Starring: Valentino Rossi, Barry Sheene, Jeremy Burgess, Peter Clifford, Dr. Claudio Costa Directed By: Mark Neale (II) Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled Label: NEW VIDEO GROUP Number of Items: 2 Region Code: 1 Release Date: November 30, 2004 Running Time: 103 minutes Theatrical Release Date: March 07, 2004
Description: A heart-hammering sensation at Slamdance, Faster is an electrifying tribute to the white-knuckle world of the Motorcycle Grand Prix--the fastest sport on two wheels--where only the most audacious competitors race at speeds over 200mph and crash at over 100mph. Narrated by Ewan McGregor (Big Fish, Star Wars: Episodes I-III), Faster chases two seasons’ worth of the world championship, featuring revealing interviews with riders, mechanics, doctors, commentators and fans.
Amazon.com: Even if you've never witnessed the intensity of MotoGP motorcycle racing, Faster will take your breath away. It's a perfect primer for newcomers, offering a comprehensive survey of the fastest sport on two wheels, and it's guaranteed to satisfy hardcore fans with its detailed history, profiles of the top riders from the 2001-02 seasons, highlights of spectacular crashes and unforgettable races, and a veritable feast of the best MotoGP cinematography you're ever likely to see. From front-and-rearview cycle cameras to swooping overhead track coverage, filmmaker Mark Neale immerses the viewer in the MotoGP experience, enhancing the adrenaline-pumping visuals with expert interviews and commentary (and cool, low-key narration by globetrotting cycle-lover Ewan McGregor) that any sportswriter would consider authoritative.
Literally and figuratively, a lot of ground gets covered: From Kenny Roberts and the late Barry Sheene discussing their innovative knee-dragging styles and the origins of rear-wheel steering to the colorful rivalry of Max Biaggi and reigning champion Valentino Rossi (including Biaggi's infamous "Elbow Incident" at Suzuka in 2001), Faster never loses sight of the human element that makes this ultra-dangerous sport so fascinating. Track physician "Dr. Costa" is profiled (and offers some eloquently philosophical thoughts about MotoGP riders), along with innovative rider Garry McCoy (plagued by injuries); former champion Wayne Rainey (now paraplegic and active in kart-racing); young prodigy John Hopkins in his rookie season; and several other prominent figures in the world of MotoGP.
The bonus disc includes Faster & Faster, a sequel covering the 2003 and 2004 seasons, which saw the rise of the 500cc 4-stroke engine (and speeds in excess of 215 mph), Ducati's dominance and trend-setting removal of engine silencers (to boost power); Rossi's move to Yamaha; the fatal crash of Daijiro Kato; the victories of Sete Gibernau; and the rookie debuts of Neil Hodgson, Ruben Xaus, and Shane Byrne. Through it all, Faster and its sequel serve as the ultimate guide to MotoGP, certain to inspire future champions and armchair fans alike. --Jeff Shannon
Lives Up To The Hype! This movie is sure to excite even those not interested in MotoGP. It gives great insight into the mindset of the riders as well as a great behind the scenes look at the series. It would be a great addition to any movie collection. It will have you cheering for your favorite rider, even if you remember the actual races. Oh, and the "Crumpet" is nice too!
Great way to catch up I haven't been going to road races for a few years, so I had lost track of most of the MotoGP riders and many of the AMA riders that transfered to MotoGP. These guys were just starting to make names for themselves during the last seasons that I attended. These DVD's give a great overview of not only the riders, but the big changes in the sport. At the same time you can get involved in the competition going on for #1. Much better than reading about it. Maybe not as good as being there, but worth every penny!
Flawed MTV-izaztion of a great story I review this DVD from a personal perspective of having been a great fan on GP motorcycle racing since the late 1970s. In my considered opinion, Valentino Rossi, one of the principal subjects of this "documentary", is one of the greatest racing talents to ever come along. I only wish such skill was also present in the director of this video production. Frankly, this DVD is almost unwatchable for one steeped in motorcycle racing. It is as if the director decided to make a film that someone not at all interested in motorcycle racing could tolerate watching in between aftershave and pizza TV commercials.
Such an execrable production as this would not have been possible without the mediocre influence of MTV. Every segment of track action, which is what real racing is all about, is aborted before one has any sense of continuity, with quick cuts to interviews, pit activity, and other off-track activity. Back and forth... back and forth... It is as if the intended audience for this video had no interest whatsoever in motorcycle racing and the artificial editing contrivances of the "director" were needed to alleviate the obvious boredom of track competition.
This video is made for people who have no knowledge or interest in motorcycle racing. Anyone with such interest or knowledge should look elsewhere. The only reason I give this dreck a second star is that there are a couple of personal interviews which do provide some insight into the riders. Otherwise this is a total pass. I hope they never let this "director" near a motorcycle racing production again.
- a lifelong motorcycle racing fan
Killer DVD Very cool dvd, i totally recommend it if your into MotoGP! gives you a great history on valentino & max.
FASTER You can see a lot of historical MotoGp and 500cc class pilots talking about everything you cant see on a TV transmision. Wayne Raine, Mick Doohan, Randy Mamola, Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Nick Hyden, John Hopkings, and a lot pilots more will take you through this two DVD discs into the Formula one of bikes: MOTOGP.
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