Initial D Battle Stage

Genre: Sports / Drama
Parental Guidance Recommended
1998 Pastel, Fuji TV, Shuichi Shigeno

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Skysenshi's Description:
A 40+ minute chronicle of all the races that have ensued from the various stages of Initial D. Re-live those awesome face-offs that have made Initial D a hot name among genre pioneers.

This is really milking it! >>> by skysenshi
The Battle Stage is basically just a collection of the actual Intial D battles, minus all the dialogues and events outside the road. The following duels are featured:

1. Takumi versus Keisuke
2. Takumi versus Nakazato
3. Takumi versus Shingo
4. Takumi versus Mako and Sayuki
5. Takumi versus Ryosuke
6. Takumi versus Kenta
7. Takumi versus Miki - This one is not an actual duel but is actually the scene where Takumi rescues Mogi from the hands of her ex-lover-turned-harasser.
8. Takumi versus Kyoichi
9. Takumi versus Wataru
10. Takumi versus Kyoichi (rematch)
11. Takumi versus Kai
12. Keisuke versus Seiji

There really isn't anything else to say that I haven't mentioned in my previous articles on Intial D Stages First, Second, Extra and Third. The only difference now is that I realize how short those races actually were. During those past stages, I remember holding my breath for what seemed like forever, just waiting for the outcome and every new trick that Takumi pulls out of his sleeve.

Well, this one just milks the series for its sudden popularity. The good thing about it, though, is that if you want to view those battles all over again, you don't have to go through all your DVDs and skip all those non-race related events. Another great bonus here also is that if you are a person who loves cars and goes gaga over specs and their finer points, you might find it fascinating that the cars here are more detailed than when they first appeared. Yes, compare your DVDs and see the difference yourselves. The rendering on the 3D CG have improved tremendously, making them look more real and breathtaking.

As for me, I'm just anticipating the much-awaited next installment.

Individual Rating: Art/Animation 5; Story 1; Characters 7; Sounds 9