Tokyo Pop

Marmalade Boy Ultimate Scrapbook - Volume 1 (Episodes 1-19)

The plot of the popular teen comedy Marmalade Boy consists of a series of interlocking romantic polygons that suggest a cross between The Brady Bunch and As the World Turns. Toryo High School junior Miki Koshikawa is appalled when her parents announce that they and their friends the Matsuras have decided to divorce, switch partners, remarry, and live together. This marital mix-and-match scheme forces Miki into contact with the Matsuras' handsome son Yuu. His mischievous sense of humor plays against what is basically a warm, gentle nature, leading Miki to compare him to the bittersweet taste of orange marmalade.

The budding romance between Miki and Yuu upsets Ginta, whom Miki nurtured a crush on two years earlier. Arimi, Yuu's conniving former girlfriend, suggests she and Ginta pretend to date to make Miki jealous. Their sham romance infuriates Ginta's obnoxious cousin Tsutomu, who adores Arimi and hates Yuu. Tsutomu provides welcome comic relief, as he's always losing bets that require him to shave his head. Meanwhile, Meiko, Miki's best friend, dodges the attentions of student body president Satoshi to pursue a star-crossed romance with one of her teachers.

It's not clear just what Yuu and Ginta see in fussy, indecisive Miki. The relationships in Marmalade Boy go through more twists and turns than an L.A. freeway, but the series ran for 76 episodes--three times as long as Evangelion, which also debuted in 1995--and has remained popular ever since. (Rated 13 and older: minor cartoon violence, minor profanity, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

All Miki Koishikawa wanted was an ordinary family…and that's exactly what she had until her parents decided to move in with another couple and turned Miki's world upside down. Now she lives in a house with four parents and her totally cute stepbrother Yuu. It's bad enough being brought into her parents' strange soap opera, but Miki will star in a soap of her own as she deals with friends having affairs, trying to survive in school and ending up torn between her long-time crush, Ginta, and her new stepbrother!

Initial D - Battle 1 - Akina's Downhill Specialist

In a flyspeck town north of Tokyo, the teenagers' only thrill is street racing on Mt. Akina. Nerdy Takumi "Tak" Fujiwara isn't exited by racing like his friends Iggy and Cole. He doesn't realize that his ex-champion father has taught him all the racing tricks, making him deliver tofu up and down Mt. Akina without spilling a cup of water. Cole is injured when he tries to prepare to lead the local Speed Stars club against the arrogant Red Suns. He appeals to Mr. Fujiwara--who finagles Tak into racing. This 1998 broadcast series scored a bit hit in Japan, although in America, it plays like a tamer, animated Fast and the Furious. The CG cars, rock soundtrack, rapid-fire editing, and flashy camera work heighten the excitement--and make the disclaimer, "Follow the traffic rules and drive safely" sound insincere. (Rated 13 and older: tobacco use, minor profanity, street racing) --Charles Solomon

Takumi Tak Fujiware never stood out mach until a yellow RX7 refused to let him pass on one of his tofu delivery runs down Mount Akina. Little did Tak know that the driver was one of the hottest steer racers around and when Tak outmaneuvered the RX7 in his old 86 Toyota he set himself up as the new driver to beat. Welcome to initial D where street racing ream battle over glory passion pain and revenge on the road and off!System Requirements: Runnnig Time 150 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 645573016128 Manufacturer No: TPDV-1612

Marmalade Boy: Ultimate Scrapbook, Vol. 4

Initial D - Battle 7 - The End of Summer

The rave between Maya shifts into high gear as team impact blue sets their sights on winning. Moving through the curves might look easy. but there s only one way to come out unscathed full speed with no margin for error on the narrow pass of Mt. Usui one slip will not only mean the end of this dynamic race but the end of a summer to remember as well.System Requirements: Running Time 150 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 645573018726 Manufacturer No: TPDV-01872

GTO Box Set Vol. 2

"Great Teacher" Eikichi Onizuka drinks, leers, and chain-smokes his way through these adventures at Holy Forest Academy. Unlike the shorter stories in volume 1, most of this five-disc set is devoted to two extended narratives: Onizuka's efforts to raise the money for a class trip and the subsequent visit to Okinawa. The vindictive Aizawa makes it look like Onizuka stole the funds for short outing; rather than expose her deception (and admit he was outwitted), Onizuka plays guilty. He wins back the students by offering them the trip to Okinawa, then has to scrape up 8 million yen. In Okinawa, Aizawa causes more trouble, especially for poor, put-upon Yoshikawa.

Onizuka remains irrepressible and unrepentant, but the writers run out of ideas. The storyline about Aizawa framing the teacher recalls episode 1. The rambling Okinawa storyline suffers from a weak ending: why would Aizawa fall for the nerdy Yoshikawa? And why would Yoshikawa want anything to do with a girl who viciously abuses him, even after he's saved her life? In a final demonstration of loyalty, Onizuka takes the rap when the Board of Education tries to frame Aizawa for murder. He escapes from the police and goes on the lam, abandoning his students and the long-suffering Ms. Fuyutsuki--hardly an example of the revered tradition of the seishokusha (one who works in a sacred vocation). (Rated 16 and older: sexual and toilet humor, profanity, nudity, violence, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

The hit anime series continues in this collectible boxed set! See the shocking series finale that will either end Onizuka's career, or catapult him into the spotlight as the Greatest Teacher in the World!

Initial D - Battle 8 - Rain Battle

Episode 22: Fierce Uphill Battle!It's strategy versus speed as K.T and Zack go head-to-head.Episode 23: The Rainy DownhillTak accepts a challenge from team Night Kids.Episode 24: Akagi's White Comet.The tension is almost unbearable as Tak prepares for his race with Ry Takahashi!System Requirements: Running Time 150 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 645573018825 Manufacturer No: TPDV-01882

Rave Master - Sound of Thunder (Vol. 3)

Studio: Tokyopop.com Release Date: 02/08/2005 Run time: 92 minutes

Marmalade Boy: Ultimate Scrapbook, Vol. 2

Miki and Yuu are in the center of a romantic whirlwind--not only are Ginta and Arimi trying to get in the middle of their relationship, new friends and relatives are becoming involved in this muddled mess! With part-time jobs, holiday trips, sports and school activities, are Yuu and Miki too busy to recognize their true feelings for each other? Or will misunderstandings and secrets drive them apart? The drama has never been so delicious!

Initial D - Battle 2 - Challenge, Red Suns

Takumi "Tak" Fujiwara never stood out much until a yellow RX-7 refused to let him pass on one of his tofu delivery runs down Mount Akina. Little did Tak know that the driver was one of the hottest street racers around and when Tak outmaneuvered theiRX-7iin his old '86 Toyota he set himself up as the new driver to beat. Welcome to Initial D where steret racing teams battle over glory passion pain and revenge on the road and off!System Requirements: Running Time 150 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 645573016227 Manufacturer No: TPDV-1622

Initial D - Battle 9 - Akina's Superstar Challenge

The downhill battle between Tak and Ry heats up as Ry matches every move Tak makes. But Tak ultimately manages to regain his calmness by executing a final "inner drop" to win the race. Tak's infamy however brings a new team to Gunma and team Emperor isn't about to be defeated.System Requirements: Running Time 150 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR Age: 13+ UPC: 645573018924 Manufacturer No: TPDV-01892