Than Warner Brothers announced 2008 would see a live action adaption of the Speed Racer cartoon. The Wachowski Brothers would write and direct this live adaption. Now if anyone could bring the imaginative world of Speed Racer to life it would be the duo that brought to cinema the world of The Matrix. Now 17 years after the films initial theatrical run, Warner Brothers have re-released this film on Blu-ray.
Synopsis: Start your engines and fasten your seatbelts for the high-octane adventure Speed Racer, combining heartfelt family humor and groundbreaking visual effects. Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel of his thunderous Mach 5. With support from Pops and Mom Racer (John Goodman and Susan Sarandon), girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), younger brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) and the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox), Speed takes on fierce competitors to save his family's business and protect the sport he loves. When Speed steps onto the track, its not just a race. Its an adrenaline-fueled, high-speed charge to the finish. Go, Speed Racer, go!!
As a teenager who watched the reruns of Speed Racer and marveled at the animation. When I finally go to see the animated story come to life I was thrilled. I don't know that anyone could have brought the world of Speed Racer to life better than The Wachowski Brothers. They brought a style never before seen in cinema and what a experience this film truly is.
The spirit of Speed Racer comes through the screen right into your living room. The cast is a remarkable one that includes, John Goodman (The Big Lebowski, Roseanne), Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Christina Ricci (The Addams Family), Matthew Fox (Lost), Emile Hirsch (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and the legendary Richard Roundtree (Shaft).
The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.4:1 aspect ratio. There are several audio options English Dolby Digital 5.1, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1 and Portuguese 5.1. There is also the option for subtitles in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Now I have owned this film on DVD for many years. I never upgraded to the Blu-ray. So this re-release was my first time see this in HD and WOW! The colors pop on the DVD, but they really come through in HD! You can really see the intricate details of the world that the Wachowski Brothers created here. The audio is clear, but could have been better with a lossless audio track!
Now in addition to this film in HD, this Blu-ray has some nice bonus features to it as well! Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.
* Spritle in the Big Leagues - Tour the Movie Set with Paulie Litt
* Speed Racer: Supercharged! - Meet the Drivers of the WERL; Explore the Film's Incredible Cars and Unbelievable Racetracks
* Speed Racer: Car-Fu Cinema - A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Revolutionary Moviemaking Process
I understand this is a re-release of the Blu-ray, but I wished there was some new bonus features. Interviews with the cast. A look back at this amazing cinematic experience. This would have take a nice release to a whole new level. But this is still a nice upgrade from the DVD release.
So if you already own the Blu-ray of Speed Racer this release is not for you. There is nothing new here! But if you have the DVD and enjoy the visuals and action of this film the upgrade to Blu-ray would defiantly be worth it! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Warner Brothers Blu-ray of Speed Racer receives.....
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