I've been a fan of the TT since I was 12, and finally got to see one in person in 2015. It was everything I'd hoped for, and more.I've done some racing, and worked in the media, so I'm more critical than average when it comes to racing films. Until I watched Closer to the Edge, there was only one film that I considered "great", and that was Le Mans, with Steve McQueen. Now, there are two of what I consider great; ... Le Mans and Closer to the Edge.This film is absolutely perfect, from start to finish. The camera work, music and the editing, ... especially the editing (by Beverley Mills), are excellent. If the camera work, edits and music during the run-up to the Senior TT don't give you goose-bumps, you aren't alive.I only wish I'd seen this in a theater, in 3D, instead of on my computer screen. But on the other hand, I wouldn't be able to stop and replay scene after scene in a theater, or pause it to catch my breath every few minutes.Everyone involved in the making of this excellent look at an amazing event should be proud of their work.

Just watched this while on a train trip- hang onto your seats for a couple of hours of mad, crazy speed in an amazing setting!This is very similar to Journey to Le Mans in that it follows a number of characters (competitors), however with a focus on one in particular and his efforts to go from a odious finish, to a win.I won't give it away, suffice to say the ending was not what I expected, and because I know next to nothing about the race itself, hadn't seen or heard any of the events shown in this movie. (Is it a movie or a documentary????)I've worked with Formula 1 cars for a few years and this type of race absolutely astounds me! It has nowhere near the safety and control that the F1's or MotoGP races have, yet they travel at these insane speeds that are comparable!It's just crazy to watch this event! Well,worth the watch regardless of what type of racing you're into.The cinematography was great- some really good footage, particular the rider cams.As I said, hang onto your seat....

TT3D: Closer to the Edge is a 2011 Documentary which brings the world famous Isle of Man TT motorbike race to the big screen. Beginning in 1909, the TT is one of the most famous and dangerous motorsport events in the world and involves riders taking to the roads of the Isle of Man off the North West Coast of England and reaching speeds of up to 200mph on roads that would usually feature cars, buses and taxis travelling at no more than 30mph. The film follows the contrasting preparations and styles of three riders in the build up to the week long race event and follows their fortunes and misfortunes during the event itself.The men who feature most prominently are 17 time TT winner John McGuinness, 8 time winner Ian Hutchinson and 30 year old Guy Martin who becomes the focus of the documentary. Guy is yet to win the event and is quite a character. He is a fast talking, old fashioned Lincolnite who is a lorry mechanic during the week. He is described as a maverick and as eccentric by fellow riders and is popular with riders and fans alike due to his unique take on life and take-no-bullshit persona. It is Guy Martin's character that helps to make the film so interesting. While other riders sleep in their huge trailers, have massages and arrive at scrutineering on time, Martin sleeps in the back of his van, turns up when he wants and complains about anything and everything. As a result he comes over as a bit of a dick at times but is generally very likable.The film gets inside the heads of the men who risk death in the pursuit of the perfect time and discovers what drives them. By interviewing riders, fans, mechanics and marshals the film uncovers the passion behind the event and gets the audience close to the action with some wonderful on board photography. It really gets the heart pumping to be on board a bike travelling at 170mph around blind corners and crests with walls, houses and lamp posts just inches away. Safety or a lack of it is a major theme of the documentary. While riders claim that no one makes them do it and those who have crashes say they can't wait to get back on a bike, the film doesn't shy away from showing some quite catastrophic crashes and indeed there are deaths during the film as there are every year at the TT. It is perhaps surprising in a Health and Safety conscious 21st Century that the event still takes place and is perhaps the last bastion of this sort of racing. The rider's attitudes to danger reminded me of reading accounts of Second World War veterans. Riders describe broken ribs, backs and severed feet with the same calm dignity that veterans described being under fire. It is like taking a step back in time.The film builds to an incredibly tense and exciting albeit tragic final third during which Martin and the other riders battle for the five race victories available. The race scenes are thrilling and fraught with danger. The action gives you an idea as to why riders come back year after year despite the danger. Despite being a great documentary, not all is excellent. The narration by US actor/musician Jared Leto feels out of place. For a film that is so intrinsically English and featuring some wonderful Northern English characters, having an American rock star doing the narration didn't feel or sound right. Another sound problem was understanding what Guy Martin was bloomin' eck' well sayin' now ay then. I went to University just a few miles from where he is from and I could barely understand him so I wonder if anyone else could. This though is just one of the quirks of a thrilling, jaw dropping, beautifully shot and action filled documentary which is well worth spending 104 minutes watching.

I have lived on the Isle of Man all my life but have never really taken much of an interest in the TT (I've watched a few races but I usually have exams during TT week), this film made this years TT very exciting! The film follows legendary TT maverick Guy Martin and a few other riders as they prepare for (and race in) the 2010 TT, even if you know nothing about motorbikes you'll quickly be engaged by the likable Guy Martin and the adrenaline fueled footage of racing. "TT3D" quickly introduces you to an exciting subculture in which riders race not for financial gain but for the thrill of traveling at over 120 mph on one of the most dangerous courses in the world. The documentary not only demonstrates the thrill of the sport but also explores the danger which the riders face and the consequences of when it all goes wrong. The real attraction though has to be the race footage; This film is what 3D was made for! "TT3D" will have you on the edge of your seat in a way in which high-budget Hollywood CGI could never come close to! I really could not recommend this film enough, whether you're a hardened TT veteran or a motor sport virgin you're sure to walk out the cinema as a serious petrol head!