Gran Tursmo (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Sony
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Rating: PG-13
 Film:  4.5/5
 
 Plot
 Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.
 
My Thoughts
I’ve never been a console gamer, but I have played Gran Turismo before when it was demoed in stores throughout the years. When I saw they were making a movie about the game I had no idea that it was actually based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, an English gamer who qualified for the GT driving school in 2011. While the story takes many facets of Jann’s career and places them in the context of the screenplay, the sequence of events are not in order and the rags-to-riches events didn’t happen in as short of time frame as portrayed. Regardless, it’s pretty damn impressive that he’s been able to make a career out of driving based upon being one of the best sim drivers on the planet.
 
My wife sat down to watch this with me and really wasn’t happy about it. In fact, she warned me beforehand that she may not make it through the entire film. She’s never been into video games or racing, but as luck would have it, was on the edge of her seat the entire film. The script is well-done and engaging, and Harbour’s humor had us laughing-out-loud on multiple occasions. Madekwe does a decent job in the lead, but really don’t have a lot of onscreen charisma, but he didn’t take anything away from the film. What’s really impressive is the cinematography, which relies on practical effects over CGI and will blow you away. Be sure to watch the supplements to get the inside story on how they shot the racing sequences, which are some of the best you’ll ever see.
 
I was really disappointed I didn’t make the cut for a 4K copy of the film, but thankfully Sony’s PR agency was at least able to send me the Blu-ray. As I would expect, the video encode is reference quality from beginning to end. Colors are bold, black levels inky and deep, and detail is perfect. My only gripe is the aspect ratio is presented in 1.90:1 and not scope, which is a crying shame because I think the wider image would have made the race sequences even more engaging. Adly, the audio track lacks and immersive mix (saved for the UHD) and although it really is stellar from beginning to end, there’s a .5 point deduction out of spite!
 
Video 5/5
Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 Special Features: 
 

• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• The Engine: Driving the Visuals
• The Pit Crew: Action and Stunts
• The Garage: The Amazing Automobiles
• The Plan: The True Story of Jann Mardenborough
• The Wheels: The Fast-Acting Cast
• Blu-ray + Digital
  
  

 Conclusion
 Shockingly, this film didn’t surpass $100 million for its domestic box office, which is a crying shame. It’s a fabulous movie that had both my wife and I glued to the screen for over two hours. Thankfully, with overseas results the film did hit $120 million sales and most likely turned a profit due to its modest $60 million budget. Practical effects take a lot more location shooting, but end up costing a lot less than paying hundreds of digital artists to do their thing. If the thought of watching a movie based on a video game racing simulator turns you off, trust me and give this one a chance. You won’t regret it. Highly recommended.      
Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[SRW1000]

I had heard similar things about this movie, and that it might be one of the best videogame adaptations.  That's often a low bar, but that it crosses over to a mainstream audience is good news.

This was directed by Neill Blomkamp.  I hope it signals a return to form for him.

And I like that you knocked it down a point for coming with a 5.1 mix instead of the Atmos version.

[David Vaughn]

I had heard similar things about this movie, and that it might be one of the best videogame adaptations.  That's often a low bar, but that it crosses over to a mainstream audience is good news.

This was directed by Neill Blomkamp.  I hope it signals a return to form for him.

And I like that you knocked it down a point for not coming with a 5.1 mix instead of the Atmos version.

I think you mean for coming with a 5.1 mix instead of the Atmos version. 

[SRW1000]

I think you mean for coming with a 5.1 mix instead of the Atmos version.

Yep. 

I fixed it. 

[tripplej]

Thanks for the review. My son along with a bunch of his friends who all game, watched this at the theater and they all enjoyed it.
I will check it out..

[AVSCraig]

On my " buy as soon as the 4K Blu-ray hits $24.99 " list. Thanks for the review David.

[David Vaughn]

On my " buy as soon as the 4K Blu-ray hits $24.99 " list. Thanks for the review David.

I'll be putting a price watch on it and will eventually get the 4K just for the Atmos mix. I'm curious to talk to @ralphpotts and hear what he has to say about the track since Sony sent him the 4K disc. 

[bmoney]

wonder why they didnt send you the 4k?

[David Vaughn]

wonder why they didnt send you the 4k?

"Limited Copies" probably due to budget cuts. I see it everyday in my day job...Bidenomics isn't really working for a lot of people. 

[AVSCraig]

"Limited Copies" probably due to budget cuts. I see it everyday in my day job...Bidenomics isn't really working for a lot of people.

They figure selling me a 4K copy pays for your free Blu-ray. 

[bmoney]

well that stinks.  

[AVSCraig]

I flat out love this movie! I've watched it twice so far. 

[David Vaughn]

I flat out love this movie! I've watched it twice so far.

The marketing on the film wasn't good at all IMO. I saw the trailer and thought it was essentially a video game movie. It's much more than that! Did you watch the bonus features?

[AVSCraig]

The marketing on the film wasn't good at all IMO. I saw the trailer and thought it was essentially a video game movie. It's much more than that! Did you watch the bonus features?

Not yet, but since you mentioned it, I will. My wife likes bonus features. TG Maverick had great bonus features too. 

[David Vaughn]

Not yet, but since you mentioned it, I will. My wife likes bonus features. TG Maverick had great bonus features too.

The one talking about the driver the movie is based on is pretty good.