Midship Retra - MR2 Touge Racing Cinematic

A cinematic story of a 1989 Toyota AW11 MR2 that is restored and enters the world of car culture and touge racing.
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Midship Retra - Touge Racing Cinematic, Live Action Anime Opening OP, Concept Trailer, Short Film
Midship Retra is a retro car cinematic that follows the story of a beater AW11 MR2 as it is brought back to life and enters the world of car culture. It encounters other JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars. As it is restored, it also becomes involved in mountain touge racing, facing off against a Miata and later an SW20 MR2. The video is heavily inspired by Initial D, and aims to be a modern day live action rendition. It is also inspired by early Fast and Furious movies, the movie Ford V Ferrari, and other anime openings.
Video by Josh Greenwalt
Music by Mia Revolver
Featuring:
Josh Greenwalt - Toyota AW11 MR2
Zion Crocker - Toyota BEAMs SW20 MR2
Justin Kimmerle - Toyota SW20 MR2
Andrew Palmer - Mazda NA Miata, Subaru WRX STI
Isaiah Standridge - Mazda RX7 FC
Tucker Fellows - Mazda NA Miata
Chris Hintgen - BMW E30
Brit Suttles - Toyota Mk2 Supra, BMW E30
Daniel Gregory - Nissan S13 Silvia
Roland Olayler - Fox Body Mustang
Michael Haynes - Toyota Mk4 Celica
Ryan Greenwalt - Porsche 924S

[@RetraCast]

Thanks to everyone for watching. I rarely ever say this, but please like and share the video. After an off and on year in the making, this has been a much bigger project than I ever expected a little 5 minute video to be. With all that went into fixing and painting the MR2, planning and scheduling all the shots, and freezing my butt off filming the final race scenes in the winter nights after numerous delays, all I really want is for people to see this. In the end, it's no perfect masterpiece, but I put everything I got into it. Also stay tuned, as I have an in depth "making of" video coming out soon which analyzes and tells the full story of all the ideas, steps, delays, and mistakes that went into this nightmare of a cinematic. If you have any questions for that video, leave them here. Thanks again.

[@4unkb0y]

it's awesome, thanks Josh! great shooting :-)

[@claudedottin1312]

👍🏽

[@tpwman801]

WOW! This was so fun to watch and it's obvious you put a ton of time into this. It's really hard to see that type of vibe in most edits today, and you definitely nailed that retro vibe. On a side note, a few months ago I bought a Fujimi AW11 Model kit. I haven't put mine together yet, but I think it would be really cool if you got one and built one of those for a video sometime. The kit itself was pretty detailed and looked high quality.

[@RetraCast]

Maybe I'll reward myself for finishing the video with getting one. I'll look into ideas for a video on it

[@legonick357]

Just got an AW11 2 weeks ago, I can feel the long journey ahead and this video hits the vibe perfectly every time I step inside it. Very well done!

[@clevertechbot]

“An exquisite masterclass that keeps you on the edge of your seat” - The New York Times

[@cameron3934]

Popups and digital clocks are a must, love the 924 cameo. Life is too short, drive a classic. Definitely spreading this video around!

[@genericexcuse4737]

This was well worth the wait. There is a genuine quality of this that I’m not even sure a movie production would capture.

[@RetraCast]

Definitely a lot of passion went into it. I hope to someday make more videos like this but on a bigger scale and production. But without losing the style and character

[@clam8894]

First things first I’ve watched this no less than 3 times now, it astounds me that your channel is still so small, and I sometimes forget that. The work you put into these is incredible and I hope your channel grows into something bigger. Now to review it: The break core soundtrack fits perfectly with vibrantly shot well lighted scenes. Although this short film has no dialogue, you can tell a story is being told of a young man and the relationship he has with his car. As the car grows so does he, enveloping himself in a community of like minded people, looking for that thrill of the race, you can see how he becomes a risk taker which eventually leads to the downfall of his car. I love how the “antagonist” of the second race is introduced, as neither good nor bad, just someone looking to race. The final race is actually a packed scene, the hand rubbing the dash to show our “protagonist”’s love for his car, how the “antagonist” is calm with his more modern car and the “protagonist” is frantically turning on the heater to cool the engine, how he pushes it eventually leading to the blowout of his engine. In conclusion I’d say this is a wonderfully crafted film and although it took some time it was well worth it.

[@RetraCast]

Dang, this is my first video analysis I’ve ever received. Love it and thanks for watching and enjoying it. It’s definitely a crammed 5 minutes and I’m glad you can pick it apart as I intended. My original vision was to make this a series but for obvious budget and resource reasons it was condensed in a single 5 minute video. I hope to do more someday and top this. Definitely check out the behind the scenes when it’s out cuz I think you’ll enjoy hearing all the original ideas and how the end video altered from it.

[@garathunnuvahkin7819]

I'm blown away! That was something out of a dream! As a fellow Washington driver who challenges backroads in old Toyotas, you've inspired me to an entirely new level...

[@RetraCast]

Don’t go blowing your engine now

[@IxIDualityIxI]

The attention to detail was great! 4:28 was definitely an expert MR2 move, lol. Awesome job!

[@endersp7997]

i feel dence what the the point of it

[@logoed]

HELL YES THIS IS AMAZING DUDE

[@drsrsv8884]

delivering pizza in an MR2.......Legendary!

[@quirble]

This is genuinely an excellent video, I loved the little touches like turning the AC off to regain lost horsepower. Now I gotta watch the whole MR2 project series as well!

[@RetraCast]

Haha yeah now you can watch me painfully paint my car for three months while filming for this cinematic was on hold

[@therealboofighter]

This was really good. I hope no AW11s were hurt in the making of this. 😢

[@RetraCast]

Mild injuries but nothing major that can’t be touched up

[@LinnysLife]

Dude this video goes insanely crazy hard. I've always had a vision of something similar but never had the time or capacity to film something so perfect, so intricate, so well thought out and planned. You inspire me Josh, let's film soon!

[@RetraCast]

Bro it’s a PAIN IN THE BUTT to make stuff like this but it’s so worth it when it’s over. 100% you gotta go for it

[@EmeraldSamurai777]

The chips in paint and dirt in the lips and crevasses really give it that revived 80s car

[@goos6168]

Omg that was awesome! It's really cool to see content made with so much effort and love put into it! Truly amazing

[@DoeZeo]

I enjoyed every second of this. Those classic cars just awaken something within me the way you've managed to present them. I cannot image how much hard work and dedication must have went into making this tiny video. Amazing job!

[@RetraCast]

It’s been a long journey but I’m glad it’s finally out. The video is definitely made by someone who truly loves old cars and I’m glad it shows through. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it

[@Darumacandy]

The legend is back at it again!

[@kino1004]

All I can say it was so worth the wait omg

[@cheesusslice7342]

This was a very beautiful video and I look to when they create something similar with my mr2

[@dshaffer9128]

If I were a brand, I would want my name associated with this. Very very well done. Incredibly fun to watch.

[@RetraCast]

Hahaha maybe someday I’ll have sponsors. I do want to do another one, but I definitely need to start saving up again before I can even start production. Thanks for watching and helping get the views up so it circulates more

[@rolandolayvar4328]

Freaking awesome. Happy I could be apart of this even for just a few frames haha. Awesomely shot, great angles, and loved the whole video. Wish there were more ambient noises and car sounds!

[@KrismanX]

Awesome video! Makes me wanna drive my MR2 up the mountain right now

[@suderp8583]

haha that was amazing! i remember seeing the trailer for the first time when looking through mk3 supra builds, and man the final product is incredible!! (oh and that intro goes hard too)

[@NostalgiaHeroDriving]

Good job man, turned out great 🤙

[@4thImpulse]

0:57 HE TURNED OF THE AC Man I love this thoroughly.

[@thebigboy-fr9bg]

I never would’ve found this if you hadn’t posted it on Reddit. Thank you.

[@RetraCast]

Thanks for coming and checking it out!

[@cGreer20]

Good work. The colored lighting on the interior shots was a good touch. good job recreating some of those iconic shots and angles from Initial D

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, the colors are a very hard look to pull off and not look obnoxious. I went a bit overboard on a couple shots but it definitely gives a distinct look and style. And yes, I’ve watched the Initial D races so many times while in the planning stages. That and Ford V Ferrari was another huge inspiration

[@erikcohen9279]

why is this the coolest thing ever

[@miarevolver1738]

Amazing vid as usual, blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of it

[@austinzingg545]

Good job man! I’ve been following since I bought my aw11 about the same time you got yours and I’ve loved every minute going along the journey with you. I’ve been waiting for this project for a while and you guys absolutely killed it!

[@invisible_9977]

This channels a hidden gem keep up the great content

[@KingSupra91]

I love this so much it’s getting me hyped to work on my AW11 and my S12 Silvia ❤️👍😁

[@thecouncil6840]

This is awesome! I really hope that I’ll find an mr2 someday.

[@karolinab.2545]

Great work! It's really freakin' amazing!!!

[@enigmajoe]

This was awesome to watch. The quality, the story…the MR2s. As a long term MR2 owner I’m vibing after watching.

[@omgitsc7412]

awesome bro, you are one underrated channel. keep up the good work!

[@gonkdroid9254]

This is a gorgeous video, props to you for putting this cinematic masterpiece together

[@thomasfournier3738]

Love it Currently fixing an 82 celica alongside my friends and their 2 86 fieros can wait to go cruising around with them

[@RetraCast]

I wanted a fiero to appear in the video originally but couldn’t find anyone with one around here unfortunately

[@chrishanna4490]

Love it, amazing cinematography

[@KellenBluestein]

I was trying to find some cool mr2 content since they’re such cool cars, and searched up “mr2 togue”. Your video was one the the first results and I’m so happy it was. This was a pleasure to watch. It’s filmed beautifully, the music choice is spot on, the car is great, and it only makes me want to get an mr2 more. Thank you for making this, this was such a fun watch

[@joshc3865]

Seriously a masterpiece man! 👏 You should enter this into a film festival

[@RetraCast]

The thing about that is honestly as a “film maker” I’m very much an outsider. I’m in no way professionally trained or have any sort of knowledge or connections with anything to do with the indie film world. I couldn’t even name a single festival or how to enter one hahaha. Maybe I’ll look into it though, may be worth researching

[@Doge_illustrates]

The first half of the video feels like an intro to a show, the rest of it is really cool awesome job It’s addicting to watch

[@LTMCMedia]

This was PHENOMENAL dude!! So honored to be featured!! Probably the last footage that will ever be taken of my car in that form. Someday I hope to produce films this good. Keep on keepin on brotha, looking forward to seeing more.

[@RetraCast]

Definitely made sense to have you in it. A bit of a tribute to the LTMC days now

[@LTMCMedia]

@@RetraCast Indeed! An excellent end to the automotive chapter as I move into aviation. Thanks again.

[@Adampazaz]

yah this is my favorite video at the moment

[@tomschulze5144]

This is amazing!!!!! Now I cant wait to drive my aw11 again after winter…

[@borjamoya]

That was great! Sometimes people can't believe how much effort goes into making these films. But you can definitely tell that you took the time to make this. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBigNate505]

Most of these shots are perfect and made me do multiple rewatches. With good Eurobeat added this would be 1000%

[@RetraCast]

Oh trust me, I wanted to use eurobeat from the show but didn’t want Avex to come for me hahaha. I even considered getting someone to do vocals for the music to add more to the eurobeat feel but it ultimately woulda just been too much work on the production end with where I’m at right now. Maybe in a future video if I have more connections and resources it’d be a possibility though

[@TheBigNate505]

@@RetraCast Totally understand. I just remembered after writing the comment that avex goes crazy with the copyright strikes which is damn unfortunate.

[@TheBigNate505]

@@RetraCast Also, off-topic but is there a certain camera focal length / aperture / trick you used for the shots at 1:04? I don't know why but the way it's shot makes everyone and their cars look super cool.

[@RetraCast]

The drum roll? The lenses used were either 35mm or 56mm (apsc size sensor) and the aperture f1.4. The main keys id say for that is to use the lowest f stop you can for more bg blur, and they are all also shot pretty low to the ground since cars tend to look cooler shot on their level rather than at eye level looking down on them. I also generally would recommend shooting at least 35mm (again apsc) or higher. 50mm is ideal though. The closer to 50mm (or 85mm full frame) the closer you have a more portrait lens look which just makes things more flattering than being wide angle in my opinion

[@TheBigNate505]

@@RetraCast Ah interesting that's good insight. And thank you for the detailed responses I really appreciate it.

[@riley8400]

Absolutely loved watching the mr2 build, it helped me so much in getting to know my car since I just recently bought a 1986 Toyota mr2. Thanks a ton

[@scot0811]

Here from reddit. Love that there is a Misato sticker in the fuel filler cap as well.

[@RetraCast]

May Misato protect this MR2

[@epicguy6978]

The vid came out amazing very well done

[@saschabanton]

Okay, this was phenomenal - The cinematography, the music, the editing, the colour grading, the art in the end credits. I can’t t think of anything bad to say about this. Would like to see more like this!

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, I’m running a poll in my community tab if you want to vote on the direction of the next cinematic. I have a few ideas but it’s more a question of which to do first. Thanks again for watching and glad you liked it!

[@mf4796]

i got a big initial d vibe from this... love the series man💯

[@goosey4840]

I love this channel so much

[@aidancrothers1399]

Absolutely LOVE what you're doing man, please keep it up!!!!

[@zR0y4l7y]

Amazing video! Really well shot and entertaining!

[@Thatotherschmuck]

Pretty freaking cool, love it

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

This is so insanely cool

[@alexisrandall7232]

So sick!!!

[@angelinocottoestrada5676]

one of the best MR2 videos I seen so far. Specially having an SW20 myself

[@keeganplayz1875]

The MR2 is a car I would kill to get....Either SW20 or AW11. I love those cars man.

[@nvrndingsmmr]

I love this!!! This is so cool!!

[@vw_4_vag_live133]

DUDE YOU NAILED IT, INITIAL D VIBES BUT BETTER

[@RetraCast]

Hahaha I’m not gonna say I’m better than Initial D, but I feel I at least captured the vibe better than the actual live action Initial D movie did lol

[@vw_4_vag_live133]

@@RetraCast well keep it up and running my guy

[@alwaystakeprofits]

The Initial D vibes hit hard.

[@ProfessorOzone]

I like it. Live action anime! And all of the little cut shots, gauges, toe-heel, side vent and so on. Sweet. Plus I love the 1st Gen MR2.

[@abadgianluca]

I saw your mr2 video and got to this one HOLY! The level of passion you put into these is amazing!!! Love the edits, shots, and lighting. Your inspiring me as a film maker and car enthusiast haha love it!

[@seafoodface]

i cant even explain how much i love this video, ive watched it 3 times. the vibe is everything i love about cars, the lighting and framing of every shot is gorgeous and i adore every second. i love the touch that the antagonist drives a second gen mr2, i just think its so neat. i love the music choices, and the fact theres no dialogue, it has such an incredible tone.

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, it was a lot of work and time that went into filming and even just repairing and painting the car, but I’m super happy everyone loves it. Really makes me want to work to find ways to step things up to another level for my next cinematic in the future.

[@Rob-ck8oy]

This is excellent. Makes me sad the AW11 is sleeping for the winter.

[@Tali_69]

Soo Amazing. I'm out of words. You did a wayyyy better Job than the Live action movie. Amazing!!

[@RetraCast]

Lol true passion > movie production budget

[@Tali_69]

@@RetraCast 100% True

[@sunnybunny1209]

Absolutely increidble work! I especially loved the first half with all the exposition, the music paired with all the cars had my blood boiling over in excitement! Im buying an sw20 this week and this has only made me more excited :)

[@ohriaznov]

This. Is. Awesome.

[@kamausuniverse]

this is an amazing video man. i think i just found another one of my dream cars

[@greenneon7314]

You really captured the mood. I like the details like boss coffee.

[@guillermoirigoin2647]

Wooow, amazing!!!

[@ethanlocke6331]

This was amazing!!!

[@sanjitsriram]

This is so dope!

[@eVerProductions1]

Idk how you did all the shots but man…very very high production And the music too, especially the end credit is really good

[@afriendlessperson3464]

Dude this video is amazing!

[@fendushi]

Thats sick bro

[@jdon3722]

I definitely appreciate you making this!🤝🏾from the time and effort put into the production of it to the influence of initial D I love it man thanks for this!!!

[@1st_Gen_Life]

Wow great video 👌🏾

[@Cristodathird]

Bravo good sir, very well put together

[@TeBiDoWil]

What a fantastic video! I have enjoyed this several times and thought I had commented, but I’m not seeing it 🤷‍♂️. What an awesome guy to have in the enthusiast community. Underrated channel 💯

[@TommyHail]

Freaking awesome, man!

[@blablabla983]

daaaamn this is badassss!!!!!!!! love the car scene !

[@RetraCast]

Which one? Lol

[@blablabla983]

@@RetraCast all of them! i own a red mr2 aw11 myself so ofc its the best one, in my opinion :D

[@kiddingh9874]

i loved this so much, it really has a great feel to it and was just so much fun to watch

[@SKGAMING-sf5cp]

bro! this is so good! waiting for more!

[@RetraCast]

I have a couple planned ideas, either a possible sequel or a new story entirely. But it’s more a question of which to do first and start fleshing out the planning

[@Ronnybue]

What an awesome video, I can´t believe what I just saw. Thank you for all the work!

[@triston5540]

that was pretty dope

[@775.]

MAN ive been looking for a video like this for so long! Ive always wanted to try something like this and it inspired me to start a project like this one day!! Keep up the work cant wait to see where this channel goes

[@WildKingGorilla]

OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS SO MUCH

[@devrimhusrevoglu4356]

This is awesome, thank you for making it.

[@jorgemercado5969]

Beautifully made!! Loved it 100% and can’t wait to see more build videos on the MR2 :) Also, what are your plans with your old Celica? It’s my favorite gen and was curious if you planned on selling it or building it in the future?

[@RetraCast]

Right now I don’t have my own garage so I can only drive the MR2 at the moment. Maybe one day when I have a garage and driveway I’ll start working on the Celica again, but right now it’s in storage at my dads barn until then

[@whats55]

This is fucking amazing, great work!

[@dustyumbreon5472]

super great!

[@gabereezy]

What a journey! I really enjoyed that - it turned out great. Well done getting it across the finish line!

[@freewulf_1214]

WOWOWOWOWOW THIS IS ALREADY SO COOL AND IM 34 SECONDS IN

[@RetraCast]

Hahaha well did the rest of the video live up to the first 34 seconds?

[@Im_BrOkE6579]

Man... Now I want an AW11

[@mikegaravani7309]

What a great video dude

[@alexpenarivera8505]

Exelente trabajo el mr2 aw11 se ve espectacular felicitaciones. Te sigo saludos desde 🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🙋🏻‍♂️ también tengo mi aw11 parecido al tuyo