Top Gear-The Great Adventures: Middle East (Blu-ray) (2010) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Documentary |
Main Menu Audio & Animation Audio Commentary-1 episode Deleted Scenes-5 |
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Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 2010 | ||
Running Time | 169:31 (Case: 180) | ||
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 | None Given |
Case | Standard Blu-ray | ||
RPI | $39.95 | Music | None Given |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None | English DTS HD Master Audio 2.0 | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.78:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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Video Format | 1080i | ||
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 and James May which has been running since 2002 (although May didn't join until 2003). This latest Blu-ray release features three of their recent adventure style episodes, all in longer 'Director's Cut versions. They are spread over a BD25 and a BD50. The three episodes were shown in the UK between 21 December 2010 and 6 February 2011. They are
There is a lot of fun to be had in these episodes for fans of the show, with the Albanian one probably the pick of the three as the Middle East one feels a little more stage managed (understandably) and the United States one is a bit slow up until the Manhattan finale. The Albanian one has some great scenes including the bank job at the end. Regardless, all three are fun and very entertaining.
The video quality is pretty good but unfortunately only 1080i. The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 1080i encoded using AVC.
The picture was quite clear and sharp throughout but not as good as some film based Blu-rays. The shadow detail was very good without being outstanding. The colour was very good with no issues to report. There was some minor aliasing and interlacing artefacts especially around faces.
There are subtitles available in English which are clear and easy to read.
There are no obvious layer changes during playback.
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The audio quality is very good. This disc contains an English soundtrack in DTS-HD MA 2.0 and the audio commentary is the same format.
Dialogue was very clear and easy to hear and understand, the main benefit of the high definition format for this show. The surround speakers and subwoofer were not used.
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The menu included music and motion.
This commentary is on the original cut of the Middle East Special, hence the shorter running time. The participants are James May, the producer, the production manager and the sound recorder. It is not a bad commentary but not an excellent one either. They talk about some interesting background trivia and anecdotes however there are too many gaps.
A deleted scene of the boys making up names for each other based on the cars they selected for the challenge.
Playing a game with locals while waiting for border crossing into Turkey. Another deleted scene.
Footage from car cameras as Jeremy drives around the Virginia International Raceway.
Footage from car cameras as Hammond chases May around the Virginia International Raceway.
Full footage of James' appearance on US Morning Television as a participant in a Yoga class.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This set is available in the same format in the UK.
A fun and entertaining set of specials from Top Gear.
The video quality is pretty good. The audio quality is very good but only 2.0. A decent set of extras.
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Review Equipment | |
DVD | SONY BDP-S760 Blu-ray, using HDMI output |
Display | LG Scarlet 42LG61YD 106cm Full HD LCD. 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 BD player. Calibrated with Ultimate DVD Platinum. |
Amplification | Pioneer VSX-511 |
Speakers | Monitor Audio Bronze 2 (Front), Bronze Centre & Bronze FX (Rears) + Sony SAW2500M Subwoofer |