Search - Automobiles: BMW on DVD

Good Overview

Jenifer Shields | Oakland, CA | 02/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Automobiles: BMW

BMW gets typical History Channel treatment. This very good overview of BMW starts at its very beginning in 1916. Coverage of the war periods (WWI & II) was particularly interesting. Yes, they address the Hitler thing (this IS the Hitler - oops, I mean History - Channel!). It includes archival footage, photos, and recreations complete with sets, period costumes, and actors driving early models, which I assume are perfect restorations. Seeing those rare, early models (some of which I've only seen in books, and rarely) being actually driven is a very nice addition. Some of the trivia is surprising - History Channel of course did their homework. Lovely footage all around, and the racing footage is impressive (sometimes humorous). There are even early commercials, and footage of workers on the factory floor. It goes decade by decade and covers every model - but here's the catch - they stopped with the mid-1970's series'. I was disappointed that they didn't go further. The late 70's - early 80's brought the M-Technik (Motorsport) cars to the street, and also brought the landmark M30 engine (I have a 1984 533i) - arguably BMW's best days as far as reliability goes. I also wanted to see what they had to say about the recent controversial design changes brought on by Chris Bangle. Has not enough time passed? I still recommend this DVD pretty highly."