TT Closer to the Edge - format PAL Region 2
This stunning documentary film about the TT has been wowing cinema audiences since its release in early 2011 and became an instant best-seller when released in the UK on DVD and Blu-ray. Just check out some of the film reviews for TT Closer To The Edge ...
TT3D: Closer to the Edge shortlisted for five industry awards:
- British Independent Film Campaign of the Year
- Best Documentary Release of the Year
- Best Campaign of the Year for a Film in 3D
- Premiere of the Year
- Trailer of the Year
TT3D: "Some of the best riders in recent history, including Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness, Conor Cummins and Ian Hutchinson, are all drafted in to offer their experiences. Invariably, they involve a long list of toe curling injuries, supplemented by some horrific crash footage, all shown in three glorious dimensions." Top Gear
TT3D: "This feature-length documentary vividly portrays the rivalries of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy - probably the greatest motorcycle road race in the world." Nick Rufford - The Sunday Times
TT3D: "Every year the world's top bikers assemble on the Isle of Man to race for the prestigious title 'King of the Mountain'. Among them, as this documentary records, is maverick Midlander Guy Martin who arrives determined to overhaul reigning champion John McGuinness." - Empire
TT3D: "A thrilling, funny and moving human drama for pretty much everyone, not just biking enthusiasts." FilmFour
TT3D: "In Richard De Aragues's documentary about the Isle of Man's high risk motorcycling event, the use of 3-D visuals arguably makes real life look to much like a popcorn movie. Alternatively, you could accuse the film of being sports journalism, not a work of true cinematic art. It does however, tell a dramatic story, focused on the motorbiking maverick Guy Martin, a shaggy-haired Lincolnshire lad who happily admits to preferring engine repair to sex. Having never won a TT race, can he do so in 2010? Fans will be able to relive last year's exceptional contest; newcomers will quickly be drawn in." The Sunday Times
TT3D: "I have no particular interest in the sport, but was completely caught up in the sanity-defying stories of four riders". Mail Online
TT3D: "The most engaging by some distance, Guy Martin, has already had his beguiling blend of eccentricity and expertise snapped up by TV as the star of the BBC’s charming The Boat That Guy Built, and here he establishes himself as a sort of supersonic Fred Dibnah." Mail Online
TT3D: "Exhilarating and enjoyable 3D film about the world's most dangerous road race and those who risk everything to take part." Sunday Mirror
Review from Peter Duke, Managing Director of Duke Video
I wasn't too sure what to expect from this new film. As has been proven many times in the past when a sports subject has been given the 'big-budget motion picture' treatment, the end result can, to varying extents, be patronising, over sensationalised, corny, dull, lacking in storyline or a combination of these flaws (as with Silver Dream Racer for example!). However, I am delighted to report that TT3D Closer To the Edgeavoids all these pitfalls and in my view sets a new standard in motorsport film production. and best of all, it's a documentary that should appeal as much to a general audience as to the enthusiast.
It's got human interest galore with the UK's top bikesport personality, Guy Martin, in centre stage giving his unique perspective on racing, risk and life in general - plus some 'amusing insights' into how he passes his time away from the track.
The producers then use a supporting cast of John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson and Conor Cummins plus a wide cross-section of other people involved with the TT to explain the enduring appeal of the world's oldest and most challenging motorcycle event as they prepare for and then race at the 2010 TT. No punches are pulled as we see several dramatic examples of how the TT Mountain Circuit can exact a heavy toll for any error or misjudgement. One of the most moving scenes is with Bridget Dobbs whose husband died at the 2010 TT. Her fortitude in explaining her late husband's willingness to take on life-threatening risks is compelling and uplifting viewing. From the rest of the cast there is also humour, camaraderie amongst rivals and a detailed insight into how the TT is attracting an increasing number of participants and spectators despite being - or maybe because it is - a complete anachronism in the modern world of 'elf 'n safety'.
The cinematography, script, narration and sound track are all spot-on with the 3D effects adding more to the experience for me during the paddock and slower shots than in race action. Oh yes, the racing. Probably only 40% of the film is on-track action, and it all works brilliantly as the week builds up to an epic climax in the 2010 Senior Race. There's plenty of great action shots but it's the editing that turns the time-trial nature of the TT races into edge-of-seat battles.
Closer to The Edge could do for the TT and 'real road' racing what On Any Sunday did for off-road motorcycling in the 1970's and 80's.
Even though this is not on the Duke label - and I really wanted it to be! - I can say that it's the best film about a motorsport subject I have ever seen, and you don't have to be TT nut to enjoy it.
Order it now on DVD as detailed above or on Blu-ray format see TT3D: Closer To The Edge BluRay. You won't be disappointed.
"The Isle of Man TT enters the widescreen, 3D mainstream; even BBC critic Mark Kermode was impressed. Prepare to get emotional" MCN 2012