Speed Tribe (DVD)

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Video :
Considering half the experience of "Speed Tribe" lies in its visuals, a decent DVD is the bare minimum requirement. The race footage used in the film has been digitally altered to give it a more techno-friendly appearance. Palettes have been altered, light trails follow the cars across the track and lighting has been either exaggerated or de-emphasized. In addition to footage of the powerful racecars, a few scenic moments and race-related shots are included. The transfer itself is strikingly good. The image is highly detailed and the stylized colors are naturally recreated. The stylized look does affect how a few scenes appear, but this is all part of the intended look of "Speed Tribe" and has nothing to do with the digital transfer. The film is presented in 1.33:1 full frame.

Audio :
Thinking about things a bit more, video is probably half the experience of "Speed Tribe." The true strength of the DVD lies in its techno beats. Available in either Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 multi-channel surround or Dolby Digital Stereo, "Speed Tribe" is a lively experience that is bound to move a few things with its floor-thumping bass. The clever mix of hard techno beats and high-revving engines is a perfect marriage that works much better than I had anticipated. All three available soundtracks are clean and powerful. The DTS 5.1 mix gets a very slim nod over the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix in its ability to deliver the goods. The stereo track falls short when compared to its multi-channel brethren, but is solid for a 2-channel mix. In all honesty, it is hard to compete with the sound quality of this DVD, save for "Saving Private Ryan" in its glorious DTS incarnation.

Extras :
"Speed Tribe" is a 2-disc set. I considered the CD to be part of the main package and really do not feel it is a supplemental part of the package, though it is value-added content. The CD is comprised of 24 selections. The DVD is broken down into two parts, which can be played separately or looped for infinite playback or until you feel a need to listen to the latest techno offering of the "Green Acres" theme song. "Speed Tribe" is not without true supplements. Three interviews with veteran race drivers of Le Mans is included. The first interview runs for less than ten minutes. The second interview for nearly double that, and the third interview doubles the second in running time. So by doing the math, you get around forty minutes of chatter from Le Mans drivers. These interviews are accompanied by an animated menu screen and do not include any video footage. There is also some web links provided for web access in DVD-ROM drives.

Summary :
I have already stated that I enjoyed "Speed Tribe." However, I´m sure there will be some question as to why this film rates only a 5 on our 1 to 10 scale. Quite simply, 5 is the average down the middle score. "Speed Tribe" runs for less than an hour in total length and is a clever mix of race footage with very danceable techno music. I don´t foresee myself dancing in the middle of my home theater setup, nor do I see myself throwing a neighborhood rave in the near future. Sitting down and watching race cars in a stylized manner set to techno music is not something I am generally prone to do, but I am happy I spent the time I did with "Speed Tribe." I may even use this disc in the future to show off the wonderful sound my home theater system is capable of. The audience for "Speed Tribe" is certainly limited, but I am glad that DVD International took the plunge and made this DVD, as it shows the unlimited potential of the format. The best use I can see for this disc is to play it at television equipped dance clubs and as a clever backdrop to college parties. Beyond that, this DVD will have a hard time appealing to the masses.

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