Top Gear: The Challenges 2 [DVD]

Well, here we are again. Another Top Gear DVD, and one that should be considered essential on subject matter alone. Let's face it, the Challenges are the BEST part of the show as they test Jezza, Hamster and Captain Slow to their limits and beyond, in tasks that are extreme, barmy, exciting, surprising, hilarious and (more often than not) end in disaster.

Top Gear: The Challenges was a brilliant DVD, I thought. It had the best challenges ever in the show's history, which for that reason alone, made it worth buying and cherishing. However, the DVD was criticised by many regarding the editing and the presentation. The menus were awkward and difficult to operate, the sequence of challenges were broken up and scattered so it was hard to follow them properly, and the scene selection wasn't as well conceived as it should've been. Personally, none of this bothered me, though I could understand why it annoyed others.

But first things first, what exactly can you expect from Top Gear: The Challenges 2? All the best challenges from the tenth series, which is the only logical thing to do, seeing as how all the best challenges from the show's HISTORY have been released previously.

The Challenges here are Amphibious Cars: The Sequel (where they cross the Channel), The Bugatti Veyron vs. The Eurofighter, Motorhome Racing, Fiat 500 vs. BMX, the lads' search for The Greatest Driving Road, The 24 Hour Race (at Silverstone) and the epic Race Across London (featuring James in a Mercedes, Richard on a bicycle, The Stig on public transport and Jeremy in a racing speedboat). These challenges are all fresh, and while perhaps not as classic as the last batch, there're nonetheless excellent, featuring all the essential stuff that makes Top Gear the cracking entertainment that it is.

But...HAVE the BBC listened to all the criticisms that were directed at the last Challenges DVD? YES, THEY HAVE. The structure of the compilation is MUCH better than it was previously. No skipping over to another challenge halfway through the one you're currently watching THIS time around. Each portion of the Challenges from the shows have been grouped together to form a much better, more structured presentation. You're watching one Challenge all the way through before moving onto the next one, allowing you to just sit back and enjoy a much-more smoother and better-flowing compilation.

The scene-selection has also been better designed, meaning the chapter-breaks are at much more convenient points. And all the menus operate like they SHOULD. Cursors are where they should be, you have the cool Top Gear theme playing on almost every menu, and there's a really nice Stig animation that accompanies the transitions between the different menus.

And the icing on the cake? EXTRAS. There's some really great ones here. First up, are clips from celebrity stars of the last series, Lewis Hamilton and Simon Cowell. Both of their amazing Lap Times round the Top Gear test track are shown here, along with extended interviews. The new cuts are noticeable and thus make these extras even more special.

There's also a ride with The Stig in the No. 1 Lap Car, complete with an interactive option that allows you to change the camera angle via your remote. Even though there's only two angles to choose from, it's still a great addition to the disc. There's also another interactive multi-angle option featuring the Eurofighter from the Bugatti Veyron race, and although it's quite brief, it is absolutely breathtaking and seriously worth partaking in. And finally, there's a nice little video of the Lamborghini Gallardo (from The Greatest Driving Road) driving on the Col De Turini. This is made special by the camera that's mounted on the front of the car, making you understand why the Col De Turini is SUCH a fantastic road, as the lads have said.

And because this is a BBC DVD, you can naturally expect high-quality presentation. The DVD transfer is as clean and as crisp as always. Sound cannot be faulted, and there's useful subtitles (as usual) just in case.

Now, if it's Top Gear, I buy it on DVD for pure entertainment, regardless of how it's released, because I know I'm getting my money's worth seeing my favourite moments again and again. But the presentation of this particular release has really impressed me. Perhaps more than any other previous DVD that the BBC have released. Top Gear: The Challenges 2 has everything here. The outstanding highlights, better menu selections and cracking extras. Those who were disappointed with the last Challenges DVD won't be disappointed here. It's a fantastic release and like all Top Gear DVDs, should be part of your collection.

I have just recieved this DVD and it was amazing. Its got good graphics well laid out and good challanges aswell. And is always good for a rainy day this is a good DVD to get. Though i didnt order it from amazon i got it from the shops as it would be cheaper than this with postage and packaging. A good DVD in all and a must have for a Top Gear fan. Honestly

After the poor editing in the last Challenge DVD, it is pleasing that the BBC and 2 Entertain have taken notice. The DVD is nicely edited, with each feature running in it's entirety before moving onto the next.
The features include some of the best challenges from the last series. My favorites are the Amphibious Cars: PArt 2, the 24hour race, the race across London and the Motor Home Racing. There are also a few decent extras too!
It is priceless entertainment and has left me hungry for more. Perhaps we can expect to see the caravan, the van and the tractor challenge on DVD soon! I surely hope so!