J!-ENT Special Feature: One-on-One Interview with motsu (of m.o.v.e and ALTIMA) by Dennis A. Amith (J!-ENT Interviews and Articles)

If there was one Japanese group that have entertained fans all over the world with their upbeat, dance music, that group would be m.o.v.e.

Known for their songs featured on the animated series “Initial D” and the video games as well, the group was a big part of the club scene in Japan when they first began in 1997.

J!-ENT’s Dennis A. Amith has covered m.o.v.e via reviews of their music since then and in 2007, J!-ENT did a special feature to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary.

But as the group prepared for their 15th anniversary, fans were shocked in December 2012, when both motsu and yuri announced the dissolution of m.o.v.e.

With their final album released in Feb. 2013 and their final performance coming up a week from now, for their 15th anniversary and for a final interview in regards to m.o.v.e, J!-ENT’s Dennis A. Amith goes one-on-one with m.o.v.e member, motsu.  And for the first time, this interview will be presented in English and Japanese.

Translations for the 2013 interview is by J!-ENT’s Michelle Tymon, while the 2007 interview was conducted alongside with J!-ENT’s Hiroshi Tagawa.

Because motsu is continuing activities in the music industry as a member of the group ALTIMA and also as a fashion designer with his unique eyewear line, GHETTO BLASTA, the focus interview is about the final m.o.v.e album, performance and looking back at the past but also preparing for the future.

Here is our interview with motsu.  Enjoy!

Special Feature is PDF-based, 54-pages and 7MB.

ALTIMA – BURST THE GRAVITY (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

ALTIMA’s “BURST THE GRAVITY” single is another solid, upbeat synth pop track with the first really being a solid theme for “Accel World” while “CYBER CYBER” brings back some of the old ’90s techno rave club sound that was around when Motsu was producing music back in the day, but also a style that Satoshi Yaginuma grew up listening to.   While the CD was cool, the DVD was OK.

GROUP: ALTIMA

CD SINGLE:  BURST THE GRAVITY

LABEL: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

CATALOG #:  2000431904

DURATION: 16:19

RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2012

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

Initial D: First Stage – Part One (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

The 1998 anime racing classic, “Initial D: First Stage”, is re-released in America but this time by FUNimation Entertainment with a much better English dub soundtrack and uncut and staying true to the original Japanese presentation.  If you have never watched “Initial D” and have been curious of it or if you enjoyed it but never bought it before, this is the best version out there of the series on DVD to own.  Definitely recommended!

Image courtesy of © FUNimation Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Initial D: First State – Part One

DURATION: Episodes 1-13 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, English Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 13+

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Originally created by Shuuichi Shigeno

Directed by Noboru Mitsusawaa

Scripted by Hiroshi Toda, Nobuaki Kishima

Storyboards by Masami Hata

Episode Director: Masami Hata, Yuzo amada

Character Design and Animation Director: Noboru Furuse

Anime Production by Pastel

Featuring the following voice talent:

Shinichiro Miki/Joel McDonald as Takumi Fujiwara

Ayako Kawasumi/Brina Palencia as Natsuki Mogi

Kazuki Yao/Eric Vale as Koichiro Iketani

Michiko Ney/Bridget Hoffman as Mako “Maya” Sato

Tohru Furusawa/Steven Jay Blum as Papa

Mitsuo Iwata/Josh Grelle as Itsuki Takeuchi

Takehito Koyasu/J. Michael Tatum as Ryosuke Takahashi

Tomokazu Seki/Todd Haberkorn as Keisuke Takahashi

Tomomichi Nishimura/Chuck Huber as Yuuichi Tachibana

Unshou Ishizuka/Kent Williams as Bunta Fujiwara

Takumi’s nights working as the delivery boy for his dad’s tofu shop have turned him into one of the most formidable drivers around. Behind the wheel of his modified Eight-Six, he’s one with the road – and his life shifts into high gear when the underground street racing world takes notice.

Local legend Keisuke, a member of the infamous Red Suns racing team, wants to take Takumi on. He’s not alone; drivers from across the region are lining up for a shot at the new guy. One challenger after the next, Takumi schools the competition with his amazing drifting technique and downhill expertise. But it’s not enough to simply rack up the victories – Takumi’s out to prove he’s the best.

For over 15 years, “Initial D” has been a favorite anime series for those interested in drag racing and drifting. Originally created by mangaka Shuichi Shigeno and serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine” back in 1995 and still ongoing in Japan, the first season of “Initial D” was shown on television in 1998.

The manga and anime is about Japanese street racing and focuses on a teenager named Takumi Fujiwara, son of Bunta Fujiwara, who owns a tofu shop. Takumi works at a gas station but when he’s at home, he delivers tofu at 4:00 a.m. and is known to speed through the mountain slopes of Mt. Akitna at high speed driving his father’s AE86 Trueno. The purpose of this is that his father Bunta has wanted to develop his driving skills and sure enough, his skill is top notch.

But for Takumi, although he has been riding and delivery tofu for a long time and has sharp driving skills, driving fast and getting from point a to point b was merely doing it for his father and not for the sake of trying to race.

But when a well-known group of street racers known as the Akagi Red Suns come to visit Mt. Akina and challenge the Speed Stars.  But immediately, the Red Suns realize quickly, there is no one from the Mt. Akina Speed Stars talented enough to beat them, until one day, Keisuke Takashi was driving and practicing his runs through the mountains and someone driving an AE86 beats him.

Now fired up, Keisuke Takashi wants to know who drives the AE86 and wants to race him.

Meanwhile, the Speed Stars are in dire need of a member who exceeds in downhill driving after their team leader Iketani gets involved in an accident. The group hears a rumor about an AE86 speeding through the roads early in the morning. Needless to say, the group finds out that the driver is their friend Takumi, the son of Bunta Fujiwara, the great street racer known as “Ghost of Akina”.

And to their disbelief, despite having the talent to ride the corners, Takumi’s view on street racing is not exactly thrilling as his primary motivation was delivery.  He doesn’t know why people would care about racing or cars as he sees them as as just vehicles for transportation.

But in a bind and wanting to defend Mt. Akina from the Akagi  Red Suns, Takumi’s friends are hoping he can race Keisuke Takashi downhill in Mt. Akina and win.

“Initial D: First Stage” focuses on the following characters:

Takumi Fujiwara – The son of Bunta Fujiwara, a former racer now tofu shop owner. Takumi delivers tofu for the shop early in the morning and has developed his skill on the road and works with his friends at a local gas station. Not very driven to race, nor does he understand the concept of racing or why people want better and faster cars, because of his skill learned through years of driving, his friends hope he can race Keisuke Takashi of the Red Suns in a race and win for Mt. Akina.

Bunta Fujiwara – The father of Takumi who was the legendary downhill racer of Mt. Akina. He has his son Takumi delivering tofu to deliver his driving skill.

Ryosuke Takahashi – The leader of the Akagi RedSuns. A racing strategist who gives advice to his younger brother Keisuke.

Keisuke Takahashi – The #2 racer of the Akagi RedSuns. Unlike his brother, he has a hot temper and quickly develops a rivalry with Takumi.

Other Characters:

Itsuki Takeuchi – A member of Akina SpeedStars and Takumi’s best friend that works at the local gas station. The comic relief character who talks a big game but is not a great racer.

Kouichiro Iketani – Works with Takumi and Itsuki at the gas station. He is the leader of the Akina SpeedStars.

Kenji - A member of the Akina SpeedStars and Iketani’s best friend. Very hardcore in his interest when it comes to his friends racing.

Natsuki Mogi – The girl who has an interest in Takumi but at the same time, is carrying a major secret in regards to what she does after school.

“Initial D: First Stage comes with the first 13 episodes on two DVD’s.  Here is a spoilerless summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 1: The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift - Introduction to the characters and learning about Takumi, an 18-year-old high school student who is aloof and doesn’t care for fast cars or racing.  But his friends of the Speestars are part of the local racing team are passionate about it and also defending Mt. Akina from the Akagi Red Suns.
• EPISODE 2: Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo – Keisuke Takashi is looking for the mystery driver of the AE86 who beat him.  Iketani looks into it.
• EPISODE 3: The Downhill Specialist Appears – The Akina Speedstars vs. the RedSuns but something happens to Iketani that may prevent him from racing.
• EPISODE 4: Into the Battle! – Iketani hopes Bunta will race Keisuke Takashi but is surprised when Takumi shows up with the AE86.
• EPISODE 5: Dogfight! – Takumi vs. Keisuke in a downhill race.
• EPISODE 6: A New Challenger – Iketani wants to learn for himself of how Takumi drives well.  Meanwhile, a new challenger has arrived.
• EPISODE 7: A Racer’s Pride – Nakazato of the Nightkids challenges Takumi in a race but unknown to Takumi, Itsuki agrees to it without consulting him first.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 8: Time’s Almost Up! - Nakazato and everyone awaits for Takumi and his AE86 to arrive for the race, but why hasn’t he showed up?
• EPISODE 9: Battle to the Limit! – Nakazato believes that there is no way an AE86 can beat his GT-R32.
• EPISODE 10: The 5 Consecutive Hairpins - The conclusion to the race between Takumi and Nakazato.  Meanwhile, Itsuki buys a new car.
• EPISODE 11: Shingo Arrives! – A racing team makes fun of Itsuki’s car and Itsuki and Takumi.  Upset with how they are treated, Takumi challenges them using Itsuki’s car.
• EPISODE 12: The FR Killer - With Iketani learning about how Takumi used Itsuki’s car, now Iketani wants to test his theory and have Takumi drive his car.
• EPISODE 13: First Date - Takumi and Natsuki go on a double date with Itsuki and Natsuki’s friend.  Meanwhile, there are rumors of a gumtape match.

VIDEO:

It’s important to note that “Initial D: First Stage” was aired on television back in April 1998 through November 1998.  So, this is an old school anime TV series.  Right off the bat, modern anime fans who have not watched older anime series will notice how the animation is not clearer, vibrant and sharper than today’s series are.  But with that being said, this is a classic anime series that has its unique character designs, well-painted backgrounds and of course, CG graphics from 1998.

By no means is “Initial D” expected to look like a modern anime series but the fact is that the series is an anime TV series classic and it delivers in storyline and the animation was good for its time.  With that being said, picture quality shows the age of the series, there is little artifacting, combing and edge enhancement as well.  But if you are a fan of the series and want to know how it all began, the anime series is still very watchable and addictive.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, similar to the recent FUNimation Entertainment “Initial D: First Stage is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Japanese 2.0 Stereo. There is an obvious difference in terms of sound volume and more of a presence of the sound effects (such as the cars revving and tires screeching) which come out much more clearer through the English dub track. But if you have a modern home theater receiver, for me, I chose to have my audio set on stereo for all channels.

Dialogue is clear and understandable as well as the eurobeat music and J-Pop music from m.o.v.e which was pretty cool to hear again.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Initial D: First Stage” comes with the textless opening and closing themes from m.o.v.e and the trailers for upcoming FUNimation Entertainment releases.

“Initial D” is an anime classic.  I’ve watched this series when it first came out and I still don’t get bored by watching it.  I love the humor, the underdog Takumi these over-confident racers and the characters are also fun to watch.  And as a big fan of this series, I have to say that the FUNimation Entertainment release was well-done.

With that being said, there are obvious differences between this FUNimation Entertainment release and the Tokyo Pop version that came out back in 2002.  For those not familiar with the release, there was a bit of controversy when that series came out on DVD because they wanted to make it accessible to a wider American audience and that included changing the names of the characters and giving it an American hip-hop soundtrack.  Granted, Tokyo Pop did release an unedited/subtitled version for the purists courtesy of a box set released by Tokyo Pop but distributed by FUNimation Entertainment.

In 2009, FUNimation Entertainment acquired all home entertainment, broadcast, digital and merchandise rights to all “Initial D” titles from Kodansha and announced that they would be re-releasing “Initial D” but with a new English dub cast and release the series uncut and also utilizing the original music.  Staying true to the original Japanese version.

It’s important to note that earlier in the year, “Initial D: Third Stage” (the movie) and “Initial D: Fourth Stage” were released on DVD from FUNimation Entertainment and now the first and second stage will be released on DVD, beginning with “Initial D: First Stage – Part One”.

Personally, I’m very happy to see “Initial D” being released again but with a new cast for the English dub and with FUNimation Entertainment in charge, I have to say that I am quite pleased with the English dub.  It was well-done, well-acted and if anything, it was great to see FUNimation stay true to the series without having to change things up.  I understand that Tokyo Pop was trying to make it accessible for the American Viewers (especially since they covered the racing scene, they had a responsibility to their demographic) but this time around, I am grateful that FUNimation kept things uncut and unchanged and we have the characters with their original names and of course, keeping the soundtrack with the Eurobeat and music by m.o.v.e intact.

As for the DVD release, it’s pretty much a barebones release as there are no special features but the textless opening and ending themes and it is an older anime series, so I’m not going to get picky at all.  But it is what it is and for me, “Initial D” is an exciting, addictive anime series and I can never grow tired of it.

It’s important to note that the anime series is focused on street racing and drifting and although there is a drama element to the series, especially between Takumi and Natsumi, it’s a very small part of each episode.  But I believe that non-racing enthusiasts can get into the series but for anyone expecting anything deeper, this anime series may not be for you.

Overall, I’ve actually enjoyed FUNimation Entertainment’s release of “Initial D: First Stage”.  But the fact that the series originally came out back in 1998 and many people probably own some incarnation of it, I will say that FUNimation Entertainment did a great job with the English dub and subtitles as well.  If you haven’t owned “Initial D” or have never watched it but are curious… definitely give “Initial D: First Stage” a chance!

m.o.v.e. – Fate Seeker (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

The 30th CD Single “Fate Seeker” features a tie-in with the online video game “TARTAROS” and also features a more return to basics ala post-Boulder for the group.

ARTIST: m.o.v.e

CD SINGLE: Fate Seeker

LABEL: avex tune

CATALOG #: AVCT-30130

DURATION: 27:48

RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2010

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

For over a decade, the synth pop group m.o.v.e has been entertaining fans with their style of pop music.  Known for their tracks for the anime and video game series “Initial D”, the group is back once again with a new single, their first since “Dive Into Stream” (July 2008).

In many ways, “Fate Seeker” feels as if T-Kimura was making a return to the early 2000 style (ala years of Decadence) with “Fate Seeker”.  We see both T-Kimura and motsu returning with remix versions of the main title track and a more experimental approach by T-Kimura when it comes to the musical arrangement.

“Fate Seeker” is a track that features Yuri’s vocals, motsu’s rap and T-Kimura’s synth strings and metronomic-like beats.  While “Blue Trail” is reminiscent to the group’s upbeat synth style and to be truthful, “Blue Trail” was a track that I enjoyed more than “Fate Seeker”.  I like beat arrangement and how the song complimented Yuri’s vocals and motsu’s rap.  And definitely enjoyed the musical and beat arrangement from T-Kimura for this track.  In a way, without sounding too Eurobeat, it had that “Initial D” style of flair.

The 3rd and 4th tracks feature Motsu and T-Kimura’s remix versions of “Fate Seeker”.  With Motsu’s more house-driven but also using the vocalyzer a bit more on Yuri’s vocals, while T-Kimura gives a more electronic remix for the track.

The final two tracks are the instrumental versions of both vocal tracks.

As for the CD insert, included are the lyrics for the single while the back cover (the wordtype is in blue foil) of the CD case is used for the front cover.  Included is a mini-insert promting Yukari Tamura’s “My Wish My Love”, m.o.v.e’s upcoming album and a dual campaign for “Fate Seeker” and “TARTAROS” online video game.

If anything, “Fate Seeker” is a pretty good m.o.v.e. single but it all depends if you are still open to their style of music which they have been doing since the ’90s.  Although, not Eurobeat-driven like the group was known for back then, for those m.o.v.e fans who like the more synth pop driven style from the group (post-”Boulder”) will find their 30th single to be another enjoyable release, while others may have grown tired by it.  Although, “Fate Seeker” is nothing groundbreaking, it’s a music style that the group is known for and that fans appreciate.

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

Initial D: Fourth Stage – Part 1 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

Exciting, enjoyable and downright cool!  A brand new start for the characters of “Initial D” as Takumi and his racing partners of newly formed racing team, Project D, take on the best racing groups all over Japan.  If you have an interest in racing, definitely give this anime TV series a try!

Image courtesy of © FUNimation Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Initial D: Fourth Stage – Part 1

DURATION: 12 Episodes (280 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, English Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 13+

Release Date: May 11, 2010

Originally created by Shuuichi Shigeno

Directed by Tsuneo Tominaga

Music by Atsushi Umebori, Dennis Martin

Character Design by Akira Kano

Art Director: Masayoshi Banno

Mechanical Design: Hideaki Yokoi

Anime Production by Frontline

Featuring the following voice talent:

Shinichiro Miki/Joel McDonald as Takumi Fujiwara

Takehito Koyasu/J. Michael Tatum as Ryosuke Takahashi

Tomokazu Seki/Todd Haberkorn as Keisuke Takahashi

Kazuki Yao/Eric Vale as Koichiro Iketani

Masahiko Tanaka/Christopher R. Sabat as Kyouichi Sudou

Mitsuo Iwata/Josh Grelle as Itsuki Takeuchi

Takumi Yamazaki/Chis Ayres as Miki

Tomomichi Nishimura/Chuck Huber as Yuuichi Tachibana

Unshou Ishizuka/Kent Williams as Bunta Fujiwara

Megumi Toyoguchi/Caitlin Glass as Kyoko Iwase

Nobody drives like Takumi; his instincts, confidence, and downhill expertise make him seem unbeatable. Now that he’s joined the Project D racing crew, his reputation precedes him as the team travels the region, facing the competition on its own turf. Every challenger brings a unique style and each course holds its own dangers, but no matter the obstacle in Takumi’s headlights, he’ll do whatever it takes to put it in the rearview mirror. Because he knows when you’re born to race and driven to be the best, it’s not enough to be fast – Takumi won’t take his eyes off the road until he’s faster than everyone else.

For over 15 years, “Initial D” has been a favorite anime series for those interested in drag racing and drifting. Originally created by mangaka Shuichi Shigeno and serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine” back in 1995 and still ongoing in Japan, the first season of “Initial D” was shown on television in 1998.

The manga and anime is about Japanese street racing and focuses on a teenager named Takumi Fujiwara, son of Bunta Fujiwara, who owns a tofu shop. Takumi works at a gas station but when he’s at home, he delivers tofu at 4:00 a.m. and is known to speed through the mountain slopes at high speed driving his father’s AE86 Trueno. The purpose of this is that his father Bunta has wanted to develop his driving skills and sure enough, his skill is top notch.

In the first season of “Initial D”, we are introduced to the Japanese racing scene at Mt. Akagi and a racing group known as the Speed Stars who are in dire need of a member who exceeds in downhill driving after their team leader Iketani gets involved in an accident. The group hears a rumor about an AE86 speeding through the roads early in the morning. Needless to say, the group finds out that the driver is the son of Bunta Fuiwara, the great street racer known as “Ghost of Akina” and sure enough, Takumi ends up participating in races and receiving challenges which leads to the battle between Takumi and one of the best, Ryosuke Takashi (the Whte Comet of Akagi).

“Initial D” then continued on with the “Second Stage” continuing Takumi’s development as a racer and developing his technique. The series was then followed by two OVA’s titled “Initial D: Extra Stage” (which focuses on the female racing duo Impact Blue) and “Initial D: Extra Stage 1.5″continuing the storyline from 1.0.

The first animated feature film of “Initial D: Third Stage” was then released in theaters in 2001 and showed us how main protagonist Takumi Fujiwara joined with Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi to become part of the team known as Project D.

Three years after the film, “Initial D: Fourth Stage – Part 1″ would air on Japanese television and focus on Project D as they would travel to different cities to take on other racing groups.  Ryousuke Takahashi is the mastermind of the team as he plans the strategies for both Takumi and Keisuke.

Takumi shows his maturity as he goes from a young man who didn’t know much about racing, to using his careful observations of the road and learning from his fellow Project D technicians about the technical side of racing and the vehicle as it races uphill or downhill versus opponents. Also, developing strategies against other competitors including the theory of infinite lines and Joushima (one handed driving).  As he grows confident about his racing, out of the blue, someone driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version V suddenly beats him on his hometown road.  Who is this mysterious racer?

Meanwhile, Ryousuke’s brother Keisuke often wonders why his older brother chooses Takumi for races instead of him.  But also meets a female racer named Kyoko who has fallen for him.

“Initial D: Third Stage” focuses on the following characters:

Takumi Fujiwara – The son of Bunta Fujiwara, a former racer now tofu shop owner. Takumi delivers tofu for the shop early in the morning and has developed his skill on the road and works with his friends at a local gas station. After several races and developing his technique, Takumi who drives his father’s AE86 Trueno has become one of the best racers on Akina and has set his goal higher to become the best.

Bunta Fujiwara – The father of Takumi who was the legendary downhill racer of Mt. Akina. He has his son Takumi delivering tofu to deliver his driving skill.

Ryosuke Takahashi – Strategist of Project D.  Always focused on the upcoming competition and how his racers: Takumi and Keisuke can win.  A former racer who excelled until he lost against Takumi, now focuses on energy in leading the group. D rives a white Mazda RX-7 (FC3S).

Keisuke Takahashi – Younger brother of Ryosuke.  Focused on the race, often cocky but ready to win.  Drives a yellow Mazda RX-7 (FD3S).

Other Characters:

Itsuki Takeuchi – A member of Akina SpeedStars and Takumi’s best friend that works at the local gas station. The comic relief character who talks a big game but is not a great racer. Drives an AE85 Corolla Levin.

Kouichiro Iketani – Works with Takumi and Itsuki at the gas station. He is the leader of the Akina SpeedStars. Drives a Nissan Silvia K (S13).

Kenji - A member of the Akina SpeedStars and Iketani’s best friend. Very hardcore in his interest when it comes to his friends racing. Always teased by his friends for not having a girlfriend.  Drives a Nissan 180SX.

Kyoko Iwase - A member of the Northwest Saitama Alliance racing team.  A tomboy who loves to race but when she meets Keisuke, she falls in love with him.  Drives an RX-7 Type R (FD3S) single turbo.

Here is a basic summary of each episode on “Initial D: Fourth Stage”:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 1 – Project D – Project D becomes known for their wins and now take on the Seven Star Leaf’s.
• EPISODE 2 – Full Throttle! Downhill Battle – Takumi vs. Tohru in a downhill battle.
• EPISODE 3 – The Most Powerful Man of the Toudou School – Project D. takes on Daiki of the Toudou Racing School.
• EPISODE 4 – Two Pieces of Advice – Takumi takes on Toudo Racing School’s Daiki (EK9).
• EPISODE 5 – The Starting Line to Victory – The Toudou Racing School uses a pro racer Tomoyuki to take on Takumi.
• EPISODE 6 – Blind Attack - Takumi vs. Tomoyuki

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 7 – The 85s Raging Turbo – Takumi realizes that he may not be the best of Akina as a mysterious racer comes out of nowhere and easily beats him.
• EPISODE 8 – Fateful Battle of the FD’s – Project D moves on to Saitama to take on a new team.  Meanwhile, Kyoko of the Saitama team falls for Keisuke and both race each other in a competition.
• EPISODE 9 – Kyoko’s Confession – Kyoko’s emotions for Keisuke reach new heights and struggles if she should tell him how she feels.
• EPISODE 10 – The Saitama Area’s Ultimate Weapon – The Saitama team finds a rally racer named Sakamoto to take on Project D.
• EPISODE 11 – Rainy Downhill Battle – Both teams strategize about the race due to the rainy weather.
• EPISODE 12 – Straightaway of Struggles – Takumi vs. Sakamoto

VIDEO:

It’s important to note that “Initial D: Fourth Stage” came out in Japan back in 2004.  For one thing, it’s not going to sport the HD/vibrant visuals of today’s anime but for an anime TV series, “Initial D: Fourth Stage” looks very awesome with its very well-detailed backgrounds.  Granted, most of the visuals during the race are on hills and a lot of trees and foliage with the night and starry sky.

But there is a lot emphasis on the details of the cars especially the environment.  For example, in episode 12, during the race in the rain, there is a very good amount of detail on water effects as the water is kicked up by the tires.  I also enjoyed the focus on the drifting as well.  Character designs are well-shaded and Akira Kano did a wonderful job in capturing the soul of Shuuichi Shigeno’s manga series.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, similar to the recent FUNimation Entertainment “Initial D: Fourth Stage” is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Japanese 2.0 Stereo. There is an obvious difference in terms of sound volume and more of a presence of the sound effects (such as the cars revving and tires screeching) which come out much more clearer through the English dub track. But if you have a modern home theater receiver, for me, I chose to have my audio set on stereo for all channels.  Music courtesy of Japanese record label avex trax is well heard, especially the group m.o.v.e. who do the opening and ending themes.  A big part of “Initial D” is its electronic, trance, eurobeat music and that comes out quite clear!

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Initial D: Fourth Stage – Part 1″ does not come with any special features but trailers for upcoming FUNimation Entertainment releases.

“Initial D” is one of those anime series that appeals to those who have an interest in street car racing or drifting.  At the time the series first came out, I was actually assisting a Japanese auto fashion magazine covering auto fashion in the US.  But each time I received these Japanese auto magazines, I was always intrigued by the trends in Japan and this series was just like icing on the cake. Who would have ever thought that there would be an anime series on street car racing? Especially one that would also incorporate a pretty enjoyable storyline.

For the next few years, although I haven’t seen all episodes, I have been reviewing the “Initial D” and “m.o.v.e.” albums and releases and have waited for the new episodes and the film to be released in the US.  And sure enough, FUNimation Entertainment has now released both the film “Initial D: The Third Stage” and the television series “The Fourth Stage”.

If you have an interest in the racing culture or just want to experience an anime series on Japanese racing, “Initial D” is the way to go.  The big question for many people who may be interested in “Fourth Stage” is if you  need to have previous knowledge of the series to enjoy this.   The answer is no, you can start on this series and understand what’s going on. In fact, I recommend purchasing the film “Third Stage” and watching before “Fourth Stage” to learn how Takumi becomes a member of Project D.

Of course, if you want to enjoy this series at its fullest and learn how far the main character Takumi has come to get this far, then you will definitely want to watch the older seasons (which FUNimation Entertainment is planning to release soon).

But essentially, “Fourth Stage” is the next major step into the character Takumi Fujiwara’s life as the previous seasons focused on this teenager’s ability to beat his competition at home, with the assistance of his friends and father.  With this series, it goes beyond what he has learned in the past as he now travels with his business partners of Project D and take on the best throughout the Kanto area and continues to develop his skills.  So, it’s literally a fresh jumpstart of the series, focusing on an older Takumi and easy for the “Initial D” newbie to jump right in.

Overall, an exciting first part of “Initial D: Fourth Stage” featuring a good number of competitions and tech heads who are hardcore with upgrading and fixing up their cars will also enjoy this latest series as well.  If you are a fan of “Initial D”, this is definitely a series worth checking out!

Initial D: Third Stage (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

“Initial D” makes its return on DVD with the animated film “Initial D: Third Stage”.  Featuring three exciting races and also the conclusion of the Takumi/Natsuki storyline, this film sets the pace for the TV series “Initial D: Fourth Stage”.  If you are a fan of this racing anime series, street racing or modifying your car, definitely give “Initial D: Third Stage” a try!

Image courtesy of © FUNimation Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Initial D: Third Stage

DURATION: 1:44:37

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, English Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 13+

Release Date: May 11, 2010

Originally created by Shuuichi Shigeno

Directed by Noboru Mitsusawa

Anime Production by Pastel

Featuring the following voice talent:

Shinichiro Miki/Joel McDonald as Takumi Fujiwara

Ayako Kawasumi/Brina Palencia as Natsuki Mogi

Kazuki Yao/Eric Vale as Koichiro Iketani

Masahiko Tanaka/Christopher R. Sabat as Kyouichi Sudou

Mitsuo Iwata/Josh Grelle as Itsuki Takeuchi

Takehito Koyasu/J. Michael Tatum as Ryosuke Takahashi

Takumi Yamazaki/Chis Ayres as Miki

Tomokazu Seki/Todd Haberkorn as Keisuke Takahashi

Tomomichi Nishimura/Chuck Huber as Yuuichi Tachibana

Unshou Ishizuka/Kent Williams as Bunta Fujiwara

Anyone can drive fast. Only one driver can be the fastest. It takes nerve, skill, and the right car – and Takumi’s got all three. His rep as a dominating downhill racer is growing, but when he’s invited to drive for an all-star team that could change the face of local racing, Takumi’s got to beat his stiffest competition before he’ll join their ranks: himself.

With graduation approaching, his classmates drift toward uncertain futures. For Takumi, looking ahead means putting as many challengers in his rearview mirror as he can. If he can prove to himself that he’s ready, the next stage is waiting, and it’s all downhill from there.

For over 15 years, “Initial D” has been a favorite anime series for those interested in drag racing and drifting.  Originally created by mangaka Shuichi Shigeno and serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine” back in 1995 and still ongoing in Japan, the first season of “Initial D” was shown on television in 1998.

The manga and anime is about Japanese street racing and focuses on a teenager named Takumi Fujiwara, son of Bunta Fujiwara, who owns a tofu shop.  Takumi works at a gas station but when he’s at home, he delivers tofu at 4:00 a.m. and is known to speed through the mountain slopes at high speed driving his father’s AE86 Trueno.  The purpose of this is that his father Bunta has wanted to develop his driving skills and sure enough, his skill is top notch.

In the first season of “Initial D”, we are introduced to the Japanese racing scene at Mt. Akagi and a racing group known as the Speed Stars who are in dire need of a member who exceeds in downhill driving after their team leader Iketani gets involved in an accident.  The group hears a rumor about an AE86 speeding through the roads early in the morning.  Needless to say, the group finds out that the driver is the son of Bunta Fuiwara, the great street racer known as “Ghost of Akina” and sure enough, Takumi ends up participating in races and receiving challenges which leads to the battle between Takumi and one of the best, Ryosuke Takashi (the Whte Comet of Akagi).

“Initial D” then continued on with the “Second Stage” continuing Takumi’s development as a racer and developing his technique.  The series was then followed by two OVA’s titled “Initial D: Extra Stage” (which focuses on the female racing duo Impact Blue) and “Initial D: Extra Stage 1.5″continuing the storyline from 1.0.

The first animated feature film of “Initial D: Third Stage” was then released in theaters in 2001 and nearly a decade later, the movie makes its first appearance in the US on DVD courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.

“Initial D: Third Stage” features three main storylines.  The first major storyline deals with Ryosuke who is planning to start a new racing team which consists of the best in the Gunma Prefecture.  But Takumi is not interested in making a decision until he beats Team Emperor’s leader Sudou Kyouichi who has made fun of Takumi and his AE86.

The second storyline features the rival of Takumi’s father, Bunta -  Kogashiwa Kai is wanting to challenge his rival’s son Takumi.  This leads a battle between Takumi’s AE86 vs. Kogashiwa Kai’s Toyouta MR2 (SW20).

The third storyline in the film features the return of Takumi’s former love Natsuki who wants to patch things up with Takumi and her ex-boyfriend Miki has gone crazy since she had broken up with him and poses a major threat to Natsuki.

Can Takumi beat his father’s rival?  And can he save Natsuki from Miki?  And most of all, will Takumi join Ryosuke’s new racing team?

“Initial D: Third Stage” focuses on the following characters:

Takumi Fujiwara – The son of Bunta Fujiwara, a former racer now tofu shop owner.  Takumi delivers tofu for the shop early in the morning and has developed his skill on the road and works with his friends at a local gas station.  After several races and developing his technique, Takumi who drives his father’s AE86 Trueno has become one of the best racers on Akina and has set his goal higher to become the best.

Bunta Fujiwara – The father of Takumi who was the legendary downhill racer of Mt. Akina.  He has his son Takumi delivering tofu to deliver his driving skill.

Ryosuke Takahashi – The leader of the Akagi RedSuns.  A racing strategist and very skilled but loses his first race against Takumi.  Known as “Akagi’s White Comet”.

Keisuke Takahashi – The #2 racer of the Akagi RedSuns. Unlike his brother, he has a hot temper and is rivals with Takumi.

Other Characters:

Itsuki Takeuchi – A member of Akina SpeedStars and Takumi’s best friend that works at the local gas station.  The comic relief character who talks a big game but is not a great racer.

Kouichiro Iketani – Works with Takumi and Itsuki at the gas station.  He is the leader of the Akina SpeedStars.  Once dated Saori.

Kenji - A member of the Akina SpeedStars and Iketani’s best friend.  Very hardcore in his interest when it comes to his friends racing.  Always teased by his friends for not having a girlfriend.

Natsuki Mogi – The love interest of Takumi but somehow ends up in a mess as she makes money via sexual relations with an older man.  She has also been with Miki.

Miki - The jock at Takumi’s school who constantly brags about his sexual exploits of Miki and goes even further in “Initial D: Third Stage”.

VIDEO:

It’s important to note that “Initial D: Third Stage” is an older animated film released back in 2001.  So, for those used to today’s modern, digital animated films will need to know this is an older animated film.  But even though this film is not HD , it still looks great.   “Initial D” has always had its own unique style courtesy of Shuuichi Shigeno’s character designs.

A lot of CG work (2001 CG) detail is seen when it comes to the cars, the roads and the trees but the CG actually holds up in certain areas of the film.  Artistic background is well-done.  The film is full of detail and shading and a lot of the animation like the series takes place during the night and also during the winter.  Lighting effects were really well done.  Definitely an improvement animation-wise compared to the TV series.  I did notice some dust and speckles but they were not numerous and show up a few times throughout the film.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, similar to the recent FUNimation Entertainment “Initial D: Third Stage is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Japanese 2.0 Stereo.  There is an obvious difference in terms of sound volume and more of a presence of the sound effects (such as the cars revving and tires screeching) which come out much more clearer through the English dub track.  But if you have a modern home theater receiver, for me, I chose to have my audio set on stereo for all channels.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Initial D: Third Stage” does not come with any special features but trailers for upcoming FUNimation Entertainment releases.

When it comes to animated films, most of the time, the films have no connection to the television series.  But for “Initial D: Third Stage”, the film is actually quite important to the series and definitely sets the stage for “Initial D: Fourth Stage” (which is being released in the U.S. on DVD at the same time as “Third Stage”).

The film definitely showcases quite a bit of racing, especially Takumi taking on three major competitors including a rematch between Takumi and Ryosuke Takahashi.  The races are all exciting but as it is something to expect from “Initial D”, one thing that I was surprised when I first watched this film was that one storyline that has kept people wondering for quite awhile…what will happen between Takumi and Natsuki?  For longtime viewers of “Initial D”, for so long people wondered how the relationship between Takumi and Natsuki Mogi would end and if there would be any romantic connection between the two and “Initial D: Third Stage” answers that question.

As for the DVD release, it’s pretty much a barebones release but I have to admit that I’m very grateful for FUNimation Entertainment in picking up the series.  Tokyo Pop changed the names of the characters for the first volume (and going back to the Japanese names in volume 2) in order to reflect the changes made by Sega in the “Initial D Arcade Stage” video games.  But further edited storylines in the manga release but most noticeable by replacing the Eurobeat tracks with hip hop to capitalize on the import scene.

When Tokyo Pop’s original distributor went bankrupt, there has been a lull and the “Initial D” series went through years of hiatus but fortunately FUNimation Entertainment has rescued this series and re-dubbed the entire series.   Also retaining the original Japanese Eurobeat music and will be releasing “Third Stage” and the “Fourth Stage” first but also has plans to re-release the earlier stages.

Overall, I’m pleased with the release of “Initial D: Third Stage”.   Again, there is plenty of racing and fans who want to get ready for the “Fourth Stage” will definitely want to purchase this DVD.  Definitely recommended for “Initial D” fans!

m.o.v.e – anim.o.v.e 01 (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“Although m.o.v.e is not new to the anime scene (with their many songs used for ‘Initial D’), this time around the group releases an album featuring anime cover songs done in m.o.v.e electro-pop fashion.  But another significant reason to buy the CD+DVD version of this album is for the ‘m.o.v.e LIVE TRANSFORM 2009@SHIBUYA-AX DVD’, which is probably the most creative, slick-looking concert I have ever seen m.o.v.e in.  Definitely recommended!”

Purchase this album:

m.o.v.e – DIVE INTO STREAM (a J!-ENT WORLD GROOVE CD Single Review)

“m.o.v.e returns to their synth pop, electronica roots with another ‘Initial D’ related theme song for their 29th CD single ‘DIVE INTO STREAM.’”

ARTIST: m.o.v.e

CD SINGLE: DIVE INTO STREAM

LABEL: avex tune

CATALOG #:  AVCT-30129

DURATION: 26:09

RELEASE DATE: July 2, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. DIVE INTO STREAM
2. KEEP ON MOVIN’
3. 蒼穹のflight
4. DIVE INTO STREAM (Instrumental)
5. KEEP ON MOVIN’ (Instrumental)
6. 蒼穹のflight (Instrumental)

The pop trio m.o.v.e and the manga/anime series “Initial D” has a long history together as music of m.o.v.e has been featured on the anime and video game series based on street racing and drifting.

m.o.v.e’s 1998 CD single “around the world” (their second CD single) was used as a theme for the anime series and from that point on, seven more songs would be used as an opening or ending theme for “Initial D” and ten years later, they are back with another theme but this time for the Playstation 3 video game “Initial D: EXTREME STAGE”.

This CD single returns the group to their original roots by featuring more synth-based electronica pop courtesy of member t. Kimura, rap by Motsu and vocals by Yuri.

“DIVE INTO STREAM” features that original style captured by songs such as “around the world” or even “DOGFIGHT” with the fast synth-based music and fast uptempo beat.

The coupling track “KEEP ON MOVIN’” is another upbeat track, vocally almost like a ballad that incorporates more synth-based music but almost in a ballad style way, t-kimura utilizes an electric piano style of playing in the background.  Overall a cool track!

The second coupling track “蒼穹のflight” is another song reminiscent of their past works.  Upbeat, synth-based and utilizing electric guitar.

The CD single features the lyrics to the tracks and a mini-flyer that contains information on other m.o.v.e recent releases.

Fans of m.o.v.e, especially their original style of music and fans of “Initial D” will no doubt enjoy this CD single.  It’s full of that synth pop, high-energy music that you would expect from an “Initial D” related song.

For me, the song was alright.  It didn’t hook me like “DOGFIGHT”, “Blazin’ Beat”, “Gamble Rumble” or even “around the world” has done, where I simply fell in love with the balance of the music, Yuri’s vocals and Motsu’s hip hop.  Everything just melded together right.  It’s not that “DIVING INTO STREAM” didn’t, I just found it good, not great.  But I really did enjoy the musical arrangement for “DIVE INTO STREAM” and actually listened to the instrumentals quite a bit.

I did enjoy “KEEP ON MOVIN’” and it’s hard to call it a ballad but I can see t-kimura or even motsu remixing this track, especially making a ballad version of it and could see the guys pulling that off.  It’s a very cool song and enjoy t-kimura’s inclusion of the piano playing and I enjoyed “蒼穹のflight” a lot as well.

I do have to say that I am a bit disappointed that there is not one remix on this CD single.  It’s one thing I tend to look forward from the group is some sort of remix of their songs on the single but there are none.

In fact, I was surprised there is no CD+DVD release as well.  Would like to see some promotionals for the new video game at least.

But enough of my nitpicking.  All in all, it’s a pretty good CD single.

Check out more of our reviews at J!-ENT’s World Groove

Buy this CD Single:

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to m.o.v.e – m.o.v.e 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY MEGALOPOLIS TOUR 2008 LIVE CD at SHIBUYA CLUB QUATTRO

GROUP: m.o.v.e

ALBUM: m.o.v.e 10 YEARS MEGALOPOLIS TOUR 2008 – LIVE CD at SHIBUYA CLUB QUATTRO

LABEL: avex tune

CATALOG #: AVCT-10167

DURATION: 55:51

RELEASE DATE: March 19, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. platinum (10 Years Anniversary mix)
2. DOGFIGHT
3. DISCO TIME
4. Medley (around the world-Rage your dream-words of the mind – brandnew journey~)
5. REALITY
6. GHETTO BLASTER
7. Romancing Train
8. come together
9. SUPER SONIC DANCE
10. Gamble Rumble

With m.o.v.e celebrating their 10th Anniversary earlier this year with a new CD single, new best album and DVD release, the group also celebrated their anniversary with a live performance back in Feb. 2008 at CLUB QUATTRO in Shibuya.

That live performance is now available on CD and DVD and a limited edition special Choro Q CD version (bonus tracks + Choro Q car). For the normal CD version, you get nearly an hour of live concert footage from an energetic audience totally into the concert and at times singing with the group.

The songs were definitely sung well as yuri actually sung the songs well, didn’t sound tired or breathy, and the same with motsu as he sounded as he was on top of his game for his concert.

Musically, sounds great with t-kimura leading the band.

Definitely live rock band feel and all in all, with the audience really into the concert, definitely an energetic feeling for this live album. The CD insert booklet is a 16-page booklet with photos from the concert and production credits.

Live albums are albums that are pretty much created for the fans.

Personally, as one who does enjoys the music for m.o.v.e and owning a lot of live albums by music artists, it’s always great to see a group release them, I see it as more of a thank you to the fans and hearing the fans reciprocate their passion for the group by their screams and singing along with the song.

So, you do get good fan participation in this live album and fans of m.o.v.e who are hardcore fans wanting a live album, here is that opportunity.

All in all, a pretty cool live album released during the group’s 10th Anniversary. Check it out!

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to m.o.v.e – 10th Anniversary MEGA BEST

GROUP: m.o.v.e

ALBUM TITLE: 10th Anniversary MEGA BEST

LABEL: avex tune

CATALOG #: AVCT-10163~4/B

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2007

DURATION: [CD 1] 1:10:41 [CD 2] 1:09:02

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

[DISC 1 - Thank you for the fan -]

1. Gamble Rumble
2. DOGFIGHT
3. ANGEL EYES
4. Romancing Train
5. DISCO TIME
6. Blaziin Beat
7. Painless PAIN
8. Blast My Desire
9. around the world
10. SUPER SONIC DANCE
11. Systematic FANTASY
12. Good Day
13. SPEED MASTER
14. Key Ring
15. Sugar Sugar Rain

[DISC 2 - Thank you for the music -]

1. platinum (Drum n’ Bass REMIX) / Remix by Takashi Kimura
2. Raimei -out of kontrol- (Reggaeton REMIX / Remixed by motsu
3. Noizy Tribe (Rave REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
4. How To See You Again (Jungle REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
5. BURNING DANCE (Glitch REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
6. BREAK IN2 THE NITE (Mashp Remix) / Remixed by motsu
7. FREAKY PLANET (Disctoque REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
8. come together (Bangladesh ‘Mid East’ REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
9. !WAKE YOUR LOVE! (Hardcore REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
10. WORLD’S END (Old School REMIX) / Remixed by motsu (motsu Select)
11. GHETTO BLASTER (BigBeat REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
12. over drive (Electro Mix) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
13. words of the mind -brandnew journey- (Dream House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
14. Disinfected Generation (Hard House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura (yuri Select)
15. Rage your dream (Dance Pop REMIX) / Remixed by motsu
16. sweet vibration (italo House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
17. ROCK IT DOWN (High Eenrgy REMIX) / Remixed by motsu
18. FUTURE BREEZE (Psychedelic REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
19. FLY ME SO HIGH (Trance REMIX)/ Remixed by Takashi Kimura
20. SUPER SONIC DANCE (Hyper Techno REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura (t-kimura Select)

DVD – Non Stop VJ Mix -: Region 2, 4:3, 51 minutes, VJ: D-SK Non Stop Mixed by T-TASHIRO

NOTE: 27 music video clips remixed. Short video clips remixed from first CD single “ROCK IT DOWN” up to their 28th CD single “SPEED MASTER”

The trio known as m.o.v.e celebrates their 10th Year Anniversary and to celebrate is the group’s third best album titled “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”.

What I enjoy the most about m.o.v.e best albums is that they try to introduce something new with each release. Things that you will not see with other artists with the exception of probably Hamasaki Ayumi.

“m.o.v.e super tune BEST SELECTIONS” back in 2002 featured a CD and DVD release. The songs non-stop, thus it seemed like one big remix (FYI – there are chapter tracks), then in 2004 was the release of “REWIND – singles collection +” featuring nearly all the CD singles from m.o.v.e and complete music videos.

With “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”, on the first disc you get a total of 15 tracks featuring the top 15 fan selections from their 10 Years as a group (so, in other words, if you want a true set of all of m.o.v.e’s songs, you still need to buy all three best albums as the cheapest alternative).

The second disc features 20 remixes by m.o.v.e members Takashi Kimura (note: t-kimura has gone back to using his full name) and motsu.

And then to top it off, there is a DVD which features a remix of 27 of their music videos (video clips about 2 minutes long) but done in a way that it’s like a DJ remixes music, in this case, a remix of a VJ mixing videos. So, when you hear scratching, the video goes along with the scratching and if you hear a transition to a new song, you get a college of that segment and so forth.

The CD-insert features all the lyrics to the songs featured on the album. Inside the case are photo clips of all of m.o.v.e’s CD singles and albums.

Also, to be released on the same day is “10th Anniversay GIGA BEST” which features the full music video clips from the group.

I personally feel that all m.o.v.e best albums are must-buy albums if you are a fan of their music. With each best release, there is no skimping. Multi-CD’s, DVD’s, etc. you can’t go wrong with what they jam pack into their best releases.

With “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”, it’s definitely an awesome album worth getting because you get 15 awesome songs (selected by fans) but there has not been a collection of their remixes from their Hyper Techno and “TropicanTrops” albums until now.

Also, the non-stop VJ mix is such an awesome idea. When “m.o.v.e super tune -BEST SELECTIONS” was released, I thought it was good to get a non-stop release and how everything melded together, despite the songs being full tracks was a novel idea. But to see it done with 27 of their music videos and to watch them flow so well and mixed together was more than I can ask for from a m.o.v.e album.

m.o.v.e’s “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST” is truly a definitive 10th Anniversary album and again I’m impressed with what is bundled in this album.

If you are a m.o.v.e fan, this best album is highly recommended!

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