Seabiscuit (Blu-ray + DVD) (2003)

In the middle of a summer of bad sequels "Seabiscuit" came along as a bit of fresh air. No other film this year thus far has been filled with such emotion, beauty, and heart. "Seabiscuit" is a rare gem of a film. It does not rely on special-effects, explosions, or cheap romances. The beauty of this film is that it is simply about the pure heart of a horse and the people around him.

Writer/Director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Big) adapted Laura Hillenbrand's painstakingly researched bestseller into an amazing script. The story itself is so extraordinary that, if it hadn't happened, wouldn't have been remotely plausible as a film. If Seabiscuit wasn't a real horse, I would have taken one look at this film and said "Ridiculous! Like that could really happen!" The fact that the story is true makes "Seabiscuit" an even more beautiful and emotional journey.

Tobey Maguire plays Red Pollard, a half-blind, oversized jockey who was abandoned by his family as a child and now rides the worst horses at the worst races. Chris Cooper plays Tom Smith, an old fashioned horse trainer who prefers the company of a horse to that of a person who one day finds a barbed wire fence and cars in the middle of his wilderness homeland. Jeff Bridges plays Charles Howard, a self-invented millionaire dealing with the loss of his only son. These three "broken" men and a banged up little racehorse unite together and beat incredible odds to become an inspiration to a nation that isn't in the best shape itself.

Everything in this film is amazing. From the remarkable racing scenes to Randy Newman's haunting score, "Seabiscuit" is one film you won't want to miss. Please excuse my vagueness, I can't put into words how astounding this film is (as you can probably tell from this dismal review). I am just so in awe that words escape me!

I never read the Laura Hillebrand book by the same name, but I did see the Seabiscuit movie and let me tell you it was phenominal! I know some say it was cliche but the story is TRUE! It's not just some Hollywood writer trying to come up with the latest feel good animal movie, it's actually true.

The acting was amazing in the movie. Tobey Macguire did a great job as alcholic jockey Red Pollard, and Chris Cooper was outstanding as the horse-whisperer-like trainer Tom Smith. Jeff Bridges (who is not one of my favorite actors) did a decent job in his role as well. One of the funniest characters was William H. Macy's announcer during the races, he cracked me up! Another surprisingly good performance was real life pro jockey Gary Stevens playing Red Pollard's friend and rival, jockey George Woolf.

The story is wonderful, taking place during the 1930's when the country is reeling from the Great Depression. Jeff Bridges character, Charles Howard, is a business man whose wife leaves him after their child is killed. He suffers from depression and ends up at a horse track where he meets a new girl and ends up buying the unruly Seabiscuit. He meets up with outcast horse trainer Tom Smith and the unpredictable Red Pollard and the three of them take America by storm with the amazing Seabiscuit.

The film is beautifully done. The locations are gorgeous and the race scenes are phenominal. Seabiscuit is a hero and an inspiration in his own right, not only because he won races but also because he gave hope to so many people at a time when they really needed it.

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This review rating is not for the content of the movie itself, but for the quality of the HD DVD transfer.

This is one of the best titles for picture quality to come out so far in the HD DVD format. The standard DVD release was great for picture quality, so I was excited to see what this one is like in the HD DVD format. Picture quality is very impressive. The textures of the period clothing in the film really stand out. Blacks are very dark, and the movie has great shadow detail.

The sound quality is also a dramatic improvement over the standard DVD. While there is no Dolby True HD sound, the Dolby Digital plus soundtrack is great.

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I don't like "feel good" movies. I don't like horses. I'd heard this was a good film, but was uninterested. I wouldn't have watched it, had it not been for my wife, who does like "feel good" movies.

So, like a good husband, I popped the DVD into the machine and then started playing with my palm pilot while the film booted up . . .

By the end of the film I was sitting on the edge of my seat and involved with the story line. The film actually touched me emotionally. Granted, the next time through won't have the same effect because I know what is going to happen. Still, I am impressed.

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I had extremely high expectations for "Seabiscuit" when I walked into the theater. I had been waiting for it for a while, seen several video clips and trailers, read the novel to prepare myself, and was convinced that it was going to be a fine piece of work. And it was. But it didn't meet my expectations.

Why?, you ask. I am sure the reason for my slight disappointment was the fact that I had read the book beforehand. For the first half of the film, my mind told me that something was missing. This missing link is not the result of any of the filmmakers' mistakes...it is simply difficult to capture the feel of a 339-page novel in a film that is less than 3 hours long.

Despite this, the movie is completely enjoyable. Overflowing with humor and drama, no one should leave insatiated. Tobey Maguire is absolutely brilliant as Red Pollard! Don't get me wrong, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper give fine performances, but Maguire is just marvelous. This man is undeniably one of the most talented actors to ever live. Performances like his make me wish that I was able to act.

Fans of the book might be frustrated. A lot of the novel's content is cut out, obviously due to time constraints. However, most of what needs to be shown is shown.

Despite what critics say, "Seabiscuit" is not a family movie. There is a fair amount of profanity, and one scene is set in a brothel. This content is simply inappropriate for children, and I cannot understand why people are promoting it as if it isn't.

If you want to experience a touching story of triumph that captures the spirit of America, see this movie. You'll be glad you did.

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