I just purchased the Vol. 1 DVD of Initial D. I had heard of the series late last year, and the attractive price of $29.99 made it even more attractive.
This anime's different in several ways and that's what makes it interesting to watch.
First off, the animation isn't great. It's kinda hard to explain, but the animation looks rough, unfinished. Plus it looks old. But I give Noboru Mitsusawa credit for creating a series that looks different. In this day and age of anime, most series tend to look alike. Initial D looks like a colour manga.
Secondly, I love the racing scenes. The action is intense and I like the fact that all the racing scenes are CG scenes. After the first episode, it didn't bother me at all. The CG scenes look so realistic. They definitely added to the experience.
Third, the story is about down to earth people with real life problems that we can identify with. That also adds to the experience when you're watching this series.
Lastly, Natalie is damn hot. She's got a cute body and great legs.
Overall, a lot of people will probably be put off by the animation if they see this series, but I like it. The characters, plot and racing action are all great.
Also, it's a car-racing anime. There's not too many of those around, and that in itself is a reason you should watch this anime.
I give Initial D a score of 4 out of 5.
I'd appreciate any feedback from other people who have seen this series.

It's pretty good and stage 4 is coming out soon but I have to disagree that I don't like the character design/art it's strange for my liking and some thing are weird in that story ... like the mercedez guy who is like a pimp ... an old pimp ... but the story is pretty good and the racing is extreme

I'm waiting on initial d fourth stage which is set to begin airing on april 17th with eps 1 and 2... yatta. I've mainly watched initial d for the racing, but was never fond of the art. First stage was mostly drawn, then second stage picked up with the CG which was better IMO. The third stage was great with the artwork looking better and definitely the cg just getting better. I just wonder how much more they'll change in fourth stage.

I haven't seen the anime but i've read all the manga that's been released here in the US and i think it's pretty damn good. If you can get past how hideous the artwork is, there's a great story, likeable chars, and the the gran turismo of manga when it comes to cars/racing accuracy. I'm glad i gave it a second chance though cause now i know the power of the 86! <!--emo&:lol:--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='laugh.gif' /><!--endemo-->

Curious for those of you that have seen the anime and read the manga, what episode will reading through volume 10 put you at in the anime? I'd like to check out this new season of Initial D but won't yet if i'll be too far behind in the storyline.

I personally enjoyed this series even though I know nuts about cars. My friend loved the series mainly because, well, he loves cars and racing. This series is like Slam Dunk in a sense that it's like introducing something to the general public. And yes, I agree that the drawing is kinda odd but the action is awesome. That kept drawing me back to both the manga and the animation. The manga is always better because it explains more in depth but in animation, you get to see explanation in action - which is cool 8D Plus, the music chosen is eurobeat. The music is really perfect in the racing scenes in my opinion. All in all, I really liked Initial D. It's awesome :happy:

I envy you guys who have seen quite a bit of the anime. The Vol. 1 DVD only has the first three episodes. It's just geeting interesting at the end of the third episode, and it made me want to see more. Vols. 2 and 3 were at the store where I got the DVD, so I know there's more I can see. If anyone has the Battle 2 or Battle 3 DVD's, both would be even better. Do they only contain 3 episodes liek the first DVD, or do they more contain more? I mean, if all three DVD's just have 3 episodes, that would only take me up to episode 9 of the first stage! I know that th efirst stage has 22 episodes. I'm really into this series now, and I want to see more.

I agree with you... the art is not the best you can find, but the genre is different !
The races are good along with some good music (i'm currently listening to initial D music !!! YAY).
but this anime, you watch it more for the cars and races (and music) rather for the design!!
but hopefully, for the 4th stage, i hope they'll make some improvement !!

by the way, the opening is by move, and i think the title is blast my desire (but not so sure)

What do you think of the racing scenes all being done in CG? Personally, I like the look. It's kinda hard to explain, but I just think it looks good. Better than it would have been if they had done all the racing scenes the same way the other scenes are done.
I haven't mentioned this yet, but I really like the music. The music during the racing scenes really got me excited, and I also really like the opening theme. After listening a few times, I couldn't help but sing along.

What do you think of the racing scenes all being done in CG? Personally, I like the look. It's kinda hard to explain, but I just think it looks good. Better than it would have been if they had done all the racing scenes the same way the other scenes are done.
I haven't mentioned this yet, but I really like the music. The music during the racing scenes really got me excited, and I also really like the opening theme. After listening a few times, I couldn't help but sing along.

All the racing scenes in CG is definitely a plus. In my opinion it looks better because most of the stuff is in proportion I guess. With drawing every car and such, there may be warping of the car. But with CG, they can keep everything properly shaped. Also it's much cooler to see a CG scene for fast paced action shots as compared to a drawn version. The whole use of CG and animation mixture is great as well. Music? Of course it's great! Eurobeat is definitely a great choice to match to give a fast paced racing feel to the viewers. I couldn't even imagine something like hip hop or something to jam with on a drift battle ¬_¬

INITIAL D r0x0r.........the racing scenes and the music itself are excelent :bounce:

For anyone who may want to know, the opening theme for Initial D is called "Around the World."

First Stage Opening: Around The World (by Move)
First Stage Ending: Rage your Dream (by Move)

Second Stage Opening: Blazin' Beat (by Move)
Second Stage Ending: Kimi Ga Iru (by Galla) [not sure]

Third Stage Opening: Gamble Rumble (by Move)
Third Stage Ending: Jirenma (by ELT) [not sure]

Fourth Stage Opening: Blast My desire (by Move)

Move! yaa! ^^

Initial d totally rox. the only thing i didn't like was the artwork, but that was easily overlooked by its heart thumping action and fast beat soundtrack! love it love it love it <!--emo&^_^--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='happy.gif' /><!--endemo-->

I'm impressed with the background music...