Grand Prix: Challenge of the Champions

"Grand Prix" is a very good film. However, it's 'making of' featurette from 1966 is NOT. Most of the problem is the narration--it is just bad. The first problem I noticed is that the guy keeps using two different pronunciations for the word 'Monaco' and does this interchangeably. It seems unprofessional. But far worse is the use of LOTS of ridiculous hyperbole to describe the film! The Second Coming couldn't be more hyped than the way this guy talks about the movie--and no movie is THAT good! The copy the narrator had to read must have embarrassed him--it was that bad. Combining it with obnoxious music and you've got a film that doesn't encourage the viewer to see the movie but to avoid it! If you are a glutton for punishment, it's included on the second disc for the feature "Grand Prix".

This documentary is an extra on the recently launched DVD of Grand Prix and follows the production of the film itself whilst at the Monaco Grand Prix.

It is a unique heritage of the sport at a time when it was on the verge of changing from its roots to the commercial operation it is now and this documentary perfectly catches the almost cottage industry and club feel of F1 racing at that time. Images that are instantly recognisable as Monaco yet a world apart from its current format abound and the access to the cars, pits and team principals is excellent to watch. The opening shot of the actual film shows not an actor but Rindt a future world champion who retained his points advantage after his death following an accident in his Lotus at Monza epitomises why this short film captures the essence of a racing scene long since superseded.

A pleasure and a gem to behold for any racing fan.