Top Gear-Complete Series 21 (2013)

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General		Extras
Category	Documentary	Main Menu Audio & Animation
Rating
Year Of Production	2013
Running Time	437
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	Amaray-Transparent
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 for the Hearing Impaired	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 and James May which has been running since 2002 (although May didn't join until 2003). This set features all the episodes of the 21st season. There are seven episodes in total, with the last two constituting the Burma Special.

     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. This season feels like a step up in quality from Season 20 with more interesting challenges and stunts. There is also the usual collection of cocking about, stars in a reasonably priced car and test of various vehicles. Highlights in this season include

• A test of the new Alfa 4C plus a race between it a new type of quad bike.
• A road trip across the Ukraine where the boys have to choose a 1 litre town car each for the journey.
• A set of trials for second hand 1980s hot hatches that the boys buy.
• The excellent Burma special where they buy three lorries and set off across Burma to build a bridge over the River Kwai.
• Testing the new Maclaren P1 which is an electric/petrol hybrid of a very different sort

     Although following the same pattern, this series is a return to form for the show which has been feeling a bit tired recently.

     Recommended even if you have become jaded with Top Gear.

Video

     The video quality is pretty good and a bit better than the previous season.

    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 it was affected by 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.

Video Ratings Summary

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

Audio

     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.

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 although the Burma Special is available separately in an extended version which is down for August release here. For this set local is the go.

    The video quality is good.

    The audio quality is good.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall