Death Race 1 & 2 Box Set (2 Discs) (Blu-ray)

DEATH RACE (2008)
Death Race 2000 is a cult movie, it has a legion of fans, but to be honest I thought it was terrible, and it was made on the cheap by Rodger Corman way back in the mid 70's, I have made more convincing go-carts than what was on offer in this cult trash. If ever a film needed a remake, and could be impoved upon it was this. So now with the trend of Hollywood remakes it was it's turn.
Directed by Paul W.S Anderson the guy who knows how to make guilty pleasures with the likes of Event Horizon, A.V.P and Resident Evil on his CV, this movie was bound to hit it's audience. The good news is the Death Race rethink is an outstanding guilty pleasure, and although the plot is thin and the characterisation is thinner the film really does entertain. Jason Statham puts on his usual gruff vocals, but is perfect for the role as the hero wrongly imprisoned. But the plot is not a major part in the film, what we really are after is auto carnage. This is where the film pulls out all he stops, instead of a crass cross country race. The competitors in this blood sport race around a booby trapped track in the prison grounds. Where cars and drivers are shredded, explode and spin through the air in breathtaking fashion. The races are truly outstanding. This is a simple film, that does exactly what it sets out to do, and would make a brilliant computer game.
Not only is it one of the better remakes of the past few years, it's also a brilliant guilty pleasure!
****1/2

DEATH RACE 2 (2010)
Don't be put off that this is a Direct to DVD/ Blue Ray sequel, it's actually a very well thought out prequel. The film charts the start of Death Race from cage fights to the race we all know and love. The budget is not as big as the 2008 movie as it's shot in tax haven South Africa and also lacks the star power of Statham, but to be honest Luke Goss ( Blade2 and the drummer in the 80's boy band BROS) makes a good anti-hero as the getaway driver in a botched bank job. Also Sean Bean is at his snarling best as the mob boss who try's to kill Goss in prison before he can be implicated with the Bank raid.
The Race takes a while to start but the last three quaters of an hour you do get some good carnage. The film is more of the same and although at times you can tell it was made on a much smaller budget than the 2008 Statham movie this does not stop it from being very enjoyable bit of mindless violence.
***1/2
This is a very well priced collection and the Blue Ray really does pick out the sound of full metal carnage.
See if you like...
The Fast and the Furious 1 - 4
Days Of Thunder
The Driver.
Bullet.
Rollerball.
The Running Man.
Gamer.
Crank 1 & 2

DEATH RACE (2008)
Death Race 2000 is a cult movie, it has a legion of fans, but to be honest I thought it was terrible, and it was made on the cheap by Rodger Corman way back in the mid 70's, I have made more convincing go-carts than what was on offer in this cult trash. If ever a film needed a remake, and could be impoved upon it was this. So now with the trend of Hollywood remakes it was it's turn.
Directed by Paul W.S Anderson the guy who knows how to make guilty pleasures with the likes of Event Horizon, A.V.P and Resident Evil on his CV, this movie was bound to hit it's audience. The good news is the Death Race rethink is an outstanding guilty pleasure, and although the plot is thin and the characterisation is thinner the film really does entertain. Jason Statham puts on his usual gruff vocals, but is perfect for the role as the hero wrongly imprisoned. But the plot is not a major part in the film, what we really are after is auto carnage. This is where the film pulls out all he stops, instead of a crass cross country race. The competitors in this blood sport race around a booby trapped track in the prison grounds. Where cars and drivers are shredded, explode and spin through the air in breathtaking fashion. The races are truly outstanding. This is a simple film, that does exactly what it sets out to do, and would make a brilliant computer game.
Not only is it one of the better remakes of the past few years, it's also a brilliant guilty pleasure!
****1/2

DEATH RACE 2 (2010)
Don't be put off that this is a Direct to DVD/ Blue Ray sequel, it's actually a very well thought out prequel. The film charts the start of Death Race from cage fights to the race we all know and love. The budget is not as big as the 2008 movie as it's shot in tax haven South Africa and also lacks the star power of Statham, but to be honest Luke Goss ( Blade2 and the drummer in the 80's boy band BROS) makes a good anti-hero as the getaway driver in a botched bank job. Also Sean Bean is at his snarling best as the mob boss who try's to kill Goss in prison before he can be implicated with the Bank raid.
The Race takes a while to start but the last three quaters of an hour you do get some good carnage. The film is more of the same and although at times you can tell it was made on a much smaller budget than the 2008 Statham movie this does not stop it from being very enjoyable bit of mindless violence.
***1/2
This is a very well priced collection and the Blue Ray really does pick out the sound of full metal carnage.
See if you like...
The Fast and the Furious 1 - 4
Days Of Thunder
The Driver.
Bullet.
Rollerball.
The Running Man.
Gamer.
Crank 1 & 2