1

Fans of Formula 1 racing will enjoy this high-octane history, which traces the competition's origins back to the early 20th century, although the official foundation only dates from 1946. Narrated by actor Michael Fassbender, the documentary relies primarily on archival footage and stills, edited into jazzy, fast-paced montages that often include split-screen visuals to mimic the energy of the grand prix races. Director Paul Crowder inserts excerpts from interviews with notable drivers including Niki Lauda, the highly disciplined Austrian whose rivalry with flamboyant Englishman James Hunt in the 1970s was recently dramatized in Ron Howard's Rush. A number of topics are covered here, including the growth of Formula 1's annual series of races into an international spectacular, the peculiar characteristics of the individual tracks, and the ever-increasing concern with safety as accidents took the lives of both drivers and spectators. But the pace is so brisk that few individuals receive much more than a thumbnail description (Lauda and Hunt are the major exceptions), and the emphasis on tragic crashes will only make some viewers wonder whether such a risky enterprise is worthy of admiration (nor does Crowder explicitly explain the scoring system that determines a champion). A slickly-produced—if also somewhat superficial—overview of what has become a globally popular sporting event, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)