The Film
If ever there was a film that made you want to chant, "U-S-A," it's Miracle.
This 2004 release focuses on the 1980 US Men's ice hockey team, who overcame the odds to beat the Soviet Union and went on to score Olympic Gold. It's the ultimate impossible dream. It's inspirational story, but also a well made one.
Watching the team come together is an interesting process. From coach Herb Brooks' speedy selection to hours of rigorous training; it's obvious that these kids are ready to take one for the team. Despite the team's achievements and the Cold War backdrop, the movie is really about Brooks, and Kurt Russell is completely underrated in the role. Helmet hair aside, Russell captures the intensity of the legendary Minnesota coach, as well as the event.
Do you believe in miracles? Maybe not, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very entertaining movie. It's as true as a sports tale can get; even the men that were chosen to play the USA team were hockey players first, actors second. The movie doesn't suffer for this decision; in fact, it's a huge bonus, making Miracle one of the best hockey movies ever made.
The Picture
Disney has a true champion on its hands with this 2.40:1 transfer. The colors aren't all that bold, but actually add to the '80s feeling. The detail, however, is nothing short of superb. We've never seen so many sideburns in HD, and it's surprisingly a thing of beauty. Also, there are a lot of great camera angles in this film, putting the viewer right in the middle of the action. Even during the fast moments on the ice, you'll never miss a hit, wince or flag waving.
The Sound
The image is good, but Miracle's audio is even better. Cheering crowds, echoing locker rooms, flying pucks and blades clacking against the ice; the DTS-HD Master Audio track has plenty to play with here. Dialogue is excellent, but it's during the action where your room will be transformed into a rink, with sounds bouncing from every speaker. If it were any more realistic, you'd get the spray of shaved ice in your face.
The Extras
One of the greatest hockey movies ever made gets no extra love on Blu-ray. Sure, it looks and sounds nice, but Disney didn't feel the need to add more special features, so you're getting the same crop from the 2004 DVD release.
If you haven't had the chance to skate through those extras, though, you'll be pleased with what's offered here. There are all of the typical rah-rah aspects you'd expect from a sports making-of featurette. However, the 17 minutes presented here do provide a lot of interesting tidbits, from casting to music to the appearance of commentator Al Michaels. Many of those tidbits get drawn out into longer shorts. There are two that are must-see, especially for fans of the sport. ESPN's roundtable discussion gives viewers a chance to hear the story from the original players (and Kurt Russell). The best one though is "First Impressions." You'll be angry at the sound and the image, but this 21-minute play-by-play with the late Herb Brooks is worth the pain.
Final Thoughts
Miracle is a real winner. Sure, we could have used a few new extras on the Blu-ray release, but an exciting image and great sound make this a worthy upgrade. The movie is just icing on the cake.
Product Details
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