Quick Take: Storyline to the movie is actually much more enjoyable compared to the series it is based off of. If you like cars, you'll get enjoyment out of this series and movie, possibly even if you don't. While the series suffers from it's six episode short run, the movie faired much better in almost every aspect. Character development is still a bit short, but with the team now a known quantity, it is a bit easier to overlook. I found the art style a bit lackluster and a little outdated i n the series, but the movie seems to be a bit more on parfor the era in which it was released. The inconsistencies in the series' art is largely gone and the movie is much cleaner in both action and non-action scenes.

The sound remains truly stellar. The cars sound proper, that is to say a Europa sounds like a Europa and different from the Stratos. When the car shifts, the sounds changes properly and the voice acting (English dub) is better than many, even it's predecessor.

While there wasn't enough time to fully develop the story line and characters out in the series, the movie shows us what a longer show might have treated us to. The story line is not stellar by any means, but it was quite enjoyable. Whereas the original series felt like the action got old quick, the movie presented new challenges and situation. The plot was also decent and felt a bit more cohesive.

The same thing happens with the characters. With Lorna, Lisa and Sōichi now a known quantity, the movie shines a bit more in displaying their relationship as a team. It is now fully clear that Sōichi and Lisa are attracted to each other and as I suggested in my review of the series, they are able to use that budding love interest to lead to some fun interactions between them and other characters. It made for a much more enjoyable character set.

Even the characters outside the main three are better thought out and developed in the movie, which overall raises the score.

The most frustrating part of this series is its premature end. Worth a watch, especially if you like cars. If you were disappointed by potential in the series that was not fully realized, it is all a little bit more polished in the movie. It makes me little bit sad that there never got to be a longer run of this concept.