The TT goes Blu-ray

The Isle of Man TT has entered a new era with the launch of the Official Review on Blu-ray.

For the first time, the race action from the legendary 37.73-mile Mountain Circuit can be experienced in crystal clear High Definition.

The TT on Blu-ray offers an unrivalled viewing experience, fully demonstrating the extreme bravery and skill of the racers as well as the extraordinary natural beauty of the Isle of Man.

Duke believe it’s the first time a motorsport event programme has been released on the Blu-ray format anywhere, creating yet another world first for the TT.

After bringing the TT first to video tape in the 1980s and then to DVD in the 1990s, the Isle of

Man-based company was determined to ensure the festival of road racing would once again lead the way as the home entertainment industry moves towards the Blu-ray format.

The incredible footage captured during the two-week festival in early June by North One Television was filmed in High Definition – another first for the TT – creating the opportunity for Duke to release the Official Review not only on standard DVD format, but also on Blu-ray Disc.

The amazing quality shows incredible detail, from the focus in the eyes of the riders as they control 240bhp superbikes at speeds in excess of 190mph to the stunning aerial views of the Isle of Man as it basked in the summer sunshine.

The already stunning slow motion sequences take on a new dimension in High Definition as viewers witness every stretch and flex of the machines as they race.

In addition to giving TT fans an enhanced viewing experience, it is hoped the Blu-ray release will take the TT to a new generation of fans – especially the estimated 1.9 million owners of the Sony PlayStation 3, which can play Blu-ray discs.

The Official Launch of the TT on Blu-ray was held in the Island’s capital, Douglas, on Wednesday evening. Bang and Olufsen’s Isle of Man store was the venue for the launch, which gave specially invited guests an exclusive sneak preview of the Blu-ray Disc, which will be released at the end of August.

The launch was attended by members of the Isle of Man’s parliament, including Treasury Minister Allan Bell and Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney, senior business figures, members of the TT Festival and Motorsport Arrangements Group and the media.

Speaking to the audience, Duke Managing Director Peter Duke said: “This is a big step forward for Duke, for the TT and for the Isle of Man, to have Blu-ray for the first time

‘The TT is now, we believe, the first major motorsport event to be filmed entirely in High Definition, and we could not miss the opportunity created by North One Television to make use of that exceptional footage and bring the TT to a new format.

“Commercially, the Blu-ray release represents a significant investment for Duke. We know the market is growing.

“Sales of Blu-ray players and discs increases substantially every month and approximately 30 per cent of UK households will have HD televisions by the end of the year.

“We’re pretty confident that with such a strong product, the Official TT Review on Blu-ray will deliver results for us, as well as an exceptional viewing experience for customers and taking the amazing spectacle of the TT to an even greater audience.”

The Island’s Trade and Industry Minister Mr Cretney, a former racer on the Mountain Course, said the Blu-ray footage is ‘fabulous’.

He added: “It’s amazing. The clarity of the picture and sound just really accentuates just how good it really is, it is very exciting.”

Isle of Man Treasury Minister Mr Bell concluded: “I think it is a very impressive achievement all round, full marks to Duke Marketing for the work they have done in creating this.

“I think it will be extremely popular, not only for promoting the TT, but also for promoting the Isle of Man. I am sure it will enhance the event for the future.

“I think there are great possibilities with this. For the first time the television shots show the Island to its absolute best, not just the racing, but the countryside and the whole environment of the Island.

“I have no doubt at all it will wake up a lot of people to what the Isle of Man is about. I think it will open people’s minds to the wider appearance of the Isle of Man and just how beautiful it is.”

The Official Review of the 2009 Isle of Man TT on Blu-ray is released on August 31. The standard DVD review is on sale now.

The Official TT 2009 Blu-ray Review is priced at £29.35 and will be available from leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624-640000 or visit www.dukevideo.com online.

• Save £££ on motorcycle videos and DVDs in the MCN Shop