IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie Review

IGPX Immortal Grand Prix: The Complete Stage presents an action anime classic and one of the essentials of the Cartoon Network Toonami action-anime block. The Toonami cult classic returns with a new restoration and two presentations of the beloved anime series: the original version produced in collaboration with Produciton I.G. for Cartoon Network’s Toonami animation block and the version released by Production I.G. in Japan. An original series for Toonami, the original broadcast version features unique music, editing, and dubbing, providing a different experience for Toonami fans.

Set in 2049, IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is a futuristic science-fiction anime about a mecha sport combining mecha strength with human skills. Produced by Hidekazu Terakawa (Jin-Roh - The Wolf Brigade, Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike), Kenji Ōta (Cutey Honey Flash, Sailor Moon), and Norihisa Oki (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society), IGPX Immortal Grand Prix features animation produced by Production I.G (Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex). The Toonami version of IGPX Immortal Grand Prix features the voices of Haley Joel Osment, Hynden Walch, Michelle Rodriguez, Mark Hamill, and more.

The Immortal Grand Prix is considered the ultimate sport to mecha fans. The sport is unlike other ordinary sports in that it bridges the gap between ordinary sports and cutting-edge, technologically driven sports. One might even call the Immortal Grand Prix the sport of the future. The sport involves mecha, fighting, and immersive speed-racing. The sport is unlike anything else out there and as a result the Immortal Grand Prix develops a dedicated following for its impressive sport-play.

The underdog of the game is Team Satomi. Team Satomi surprises with a win at the IG-2 competition. As a result of winning the IG-2, Team Satomi has done the unthinkable – gone from complete underdog team to being a real competitor in the IG-1 event. The IG-1 is considered major league. IG-1 is the real deal. The rewards are that much greater for those who can win the game and defeat the competition. Now things heat up as Takeshi, Amy, and Liz give the Immortal Grand Prix their all in an effort to become the winners of the IG-1.

The ensemble cast of IGPX Immortal Grand Prix includes Takeshi Jinno (Haley Joel Osment), Amy Stapleton (Hynden Walch), Liz Ricarro (Michelle Rodriguez), Luca (Kari Wahlgren), Mark Ramsey (Kirk Thornton), River Marque (Steve Staley), Alex Cunningham (Steven Jay Blum), and Yamma (Mark Hamill). The cast of voice actors for the Toonami version did fantastic work for the English dub. The Toonami dub cast had a lot of fun with the parts. The actors provide a sense of magic to the series that made it one of the standout series for the Cartoon Network action animation block and its run of anime series for North America audiences.

The character designs by Toshihisa Kaiya (Ascendance of a Bookworm, World Trigger) are excellent and some of the best for a modern anime series combining elements of classic Japanese animation and the animation one expects for Western animated series. The character designs are distinct and work well for the ensemble cast of characters. The lead cast have great visual designs for the characters and it adds a lot of style to the production.

Another impressive element of IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is found with the mecha designs by Atsushi Takeuchi (Appleseed XIII, Ghost in the Shell) and Junya Ishigaki (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Pilot Candidate). The mecha design elements are essential to the production. The mecha suits are impressively designed and add so much charm to the series.

The animation is incredible and one of the greatest strengths of the IGPX Immortal Grand Prix anime series. The unique animation for IGPX Immortal Grand Prix features art direction by Aya Mitsumoto (Platinumhugen Ordian, Demonbane) and Megumi Katō (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, Hyakko Extra). The animation style adds impressive depth and detail to the series.

The animators did great work with the IGPX Immortal Grand Prix production. Everything impresses in spades – the background animation, line art, and design elements. The animation team did something remarkably special with the series and the end result is an anime that always felt cutting-edge and well-produced through-and-through.

The cinematography by Makoto Kogawa (Dead Leaves, Sakura Wars: The Movie) shines with great visual depth and clarity. Kogawa is a talented cinematographer. The cinematographic style often feels above expectations for a television production. There is a cinematic style to the visuals and the cinematographer brings that special ingredient to the production.

Written and directed by Mitsuru Hongo (Deltora Quest, Outlaw Star), IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is a Toonami classic. Fans of the Cartoon Network anime block will have nostalgic memories of this hit television series. IGPX Immortal Grand Prix was always a favorite of mine growing up and it is an entertaining classic with great directing and exciting energy.

IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is the type of series that felt like appointment television – something not to be missed. Hongo is a gifted director and someone with a good grasp on what works with action-anime. IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is well worth discovery for newcomers or rediscovery for long-time fans looking to revisit it.

IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, IGPX Immortal Grand Prix is presented in 1080i MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The series arrives in high-definition by Discotek Media. Both versions of the series are newly remastered in high-definition. Toonami fans will appreciate the inclusion of the Toonami version – a unique cut produced in collaboration with Production I.G. as a Toonami original.

The Production I.G. cut has also been provided. Both options provide impressive visual quality for the release, though it is worth noting there are still some technical limitations to the video quality – such as the interlacing on the video – showing jaggies, edge issues, and other visual imperfections from the production era. The animation can't look as crisp and detailed as modern high-definition anime or as outstandingly crisp as classic hand-drawn anime on film. Nonetheless, the anime looks solid in high-definition despite the technical limitations.

IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of audio options including: Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0, English Dolby Digital 5.1, and English uncompressed PCM 2.0. The set provides a nice selection of options for fans of the series – both stereo and surround options. The Toonami cut is provided with the original music soundtrack – the songs and tracks showcase a soundtrack comprised of electronic music true to the era of Toonami (which as an anime block often used electronic music for the in-between bumpers and cue cards).

The Production I.G. cut uses an alternative score and is available in both English and Japanese as well. The sound direction by Masafumi Mima (Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura) is well-done and reproduced on the release. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The English dub is impressively encoded on the release. Both options will have fans are will please with the efforts by Discotek Media to provide a good selection of audio and subtitle selections.  

IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The first print run of the release includes a nice o-card slipcover. The slipcover artwork is fantastic. The slipcover adds to the collectability of the release. The artwork underneath the slipcover is nice, too. The under-slip artwork is unique. An impressive cover-art underneath the slipcover and something to add to the package design. A well-rounded package by Discotek Media. Fans will love to hold the set in hand or display it on the shelf.

On disc supplements:

Disc 1: Toonami Cut –

Audio Commentary on Episode 1 with Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2015)

Audio Commentary on Episode 2 with Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2015)

Audio Commentary on Episode 8 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) and Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2022)

Audio Commentary on Episode 9 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 11 with Joshua Morgan (Home Video Associate Producer) and Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2023)

Audio Commentary on Episode 12 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 13 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Disc 2: Toonami Cut –

Audio Commentary on Episode 15 with Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2023)

Audio Commentary on Episode 17 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer) and Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 18 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2015)

Audio Commentary on Episode 20 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 23 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2015)

Audio Commentary on Episode 24 with Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 25 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer) and Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Audio Commentary on Episode 26 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer) and Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) (2006)

Disc 3 – Production I.G. Cut –

Audio Commentary on Episode 1 with Mitsuru Hongo (Director) (2022)

Audio Commentary on Episode 3 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer), Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer), and Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) (2005)

Audio Commentary on Episode 5 with Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) and Eric P. Sherman (English ADR Director) (2022)

Audio Commentary on Episode 6 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer), Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer), and Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) (2005)

Audio Commentary on Episode 10 with Sean Akins (Executive Producer), Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer), and Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) (2005)

Audio Commentary on Episode 11 with Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Executive Producer) and Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) (2022)

Disc 4 – Production I.G. Cut –

Audio Commentary on Episode 13 with Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) and Jose Argumedo (Home Video Producer) (2022)

Audio Commentary on Episode 21 with Atsushi Takeuchi (Mecha Designer/Storyboard Artist) and Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer) (2022)

Disc 5 – Production I.G. Cut –

Features – General:

Clean Opening (Production I.G. Cut) (SD, 1:32)

Clean Ending (Production I.G. Cut) (SD, 1:27)

Bandai USA Opening Credits (SD, 1:30)

Episode 24 – Original Broadcast Ending –

Play in Japanese with Subtitles (HD, 4:07)

Play with Optional Commentary

IGPX Music Video (SD, 2:21)

Comic-Con Panel (SD, 28:13)

Comic-Con Pilot Preview (SD, 19:58)

Promos/Liner Notes –

Pilot Promos (SD, 1:16)

USA Season 1 Promos (SD, 6:10)

USA Season 2 Promos (SD, 1:52)

Japanese Promos (SD, 5:48)

IGPX Game Trailer (SD, 00:59)

Toonami Game Review (SD, 1:31)

Video Liner Notes (HD, 9:00)

Action Reports are IGPX liner notes originally produced for the Japanese DVD releases of IGPX. Translated into English.

IGPX – Pilot –

Broadcast Version:

Play in English (SD, 22:54)

Play in English with Closed Captions (SD, 22:54)

Director's Cut:

Play in English (SD, 25:04)

Play in Japanese with Subtitles (SD, 25:04)

Movie Cut (SD, 19:41)

Interviews –

Sean Akins (Executive Producer) & Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) Interview (2005) (SD, 19:35)

Haley Joel Osment (Voice, Takeshi) Interview (2005) (SD, 7:05)

Michelle Rodriguez (Voice, Liz) Interview (2005) (SD, 8:20)

Mark Hamill (Voice, Yamma) Interview (2005) (SD, 13:40)

Lance Henriksen (Voice, Andrei) Interview (2005) (SD, 12:19)

Eric P. Sherman (English ADR Director) (2005) (SD, 12:42)

Jason DeMarco (Writer/Producer) Interview (2015) (HD, 32:01)

Sara Hardy (Editor) Interview (2015) (HD, 5:38)

IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix - The Complete Stage Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

IGPX Immortal Grand Prix – The Complete Stage is a must-own for fans of the action-adventure anime classic. IGPX Immortal Grand Prix became a cult favorite with Toonami fans. The series had a unique Toonami cut that was produced in collaboration between Cartoon Network and Production I.G. The dubbing was excellent and the sleek electronic music added fun vibes to the entire series. The set has provided both the Toonami cut and the Production I.G. cut. The Blu-ray box-set also comes with an assortment of worthwhile bonus features. The first print run of the release also includes a nicely designed o-card slipcover. Highly recommended.