Search - Ex-Driver - Downshift (Vol. 1) on DVD

Animated Car Chase Heaven

Strategos | In Space above Planet Earth | 01/15/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What makes a great car chase? Impressive cars, cool lens effects, famous movie stars in the driver's seat? Well I sure don't think so. I feel that recently in hollywood movies we've seen car chases with overpowered cars, special effects to make look like they're accelerating REALLY fast, slow-mo effects (WAY too many) to emphasize key moments, and plently of stuff that's just plain boring. Just what am I getting at?If you agree with me that great car chases are about realistic engine sounds, cars behaving realisticly, beautiful exotic sports cars, incredible driving skill, close misses, huge powerslides, and innocent bystanders jumping out of the way in the nick of time, you will love this anime. What can I say? I love car chases, and these are WAY better than what you see in the average american movie nowadays. More like what you'd see in one of the excellent (and highly recommended) short films BMV made as part of it's commercial series "The Hire". Truly great stuff.This anime also features tight animation, and fantastic japanese voice-acting. It's also worth mentioning that the engine sounds on this show are outstanding. If you love hearing exotic engines rev, you'll love the sound on this dvd. All in all, you only have to ask yourself one question. Do you mind the fact that these car chases are animated instead of live-action? If you answer yes, I feel sorry for you. But if you dig car chase action whatever form it may take, this is the anime for you."