Top Gear-Complete Series 19 (2013)

This review is sponsored by

BUY IT

General		Extras
Category	Documentary	Main Menu Audio & Animation
Rating
Year Of Production	2013
Running Time	428
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered Multi Disc Set (3)	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	Jeremy Clarkson Richard Hammond James May The Stig
Case	Custom Packaging
RPI	$39.95	Music	None Given

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Dolby Digital 2.0
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     Top Gear has been on UK Television on and off since 1978, however most people probably associate the name more with the current incarnation featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond & James May which has been running since 2002 (although May didn't join until 2003). This set features all the episodes of the 19th season including the Source of the Nile special. There are five normal episodes (about an hour each) plus the two-part special, making 7 episodes in total.

     This release is a three disc DVD set, the only format available locally. Previous seasons have also been available on Blu-ray, although Roadshow have decided to stick to DVD this time around. The episodes feature a variety of stunts, car tests and the usual star in reasonably priced car segments. This season is fun but certainly feels like more of the same and is mostly retreads of previous ideas, like Car Rugby instead of Soccer, building the perfect car for old people and races across Europe. The Source of the Nile two part special is one of the better adventure journeys of recent times and one where the feeling of camaraderie amongst the three is better than some other ones. In this they all need to buy a cheap second hand estate car to explore Africa. Other highlights of the episodes are as follows:

• The US Road Trip.
• Car vs Public Transport race to Milan.
• Car Rugby with Kias.
• Building and testing the old people's car.
• Cameo's by Bruce Willis & Eric Clapton

     There is certainly fun to be had with this latest series of Top Gear but I can't help wondering if the show needs a shakeup in terms of format.

     Fans will want to add this set to their collection.

Video

     The video quality is good but certainly not without issue.

     The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 16x9 enhanced.

     The picture was reasonably clear and sharp throughout although it was affected by grain and lack of detail in longer shots. The shadow detail was good.

     The colour was very good.

     There was some aliasing, jagged edges, evidence of Digital Noise Reduction and macro-blocking during fast motion.

     There are subtitles available in English for the Hearing Impaired which are clear and easy to read.

     There are no obvious layer changes during playback.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is good.

     These discs contain an English soundtrack in Dolby Digital 2.0. There was some nice front separation at times.

     Dialogue was clear and easy to hear and understand.

    The surround speakers and subwoofer were not used.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

Menu

    The menu included music and motion.

    This set does not currently seem to be available in the UK. The African special has been released separately there so this is probably the best option. Buy local.

    The video quality is good.

    The audio quality is good.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall