Cars On Route 66 (VCI)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Episodes: B

 

 

VCI continues its look at the famed Route 66 with a new installment called Cars On Route 66, which serves as a sort of follow up to Route 66 – The Ultimate DVD Collection.  That set contained three programs from 1994, 1995 and 2000 respectively and was reviewed at:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3866/Route+66+-+The+Ultimate+DVD+Collection+(VCI)

 

 

Since the last show, the famed road has seen a resurgence and Route 66 itself has become the focus of new interest since the Disney/Pixar hit Cars hit theaters in 2006, the year this program was made.  Holding back some of his mantra about nostalgia is Michael Wallis, who is once again the host and thrilled to be doing a voice for the Disney/Pixar production.

 

Automobiles played a big part in the success of Route 66 since it was so much a part of post-WWII Americana, especially in the 1950s where it became iconic even in spawning a hit by the great Nat “King” Cole.  The blind faith and love of cars that Americans still have really took root (and thanks in part to this route) in the 1950s when life seemed great, no matter how plastic.  Wallis is also in better form doing the show, seeming more comfortable about being in front of the camera.  We visit more interesting locations, see more about the connected automobile culture now and then, plus mythos and realities connected.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image once again originates on analog NTSC video and has a little more definition and color fidelity throughout.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo at best, even with the clips from Cars.  Extras include those clips, some separate interview pieces with Wallis on this film and his new show, Wallis interviewing Lillian Redmond on The Harvey Girls, Darryl Hickman on making a historic film about Route 66, trailers, stills of relevant cars and a music video.

 

It makes a solid addition to the previous set and fans of any of this will enjoy it.  You can enjoy this even if you have not seen the previous volumes, but we recommend them first.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo