Clarkson: Heaven & Hell

first off, i'll say this is definitely an enjoyable romp for petrolheads like myself. i should point out that this is the seven best cars released in the 2005 model year, not the seven best cars of all time. that said, the cars are spectacular. the seven worst aren't necessarily the worst ever, but they're definitely bad ones deserving of the punishment rendered unto them.my biggest criticism of this film is there's really nothing to break up each of the segments (if they can even be called segments); the reviews kind of run together, and though there's definitely something like a stopping place after he destroys a car (or two), clarkson moves on to the next car quickly, and eventually it just felt like i needed a break. as a result, though i was able to enjoy all the cars brought forth (including the fairly stunning finale), the film felt much longer than it actually was. 73 minutes seemed much closer to two hours than to one.

True gearheads will adore this video, but fans of Top Gear whose interest in cars is at best casual will long for more. The fun thing about Top Gear isn't the cars spinning around the track, it's the interaction of three chronically mismatched personalities with only one shared passion- automobiles. This video has only Jeremy Clarkson (with brief appearances by The Stig), and the lack of any real challenging viewpoint, much less the lunatic interaction of Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May we're used to, hurts badly.To make things worse, this series of car reviews is leavened by far too brief bits on the "hell" cars, the vehicles Clarkson regards as an affront to driving. Of course, the "heaven and hell" theme is tenuous at best: all the "heaven" cars, with one exception, come from a single model year (2005); none of the "hell" cars, with the exception of one bought straight off the lot, is younger than five. All of the "heaven" cars have big "shouty" engines, sporty handling, and high top speeds; only one "hell" car might have had a shouty engine in the 1970s when it was made. Even the terms "heaven and hell" are references seldom, with stream-of-consciousness threading threatening to remove this reviewer's consciousness.Top Gear fans- rent, and enjoy... but only buy if you're a true gearhead who doesn't mind seeing cars rushing by again, again, again, again, again, again, again...

For a devoted fan of Top Gear this DVD is a nice filler for the time between episodes. However, watching this DVD reminds me of just how great the show is. This DVD is a good time but I really found myself missing Hammond and May and all of the other elements (the news, the star in the reasonably priced car, the cool wall, etc.) that keep an episode of Top Gear moving and visually interesting. This DVD is mostly Clarkson doing powerslides in really nice cars, punctuated by the occasional bad deed done to an even worse car. And while this is fun, it gets a little monotonous. Its hard to watch it all in one sitting and its even harder to watch it more than once. The production quality is very good, even if in a few places the background music is little cheesy. Most importantly however, Jeremy Clarkson is at his impish, opinionated, gregarious, obnoxious best, and that is what makes this DVD worthwhile.

The DVD is entertaining, yes, but does not feature Hammond or May - and suffers a bit by their absence.The true test was when I tried to watch this with my wife (who is definitely *not* a "car person"). While she and I watch Top Gear together - in fact, she even prompts ME when there is a new episode on BBC America ! - she lost interest in this DVD within 5 minutes, once whe realized that it featured Clarkson exclusively (with only a minor bit with The Stig). She complained that it just wasn't the same without the rest of "the lads", and the humor is kind of flat. I agreed.So, if you are looking for a Top Gear on DVD experience, this is not it.But I still enjoyed it...so I give it a 4 of 5 star rating.

I bought this DVD as I am a huge fan of Top Gear and needed more to get me through between episodes. The DVD is basically about a dozen or so car features like Top Gear already shows. There are some cars which Jeremy claims are great and goes through the sideways tire smoking sequences he is known for. And then there are a few cars which he destroys as they are rubbish.The other reviews say that this is not as good as Top Gear, and I will have to agree. The reason is that it is all car review segments which are just as good as ones in the show, but it really gets to be too much. All the other segments of Top Gear along with the interaction of three hosts together really make the show.Basically if you are a huge fan of Top Gear, especially Clarkson's car review segments, its worth picking up, but it's not a must have. If you think the show is all right, it probably wouldn't be worth it.

Clarkson Heaven and Hell is a movie that must be in your collection weather you like cars or not. It is an awesome movie, yes it provides you with stats on the newest and coolest not to mention the old and decrepit however it provides non-stop laughs that would even be great for kids. The entire show is based upon the 7 cars that he "Jeremy Clarkson" would take to heaven with him and 7 cars that he would send to hell, and those who go to hell are killed in very...unique ways to say the least. If you like the the show "TOP GEAR" or Jeremy Clarkson in genereal and even if you don't either way "Clarkson Heaven and Hell" really is an entertaining show that everyone should see.

Overall, this is a very great little DVD. Jeremy is great! However, you get the feeling that some things are missing. Namely, James May, Richard Hammond, and the laughter and silliness that the whole gang usually experiences. Don't get me wrong, Jeremy still says some brilliant stuff, but I have seen some Top Gear episodes that beat this.In conclusion, for $12, its worth it. But you may want to consider spending a bit extra to buy an entire series of Top Gear. Happy buying!

Paid a penny for this so can't complain. This is not one of Jez's better efforts. I think he must of made this to to pay his paper bill or something as it's never going to be a best seller. Brings the ex Stig in to help out but this fails in every way. I'm a real Top Gear addict so it gets 2 stars because of the pittance I paid for it.

Clarkson drives some fine and atrocious cars in this DVD. The good include truly sublime rides, the bad are just ridiculous. This is great entertainment & strongly recommended. Good fun.

The DVD arrived on time and in perfect condition. All was well until I opened the case to discover the DVD and the DVD case were different. I bought "heaven and hell" but I got "super car showdown" the only redeeming feature is IT WAS CHEAP!

okay - usual Clarkson stuff - not as entertaining as when all three are together, but good mindless fun

Bought for my brother as a birthday gift & he loves it! Thanks