The Britten Bike Story
Motorcycle enthusiasts the world over have always talked of designing the ultimate “Super” bike. New Zealander John Britten did more than talk about it. He went ahead and built it – at home and by hand! This the Britten Bike story.
This DVD is his amazing true story, from his backyard workshop to the screaming action of Daytona and the Isle of Man TT races. It is the legend of the man from ‘Down Under’ who dared to challenge the might and wisdom of the world’s great motorcycle production factories, and capture a nation’s imagination en route.
One Man’s Dream DVD cover
Britten V1000
It’s also the tale of a revolutionary bike – the Britten V1000 – that confounded critics and took the motorcycle world by storm. You’ll see Alan Cathcart track-testing the bike at Zolder, Joey Dunlop on the Britten, actual land-speed record runs, plus on-bike footage. Behind-the-scenes and out on the track, it’s all captured here in this compulsive video.
This DVD features amazing new never-before-seen footage, taking you right into the world of the Britten team. You’ll see…Alan Cathcart- track testing at Zolder… Joey Dunlop on the Britten…actual landspeed record runs…on-bike pencilcam footage.
Remastered original film with, additional film, never seen before footage included as special features on the disc.
- Photo Slideshow
- Interview with the Filmmaker
- Promo
- Onboard Camera Ruapuna
- Onboard Camera Isle of Man
- Running time: 96 minutes
- Format: PAL
Ben Ruffell, producer of the DVD, has added the following note:
“My Dad Harry Ruffell shot and edited the original film about his good school friend John. Harry was passionate about telling John’s story, and the original film has been well received worldwide. Unfortunately shortly after John’s death Dad suffered a severe stroke. He has been unable to work since. I took on the project and updated the ending of the film and re-mastered where possible. I also added in the Special Features – to give a more in-depth perspective of the Britten story. All of the proceeds of the the DVD sale are going towards covering Harry’s living and medical costs. The Britten family gave their complete blessing and support to the production of the film. We are all close friends.
There are a few parts of the film where it is difficult to hear the audio. We have done everything possible to improve the audio and make it the best it can possibly be.
Lost Recordings
Now over two decades old the original film required remastering. Recorded on Professional Beta SP and MII tape, the best available at the time. These were the industry standard tapes of the time. We went back through all of these original tapes as well as the various masters that have been made over the years. Many of the tapes have deteriorated to such a poor quality that they simply will not play. They have fallen to pieces. Back in the day, marketing campaigns advertised a lifespan of 50 years for these tapes. Sadly this is not the case. Consequently, in the Broadcast Industry this is fast becoming a major worldwide problem. All over the world important recordings are slowly getting lost.
We spent significant time and money doing everything we could to improve on the audio, and remaster where possible. The areas where you are having trouble hearing are where we had to use a previously mixed down edit, as there were no originals available. We outsourced to one of the top sound designers in Sydney. This is the best that they were able to do. It is a great shame that this is the quality that we are stuck with, and even sadder that this is the best quality of these images and sound that we are ever going to see. It’s an old film with old sound.
I do believe that if I had not undertaken the restoration of the film, that in another 10 years all of the footage would have been lost for good.”
