BBC Video | 2010 | 430 mins. | NR
Though I know next to nothing about cars, I love to watch Top Gear. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, are inveterate car buffs who also happen to be incredibly funny. Each week, they get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most exotic cars, putting them through the paces on the open road and on the show’s test track. Each episode has a the same format: The guys review a hot new car; than their mysterious test driver, The Stig, determines its lap time. The hosts then discuss auto-related news before beginning some sort of challenge. If there is a guest, they chat on the studio’s couch before Clarkson replays their attempt at test-track glory in “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.” Episodes usually conclude by wrapping up the challenge and with an additional short vehicle spotlight.
There are plenty of challenges of this season: The boys participate in a cheap car challenge (buy a rear-wheel drive car for under 1,500 pounds), Richard and James try to race the Royal Mail in a Porsche, Jeremy and James try to come up with their own advertisement for the Volkswagon Chirocco (with disastrous results) and Jeremy being chased by the British Army.
The “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segments feature Jay Leno (who tells one of the best car stories ever), sprinter Usain Bolt, Sienna Miller (who had just passed her driving test), comedian Michael McIntyre (in one of the most hilarious interview segments ever on this show) and AC/DC’s Brian Johnson.
In one of the more disappointing moments of the show, the always anonymous ‘Stig’ revealed his identity, apparently so he could write a book. Subsequently fired by Top Gear, he now claims he will create a competing show. I’m skeptical about it, as I think he worked as kind of a ‘masked man’ and needs the rest of the Top Gear crew to be successful on television. However, I guess time will tell.
The BBC presents Top Gear on DVD in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. Despite the source material, the show looks good on DVD. Quality varies somewhat throughout based on location, but colors are strong and detail is generally good. I noticed no digital real digital anomalies.
The audio is encoded in Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. Dialogue is clear throughout, and the track balances voices, music and effects well; engaging the subwoofer and surround speakers when necessary. English subtitles are available.
A nice set of special features are included on the third disc:
Stig POV (7:07) – A series of cockpit views with The Stig in the driver’s seat.
Spitfire Magic (3:44) – The guys take flight in some WWII-era Supermarine Spitfire aircraft.
Ken Block Slo-Mo (3:08) – This is slow-motion footage set to music from an episode where American stunt driver Ken Block drives May around in his modified Subaru Impreza.
Extended interviews with Brian Johnson (15:22) and Jenson Button (15:06) – These interviews with Formula One driver Button and AC/DC frontman Johnson are much longer than in their respective episodes.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4-SV 200 mph Run in Abu Dhabi (1:09) – This is some amazing in-car footage of the Lamborghini going from standstill to 200 mph.
Train Race Sequence with JC (3:29) – Things conclude with some bonus footage of Clarkson aboard a replication 1949 steam locomotive.
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