SPEED TRIBE - DVD review

The DVD format is going places other formats have seldom dared to travel. Most evident of this is the recent slew of releases that mesh music with photography and computer imagery. VHS and LaserDisc saw a few techno-themed computer imagery releases, but they were limited in number. The idea of combining audio and visuals for non-storytelling entertainment is becoming increasingly abundant on DVD. DVD International's recent 2-Disc release "Speed Tribe" is a prime example of how the DVD Format is opening up new doors to new ideas. This time, instead of relying solely on techno music and computer graphics, auto racing is infused with heavy techno beats to provide an entirely new experience.

Front 242 electronica producers Daniel Gressanuti and Patrick Codenys have taken their musical talents and combined them with stylized footage of the 2001 24 hour race at Le Mans. For those familiar with the world of auto racing, Le Mans is a test of not only performance, but of endurance. It is a unique event that requires a great deal of fortitude and resilience of both car and driver to emerge victorious. It is a well renown race that finds a larger international audience than domestic. Bringing a documentary of the Le Mans race to DVD would be a potentially risky proposition. Brining a techno-themed A/V experience using Le Mans for visual background is not only risky, but something I am fairly certain has never been seen before.

So how much of an experience does this meshing of beat and auto deliver? Quite simply, I was pleasantly entertained. Granted, anytime I see a Corvette C5-R racecar I am going to be a bit excited and my interest is not going to waiver. However, the techno music selected for this endeavor is quite good and very lively. Additionally, the filmmakers have chosen to incorporate the sounds of the high-revving engines into the beats in a manner that effectively makes them part of the electronic song. Quite frankly, I could imagine myself dancing to this at the now dearly-departed "The Vault" dance club in Harrisburg where techno was king and television monitors were placed all around showing off anime and computer generated imagery. I think this would have went over extremely well.

"Speed Tribe" is not only a DVD, but features a Compact Disc as well. As much as I enjoyed the audio/video experience of the "Speed Tribe" DVD, I loathed much of the CD. The beats were incredibly devoid of energy and emotion. Had I been forced to write this review in art terms, this would be a techno minimalist's canvas. There were one or two tracks on the CD that I enjoyed, but much of it came off rather dull and without life. My 500-watt Monsoon system was begging for Eminem or Pearl Jam (and who said I wasn't diverse?) after only six tracks of the 24 track CD. The first track ran for nearly ten minutes and I couldn't wait for it to end, just hoping for life to appear in track 2.

An interesting thought that occurred to me while reviewing this title was about the audience this disc would appeal to. In the world of NASCAR, your stereotypical audience is the redneck that enjoys watching not-even-close-to stock cars driving for 400 miles in a large oval. They would much rather listen to Garth Brooks (Chris Gaines is a no-no) than enjoy a pulsating techno beat. They are also not the target audience that particularly cares about the super-expensive cars that run at Le Mans and the European drivers that pilot them. Your stereotypical rave-going techno connoisseur is going to put their nose in the air at the notion of racing, as they picture Tony Stewart punching a photographer. This DVD is a hard sell.

"Speed Tribe" sat on a pile for a few weeks before I got the nerve up to review it. Part of the inspiration to review this DVD was the heralded return of my Overture 3 speakers from a three-month trip to the local Infinity repair shop and my need to play them loudly. I was glad I did, because "Speed Tribe" sounded extremely well on my towers of sound. I am not a fan of NASCAR and there was a stigmata about watching a DVD based on racing. I am also not a big fan of techno, but I do enjoy the thumping bass lines and infectious beats that make up the musical genre's basis. Even before I saw a C5-R grace the screen I was interested. The Corvette was just icing on the cake.

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.