Top Gear-Complete Series 20 (2013) |
BUY IT |
General | Extras | ||
Category | Documentary | Main Menu Audio & Animation | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 2013 | ||
Running Time | 368 | ||
RSDL / Flipper |
Dual Layered Dual Disc Set |
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 | Amaray-Transparent-Dual | ||
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 |
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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 20th season. There are six episodes in total, with no special in this series.
This release is a two 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. One change in this season is that a new reasonably priced car is introduced, a Vauxhall Astra (a Holden Astra here in Australia). Otherwise the format is exactly to script; car review, news, silliness, star in reasonably priced car, more silliness. Highlights in this season include
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 shake-up in terms of format, this series feels very formulaic.
Fans will want to add this set to their collection.
The video quality is good but certainly not without issue.
The series 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 was affected by grain and lack of detail in longer shots. The shadow detail was good.
The colour was good but there was some chroma noise at times.
There was some aliasing, jagged edges 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.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
The audio quality is good.
The 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.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
The menu included music and motion.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This set does not currently seem to be available in the UK, only a box set of Seasons 19 & 20. Buy local especially if you already have Season 19.
The video quality is good.
The audio quality is good.
The extras are underneath the Hovervan.Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | SONY BDP-S760 Blu-ray, using HDMI output |
Display | Sharp LC52LE820X Quattron 52" Full HD LED-LCD TV . Calibrated with Ultimate DVD Platinum. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built into amplifier. Calibrated with Ultimate DVD Platinum. |
Amplification | Marantz SR5005 |
Speakers | Monitor Audio Bronze 2 (Front), Bronze Centre & Bronze FX (Rears) + Sony SAW2500M Subwoofer |