Blu-ray Review: Seabiscuit - Page 2

The sound design during the races is far better, placing the audience squarely in the midst of the thundering hooves and roaring crowds.  The sound doesn't let down during the rest of the feature either, with clear, crisp, sounds and good use of the surrounds and bass.  The picture is equally good, with bright colors and beautiful detail.  I had no idea before watching that the Great Depression was such a beautiful time in our nation's history.

As expected, the Blu-ray comes loaded with special features, some of which previously appeared on the HD DVD release of the film.  There are several different "making of" documentaries, including an HBO First Look episode.  There are also documentaries focusing on the truth behind the story, the best of which is an A&E special. 

Also included is actual footage of the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral and feature commentary with Gary Ross and Steven Soderbergh (who produced Ross's directorial debut, Pleasantville).  Some photos Jeff Bridges took on set are also included on the disc and prove momentarily interesting.  The oddest inclusion of the bonus features is one entitled "The Longshot: A Special Message from Buick," which is essentially just an extended commercial for the car company.

Seabiscuit succeeds at telling a compelling story, pulling the heartstrings of the viewer, and has solid performances from A-list actors.  It looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, and the Blu-ray actually delves into the truth between the race horse and those involved with the horse.  If only one could believe any of the close-ups during the racing scenes took place with the actors on horses, and that the horses were moving, then the film would be a crashing success.  As it stands however, those scenes, some of the most important ones in the film, completely destroy the illusion being created by the filmmakers and irreversibly hurt the film.  Is it enough to make this into a bad movie?  No, but it does become a disappointment.

Article Author: Josh Lasser

Josh Lasser, formerly known as "TV and Film Guy," and complete with a Masters Degree in Critical Studies in said areas, gives his opinions on TV, Film, and Entertainment in general. All of which he does in a shameless attempt to try to get paid to do the exact same thing. …

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