Hoosiers may be one of the most loved sports films, but it has not received the attention it deserves on DVD. Originally released on DVD by Live Entertainment (now Artisan), then acquired by MGM, this disc is lacking in many ways. The image, framed at the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, is an anamorphic transfer and shows a fair amount of grain. Still, even with the grain, the image holds up quite well, especially in the use of color. Reds, prominent throughout the film, are solid and really stand out. The sound, a Dolby Digital Surround mix, is centered up front, but is recorded far too low. It's necessary to turn up the volume in order to hear dialogue, but needs to be lowered when the rousing music begins. The only soundtrack is in English. Closed captions are available in only English. As for extras, there aren't very many. There is only a trailer, which is a real shame, as a commentary or a documentary on actual Indiana high school basketball would be a real treat. It is hard not to love this film, but one is saddened that more could not be done for the disc.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Big Idea's Biblically-themed, computer-generated Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie tapped out at about 26 million dollars in domestic box office, but the producers nonetheless were ready for an all-out home video assault. The double-disc DVD contains hours of appealing original material, from the whimsical interactive menus to the bright behind-the-scenes featurettes, much of it with a fresh twist. Nothing is static. For instance, on disc two, the "Concept Art" galleries page through the pre-production renderings with detailed, separate audio commentaries by vice president of visual development Michael Spooner (nine minutes) and art director Joe Sapulich (21 minutes); three scenes are detailed in "Progression Reels," quartering the screen to show the CG film craft from storyboard to finished product. Under the "Games" heading are "Blind Puzzle," in which blindfolded players (human actors) assemble a puzzle by following vocal directions (it's said to teach compassion), and "Second Chance Card," which shows a family issuing homemade cards when they've been wronged by a family member (it teaches forgiveness). There are live-action music videos (Chris Rice, the Newsboys, Relient K), trivia games, a "karaoke" function, a read-along storybook, and a plethora of how-they-did-it featurettes. "Outtakes" (with a Spanish-language option) are plain goofy, and the humor of this gimcrack, pioneered by Pixar, may have played itself out. But "Digital Dailies" goes a step above the outtakes by providing character commentary ~ la Mystery Science Theater. Disc one includes the feature film (in Dolby 2.0 or 5.1) and commentaries.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.