A FILM which led to the creation of global business Duke has been released by the company on DVD for the first time.
The Island – The Story of the 1980 Isle of Man TT, by respected film maker David Wood, is a documentary about why the the TT retained its popularity and excitement despite being in the midst of a turbulent period.
It proved a hit and demand was high to see the film which is how Peter Duke, son of motorcycle legend Geoff
Duke, became involved.
Peter explained: "Back in the early 1980s I was running a small marketing consultancy from offices in Finch Road, Douglas, when David Wood and I had a chat about the demand for his film, The Island.
"This was at the very start of the home entertainment industry, when very few homes had access to a VHS or Betamax player. I had no experience of the video market, but as a committed TT supporter I was keen to take this wonderful
event to as many people as possible.
"So, in 1981 I went into the video publishing business and have never looked back."
Duke now has a purpose-built headquarters on the outskirts of Douglas and publishes hundreds of titles every year.
Motorsport remains at the heart of the business, with the annual reviews of major events and championships including the TT, MotoGP and World Rally Championship, but Duke has diversified in recent years to produce DVDs on everything from steam trains to cookery.
Peter added: "Although the company’s 30th anniversary is next year, 2010 holds a special significance to me because it is three decades since the event which led to the creation of the Duke business we have today."
To mark the 30th anniversary of the 1980 TT, Duke has released The Island on DVD for the very first time and as well as the complete original film Peter Duke has filmed a special introduction for the anniversary edition.
The Island is not only an action-packed look at a classic year of road racing, it is a fascinating snapshot of the excitement, entertainment and enthusiasm which sustained the event.
Viewers witness the Grand National Motocross event, with Andy Roberton leading the way, the extraordinary arena trial, featuring stars like Martin Lampkin, and multiple Speedway World Champion Ivan Mauger in grass track action.
Then it is time to meet the fans and sample the other off-track entertainment enjoyed in 1980.
There is also plenty of intense race action from around the Mountain Course to enjoy, as TT greats like Charlie Williams, Mick Grant, Ron Haslam, Mick Boddice and Joey Dunlop do battle.
The Island also remembers the days of early morning practice, shows legends Mike Hailwood and Stanley Woods setting off for a parade lap and Williams offering a guided tour of the iconic 37.73 mile circuit.
