Speed Racer Volume 5 contains episodes 45 through 52 of the Speed Racer anime series. These final episodes include the unmasking of Racer X and Speed's world championship race. Like with Volume 4, there are no special features, although there are only eight episodes included on the disc.
Also, like with Speed Racer Volume 4, this disc contains chapter marks that are usable by the viewer. There are also trailers at the beginning of this disc. However, unlike Volume 4, the viewer is able to skip over the trailers to get to the main menu faster. There are also fewer trailers included on this disc in comparison with Volume 4.The main menu is very similar to the one of Volume 4; however, the animation on this menu was blue, while the animation on the menu on Volume 4 is yellow. Another similarity with Volume 4 is the fact that of the eight episodes included, there is only one two-part episode included (which are the last two episodes on the disc).
While re-used footage and recycled storylines appeared on some of the earlier volumes, it was definitely prevalent on this final disc (especially the amount of re-used footage). Also, the final two-part episode ("Race Around the World") is full of plot holes. While some of the plot holes were created by the American dub, a good portion of them were created by the original Japanese studio. These plot holes definitely showed that the writer of the original Japanese episode didn't take the time to think the story all the way through. Between the amount of re-used footage, the recycled plot ideas, as well as the plot holes in the final episodes, it's rather obvious that the original Japanese studio was ready to "call it a day" for Speed Racer.
I would definitely recommend this DVD to a fan of the Speed Racer anime series, even though it lacks any special features. With this DVD containing the final set of episodes (which includes the official unmasking of Racer X), it is a "must get" for the die-hard Speed Racer fan. Also, if a fan wants to own all the episodes on DVD, then this DVD obviously has to be acquired for that goal to be met. But even for the casual fan, I would still recommend purchasing all five discs released of Speed Racer. At roughly $10 apiece, the cost is justified.
I wrote this review after watching a copy of this DVD that I purchased as a gift for my husband.
| The Great Car Wrestling Match Motorcycles Apaches Car With a Brain Junk Car Grand Prix The Car in the Sky The Trick Race Race Around the World (Part 1) Race Around the World (Part 2) |
