Top Gear-Complete Series 16 (Blu-ray) (2010) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Documentary |
Main Menu Audio & Animation Bonus Episode-2 full length specials Interviews-Cast & Crew-various Deleted Scenes-various |
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Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 2010 | ||
Running Time | 423:24 | ||
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 |
Case | Standard Blu-ray | ||
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 | 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). They recently finished the 17th series on UK television and the 18th will start around Christmas time. This set contains all the episodes from the 16th series which started on television in December last year (2010). Slightly annoyingly for those who may have purchased the previous Top Gear Blu-ray release, Top Gear-The Great Adventures Middle East this Season 16 set virtually includes everything on that set, although maybe not the complete “director's cut” versions. There is lots of other content here in addition, making this the set to buy if you can only afford one. The Middle East set does include extras not on this set.
This three disc Blu-ray set includes all seven episodes from Season 16, plus the full US special and the Middle East special as extras. The episodes feature a variety of stunts, car tests and the usual star in reasonably priced car segments. Highlights are as follows:
This series is the first to feature the 'new' Stig who they found in a manger during the Middle East Special and to my mind is a return to form for the Top Gear boys after some lacklustre shows over the past couple of years. This is an excellent series, very entertaining, amusing and even making some worthwhile points about important issues.
Recommended.
The video quality is very 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. The colour was excellent, showing off the various locations.
There was some mild graininess at times.
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 good but unlike the previous Top Gear Blu-ray not in a high definition format.
This disc contains an English soundtrack in Dolby Digital 2.0. It is disappointing that a high definition format was not used and even though it is obviously high bitrate DD2.0, there is still a difference to the lossless soundtrack on the previous set.
Dialogue was very clear and easy to hear and understand.
The surround speakers and subwoofer were not used.
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The menu included music and motion.
The full version of the road trip as seen in episode 1. This is the same as the version on the previous set.
The original cut version of the Middle East special which is a few minutes shorter than the director's cut version on the previous set. You do not miss that much and buying both sets just to get those few extra minutes seems excessive. A fun and exciting special.
Originally released on the internet this is the three hosts chatting before the series about what is included. Funny and worth a look.
Extra footage of John Bishop doing his lap in the car.
More behind the scenes silliness originally released on the internet.
Detailed footage of their laps and their reactions.
Highlights of their on-screen argument.
Hosts chatting about how the series went.
Snoreathon tour of the production facilities for the show, hosted by the crew.
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 series of Top Gear.
The video quality is very good but only 1080i. The audio quality is very good but only Dolby Digital 2.0.
A great set of extras.
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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 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 |