an ordinary bunch of guys who like cars, these guys very knowledgeable when it comes to cars and racing. YOU KNOW the directors or some people who made the show has lived that Street Racing lifestyle because it is depicted dead on. It is a little old but the fundamentals and ideas are all the same and you'll learn a thing or two.
After watching this show and already being into cars (I own a DSM Eclipse but drives a DC5 Base model) I can't even get behind the wheel of my car at night without wanting to get into a street race. This show has also fueled my love of old street racing cars like the FC3S and others.
OVERALL! Its a MUST WATCH FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES CARS AND STREET RACING!!!
After watching this show and already being into cars (I own a DSM Eclipse but drives a DC5 Base model) I can't even get behind the wheel of my car at night without wanting to get into a street race. This show has also fueled my love of old street racing cars like the FC3S and others.
OVERALL! Its a MUST WATCH FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES CARS AND STREET RACING!!!
- greenking112
- Aug 14, 2014
- Permalink
It's the story of a high school student, Takumi Fujiwara who works as a delivery boy in his father's Tofu Shop. Every morning he makes his deliveries, in his father's Ae86 ( Toyota Corolla ) passing through Mt. Akina's full of hairpins track. In the process of making his deliveries, he becomes a skilled driver and Mt. Akina his turf. Those who see him call him the ghost of Akina. When racers from other regions make an expedition to Mt. Akina, they come to know about this ghost. The Racers start to challenge Takumi and how he deals with each challenge and in the process becomes a legend is what Initial D is about.
Visuals/Graphics: 10/10
Apart from the races it's just like what you'd expect an anime to be. The races have been done in 3D which really adds to the thrill. With each and every season the graphics have gotten better, stage Four being the best.
Story: 9/10
The story is simply about the journey of Takumi from an ordinary High school kid to a legendary street racer and how he meets other racers who help him achieve it in the process.
Screenplay: 9/10
There are a few flashbacks but apart from that the anime proceeds in one direction only. Nothing unnecessary has been done, making it an easy to watch experience.
Initial D is a must watch, even if you're not an anime freak. You don't have to be ! It's much better than the Fast 'n Furious movie series, where they pull off stunts defying the laws of physics. This anime actually bothers to explain how the machines are working. Trust me, if you watch this you wouldn't be disappointed. The best thing is it has also been dubbed in English so you won't have to stress reading subtitles.
Overall: It's a 10/10. Watch it !
Visuals/Graphics: 10/10
Apart from the races it's just like what you'd expect an anime to be. The races have been done in 3D which really adds to the thrill. With each and every season the graphics have gotten better, stage Four being the best.
Story: 9/10
The story is simply about the journey of Takumi from an ordinary High school kid to a legendary street racer and how he meets other racers who help him achieve it in the process.
Screenplay: 9/10
There are a few flashbacks but apart from that the anime proceeds in one direction only. Nothing unnecessary has been done, making it an easy to watch experience.
Initial D is a must watch, even if you're not an anime freak. You don't have to be ! It's much better than the Fast 'n Furious movie series, where they pull off stunts defying the laws of physics. This anime actually bothers to explain how the machines are working. Trust me, if you watch this you wouldn't be disappointed. The best thing is it has also been dubbed in English so you won't have to stress reading subtitles.
Overall: It's a 10/10. Watch it !
- abhay-unrated
- May 10, 2012
- Permalink
I like the series ever since I was a freshman at college. Students involved in anime stuff brought different series every week to my college's student center, and one evening I was studying for some exam until I heard some J-pop music; then I peeked at the big screen there and saw some anime figures and then a super-realistic image of a 1983 Toyota Corolla GTS liftback. I thought to myself: What is this thing about? Then I saw further into the series and saw drifting cars. But the most outstanding thing was that the cars appeared photo-realistic, when I then realizes they were relying on 3D graphics to simulate the cars. That's what got me into Initial D. I attempted to rent it at my nearest Blockbuster but found it always missing (or rented out), so I never got a chance to rent it on my own until I went to Dallas TX on some coop practice and subscribed to Netflix. Then I really got my chance to rent Initial D.
But then I discovered an awful thing: The English dub by Tokyopop got rid of the series' Eurobeat-style music by m.o.v.e and instead inserted its own local crappy hip-hop by some unknown DJ Milky with no known album on the market. Solution: Whenever you start playing any episode, set it to Japanese audio to listen to m.o.v.e's awesome opening; then when the opening's over, switch back to English if you want to listen to the dialogs without having to read subtitles. Then when the episode's over and the credits are about to start rolling, switch again to Japanese to listen to m.o.v.e (eps 1-13) or Galla (14-26), then back to English to listen the next ep's preview, then repeat the same cycle for the next episode(s).
But then I discovered an awful thing: The English dub by Tokyopop got rid of the series' Eurobeat-style music by m.o.v.e and instead inserted its own local crappy hip-hop by some unknown DJ Milky with no known album on the market. Solution: Whenever you start playing any episode, set it to Japanese audio to listen to m.o.v.e's awesome opening; then when the opening's over, switch back to English if you want to listen to the dialogs without having to read subtitles. Then when the episode's over and the credits are about to start rolling, switch again to Japanese to listen to m.o.v.e (eps 1-13) or Galla (14-26), then back to English to listen the next ep's preview, then repeat the same cycle for the next episode(s).
- jedi787plus
- May 11, 2006
- Permalink
This movie doesn't have an amazing story, or characters. In fact it doesn't have anything but aesthetics. It sounds, looks, and feels like an amazing and fun show to watch. Despite giving it a 6/10, I would still recommend everyone to watch at least 10-20 episodes of this show.
It's a bit strange being a car freak and NOT having seen much of Initial D until recently. Still, I already knew quite a lot of it, thanks to the manga issues I scrounged up. Really amazing what one can achieve with my old car. That's right, I've been a lucky sod who drove a "Hachi-Roku". The car was a Red and Black Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86, badged as Corolla GT-S. I acquired it in Belgium. Actually, I was looking fer the Sedan version, which was quite common there. But I just HAD to try out that little souped up hatchback and I was won over immediately. As I live in a region with a lot of twisty backroads and hills, (alas, no mountain pass here :( ) I had a lot of fun with it for a few years. Then a friend came over with a tape he bought (yes we're talking nineties here folks) "Isn't that your car?" he said, while showing me a vicious race between a Honda Civic (beg ya pardon, an EG6) and Takumi's AE86. The CGI action, the races, the music by M.o.v.e. All excellent! "Then how could you be so stupid and FORGET ALL ABOUT IT!?" Itsuki would ask in his overacting voice. I really don't know that. But after I coïncidentially saw the reasonable Chinese live-adaptation, I decided ter go look for it again. As with Zipang, one of my other favorite Manga/Anime's, I got lucky: I found First, Second and Extra Stage in Japanese language with English subs and that fantastic Eurobeat soundtrack. I'm still looking for the rest, which is a bit harder, because I'm trying to avoid all the dub overs with those slipshod hip-hop-songs DJ Milkyway (or something' like it ) cooked up. It might be a bit older now, but First Stage is still a lot better then all the F&F movies together.
Oh, and what did I do with my "Hachi-Roku?" After 5 years of service it was traded for a black front-wheel driven Corolla AE92 GTS, which also was a lot of fun, but I'll always have fond memories of that little red and black hatchback. Even now, while I drive a MINI Cooper.
Oh, and what did I do with my "Hachi-Roku?" After 5 years of service it was traded for a black front-wheel driven Corolla AE92 GTS, which also was a lot of fun, but I'll always have fond memories of that little red and black hatchback. Even now, while I drive a MINI Cooper.
The show is poorly animated and most of it's budget looked like it was spent only on the CG. I have seen better animation in Hentai that was released earlier than this show. I only enjoy the show for the memes and the music from Eurobeat. The only two things that make the show worth watching. Making fun of this show is fun because all of the memes that originated from this show. Basically the entire show is Shifting Gears and Drifting. The only good quotable line has to be "The setup point is in the next five consecutive hairpin curves!" I have personally made poorly created fan art to represent the poor quality in this anime. Would recommend to others.
It's feels just like the Fast and the Furious movies, it's an Anime Fast and the Furious, and Initial D compared to the Fast and the Furious, it's fun for All Ages.
Motherless nonchalant delivery driver is fast and gets b*****; I think he might like cars.
On a serious note, I got into the show because my local arcade recently got Initial D Stage 8. I was hooked on the game and remembered it being based on the show so I decided to check it out. I can't get enough!
If you are a fan of cars, this is definitely for you. You get to see the progression of someone being drawn into a culture that surrounds them. If you are a fan of anime, you also might like it. The animation can be wonky at times, but the race and action sequences more than make up for that. If you are a fan of plots and good writing, I find it very unlikely you will enjoy the series. Tropes are extremely recurring, quite a few running gags, minimum change and development of characters, not much substance to them either besides racing and being teenagers. If there is one thing the writing does get right, it's the car details.
On a serious note, I got into the show because my local arcade recently got Initial D Stage 8. I was hooked on the game and remembered it being based on the show so I decided to check it out. I can't get enough!
If you are a fan of cars, this is definitely for you. You get to see the progression of someone being drawn into a culture that surrounds them. If you are a fan of anime, you also might like it. The animation can be wonky at times, but the race and action sequences more than make up for that. If you are a fan of plots and good writing, I find it very unlikely you will enjoy the series. Tropes are extremely recurring, quite a few running gags, minimum change and development of characters, not much substance to them either besides racing and being teenagers. If there is one thing the writing does get right, it's the car details.
- robamez-02891
- Jul 9, 2024
- Permalink
This anime show initial D is a great drifting anime and overall car anime show I used to put it on for background noise that's how much I used to watch it but this review is mostly me just stating a fact that they show this anime as an action anime and that's a load of horse yk what it's complete bs and I hate when things lie I was trying to find good action anime well top rated to show my wifey I don't need to be gas lit or lied to by things I'm used to using I've seen way to many to begin with so yeah for IMDb do better by being actually accurate and not lying about shows stop bsing people when some haven't seen so they'll be gullible then see that your full of it okay done since I met the requirement to send this btw that requirement is so frickin dumb I'm holding back saying my actual thoughts since they'd prob get monetized.
- nicgarcia-20451
- Sep 1, 2024
- Permalink
Every episode kept me on edge, the way the show presented situations and how the main character Takumi took on every challenge was pure hype. Now a lot of the episodes were just setting up the races and raising the stakes. Sometimes they felt really long and boring, sometimes they were enjoyable. The races were always enjoyable to watch because of it though so no regrets.
In a way you could say the show is predictable but even then it's more so about the emotions of the characters when they're about to race or as they're racing.
I liked the selection of cars, all of the characters' personalities, everything was pretty cool in my opinion. And you can't forget about the EUROBEAT, the whole reason why I even knew about this show was through the EUROBEAT. The way the music is implemented is perfect. They did a good job with that.
In a way you could say the show is predictable but even then it's more so about the emotions of the characters when they're about to race or as they're racing.
I liked the selection of cars, all of the characters' personalities, everything was pretty cool in my opinion. And you can't forget about the EUROBEAT, the whole reason why I even knew about this show was through the EUROBEAT. The way the music is implemented is perfect. They did a good job with that.
- jasoncrespo-56276
- Oct 28, 2023
- Permalink
I know it was the late 90s and the early days of CGI but my god, it just looked literally terrible . The cars looked like hot wheels toys on drugs rather then them looking like real 90s cars! I would've continued on watching more of the anime without hesitation, if the animation wasn't so distasteful and blinding enough. Instead of watching the whole anime, I played all of its pumped up music on YouTube and had them on full blast! Man they were effing lit, I LOVE listening to them!
I want to give a shoutout to the great Bongo Cat meme for playing "Deja Vu" and made me watch this classic anime! Even if I'm not fan of it, I'm glad to give it a try regardless!
I want to give a shoutout to the great Bongo Cat meme for playing "Deja Vu" and made me watch this classic anime! Even if I'm not fan of it, I'm glad to give it a try regardless!
- Irishchatter
- Sep 28, 2018
- Permalink
It displays quite a few of the aspects that make anime in general bad.
Essentially it's the same as most other action animes of the 80's or 90's. This time it's about a high school student who's good at driving cars and uses that skill to win street races.
Why does anime bore me? In short, because it's a collection of tropes. I guess they have to crank them out so fast that they can't develop original plot devices:
1) The Secret Kung Fu Master Monk Trope: I think this trope originated in Kung Fu movies or perhaps the cinema of some other Asian country. It was brought to the US by the Karate Kid (1984) if I'm not mistaken (wax on, wax off!).
In short, someone becomes very good at some skill by doing seemingly unrelated drills in a quirky way. In the case of Initial D, the guy delivers tofu in his father's car and isn't supposed to let a cup of water spill. It's unrealistic, but what bothers me about it is that it's become a cliché. Pass.
2. The Dragonball Z Trope: The plot is the same formulaic pattern that started perhaps with Fist of the North Star but was populated by Dragonball Z.
Viz: Bad-mannered/evil and skilled antagonist is built up to be really great and infamous, then the invincible protagonist goes against him. Invincible protagonist at first looks like he's going to lose but easily wins at the last second.
EVERY... TIME.
How many times can you milk this cycle before people start catching on?
3. Stereotypical characters: The main character is the stereotypical anime hero. He's nonchallant and humble but great things keep falling into his lap. Of course he's too cool to care. He's also invincible in racing. Where's the drama? You always know he's going to win and exactly how.
The only thing that saves this anime from being unwatchable tripe is that the romance scenes. The protagonist's romantic interest is in an interesting situation with an older man. Also seeing the romantic missteps of the main character's awkward friends who come close to getting girlfriends but them fumble the ball hard is pretty entertaining.
Ohh, wait, and one more point for the music. I've known the music so long that I forgot this franchise single-handedly revived Eurobeat/Italo Disco. Yeah, it was worth making for the music, if nothing else. Eurobeat is one of the greatest musical genres of all time.
Honourable Mentions: Cowboy Bebop (1998) - a marginally less trite anime because the characters usually end up getting disappointed at the end of the episode. Still not as fresh or great as the creators (and most viewers) think though.
Essentially it's the same as most other action animes of the 80's or 90's. This time it's about a high school student who's good at driving cars and uses that skill to win street races.
Why does anime bore me? In short, because it's a collection of tropes. I guess they have to crank them out so fast that they can't develop original plot devices:
1) The Secret Kung Fu Master Monk Trope: I think this trope originated in Kung Fu movies or perhaps the cinema of some other Asian country. It was brought to the US by the Karate Kid (1984) if I'm not mistaken (wax on, wax off!).
In short, someone becomes very good at some skill by doing seemingly unrelated drills in a quirky way. In the case of Initial D, the guy delivers tofu in his father's car and isn't supposed to let a cup of water spill. It's unrealistic, but what bothers me about it is that it's become a cliché. Pass.
2. The Dragonball Z Trope: The plot is the same formulaic pattern that started perhaps with Fist of the North Star but was populated by Dragonball Z.
Viz: Bad-mannered/evil and skilled antagonist is built up to be really great and infamous, then the invincible protagonist goes against him. Invincible protagonist at first looks like he's going to lose but easily wins at the last second.
EVERY... TIME.
How many times can you milk this cycle before people start catching on?
3. Stereotypical characters: The main character is the stereotypical anime hero. He's nonchallant and humble but great things keep falling into his lap. Of course he's too cool to care. He's also invincible in racing. Where's the drama? You always know he's going to win and exactly how.
The only thing that saves this anime from being unwatchable tripe is that the romance scenes. The protagonist's romantic interest is in an interesting situation with an older man. Also seeing the romantic missteps of the main character's awkward friends who come close to getting girlfriends but them fumble the ball hard is pretty entertaining.
Ohh, wait, and one more point for the music. I've known the music so long that I forgot this franchise single-handedly revived Eurobeat/Italo Disco. Yeah, it was worth making for the music, if nothing else. Eurobeat is one of the greatest musical genres of all time.
Honourable Mentions: Cowboy Bebop (1998) - a marginally less trite anime because the characters usually end up getting disappointed at the end of the episode. Still not as fresh or great as the creators (and most viewers) think though.
- fatcat-73450
- Oct 28, 2021
- Permalink