Customer Reviews

Super Speedway

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I was initially put off by the title and the artwork on this DVD, believing it was aimed at hard-core racing fans. After reading numerous reviews praising the quality of the sound and images, I decided to buy it as a "show me why DVD is so great" disk. And in that regard, I certainly wasn't disappointed; it is a spectacular showcase DVD.

What I didn't expect is how much I enjoyed the human interest story of the Andretti family. The movie takes you into their world, and places racing in perspective: technological, historical, and social. The story arc gently draws you to the racing track, immerses you in the raw excitement of driving at over 200 MPH, and then eases you back out to the real world, your heart still pounding. While the cars are unquestionably exciting, this isn't just about sitting in the cockpit. It's really about the people who do this, from the driver all the way back to the car's designers.

In the "Behind the Scenes" video (an outstanding piece in its own right), the director points out that you couldn't invent a story like this, that no one would believe it. Without giving away anything, the finale of Super Speedway is more touching, more emotional than any Hollywood fiction. Highly recommended.

When you first look at the case two words stare at you Imax and THX, This film was originaly made for the Imax theatre, the dvd version is just as good, the image is awe-inspiring, every single detail jumps from the screen, and the THX sound is remarkable, this is an audio experience which will send your pulse racing, Both these elements put together in one film does not happen very often, but when it does it's an experience you will never forget. If you want to enjoy the thrills of driving an indy-car, or want to find out how an indy-car is made from start to finish, then do not hesitate go and buy one of the best documentarys ever made. You also get the making of super speedway which puts you behind the camera and shows just how much work and money has gone into making this film.

When I read the reviews from this dvd I had to give it a try. They were right, I'm impressed. This dvd has all the features I expected from dvd from the start. The sound is impressive and envolving, the picture quality based in IMAX film is terrific. Moreover, the story has adrenaline and nostalgia in equal shares. This movie was not only made for racing car fans, DVD and movie lovers will be also moved by it. Also, the making of documentary is top notch. You can see the professionalism and tender loving care that was put in this film. One of the best things is that Mario & Michael Andretti do not try to steal the show. They add experience and a sense of reality that makes you think you're watching an actual race. If you ever wondered why dvd exists, this is the answer. This might be the best DVD I own.

I don't own this DVD - yet...but I will!
I just saw this at a friend's house who has an HDTV rear projection TV, and a decent audio system ... Audio and video were of the utmost quality - no grainy translation of color or image to the HDTV's screen in widescreen format, even though the DVD is too old to be HD.

This has got to be the best quality DVD I've ever seen from a presentation standpoint. Even if you don't like racing, I would be willing to bet money that you'd still like this for its excellent documentary quality. Though this film is older ('97 originally - in IMAX) it is still a very true to life behind the scenes story (I work in motorsports). It is captivating and interesting to see just how an Indy car team lives and breathes year-round.

The sound is incredible! One scene shows Mario and Michael Andretti working on something in the paddock area while there are cars out on track testing. You actually hear the cars on the track in the background going AROUND your viewing room as if you were standing in the paddock with the Andrettis.

The in-car/on-car footage is the same - a racing competitor comes up to pass on the left; you hear him in the left-rear before you see him, then the nose of his car appears and the sound is beside you (in both front and rear speakers) and finally as he passes the sound of his car moves to the front, all with appropriate volume levels. You can almost feel the steering wheel in your hands! And the visual experience of going 180-200 MPH around Homestead is astounding! None of this watered down, graphic crowded, short focal length/narrow-angle view junk you see on TV...You get a VERY GOOD idea of what it's like to travel at such speed in an open cockpit car!! Wind noise and all! Unbelievable!!

Truely the most immersive home theater experience I have seen to date. If you want to test or show off your system, if you like racing, or if you like documentaries, you should NOT deprive yourself of this absolutely awesome experience. It is truely amazing - even the (non-racing fan) wives of the world will enjoy it :-)

This is probably the best DVD I own (I have about 120 right now). The sound is incredible in 5.1 Dolby Digital. The video is excellent, but even better is the story line - this is extremely well done and interesting. And get ready - you get a driver's view (and sounds) of what it is like to drive an Indy race car. I have a front projection TV and an 84" diagonal screen - this is awesome with the volume cranked up! I don't anyone who hasn't enjoyed this experience. They all have been extremely impressed. If you want to show off your system, look no further - buy this today!

If you have a dolby digital surround system, you MUST get this DVD - period. Everyone who has seen this DVD on my system (and my system isnt even that great) has totally fallen in love with Home Theater. I have seen people sway to and fro as the racing car goes around curves.

If you love open-wheel racing, you must see this DVD. Even if you don't you will find it both entertaining and mind-blowing to watch. This IMAX production follows the Newman-Haas CART team from the pre-season testing to a real race during the season. Veteran driver Mario Andretti as well as his son Michael take to the wheel of a specially-rigged CART racing car that has an IMAX camera attached to it. The footage is spectacular!
At the same time we get inisghts into the technology side of racing, with visits to the Lola and Cosworth factories in England.
Mario Andretti's first race car was the Watson roadster, and as a special treat in this movie we see him re-united with the very beautifully restored car.
The movie is narrated by Paul Newman and feautures interviews with the Andrettis as well as Paul Newman's co-team owner Carl Haas.

This is one of the best Imax DVD's out in the market. I bought this DVD for my dad who absolutely loves auto racing. To my surprise I also enjoyed the movie because it gives an insight as to the amount of hours that goes into designing and building a race car. The racing scenes and camera angles are intense. The producer does a good job of tying together the story of the Andretti family and their legacy of racing. This is an enjoyable movie.

If you have a widescreen TV and 5.1 sound, treat yourself and purchase Super Speedway. It is fantastic! The story of Mario and Michael Andretti is very interesting and the visuals on the track are astounding. (better if you have progressive DVD) Be prepared for a sound track that will release enough energy to make your neighbors think you installed your own PPG CART series right in the back yard!

If you ever watch a DVD this has to be it. I cannot express how superbly put together and great sounding this DVD is. From the actual bumps in the road being felt and heard to the overpasses thumping across your dolby digital 5.1 system its truly amazing. In many instances it felt as if you were there in the car. The storyline is superb and the picture quality is unmatched by any DVD i've ever seen. Words alone cannot describe how fantastic this DVD truly is, Go buy it NOW!!!!