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Product Description
Matrix directors Andy and Larry Wachowski's updating of a cult 1960s anime. Born into a family of racing nuts, 18-year-old Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is taking the racing world by storm. Racing his father's designed 'Mach 5', a gadget laden speed machine, his combination of fearless talent and sheer aggression has led him to be the talk of the racing fraternity. Fiercely loyal to his family, Speed Racer's main aim is to emulate his late brother Rex's (Scott Porter) achievements, and win the tough cross-country rally, 'The Crucible,' in which his brother died. But when he turns down a lucrative offer to drive for rival Royalton Industries, he soon discovers that they fix the outcome of all the major races in the country. Now, with Royalton out to stop him at all costs, he realises he must win every race, including 'The Crucible', if he is to defeat Royalton and save the family business.
Product Description
Emile Hirsch, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, John GoodmanDirectors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By B. D. Wilson
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Blu-ray
There is something about the Wachowski Brothers that film critics, and much of the general public, simply don't get. We have already seen how their brilliant Matrix sequels were panned by critics - largely on the grounds that these people simply didn't understand them - and now we're seeing the same thing with Speed Racer, which is being subjected to some of the most undeserved vitriol from critics that I have ever seen.
I loved this movie. It's not perfect, and it's not a work of genius like the Matrix trilogy was, but it's yet another example of how these two brothers attempt to push the boundaries of film-making. The editing - including the floating wipes and non-linear narrative - are top-notch. As one online reviewer put it, the Wachowskis have managed to transcend the boundaries of time and space in this movie. Not only have they achieved shots in which we are looking at two different things happening in two different places at the same time, they are also able to move us back and forward through time with effortless ease, and without disrupting the flow of the story.
If you're an idiot bent on hating Speed Racer no matter what, though, it's likely that the complex, visual style of storytelling on display here will befuddle you beyond redemption. I read with amazement, for example, the amount of people who found the opening sequence, during which we see scenes of one of Speed's races interspersed with his back-story told through flashbacks, completely bewildering. And yet the storytelling couldn't BE any clearer, in reality. I even shook my head in dismay as I read the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw claim that in the film, cars go through other cars "like ghosts".... Read more ›
I loved this movie. It's not perfect, and it's not a work of genius like the Matrix trilogy was, but it's yet another example of how these two brothers attempt to push the boundaries of film-making. The editing - including the floating wipes and non-linear narrative - are top-notch. As one online reviewer put it, the Wachowskis have managed to transcend the boundaries of time and space in this movie. Not only have they achieved shots in which we are looking at two different things happening in two different places at the same time, they are also able to move us back and forward through time with effortless ease, and without disrupting the flow of the story.
If you're an idiot bent on hating Speed Racer no matter what, though, it's likely that the complex, visual style of storytelling on display here will befuddle you beyond redemption. I read with amazement, for example, the amount of people who found the opening sequence, during which we see scenes of one of Speed's races interspersed with his back-story told through flashbacks, completely bewildering. And yet the storytelling couldn't BE any clearer, in reality. I even shook my head in dismay as I read the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw claim that in the film, cars go through other cars "like ghosts".... Read more ›
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By K. Arnett
Format:Blu-ray
Forget about the story as you know whats going to happen at the end about a young car driver driving for an independent family company.. oh theres races?? hmmmm is he going to come first??! of course he is... but for the people missing the actual point of the film is entertainment.
The action sequences are flashy,your television spits out colours you never knew possible and your eyes are in for a real treat in all things graphics and speed of the animation.. yes the story does suck.. and anything that includes a pet chimp (rise of the planet of the apes doesnt count here!!) you know you cant take this film seriously.
Some parts slow right down and sometimes you just wish some races would finish (mountain pass being a boring one coupled with fighting... sighs..) but all in all,esp blu ray its worth getting for the action set pieces and cranking up the volume..switch your brain off too... :D
The action sequences are flashy,your television spits out colours you never knew possible and your eyes are in for a real treat in all things graphics and speed of the animation.. yes the story does suck.. and anything that includes a pet chimp (rise of the planet of the apes doesnt count here!!) you know you cant take this film seriously.
Some parts slow right down and sometimes you just wish some races would finish (mountain pass being a boring one coupled with fighting... sighs..) but all in all,esp blu ray its worth getting for the action set pieces and cranking up the volume..switch your brain off too... :D
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By anonymous77
Format:DVD
I really enjoyed this movie for something completely different.
After the first ten minutes I was thinking "what am I watching" with its flourescent fake background and cheesy storyline but it turned out to be really entertaining. Firstly it is really colorfull and not many scenes are filmed on a real set so if this will annoy you its probably best not to watch it. This is the kind of movie you can pick the hell out of but if you are happy to sit back and be taken to a world of fantasy you might enjoy this like I have.
A lot of its cheesyness comes from the fact it is trying to stay partly faithfull to the original series whilst still making it futuristic. It was not perfect but was pretty good escapism and the special effects team have done a superb job.
Probably not a young childs movie however and maybe thats where people are confused with it. The visuals would seem to suit a young child and might be hard going for some adults but the storyline is suited to an older audience and might be boring for children.
After the first ten minutes I was thinking "what am I watching" with its flourescent fake background and cheesy storyline but it turned out to be really entertaining. Firstly it is really colorfull and not many scenes are filmed on a real set so if this will annoy you its probably best not to watch it. This is the kind of movie you can pick the hell out of but if you are happy to sit back and be taken to a world of fantasy you might enjoy this like I have.
A lot of its cheesyness comes from the fact it is trying to stay partly faithfull to the original series whilst still making it futuristic. It was not perfect but was pretty good escapism and the special effects team have done a superb job.
Probably not a young childs movie however and maybe thats where people are confused with it. The visuals would seem to suit a young child and might be hard going for some adults but the storyline is suited to an older audience and might be boring for children.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a movie based on a popular japanese cartoon series of the 60's that developed quite a following in american when it was shown - redubbed - over there. apparently. because I'd never heard much about it before and thus I was able to approach this movie as a member of the general viewing public rather than a die hard fan.
Speed racer is the name of the title character of the film. and he's a young man who drives race cars for his family race team. not quite over the death of his elder brother after a fall from grace as a driver, speed is offered a role driving for a team run by an industrialist. saying no reveals to him how corrupt the sport is. despite finding he has a few allies out there, it's a long hard road for speed to become a champion and clean up the sport.
the directing and the style of the film tries to make it look like what is basically a live action cartoon. whilst this can be a bit jarring for the first fifteen minutes, not least thanks to some rather obvious cgi backgrounds, you do get used to it after that. the inventive use of editing and some beuatifully coloured scenery only adds to the effect.
The cast are all pretty good - especially the chief villain - and as an adventure story it's not bad. You will find yourself getting quite caught in some of the race action. Yet thie may not quite succeed in grabbing all the age groups. spritle, speeds young brother, and his pet monkey are comedy support characters and are clearly meant to be charming and funny but they're horribly irritating. although if you're of their age group then you'll probably love them. trouble is that age group will want to see fast races and excitiement, and they may get bored during all the character stuff.... Read more ›
Speed racer is the name of the title character of the film. and he's a young man who drives race cars for his family race team. not quite over the death of his elder brother after a fall from grace as a driver, speed is offered a role driving for a team run by an industrialist. saying no reveals to him how corrupt the sport is. despite finding he has a few allies out there, it's a long hard road for speed to become a champion and clean up the sport.
the directing and the style of the film tries to make it look like what is basically a live action cartoon. whilst this can be a bit jarring for the first fifteen minutes, not least thanks to some rather obvious cgi backgrounds, you do get used to it after that. the inventive use of editing and some beuatifully coloured scenery only adds to the effect.
The cast are all pretty good - especially the chief villain - and as an adventure story it's not bad. You will find yourself getting quite caught in some of the race action. Yet thie may not quite succeed in grabbing all the age groups. spritle, speeds young brother, and his pet monkey are comedy support characters and are clearly meant to be charming and funny but they're horribly irritating. although if you're of their age group then you'll probably love them. trouble is that age group will want to see fast races and excitiement, and they may get bored during all the character stuff.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
ok film, Great company that delivered it
one thumb up - The film didn't have the emotional content I was hoping for. It would probably appeal to a younger audience.
Published 1 month ago by MR ANTONY J NEWMAN
5.0 out of 5 stars
Speed this one into your basket & check out
I was looking for some reference quality blu rays to show off my home theatre system and I came across Speed Racer. Read more
Published 1 month ago by CharlieMbro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
I receive a bit late bu any way I like it I suggest to wach it, it is realy pleasant.
thanks again. It was cheap also.Recep
thanks again. It was cheap also.Recep
Published 2 months ago by Recep Ozkale
5.0 out of 5 stars
Car mad!!
Bought this for my car mad son!! Very fast and colourful movie he loves it! ( he's only 7 )
Published 2 months ago by deborah
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Fast Enough, I'm Furious
Speed Racer suffers by trying to be everything to everyone. You may be seduced by the Wachowski name, the Manga background and the echoes of "Fast and Furious", but this is... Read more
Published 3 months ago by S. Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Son's favourite film
We first hired this film from our local library, our 5yr old boy picked it out and loved it so much we bought it, he's watched it many times, great for any car mad boy, loads of... Read more
Published 3 months ago by pearl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Color
Discounting the story line that is a bit patchy, this is a feast of incredible color with a superb sound track. Good entertainment, not to be taken too seriously. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. J. A. Bentley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome visuals in bluray!!!
One of those movies that is made for bluray. Crisp and clear visuals with MD audio is always a treat.
Published 6 months ago by Ajith Vargese Thampi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning video
This is one of the best Blu-rays I have ever seen.Obviously not the movie itself, because story is quite boring, but the images are great!!! Read more
Published 6 months ago by FranZ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely highly recommended
This is a terrific film to watch with the whole family, the kids go totally nuts over the storyline, they love every second of it and ask me to put it on for them everyday! Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr_Ben
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