Based on the 1966 Japanese anime TV series, Speed Racer might be the most visually dazzling film writers/directors Lana and Lily Wachowski have ever made, which I write knowing full well they previously made the visually iconic The Matrix trilogy. That’s how impressive the work is by the crew members in various departments, such as cinematography, production design, and visual and special effects to name a few. And this new 4K UHD release shows off the brilliance of that work.
Buy Speed RacerThe overarching premise of the TV series is present here. Racer Motors is led by owner and car builder Pops (John Goodman). His son Speed (Emile Hirsch) is an outstanding driver, as good as his late, older brother Rex (Scott Porter), who Speed continues to idolize after his death in a race.
E.P. Arnold Royalton (Roger Allman), CEO of Royalton Industries wants Speed driving for his team and while tempted by the generous offer, Speed decides to stay driving for his father. This angers Royalton who puts a bounty on Speed during the next race and files a lawsuit against Racer Motors to shut them down. Speed wants to reveal Royalton’s corruption, so he races for a competitor in exchange for evidence, but ultimately realizes the best way to beat Royalton and his flunkies is on the track.
Other elements taken from the TV series include a masked driver with familiar racing skills known as Racer X (Matthew Fox), who works for the corporate-crimes division which is investigating Royalton. Speed’s girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) tries to insert more into his life, but she knows she comes second to racing. Younger brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) and the family’s pet chimpanzee Chim Chim provide comic relief together, frequently causing chaos wherever they turn up. They would have stolen the movie if not for the racing sequences.
The video has been given a 2160p / HDR10 / Dolby Vision encoded transfer. The vibrant hues, which reach neon brightness, boldly pop off the screen. Blacks are inky and whites are accurate, contributing to a strong contrast. Each frame seems made with the directors’ intentions so the amount of clarity, detail, and depth on display varies with purpose, such as how much flare comes off comes off light sources that are obviously artificial upon a green screen.
The audio is available in Dolby Atmos, and it makes great use of Dolby TrueHD 7.1. Dialogue is clear. Composer Michael Giacchino’s score swells in the surrounds. Effects are nearly as overwhelming as the visuals as they immerse the viewer within the scene, particularly the races, with sounds panning across channels, side to side and front to back. Bass is intense with the woofer rattling the cabinet at times.
The Special Features are:
- FAST | FUTURE | FAMILY: Speed Racer Revisited (HD, 13 min) – The Wachowskis recently sat for a talk about making the film, such as the story they wanted to tell with the material.
- Spritle in the Big Leagues! (15 min) – Paulie Litt gets a well-deserved spotlight in this comic piece
- Speed Racer: Ramping Up! (10 min) – Cast and crew talk about the film.
- Speed Racer: Supercharged! (HD, 16 min) – A detailed look at the cars specs.
- Speed Racer: Car Fu Cinema (28 min) – A look at how the cars and races were created and animated.
- Speed Racer: Wonderful World of Racing – The Amazing Racer Family (21 min) – A faux documentary about the Racer family.
With its balanced blend of action and animation, the Wachowskis have created a fantastic and fantastical thrill ride that this UHD release does justice to in its reference-quality presentation. While the film dazzles the viewer’s eyes and ears, underneath the screenplay’s camp veneer is a sweet story about family that should connect with one’s heart.
