It’s hard to believe that this year marks the 40th anniversary of Steve McQueen’s epic racing film, Le Mans. To celebrate the anniversary the film is being re-released on Blu-Ray, having been fully restored and remastered, and if you’ve somehow missed this classic racing film you should be getting your order in ready for the release on 13th June.
Originally released way back in 1971, the film charts the return of American racer Michael Delaney (McQueen) to France to compete a year after he’s been injured in a racing accident. As well as battling with the physical and emotional demands of this uniquely challenging race he finds himself drawn to the widow of a racer who was killed in the same accident.
Filmed on location in France, the film blends footage from the real 1970 Le Mans race to portray the intense rivalry between the Porsche and Ferrari teams. It’s a spellbinding film and captures the sights and sounds of Le Mans with great authenticity.
Steve McQueen, himself a championship racer, did most of his own driving on the harrowing 8.5-mile Le Mans course – often at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. He’s also joined by forty-five international racing stars in this gritty, nerve-shattering recreation of the toughest car race on earth.
Never seen the film? Then check out the trailer below:
