Super Speedway (1997)

Don't Believe the Hype

A Disappointing Continuation

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

i should mention that i'm not really a racing fan.nevertheless,i picked this documentary up fairly cheap,and i thought it might be interesting and thrilling.and to be fair,it was-to a point.the scenes with the closeups of the car racing as it's being tested are quite exciting.the cameras are right on the car,so you can't get any closer unless you're actually behind the wheel.theses scenes really show you how skilled the drivers are and how dangerous the sport can be.and hearing the roar of engines was something.you really get an idea of how powerful they are.but for me,there were'nt enough of those moments. a lot of the time is spent showing how a car(at least one car)is manufactured.i knew before hand that there were would be some focus on this aspect.i just thought they devoted too much time to it.f you're into that sort of thing of thing,you will probably enjoy theses scenes.but for me,i'm not really into that sort of thing,so i found those scenes dry.there is a making of feature,which is almost as long as the documentary itself.this is not something that would interest me,so i did not watch it.however,if you're a racing fan,or you're just interested in the behind the scenes of the documentary,you might like the making of.overall,for me,i was kinda disappointed.i don't think the documentary is terrible by any stretch,but it did not live up to my expectations.i'd have to give Super Speedway a 4.5/10

This is an excellent documentary, packed with racing action beautiful pictures and a great story. The IMAX Cameras give you a very wide perspective, as a DVD movie it is perfect. Your hear every speaker working almost all the time, The film is not speeded up and just gives you the natural feel of 230mph. Of course there are some sound effects added but i think they are good, they give a depth to the driving scenes...

It was so painfully obvious that the Andrettis, the Haas team and the other drivers were acting from a script -- and not doing a very good job of it, coming across as stiff and unnatural. Witness the scene before the "big race," how every driver is complaining of the problems he's having with his car: why are they waiting until NOW to talk about this?! Was Michael the only driver who had the foresight to do test runs? The only time Mario and Michael were themselves were when they were driving, the only times they couldn't afford to think about the fact that they were on camera.Aside from some tidbits on how a F1 car is built, I gleamed no insights whatsoever into how these men think and why they, literally, risk their lives for a living; "because I love it" doesn't cut it. And the car the mechanic gave Mario: are we really expected to believe he wrestled that beauty from the heap of scrap he found in a barn?! Gimme a break!

Sure, for it's super imagery and awesome sound, it's a great home theater "show off" disk, but this is also a touching drama as well as an informative documentary. The parallel stories that are intertwined throughout this film will keep all viewers interested. Young, old, boys and girls alike will find that deep down, we are all fans of the automobile, especially the high performance indy machines that are the result of generations blood, sweat, tears, ingenuity and perseverance. The Mark Knopfler and Ry Cooder sound track is perfectly matched to the visuals and the content. I don't want to give away the ending, but the final driving sequence to Quincy Jones' "Days Like These" just might bring a tear to your eye. Enjoy it!