Closer to the Edge may, at first glance, appear to be a film about motorbikes and the mental characters that insist on racing them around the suicidal Isle of Man TT course, but on watching it, it actually reveals itself to be a funny, exhilarating and touching look at what actually drives these mental characters.
Now, we here at Oversteer, while keen on music, movies, games and gadgets, are really just obsessed with cars. Not motorbikes. As far as we are concerned, four wheels beats two every time. No argument.
But the absolute drive and spirit that possesses these guys is amazing. And utterly inspiring.
While ostensibly following the progress of several of the favourites at the 2010 TT, Closer to the Edge quickly focuses on perennial favourite Guy Martin, a wonderful character who has never won a TT, but constantly threatens to do so.
Charting Martin’s ups and downs at the 2010 TT, the film itself falters occasionally, with the story slightly losing momentum amid the colour and exhilarating racing footage, but remains compelling nevertheless.
The picture quality of Closer to the Edge is simply stunning, with vibrant colours and sharp HD picture quality. The brightly coloured bikes, racing suits and flags that infest the circuit absolutely pop and the whole picture transfer is simply amazing.
The 3D effect is one of the better I have seen and is used particularly effectively at the start of the film in the more subtle, mundane scenes. Framed pictures sitting on shelves, Guy Martin working under a truck (he is a mechanic by trade), subtle reflections as people walk behind glass doors, etc, are brilliantly handled and really set the scene with a great 3D effect.
This effect does seem to fade away throughout the film though and the action scenes, while amazing, simply don’t have the impact you would expect.
The sound transfer is as brilliant as the picture, with great use of the rear channels and a deep, rich bass tone to the music throughout. This brilliantly compliments the shrill screams of the flat-out bike engines as they scream around the lethal (literally) TT course without fear or reservation.
While the picture and sound are amazing, it is the story about the resilience of the human spirit that is the real highlight. They way Guy Martin lives his life so utterly focused on one thing – road racing and, in particular the TT – is impressive and a little scary, but also extremely inspiring.
The extras are a bit scant, with only extended interviews of the main participants to choose from, but the picture, sound and, above all else, the story are a complete and compelling package that this doesn’t really matter.
Reviewed on: Blu-ray
Also Available on: DVD
Rating: M
Movie: 4/5 A riveting and uplifting look at what drives the lunatics who risk life and limb on the Isle of Man TT.
Disc: 5/5 Simply stunning. Picture and sound are simply top-notch and the 3D used to great effect.
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