Top Gear Season 11 and 12
364 minutes, 500 minutes
www.BBCAmerica.com
By Chris Zimmerman
Having been unfamiliar with Top Gear up till now, this was something of a treat for me. Every time it aired on BBC, I simply switched the channel, having little interest in cars on the whole. I now realize my error in never giving the show a chance. Now I can’t stop watching it.
The concept behind Top Gear is a fairly simple one, whose primary goal lies in reviewing cars. There are no limits to what the crew will tackle. If it has wheels, then you can bet they will want to drive it. Of the three hosts, Jeremy Clarkson serves as the de facto head of the group due to his experience and longevity on the show, having been a host on the show since 1988. Clarkson is joined by Richard Hammond and James May who shares his enthusiasm in all things cars, even adding a humorous touch to the show. All three have different personalities, giving each one a presence on the screen. They play off each other and generally seem to enjoy discussing the automotive industry while taking playful jabs a each other.
Every episode, the boys have a new car to test, doing so on a test track going far beyond the speed limit. Clarkson is something of a speed freak and is usually the first in the driver’s seat. From there, the trio tests the vehicle’s gas per mile ratio amongst other things. Of course the biggest delight is watching their celebrity guests trying to outrace one another in the hopes of securing the best time. As I understand it, at one point Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsay had a rivalry over who was fastest.
There is also a segment called “cheap car challenge” where the three visit a junkyard and each find a car to spruce up and race against each other. Amongst the funniest highlights is Clarkson adding spikes to the rims of his tires while Richard and James tease him about endangering civilian’s legs.
If there is one negative to this release, it would have to be the lack of extras. While season 12 features commentary and extended episodes, season 11 is barebones. Luckily the episodes themselves are so entertaining, the DVD is worthy of repeat viewing for them alone.
In truth, I can’t say that the show has changed my opinion on cars, but watching the three challenge themselves and others provides some of the best programming on television to date. They have great chemistry and supply both knowledge and humor to their audience. The show is finally gaining some ground here in America and these DVD sets should serve to solidify that foothold.
Top Gear Season 11 – A
Top Gear Season 12 – A
DVD Extras:
Commentary for Vietnam Special
Deleted Scenes
Photo Gallery
Botswana Special Director’s Cut
Cool Wall Uncut
Boris Johnson Extended Interview
Commentary on Botswana Special
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