DVD Corner

The Trip DVD Review

While a bit overlong and repetitive, “The Trip” is worth taking.

In this fictional film, Steve Coogan (who plays himself) is hired by Observer Magazine to take a tour of the finest English restaurants and do a piece on them. Originally, Coogan had planned to take his girlfriend with him, but she had to go to America. As a result, Coogan winds up taking his pal Rob Brydon (who also plays himself). Together, the two chat about food, do impressions, sightsee, chat about careers, sing and sometimes irritate one another.

Despite being a fictional film, one can’t help but feel the story is partially autio-biographical which makes the film more interesting. The character moments with Coogan’s frustrations about his career and life seem almost too real and they very well could be. Regardless of how true it is though, “The Trip” is still an interesting character piece about life, jealousy, careers, relationships, friendship, and yes, food. None of this would have been possible, however, were it not for Brydon and Coogan’s on-screen chemistry. Whether they are talking about snot drinks or doing Michael Caine impressions, they capture your attention from start to finish.  

On the downside, I do feel “The Trip” runs a little long at 112 minutes. The film could have been cut to 90 minutes without any real problems. It certainly would have helped with some of the repetitive scenes at the very least.

Summary: If you are a fan of Steve Coogan and or director Michael Winterbottom, I think you will appreciate “The Trip.”

Video/Audio:

The 1.85:1 widescreen picture quality is superb. The locals are very picturesque and have been beautifully shot by cinematographer Ben Smithard.

Didn’t notice any issues with the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. It was perfectly adequate.

Extras:
* IFC Films trailers including one for “The Trip.”
* Photo gallery.
* A fly on the wall 12 minute making of that includes behind-the-scenes footage from various locations.
* “Rob’s Pics and Climbing Footage”- Title says it all.

* “Food Cut”- Nearly 13 minutes of footage of Rob and Steve’s meals being prepared.

* A whopping 1 hour and 42 minutes of deleted scenes. Expect discussions about Coleridge, Michael Sheen, BBC ads and more impressions.

October 12, 2011 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Michael Winterbottom, Rob Brydon, Steve Coogan, The Trip DVD Review