Gran Turismo Blu-ray Review
“Gran Turismo” is easily one of the best video game movies.
“Gran Turismo” is not another movie based on a video game. It’s something a bit different. This 2023 film is actually based on a true story involving the hit Sony Playstation video game franchise “Gran Turismo.”
Nismo (the motorsports division of Nissan) decides to make a splashy marketing move by creating a contest of sorts called GTA Academy. The goal is to recruit the best gamers and turn them into racecar drivers. Former failed racecar driver and mechanic Jack Salter and Nismo marketer Danny Moore lead the project. Enter Jann Mardenborough- a teenager from Wales who is an expert “Gran Turismo” player. His father disapproves of his obsessive gaming and wants him to be more practical, but Jann tries out for the GTA Academy and wins a spot at the camp. While there, he has to compete with 9 other competitors with only 1 moving on to get a chance at glory. As you might guess, Jann wins and is placed into races in which he has the opportunity to get a pro license and Nissan contract. Jann soon discovers the road to success isn’t quite like it is in the video games and he has his ups and downs on the tracks. Under the mentorship of Jack, will Jann defy the odds and become a professional racer? Will his video game knowledge come in handy? All is revealed in the end.
As someone who isn’t into Playstation or racing, there weren’t many expectations for “Gran Turismo” on my end. Lo and behold, “Gran Turismo” turns out to be one of summer 2023’s best films.
Yes, it’s a safe underdog story that hits those familiar beats, but the journey of Jann wins you over. The entire premise sounds so absurd and yet the fact that it’s a real story makes it even more incredible. It’s a true feel good movie
Director Neill Blompkamp hasn’t exactly set the movie world on fire since his acclaimed debut “District 9,” but the South African filmmaker at long last has a winner on his hands. Not only does Blomkamp create thrilling REAL racing sequences that feel like you are in the driver’s seat, but he creates a very compelling character journey in the process. You really root for Jann and hope he succeeds.
Speaking of the characters, the cast is aces. David Harbour is at his finest here as Jack. It may be Jann’s movies, but Jack is the heart and soul of it. He drives it as it were. Archie Madekwe isn’t a household name yet but he soon will be after his performance as Jann. He gives such a naturalistic performance. Other stand-outs include Orlando Bloom (Danny) and Djimon Hounsou as Jann’s father.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.90:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a pristine transfer. Note: This title is also available on 4K.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Although a higher quality track would have been preferred, this track still packs a big punch. Play it LOUD to get the full amazing sound design experience.
Extras:
* Digital copy and “Gran Turismo 7” car code.
* Sony trailers
* 5 deleted scenes.
* “The Plan: The True Story Of Jann Mardenborough”- The real life Jann Mardenborough tells his story.
* “The Engine: Driving The Visuals” is about the film’s authenticity of the racing scenes.
* 3 featurettes on the cast (“The Wheels: The Fast-Acting Cast”), the action and stunt work (“The Pit Crew: The Action And Stunts”) and the cars (“The Garage: The Amazing Automobiles”).
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