This is generally acknowledged to be one of the best motor racing films ever made, but has not been available on DVD because Warner Home Video deemed "there was no demand" for it.
In July of 2005, The Motorsport Collector in Downers Grove, Illinois launched graphics/, an on-line petition site, hoping to persuade Warner Home Video to release what many think is the finest motor racing film ever produced.
The response was dramatic. With the help of friends and fellow 'Grand Prix' aficionados, word spread around the world through bulletin boards, blogs, magazines and newspapers. More than 7,000 'Grand Prix' fans from more than 40 countries signed the Petition by the time Warner announced the DVD's US release date in April 2006.
I signed that online petition after reading about it in the Telegraph and am pleased to hear it has proved fruitful the US Release date is 11th July 2006. Advance orders are being taken at http://www.MotorsportCollector.com but be aware that this is the US version so
DVD Region Code 1 (US/Canada) Format NSTC
but it has been remastered from the original 65mm film and has Dolby 5.1 sound.
No news about a European version yet but it is expected to come and I'll be amongst the first customers (DVD Region Code 2 -Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Greenland- Format PAL).
"Grand Prix' is an important piece of work for racing enthusiasts interested in the history of motor racing. The film captures the state of Formula One racing in the mid 1960s, the ciruits (and their lack of modern day safety features), the cars and the drivers. A scene early in the film provides an unprecidented look inside the Ferrari factory at Maranello and the driver's meeting scene before the Belgian Grand Prix at the dangerous Spa Francorchamps circuit featured a host of racing legends including Dan Gurney, Bruce McLaren, Jo Siffert, Phil Hill, Graham Hill, Mike Spence, Bob Bondurant and Richie Ginther."
Go to http://www.putgrandprixondvd.com to further whet your appetite.
Have (celluloid) Fun
