Product ReviewsSpeed Racer (Blu-ray Disc, 2008, 3-Disc Set)

First Place Winner...but not at the box office.

I must admit that I know, or knew rather, very little about the story or history of Speed Racer- and his TV series - and maybe that is why I enjoyed this movie so much. Although, this is still a different type of situation where one who was a big fan of the shows might be seriously critical of every little detail of the turned movie. I don't believe anyone who considers themselves truly knowledgeable about Tatsuo Yoshida's work can say that this was not represented well on the big screen. I'm now intrigued to go back and check out some episodes of Speed Racer.

That aside, as far as it being a movie and a work of art, I would give this movie high marks in both categories. For it being a movie, it was nice to see something so different as far as the approach to making it go. Also, having such an incredible cast makes it all the more intriguing. I don't see anyone else having portrayed any of these characters any better than the cast that was hired to do so.

On an artistic level, it is extremely hard to think of any other movie that comes close to being in the same league. I did not see The Matrix, but I would say that anyone who liked Sin City for its cinematography and graphic elements, would love Speed Racer. The use of bright photography that's added behind a green screen makes for a far more dramatic effect.

Take the artistic elements of this movie, and put it together with the amazing cast (both looks and talent) and throw it together with a very different but coherent plot, and you've got yourself an extremely enjoyable movie that is definitely worth seeing. And seeing at the theater no less! My hats off to The Wachowski Brothers, and the rest of the cast and crew for putting together something different for a change.Read full review...

It's about speed and racing.

For being a remake of an old cartoon show it was great, especially if you have never seen those shows before. It is one movie that you have to give your full attention, so that you can understand the whole process. Realize this is a "fun" movie and don't get critical over technical details that deals with breaking the laws of physics. Just have a fun ride.Read full review...

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Amazing hi-def movie

The movie was amazing. The video quality of the blu-ray was in my opinion better than avatar. It was amazing how the cgi technology is so awsum in this movie. Best graphics ever. The movie was also very entertaining. I have 6 blu ray copies of this movie. I also have 6 led 60 inch TV's in one room with 6 blu ray players. I have all disc's playing at the same time all around the room and my room seems to come alive. Note: for most amazing picture, keep your tv on "VIVID" picture mode.Read full review...

Verified purchase: No

What a ride!

Blu-Ray is Amazing! The clarity, in this movie, is beyond anything I've seen thus far on blu-ray, not to say that other blu-ray titles aren't clear or awesome looking, but this just has such a polish to it, maybe it's the cg mixed with live action that made it look so good. Regardless, I had read a lot of bad reviews when this movie came out in theaters. One good review however, mentioned that this is a live action cartoon, and in order to enjoy the movie it's best to go in thinking this way. Seeing how much I enjoyed the original animated show, I turned off my critical thinking, and went in with the mentality mentioned above, and to expect the crazy races, with the unbelievable maneuvering cars, gadgets, weapons, plot, that the original had. During the movie, I just had a big smile on my face...it was exactly like the original anime, insane, eye popping, gorgeous looking CG, great cast, good story, a real fun movie, and a true love for cars and racing. This movie went beyond what I expected. My hat goes off to the Wachowski Brothers for making a movie about an old, forgotten show, that not many people ever watched. You can tell that they adored, the original material, and honored it by putting it on film.Read full review...

One of my favorite movies of all time; from the directors of "The Matrix"

I've seen this movie about half a dozen times and still enjoy watching it; there are very few movies I enjoy over and over like this one, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Gladiator" being two other examples.

It is a great family-fun kind of movie filled with laughs, colorful graphics and even a heartfelt motivational story portrayed by a great cast.

Enough said.Read full review...

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I love this movie!!!

I know this didn't do super great at the box office but the movie has allot going for it. If you're a Speed Racer fan then you already know it's campy and can be a bit over the top but that's to be expected. I loved the visuals, Racer X was awesome, Speed was awesome, Trixy, Pops and the whole gang brought this film to life. Even the bad guys were on point. The race scenes were very well done and some of the most visually exciting I've ever seen. The things Speed can do with a car are no short of spectacular!! The final race scene is indicative of the first time I saw the Christopher Reeves Superman movie, the scene when he realizes that Lois has died and he screems before reversing time. That scene always sends chills down my spine and raises the hair on the back of my neck. The final race scene invokes the same level of intensity. It's certainly worth watching. I've seen it at least five times and already owned the movie prior to buying the Blue ray version. I highly recommend, especially fans of the original Speed Racer anime.Read full review...

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Entertaining Movie - Astounding Special Effects

This WB release is packed with action, astounding special effects (mixing the real with the virtual) and intriguing story lines. Only because of all of these three aspects, it's worth a watch. It's a little children-focused, but entertaining for the whole family.

It has not much to do with the innocence and the simplicity of the original Japanese cartoon series and this is one more reason fans of this character should see the movie - to judge by themselves.

Basically, this is a story of a little boy who is born and raised by a family of car and speed lovers. They truly believe in the joy and in the real spirit of the racing. Along the way, they end up facing the tough reality of the sport business - competitors, results and championships are determined by the industry, the money men, by the interest of big money corporations. There's no such thing as fair results, authentic competition. Winners and losers are previously chosen before they even compete. Speed Racer's family is even led to believe that the loss of their oldest children by a car accident was caused by this called corporate greed.

As Speed and his family are determined to bring the power down, proving that talent and the love for the speed are capable of anything that money just can't buy, mysteries unfold throughout the story and everything end up just fine. While some people might call this a predictable, boring and childish flick, I call it the best live-action movie of 2008 so far. Undoubtedly a five-star rating.Read full review...

Worth it on Blu-Ray

I loved this movie on film. The reason I assume why most critics give it low reviews is because we now expect movies made on children's concepts to be gritty and full of explosions. Just watch Transformers if you don't get what I mean.

Speed racer on the other hand is an attempt to bring to original wholesomeness with a family drivin story line to the big screen. And I don't mean family like most Disney movies but more like Leave It To Beaver. It's funny how a Japanese show turned out to have such an "American way" feel about it.

Speed Racer is a very colorful and very fast movie and it is the only film I have ever wanted on a Blu-ray disc. There is so much movement and so much detail that DVD just can't do justice. With that said though the movement is very fast so if you are watching it on a High-Def TV I would recommend avoiding an LCD TV. They just can't keep up with all of the movement. Speed Racer is best watched on a HD CRT, Plasma, or a True LED (not the same as the LED/LCD tvs you see at Wal-Mart).Read full review...

Speed Racer 4 out of 5

Video is impressive, lots of eye popping color, really is the best example of blue ray to date. I use this as a demonstration disc for my home theatre.
Audio is just ok, can't figure out why they didn't use lossless.
Kids will like storyline, adults will tolerate, perhaps enjoy more if you were a fan of the original show. Be prepared to see racing where the laws of physics don't apply.Read full review...

A very fun movie!

The DVD/Blu-ray was mail to my address just fine with no damage. A very fun movie! Thanks!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: jala_7919