On paper, Ian Hutchinson should have been the star of TT3D: Closer To The Edge. In 2010, he became the first rider ever to win all five races in a year at the Isle of Man TT. It was an incredible achievement. But Ian Hutchinson is a softly spoken humanoid automaton – albeit endearingly so – and gets the screen time his personality demands.

So does Guy Martin. The difference is that Guy Martin’s personality is that of an excitable Jibba Jabber. In short: he’s good value.

It’s not all ‘likeable idiot’ stuff though. There’s plenty of that early on – when Hutchinson, John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop are also profiled, providing an enjoyable juxtaposition. But at the TT, we get to see the meticulous, uncompromising, petulant side of Guy Martin’s personality. And, perhaps less welcome, his love of wanking.

It all adds up to a compelling portrait of Guy Martin. But entertaining though he is – and there’s no doubt that the force of his personality drives a lot of the film – it’s not him I came away thinking about.

The film doesn’t shy away from the issue of death. It’s extensively talked about by the riders, families, officials – everyone, in short. To an extent, the film is trying to understand the fascination with the TT, when it’s so objectively dangerous.

New Zealand rider Paul Dobbs died in the 2010 TT. Footage of his funeral procession on the island with dozens of bikers following is one of the most poignant moments; the interview with his widow, Bridget, is one of the most inspiring.

Another moment imprinted on my mind is seeing Conor Cummins tumbling down the mountain like a ragdoll. It’s absolutely staggering. That he’s back on a bike now is incredible.

I’ve not mentioned the races a great deal, but the film’s not really about the races – it’s about the people. Don’t get me wrong: on-board footage on a huge cinema screen is a treat to see. But it’s not what makes the film what it is: a proper documentary, with laughs, gasps, shivers, tears, and food for thought.

So here’s hoping for a DVD release – as TT2D, if you like. The 3D added nothing, anyway.