TT3D: Closer to the Edge

With great anticipation we travelled the 55 odd miles to the nearest 3D cinema showing this film.

We'd booked the tickets a week before and had then spent the whole week scouring the net for reviews and trailers as we didn't really know how the subject was going to be portrayed. I can happily say we were not disappointed.

The film really took you into the heart of TT racing and showed the spirit and passion of all those involved from the fanatical fans and dedicated Marshall's to the talented and brave riders and their families and teams.

I shed a tear, laughed and most importantly felt a renewed passion and dedication to get us over the water to the TT as soon as possible.

I disagree with a previous review that only men will like this film. There are plenty of us female bikers out there and with the totally photogenic Guy Martin playing a starring role how could it go wrong?! I hope this film goes onto be a big success but, as with all types of biking media, it won't get the coverage or publicity that it really deserves.

Get yourself to a cinema now and watch what is a very well put together, entertaining and interesting bit of cinematography you won't regret it.

What an amazing film. It was everything that I Superbiker wasn't. Has made me love Guy Martin even more (if that was possible). I had read that the film focuses too much on the deaths and crashes that have been present through the history of the race. I disagree; I think they dealt with them well and in a way that really does bring home what this circuit means to all those who race there.

I certainly don't think this is just a film for the boys (being a female motorcyclist myself) and I don't even think you need to have a love of bikes. Right from the start you care about the characters, the race footage and interviews etc keep you on the edge of your seat, with your heart in your mouth throughout the film I hope this film does a lot for for the world of motorcycle racing; both circuits and road racing alike.

I have never know a movie fly by so quickly. This does for Road racing and bike racing in general, what LeMans did for the 24 hour race or what Senna may well do for F1. For once here is a film where the 3D isn't a gimmick or an add on to make a poor film seem better, no here it took you to the heart of the action. You felt you were there with the personalities and some of the bravest (or fool hardy) people on the planet. And yet everyone who spoke seemed to think racing motorbikes around a street course at average speeds of over 130 mph was the most natural thing in the world. My admiration goes out not only to those who appeared in the film but also to Bridgett Dobbs who probably gives those who haven't competed there the greatest insight. To quote Sir Jackie Stewart "Having just seen that film I think that us Formula One drivers are a bunch of pussycats in comparison. People will see that film and want to go to the TT. I certainly want to go to the race". High Praise indeed and a film that does real justice to the Isle of Man TT. Brilliant and unmissable. The human stories make this film accessible to everyone so you don't need to be a biker to see this film. Congratulations to all involved. More please!

This film tells it like it is, through a racers eyes, all the blood sweat and tears of road racing at its fastest, and sometimes, with its most brutal side for all to see. Once the island has got in your head, it is very difficult to shake it out, to these guys it is like a drug, which they keep going back for more and more, no matter what happens. It is without doubt the best bike orientated film I have ever seen. The TT is a mecca for most motorcyclists, this film gives an insight into why we all go to visit year on year. The choices of focus are well chosen, with three distinct types of rider. Guy Martin, who tells it as he sees it, yet to win a TT event. But a win cannot be far away for Martin. John McGuiness, the hardened 15 times TT winner, bags of experience and guile and no mean rider, very skillful. Ian Hutchinson, cool, focused, a very fast rider. When the film was made Hutchy went on to win 5 races in the TT week, a feat never done before. This mix of character helped make the movie an unmissable experience. To give you an idea how good a movie this is, my wife ain't into bikes, but she was glued to this from start to finish. one word describes it..............Brilliant.

I loved the film and think it captures the essence of the TT. Guy Martin makes the whole thing watchable for all viewers because he is such a character, and he's very comical - which I don't think is intentional... and that makes it even better to watch! There are some great spinal tap moments as well.

I liked the filming of fans, families, team owners as well as the riders themselves. It showed the soul of the TT, rather than usual attempts of a bike film with bad-ass bikers and heavy metal music. Thank goodness this film didn't that way! Saying that, I think the film could have been an epic but fell just short. The following are niggles, to what is a 'must-see' film;

There is some amazing footage which never made it into the film - from 2010 and past races. Ryan Farquhar was on the limit that year, as well as Michael Dunlop - watching them fighting to stay in control of their bikes was simply breathtaking. Also, there are regular on-board overtakes with the front wheel in the air at 140+mph (due to rises on the road) shows the extremes of the riding... all this action seemed to be missed. Although, don't get me wrong, there is plenty of action... but more could have gone in.

There are incredible photographs that were not shown (to capture moments too fast to see in film). These also show the extremes of the TT - bikes bottoming out their suspension to scrape their fairings on the road, and riders brushing the walls with their helmets and leathers etc. etc.

Contrast all that with the fans sipping tea, or having a nap in a field shows the TT is a race that deserves a world audience. I think the extremes could have been played a bit better.

As another reviewer says, some of the solo footage of Guy on a bike was pretty lame, and so out of context to the rest of the film. I also think some of the pre-race (testing) preparation footage could have been shortened giving more time to the action and history...

Still, the film is great, and I will be a buying it on DVD/Blueray as soon as it is available.