Review of Speed

Introduction

Films starring Keanu Reeves have been in more demand again since his star turn in The Matrix, and will probably enjoy a further boost as the hype-machine gets into gear for the subsequent sequels. As such, films like Speed will probably be popular on DVD. This disc will do nothing to harm that popularity. Speed is a fun popcorn action thriller, as long as you can suspend your disbelief long enough to enjoy the premise of a bomb on a bus which can’t slow down. However, while many wrote this film off as a single high-concept ploy, most forget that the bus section only accounts for approximately half the time of the film on-screen. For the rest, both Sandra Bullock and Dennis Hopper put in great starring roles alongside Keanu to create a highly enjoyable romp.

Video

This transfer of Speed is an excellent job. While Region 1 have enjoyed a non-anamorphic pressing for some time now, Fox have seen fit to grace the UK shores with an improved anamorphic transfer. The result is a sharp picture which exhibits excellent detail. I saw no artefacting, and the condition of the original film was clearly good, with nothing in the way of telecine wobble, nicks or dust. While the colours are not quite as bright as some of the more recent movies, it`s hard to blame this on the disc. In the many explosions exhibited on the screen, the coding does an excellent job of conveying the blooming colour and heat of the flames. Also particularly impressive was the handling of sparks, both in the scene where Reeves and Bullock leave the bus, and the final train scene - the sparks were bright and flourescent, and extremely well defined.

Audio

If you loved this film on VHS, just wait until your hear DD5.1 get it`s teeth into it ! Take for example the initial explosion of the bus outside the cafe. The depth of the bass is impressive, with huge body and range to the sound. As the bus burns down, the windows crack, and secondary explosions send whizzing debris across the street. Each effect is delightfully placed around the soundstage, and the effect is convincing. The soundtrack is also extremely well composed, with a running theme throughout which comes across well. The music adds a great deal to the scene-setting and tension, without ever overcoming the vocals or action on-screen.

Features

Oh dear. It`s difficult to see how there could really be fewer extras. This disc contains only a theatrical trailer. Scene selection, and the menus themselves are silent and static. This is a sad example of the way not to utilise the value-added extras available on DVD. At least there is a good collection of foreign language subtitles if you need them - Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Portugese, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Iceland, English and English for the hearing impaired. This doesn`t, however, make up for the disappointing approach to extra materials.

Conclusion

Something of a mixed bag this then. Speed is an excellent film, with a thin plot adequately (in my mind) compensated for by enthusiastic performances by the leading cast, and the parade of tension and high-speed stunts involved. Plug in and enjoy the action. This DVD copy of the film presents it in the highest quality currently available, with an excellent picture, and top-notch remixed sound. Certainly a disc to be proud of then. However, two things stick in the throat to prevent a whole-hearted recommendation of the title : First, why such a pitiful approach to extra material ?! I know a documentary exists because I`ve watched one before. Where are the animated menus ? Where is the commentary or isolated score ? I`m sorry, but it looks like the absolute minimum of effort has been applied. Second, the price. While I appreciate the other pages on the internet are now relaxing a Fox ban because the titles have reduced in price from £24.95 to £19.99, I`m sorry, but this is an old classic - a back catalogue title, and charging £20 for the benefit of owning it on DVD is still too steep. The VHS can probably be bought for £5 on the bargain shelf. This disc does not bring any added value extras to the table. Nothing which can justify such a price. While I was happier because I bought two discs together for a total price of £15 each, this is scant satisfaction. For older titles such as these (Point Break was the other disc) the recommended retail price should be no more that £15 maximum, so that multiple purchase offers could bring the price to a much more affordable £10 each.