Top Gear Vs Top Gear Extra

[heineken]

Hi

I've been a lurker for a while, but I think I have a valid question now.

What's the difference between a "regular" Top Gear episode (from BBC Prime) and a Top Gear Extra. From what I can see, the Extra versions seem to be a little shorter (52-53 min) instead of the regular's full hour. So I guess some parts are cut being cut off ?

Last note, I'm not talking about the "Best Of Season X" episodes. For example, I've got the 350mb rip of the "Lambo Episode" (03x04) 20031116 in extra format.

Thank you!

[Cruzz563]

...Well, BBC Prime rips are, essentailly, the originals, all they cut was the stuff where you call in to vote for something. BBC Xtra, I remember seeing one, if I'm not mistaken those are the ones that are 30 minutes with commercials.

[SL65]

Originally Posted by Cruzz563

...Well, BBC Prime rips are, essentailly, the originals, all they cut was the stuff where you call in to vote for something. BBC Xtra, I remember seeing one, if I'm not mistaken those are the ones that are 30 minutes with commercials.

No no, BBC Xtra (as its called) isnt the 30minute version. The only thing that I have noticed that makes BBC Prime episodes more 'original' is the music used.

For example, we all remember when JC is testing his SL55 and he shows us how he likes to "Woft home to the sounds of Coldplay..". BBC Xtra shows him changing track but you never hear him mention ColdPlay and the music is some classical track...very weird to see that..

And its not just that above example...it happens all the time. They replace it with some random song and they re-use it over and over again in other episodes. Also, there are some diffrent camera angles being used in BBC Xtra episodes. For example, JC testing S600...I noticed that..

To answer your question heineken, the reason why its only a few minutes shorter is because they cut out things where UK people vote for something like Cruzz said.

[Ianspeed]

I have always wondered why they change so much for the xtra shows?

Maybe due to the cost of licencing the songs?

Its a good question to bring up, I have deleted some of my original files thinking the xtra were just reruns (and were at better quality) and now I regret it. . .

[mgkdk]

^Let me know if you need some of them replaced, I downloaded the x-tra ones as well but deleted them again.

[SL65]

Yep I downloaded the Xtra ep's versions recently cos my hardrive crashed in July and I didnt realise that they were far from original. I too regret it but what can you do? Too many episodes to redownload and im just happy I got them.

[Maxi]

Originally Posted by Ianspeed

Maybe due to the cost of licencing the songs?

Nope, songs cost a set rate per song, no matter which song it is to play(atleast in Finland it's done this way).