Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

Are you ready for some football? You'll need a lot more than a game face for Friday Night Lights, because it's gritty, it's disturbing, and it's one of the better football films ever made.

Now whether or not that is an achievement is between you and your sports god/bookie. There is plenty of competition for that top spot, such as The Longest Yard and North Dallas Forty. However, director Peter Berg does a good job capturing the pain behind one tiny town's love for the pigskin. Based on the best-selling book, the story follows 1988's Permian Panthers as they deal with raging hormones, raging parents, and the not-so-raging backdrop of Odessa, Texas.

Don't expect a rah-rah story where the underdog rises up to make the record books. The story is interesting, but never delves into all of its characters. Maybe there are too many or maybe they just aren't all that interesting. However, Billy Bob Thornton gets a nice spotlight (although not such a nice hairpiece), as the coach that you'd love to hate, even though you're not entirely sure if you should hate him.

The Picture

It's not exactly Monday Night Football, but this 2.35:1 provides a nice look from the sidelines. Naturally, the film's best moments are during the sports action, however, there are plenty of moments off the field that shine, thanks to the deep blacks and documentary feel.

The Sound

P.E. in full effect, brutha! This soundtrack has more Public Enemy than Do the Right Thing. While some may find it a little loud, I thought it was a real testament to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, and added to the film's excitement. There's also plenty of other thrills, via the many bone-crunching hits, cheering crowds, and party scenes.

The Extras

We have to give Universal two points for adding new bonus features, which include two featurettes and BD-Live access. Still, some of the best extras are from previously released versions; the short on the real Permian Panthers and another on real-life nice guy Tim McGraw are worth a peek. Also, fans of the book may appreciate hearing author H.G. Bissinger and Berg (who are cousins) banter about this adaptation in the commentary.

Final Thoughts

If you already have one of the older versions, whether on HD DVD or standard-def, this gridiron classic probably isn't worth the extra green. Still, this hard-hitting story is about as close as you'll ever get to the action, without having to paint your chest and wear a foam finger.

Where to Buy:

• Friday Night Lights on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw
• Director: Peter Berg
• Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English), DTS 5.1 (Spanish, French)
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: PG-13
• Studio: Universal Studios
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: January 6, 2009
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• List Price: $29.98
• Extras:
  • Action-Packed Deleted Scenes
  • Peter Berg Discusses a Scene in the Movie
  • Player Cam
  • Tim McGraw: Off the Stage
  • The Story of the 1988 Permian Panthers
  • Gridiron Grads
  • Behind the Lights
  • Feature Commentary with director Peter Berg and author Buzz Bissinger
  • My Scenes (BD-Live)
  • U-Control