Speed Racer (Widescreen Edition) | 
 enlarge | Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Actors: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $28.98
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Rating:  164 reviews
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 135 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: WARD026369D
UPC: 085391176398
EAN: 0085391176398
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: September 16, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/16/2008 Rating: Pg
Amazon.com
An over-the-top, sensory overload experience determined to replicate its frantic, television-anime origins, Speed Racer is wild enough to induce a headache or wow a viewer with one dazzling effect after another. Adapted for the big screen as a live-action feature, Speed Racer is written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, the sibling team behind the intensely satisfying The Matrix and its busier, less interesting sequels. Where the rich mythmaking of The Matrix was entirely accessible, however, Speed Racer's overwhelming and gratuitously complicated story exposition is an enormous challenge to follow, let alone embrace. After a while, one simply surrenders to the unbroken din of dialogue concerning corporate chicanery, corruption in the sport of racing, and a value conflict between racing as a family business versus multinational cash cow. At the same time, the film's hyper-real equivalent of the old Speed Racer cartoon's great whoosh of color, motion, and edgy production design--such as inventive uses of scene-changing wipes, bold framing, shifting perspectives--are more overbearing than fun. Emile Hirsch plays Speed Racer, younger brother of a deceased racing legend, Rex, and son of car designer Pops (John Goodman). The latter invented Speed's Mach 5, and is singularly unimpressed by an offer from a giant conglomerate that would lock Speed into exclusive racing services. Speed opts instead for family loyalty, incurring the wrath of the conglomerate's unctuous head (Roger Allam). With family honor on the line and the affections of girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) behind him, Speed hits the track in hopes of fulfilling his destiny as a master racer. The cast is largely enjoyable, including Susan Sarandon as Speed's mom, Matthew Fox as mysterious Racer X, and a pair of chimps as the irrepressible Chim-Chim. All well and good, but in a movie that lives or dies by the excitement level of races that look like computer-animated Hot Wheels action, Speed Racer is a dreary adventure. --Tom Keogh
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| Customer Reviews: Read 159 more reviews...
 Go SPEED November 21, 2008
N. J. Scottney-turbill
simply brilliant!!! Love the film and the complete Unique style of the visuals. I heard bad things from the reviews about this film, but when I took a chance on seeing it and buying the blu ray, I was simply astonished by it!
Being a fan of the original cartoon I thought the idea of a live action movie would lose the camp feeling of the series, but i was wrong. its faqntastic, and I'm quickly becoming a Wachowski fan.
and again love Michael Giacchino's score, brilliant music capturing the fun of the film. AND Matthew fox as Racer X was perfect!!
Seriously reccomend everyone at least give the movie a shot! It may not be to everyones liking, but it sure is a unique experience
A gem. November 18, 2008
Trevor C. Cook (Fort Benning, GA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Wachowski Brothers' (The Matrix Trilogy) adaptation of the Japanese children's cartoon Speed Racer falls between a rock and rather hard place if you will. On the one hand, the cartoonish humor and imagery is incredibly faithful to its roots and will certainly dazzle the kiddies. On the other hand, the film's storyline, which deals with race outcome fixing, stock markets and corporate takeovers, will most likely fly over the head of anyone who hasn't taken at least high school economics.
Still, I can't help but love this movie. Maybe it's because I love fast cars and racing, and this is the first movie I've seen that really works to convey the love driving for the sake of driving. I know it's certainly not because of my history with the TV show the film is based upon, as I have none. I think it's more that the film, even with it's gravity-defying race scenes and weird and wacky humor, has so much heart.
Movies filmed in front of green-screens aren't known for their emotional resonance, and most actors will admit that it's harder to create the performance they'd like when they have nothing visual to go off of. The fact that Speed Racer has emotional depth that it does is a testament to the terrific cast. Emile Hirsch hits the nail on the head perfectly as Speed, as do John Goodman and Susan Sarandan as Pops Racer and Speed's mother. The rest of the ensemble cast, including Matthew Fox (whose agent should consider his role as the enigmatic Racer X an audition for the upcoming Captain America film) and Christina Ricci as Trixie, are great also.
It may wear its cheesey heart on its sleeve, but at least the film has a heart. You feel the close-knit bond of the Racer family every time they're on screen, and Hirsch channels Speed's utter adoration for his older brother Rex beautifully without ever over doing it. Even amidst all the CG race cars, the family and their relationships are never lost, and one can't help but cheer Speed on in the film's fantastic, if predictable, climax.
Call it cheese, but I can't help but adore this movie. It might not work as either a proper kids movie and might be too silly and outlandish for most adults, but if you can strike that chord with it, Speed Racer is a beautiful movie. A hidden gem, and one the critics completely missed the boat on.
 A flashy,enjoyable family movie November 18, 2008
Joe Ruck
I enjoyed this movie very much, the effects and action scenes were amazing and I think the wachowski's did an amazing job with the source material. The story was a bit cliched and shallow, but hey, the cartoon wasnt known for having deep and thoughtprovoking storylines. It is what it is, if your a fan of speed racer or of action filled family flicks, you'll thouroughly enjoy it, just dont expect a pixar film, lol.
Two boys' review: The racing is jaw-dropping, the rest is yawn-inducing November 16, 2008
Jared Castle (Roseburg, Oregon United States)
I have two sons, ages 6 and 4, who love to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS. They loved the racing scenese in this movie but the dramatic scenes between each race bored them silly.
This is a movie aimed at young boys, but perhaps ages 8-10 is the right target. There's just too much soap opera drama stretching this story past the hour and a half mark for younger kids. However, the dazzling special effects are something you don't want to miss.
A Treat For The Visual & Audio Senses November 13, 2008
Craig Connell (Lockport, NY USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you're into color, this film is for you. It's hard to imagine a movie with more and bolder colors and wild action that is presented here on this Blu-Ray disc, whch looks spectacular.
The story is predictable and a bit juvenile but I'm an older guy. For kids and most of the family, this should be very enjoyable. For those who like auto racing, you'll love it.
For those, like me, who love special-effects and stylish visuals, it was definitely worth a look, particularly on high-definition. Some of it is simply amazing.
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