TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011) User Reviews

A must-see for petrolheads...or anyone with an interest in what makes other people tick...

[johnnychimpo · 9/10 · 20 April 2011]

Just got back from seeing this in a packed house at the local fleapit, and it seemed most of the crowd were as impressed as I was, although to be fair most of them were probably predisposed to enjoying an hour and a half of on- and off-track action from the run-up to the 2010 TT, and the event itself.

The Isle Of Man TT Races are familiar to motorsport fans around the world as the Holy Grail of roadracing, an astonishing course set over, in, through and around 37 and a bit miles of the Isle Of Man's countryside, mountains, towns, villages and 'road furniture'. Riders blast through narrow country lanes with stone walls, lamp-posts, kerbs...at speeds approaching 200mph.

To some people in this risk-averse age, the obvious question is "Why do these men (and the odd woman) risk their lives?". The majority of the non-racing scenes in the film give the riders point of view on this; it will not spoil anything to say that the consensus is that riding is a thrill like no other; riding at the extreme is something else beyond that. The passion for the race is all-consuming.

When considering the risks these riders take, it is worth bearing in mind that for many of the riders (and their crews) this is not a full time job. They are not millionaires like formula 1 drivers. While other people get a look in, the focus and star of the show here is Guy Martin, the part-time lorry mechanic, part-time superbike racer, full-time charismatic rebel who has the talent, drive and popular support of a great champion but has never won a TT. Will he do it this year ? Those who follow the sport know the answer, those who don't will be willing him on during the film's race scenes.

I would recommend this without hesitation to anyone who is into motorsport, anyone who wants to understand why other people are into it, and most strongly I would recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in learning about other people, what makes them tick, and what you can learn from them.

With the totally photogenic Guy Martin playing a starring role how could it go wrong?!

[cabarrett65 · 9/10 · 21 April 2011]

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.

Great film... but could be better...?

[lawrie-57-216250 · 8/10 · 18 May 2011]

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.

Almost unbelievable

[philrusted · 10/10 · 21 April 2011]

The first film that has affected me enough to bother writing a review. Excellent throughout, tense, terrifying, well filmed and good narration. Much more than just another bike documentary.

Few weak spots - narration, although technically good, was in a weak American tone, not ideally suited to something as British as the Isle of Man. Some of the solo footage of Guy riding was a bit weak. He was obviously not going fast, but made to appear so. The on boards were incredible. The atmosphere incredible. The passion incredible.

Never has a cinema completely full of men (99%) been so quiet for so long. The film finished to a stunned silence.

Excellent

A must see film.

[samanthajanekay-35-901000 · 10/10 · 22 April 2011]

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.

does exactly what is says on the tin

[tim_waller · 10/10 · 21 April 2011]

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!

TT3D..................Cracking movie

[billhox · 10/10 · 25 April 2011]

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.

TT3D, hold onto your seats

[dez82 · 21 April 2011]

If you know someone that has raced the Isle of Man, not just done Mad Sunday or ridden the circuit on a regular day, but proper raced the circuit, you probably know they babble on and on about it and whenever they get chance the subject comes up again, well, if you even knew the half of what they went through to get there and what they experienced whilst competing you'd have a lot more respect, love and pride in that person. TT3D brings it home in a no holds barred, slightly gory, earthy fashion, talking to riders in their own words, sometimes blue, occasionally modest but always honest. The 3D aspect simply adds a little more colour, feel and passion to what is already an emotive subject, loved by many, misunderstood even feared by others. I'm sure the DVD will sell, but the cinema experience was not to be missed, get the kids round to grannies for the night, get some of your mates out for the thrill of it, you won't be disappointed. Would I let my mother see this film? You bet, and my kids when they are old enough. I loved it, felt it, I lived and breathed it, yes I've raced it, you might have guessed that already. Congrats to the production team and editors thereof, sparkling performance by all concerned. Most of all to whom so ever had the bright idea in the first place, pop round by all means, I'll get a brew on.

Enthralling

[timbking · 7/10 · 20 June 2011]

A wonderful documentary which manages to maintain a completely enthralling atmosphere from start to finish. I'm not totally convinced about the value of 3D (nobody was quite mad enough to stand in directly front of Guy as he rode towards the camera). The film contains a level of often brutal authenticity that no actor could ever portray. The resulting connection with the audience becomes both direct and memorable. Keen followers of bike sport, particularly those who ride themselves will connect immediately with their on-road/track heroes but this film will draw all-comers into the truly unique and somewhat eccentric world of the TT. There are of course few more unique and eccentric characters than Guy Martin himself - who ultimately personifies all that is great, quaint, slightly unhinged, rough around the edges, and totally British about TT and the Island. Can't wait for the DVD...

A bikers dream, but appealing to all

[andrew-d-raine · 10/10 · 23 April 2011]

Went to see this last Wednesday with a few friends and the Mrs. We all thoroughly enjoyed the film, and Guy Martin provided plenty of entertainment throughout the film. Gives a brilliant insight into the TT and those who race there, and is done so in a way which doesn't alienate people who are not into bikes or the TT. The film doesn't shy away from the danger of the race and goes a long way in explaining why racers take such a risk, and the passion that many people have for the races.

Will be bought on DVD as soon as it is release, I can only hope that more films like this will be released.

Get it seen

The Best Motor Sport film EVER

[steve-robinson01 · 10/10 · 3 May 2011]

This is the best film about any kind of motor sport that I have EVER seen. This film creates the atmosphere of the Tourist Trophy Races, delves into the psyche of the riders, teams, marshalls and spectators, and is a no holds barred representation of the excitement, adrenalin, success and celebration, failure and heartache, sadness and tragedy, and most of all courage that is brought out by this event.

The production is superb, and three D also enhances the visual experience. The filming is also artistic and visually stunning, and shows the beauty of the Isle of Man to brilliant effect. The film is absolutely stunning, and I'd recommend viewing to anyone who is at all interested in motor sports in general, bike racing in particular, or getting behind the characters of the sportsmen and women involved.

VERY SRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Why all the high scores ?

[dan_fango · 1/10 · 9 May 2022]

After getting through almost 3/4 of this documentary I turned it off. Tedious, boring, uninteresting and unintelligible at times. What should have been an interesting documentary turned out to be one of the most boring docus I have watched in recent years. I have no idea where the high scores are coming from maybe they did not watch the same docu that I ALMOST finished.

Absolutely Brilliant - especially in 3D!

[alexanderjclark · 10/10 · 9 May 2011]

This is the first review I've written on IMDb and TT3D is definitely a worthy title!

I was unsure what to expect having recently seen I, Superbiker at the cinema which I felt was more like a season review of the BSB than a film.

TT3D however didn't disappoint - it really does capture the spirit and emotion of the Isle of Man TT. The on bike footage is amazing especially when watching it on cinema screen.

We paid the extra and went to see it in 3D which was well worth it, it really adds to the effect of the film.

The best bits for me were on the one liners by Guy Martin and the footage of the TT itself.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the director (Richard De Aragues) brings out next!

Not just for petrolheads

[julian-55 · 9/10 · 24 April 2011]

I ride a bike, but have never had any interest in motorcycle racing but loved this film. Everyone should watch it as it is not about the bikes or the racing, it is about the people who take part, their friends and their families, and how they all try and cope with the passion, and the very real danger. Not sure whether the 3D really enhances the experience for not and would have to watch it in 2D to be sure. However, whether it is the medium or not, the film draws you into the experience of the TT. With Guy Martin, someone who everyone around him clearly finds lovable despite his obvious flaws, as the centrepiece, the movie carries you through the build up and the fortnight on the island in a picturesque, well paced way. There is no unnecessary technical techno-babel, and the bikes themselves are rarely mentioned. The movie is all the better for that. This is a documentary about men, not machines, which should be on everyone's "must see" list.

Fantastic

[kayleigh_nicolaou · 10/10 · 21 April 2011]

Absolutely brilliant!

Inspiring, funny, moving, gripping... what more could you want from a film!!

If you're going to see it I would definitely go while you can see it in 3D. I didn't expect much from the 3D due to previous films I'd seen but it really worked and added depth to the story.

You really feel for the riders and what's it's like at the TT. Whether your a biker or not I guarantee you won't go away disappointed!!

Can't say much more without spoiling it, but what I can say is if it was on for longer I would go see it again without a doubt. Worth every penny... Go see it in the cinema now, while you still can!

You will not be disappointed.

[marcaztls · 9/10 · 21 April 2011]

Stick it on your Must Do Now list - Get to a 3D cinema and see this. Even if you're only remotely interested in motorcycle racing, this will open your eyes to the passion behind it for both fans and racers.

Beautifully filmed with scenes you'll not see elsewhere, even the Jared Leto narrative didn't detract from telling the fantastic story of the build up to and during last year's TT. You'll barely blink. 3D adds a genuine dimension to the characters and the tension.

Guy lived up to expectation, gripping from start to finish. Most memorable quote: "W**king's not a crime is it?"

You will not be disappointed.

Not just for bike fans!

[babarpapa · 10/10 · 6 May 2011]

This is an outstanding study into the psychology and mindset of sportsmen who push themselves to the limit (sometimes paying the ultimate price) in this legendary race. In much the same way you didn't have to be a tightrope walker to enjoy 'Man on Wire', don't make the mistake of thinking you have to be a motorcycle fan to enjoy this film. The pacing and editing is first rate, and the on board action is heart stoppingly exciting. You have to keep telling yourself that the film is not sped up, and that they really are riding through those narrow streets at up to 200mph. The film is at times hilarious, exciting, tragic and life affirming. An amazing piece of work and highly recommended.

An exhilarating blast around the IOM in stunning 3D!

[blacktrap · 10/10 · 4 May 2011]

If you are into your motor-sports you NEED to see this film, it was fantastic from beginning to end! I went with two biker friends who said exactly the same thing. Another friend went to see it a few days before me and he's not really into bikes like me and he said it was that good he would happily go watch it again, and not only that, he wanted to buy a motorbike.

Local lad Guy Martin stole the show with his outrageous quotes and crazy bike riding, but of course, the other interviews were great too. The film is a credit to the TT races and I have no doubt that many people have been inspired to head down there for this years racing. I would not be surprised if there were record numbers of people there too this year.

This has also got to be the best film I've seen in 3D yet. I've seen Avatar, Final Destination and the most recent SAW film in 3D and can honestly say this has been the best, without even trying to be a full blown 3D film, you really get a depth of field from the riders bikes and get a real feel for speed.

Fantastic film, if I could give it 11 stars, I would have, loved it!

Thrills, spills and chills abound for the freedom of choice sports movie.

[hitchcockthelegend · 10/10 · 16 December 2011]

Since 1907 there has been a motorcycling event held on the Isle of Man known as the Tourist Trophy. Raced at great speeds around the winding roads, lanes and streets of the Isle, it's as dangerous as it is exhilarating. There has been over 230 deaths caused as a result of the races held on the Isle; so just what sort of person gets on those motorbikes and takes up the challenge?………

Barry Sheene was scared of it, he wouldn't ride it. Southern Softie.

Forget the 3D aspect that was a part of the film's release, for although it's undoubtedly ace in that format (judging by the supreme quality of the 2D Blu-ray version I saw), this documentary film does not need gimmicks or window dressing to sell itself. This is a pure and honest character picture that is based around a high speed race festival of some standing. Much like the brilliant Senna documentary from earlier in the year, this too is not just a film for motor sport fans. It's selling point is that it attempts to get under the skin of what makes these race riders tick, showcasing their reckless dedication to the sport they love so passionately. Even when faced with death of friends and family in the races, or untold serious injury to themselves, they are undaunted in their willingness to get back on a fast bike ASAP.

It's not as if these are irksome characters either, these bikers are affable human beings, easy to identify with and support. No egos on show, and no nasty underhand tactics being used to gain an advantage, they all share a common goal and believe in said goal with modesty and principals firmly intact. At the centre of Richard de Aragues' film is Guy Martin, the epitome of the down to earth racer who rides at the festival. Leather clad and with Wolverine sideburns, Martin is a wonderfully rich character, full of bon mots as he speed talks about anything from masturbation to the unbelievability of a man eating his own head! Martin provides much of the humour on show. That the film successfully blends such humour with the inevitably more sombre moments is a testament to the fine work by de Aragues and his editor, Beverly Mills.

Sombre comes in the form of death, two riders were killed at the 2010 meeting that the film focuses on, Australian Martin Loicht and Paul Dobbs of New Zealand. Dobbs' widow Bridget is a willing participant in the film, and her input is beautifully tender whilst helping us outsiders to understand the passion and drive of someone like her passed on husband. The race footage shown is brilliantly shot, real adrenalin pumping and often hair-raising into the bargain, and the back drop of the Isle itself is gorgeous, beautifully photographed by Thomas Kürzl, making this still further an essential Blu-ray package. Are there missteps? Well it didn't need an American narrator as it sounds out of place, one can only presume that Jared Leto is a fan and was seen as a good link for the American audiences? While there's a slight problem with making the ebullient Martin the main player, in that the achievements of the other riders featured perhaps doesn't get the glory it should. You will find yourself rooting for Martin for sure.

I'm not a motor sport fan myself, I admire them but would never call myself a follower. In the space of 12 months motor sport has had two film documentaries of supreme standing. Just like Senna, TT3D: Closer to the Edge is not only one of the best sports based films of the year, it's one of the best films of the year, period. 10/10

Heart-gripping stuff, A must see for ALL

[user-34-589196 · 10/10 · 21 April 2011]

First and foremost, I should let you know that I'm a Petrolhead through and through and made a "pilgrimage" to the only cinema in Ireland showing this movie. I was praying it would be justified, I couldn't have been happier!

The Isle of Man TT has encapsulated what motorcycle racing is all about since its inception. Sure, I follow MotoGP far more than road racing, but this film really brings home the attributes of the road racer.

This film center's around the rather eccentric and lovable personality of Guy Martin, a man who's passion for motorbikes outweighs everything else in life. His single quest is to win an Isle of Man TT race. To date (in context of film) he has had 8 rostrums/podiums but 0 victories. He is adored by Road Racing fans everywhere and everybody wants him to win.

The storyline is gripping, the action is intense and the 3D actually works to the film's advantage as seeing the likes of Ian Hutchinson and Ryan Farquar jumping over crests at 160+ mph becomes really jaw dropping. It isn't Hollywood, it's reality, and it really showcases the danger and passion involved with motor sport. Guy and his fellow racers reveal a philosophical view on the fatalities in the sport, as they see it as the reason that the buzz that keeps bringing them back to legendary circuit exists. We see the crowning of a new "King of the mountain" and the consequences of getting it wrong.

Neither a Petrolhead or a motoring novice will get a "Closer to the Edge" (of their seat) experience from any other film. 10/10 Incredible!

A heart-thumping rush of a film

[BJBatimdb · 10/10 · 15 May 2011]

Forget that it's a documentary, forget that it's about motorbike racing, this is simply a fantastic movie, with more tension and heart than almost anything I've seen on the screen this year - or any year.

Sometimes a documentary really captures the human condition the way feature films find it hard to do. It happened in Anvil:The Story of Anvil and it happens in TT3D. I defy anyone not to fall in love with this movie within minutes of the opening shots, which are possibly the only poor shots in the film - rider-eye-views of the TT track which should have been terrifying but which suffer for the lack of a horizon in the framing. At this point your girlfriend might be excused for wondering whether she could drag you out of TT3D and into Pirates of the Caribbean before she misses a single frame of Johnny Depp.

But these moments are brief, and as soon as Guy Martin pops onto the screen with his eccentric, selfish, bawdy, but strangely innocent, obsession about winning a TT race, you know you're in for an amazing ride, and so it proves. With just the right mix of characters, contemporaneous footage and vintage thrills and spills, TT3D takes you on an incredible journey into a place where glory is often harder to come by than death.

Like Anvil and the outstanding The World's Fastest Indian, this is a movie that transcends its subject matter and takes you on a white-knuckle ride through the Isle and the soul of Man.

If you are not into the racing world It will tell you all about it-Brilliantly Made Movie

[chintukalkura · 9/10 · 27 December 2015]

Brilliantly made movie, not just for people into racing but for everyone. It tells it from the point of view of the people who make this sport awesome-The Riders. Awesomely made.The story line is also very good with a record being broken at the end also all the main characters that they have shown at the end end up in the hospital shows how dangerous it is of all the sports.

This movie shows the true story without any edits and makes it stand out wonderfully. If you are true racing fan you are gonna enjoy it even more. Very different from all the mainstream Hollywood racing movies which brings in different angles of crime.This is unlike those, concentrates on purely the sport and racing.

Its All about racing in this movie.

Exillerating documentary.

[valleyjohn · 8/10 · 24 December 2011]

What i know about Motorcycle racing you could write on the back of a postage stamp but that doesn't matter a jot when you watch TT3D Closer to the edge.

This is a superb documentary about the Isle of Man road races that are held once a year and where many people die in the pursuit of mastering the famous but deadly dangerous roads on the island.

Most of the film revolves around maverick rider , Guy Martin , who has an odd but very likable personality. A man who has never won a race and is prepared to devote his entire life to his sport . He's not interested in having a family or doing what most men of his age do , he just wants to race bikes.

This is an eye opening documentary that really highlights the devotion these men have to racing. Many people die , including during the filming of this , yet their families know it's what these man live for , so they accept the consequence's .

Some of the camera work is amazing. We experience what the riders see , thanks to a brilliant helmet cam and my only regret is that i didn't see this in 3D .

A must

[tbag-34-750563 · 8/10 · 21 April 2011]

Although the 3D drive wasn't working, even in 2D this is still a compelling insight into the passion and excitement of the TT. As a visitor way back in '91 I've not seen a film that so accurately captured the complete obsession that riders and fans have for this festival of biking. The danger, crashes and loss of life was handled in an intelligent and compassionate way and Guy Martin and the other riders interviewed left you in no doubt that it is this risk that drives them to return year after year. This is a must-see for anyone, bike rider or not, who wants a peek behind the visor of these incredible people doing incredible things. First rate.*****

Incredible whether you're a bike lover or not.

[dunners1000 · 10/10 · 21 April 2011]

To be fairly short and sweet... TT3D is the best film I have ever seen, one reason because I love the TT and bikes in general; but in all honesty - the camera work, editing and storyline are perfect. Guy Martin is the funniest man alive and why he isn't presenting the One Show, I do not know.

It really captures what immense strength these guys have both mentally and physically. I really hope that many people who haven't watched the TT before go to see it because even they will love it!

The whole audience were oo-ing and ahh-ing at the "unbelievable" footage and all laughing along all in sync, it was brilliant.

I would gleefully watch it over and over again!