Goal! The Dream Begins

"Goal! The Dream Begins" shines on Blu-ray with its 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer, courtesy of Disney/Buena Vista. The film, presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1, demonstrates a well-executed video presentation that brings out the vibrant life of its football-centric story. Owing to the high-definition transfer, details emerge with exceptional clarity, particularly in scenes where the elements come into play, such as rain during practice sessions. This clarity extends to various settings featured in the film, from the sunlit streets of Los Angeles to the pulsating energy of English night clubs and the lush greens of soccer stadiums. The color palette is rich and dynamic, with a convincing range of yellows, blacks, dark blues, and a spectrum of greens and grays, showcasing an impressive balance across different lighting conditions and scenes.

However, the transfer does not come without its quirks. There's a noticeably heavy digital processing that lends the film a somewhat commercialized veneer, akin to a glossy sports ad. This results in an overly bright contrast where whites can appear blown out, and colors, especially skin tones, are exaggerated into an unnatural, almost 'radioactive' orange tint. While the depth and detail are commendably maintained, thanks to excellent shadow delineation and solid blacks, these processed elements introduce a certain artifice to the viewing experience. Some sports scenes suffer from a slight blur due to drop-frame effects, albeit these moments are part of the film's aesthetic choice rather than transfer flaws.

Despite these criticisms, the Blu-ray presentation of "Goal! The Dream Begins" largely triumphs in delivering a visually stimulating experience. The pristine condition of the source material aids in maintaining a high level of detail and clarity throughout the film. Even though some viewers might find the highly stylized look a distraction, it remains a testament to the filmmakers' vision. This transfer achieves a difficult balance between preserving the raw emotion of its story and showcasing the technical prowess of modern sports cinematography.

'Goal! The Dream Begins' Blu Ray audio presentation is outstanding, featuring four audio tracks: English PCM 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit), English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1. The English PCM track, in particular, stands out for its impeccable quality, customary of Disney's high standards. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and well-rendered, without any discernible hissings, pop-ups, or cracks. The surround channels are notably active, enveloping viewers in the cinematic environment, especially during Newcastle games where the rear channels effectively simulate the dynamic ambiance of a live game. The bass is both strong and punchy, providing an enhanced experience that audiences with high-end home equipment will find especially delightful. Key scenes like the initial training sessions and the climactic penalty situation showcase the audio encode's potency and expert treatment.

The audio mix ensures that dialogue remains clear and undistorted across various scenes, with a dynamic and punchy overall sound quality. Particularly impressive is the accuracy of directional sounds during soccer matches, where the crowd's roar and discrete effects are judiciously placed, heightening the immersive experience. Although the fidelity is generally strong, a slightly bright high end occasionally detracts from an otherwise robust and full-bodied mid-range. The low bass content delivers an impactful presence that adds to the excitement of sports scenes, though some dialogue in these high-intensity moments can sometimes feel drowned out.

Comparatively, the French and Spanish dubs do not quite reach the level of vivacity and immersive audio quality found in the English PCM track. Optional subtitles in English, French, and Spanish are available, catering to a broader audience. Nonetheless, despite minor shortcomings in non-sport scenes and some overwhelming dialogue during peak soccer action, 'Goal!' proves to be an auditory treat that admirably complements the visual spectacle, scoring high marks for its engaging and expertly crafted sound landscape.

The extra presentation of the "Goal! The Dream Begins" Blu-ray, produced by Disney, offers a modest selection of supplements that are insightful yet unremarkable in elevating the movie’s appeal. The centerpiece is a screen-specific audio commentary by director Danny Cannon and screenwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenals, which, while lively and rich with details on conception, casting, production, and the essential heart of a sports movie, might not change one's appreciation for the film significantly. Alongside, a brief featurette titled "Behind the Pitch" offers a fascinating glimpse into the seamless integration of real football footage with actor performances, making it a noteworthy watch for those interested in the technical aspects of film production. However, notable omissions from previous versions — a featurette on soccer's global allure, a music video, and the theatrical trailer — mark a dilution of content in this transition to Blu-ray.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Pitch: A look into how real football footage was blended with the performances of actors.
• Audio Commentary: Director Danny Cannon and screenwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenals discuss the making of the film, covering conception, casting, and production details.

"Goal! The Dream Begins" (2005), directed by Danny Cannon, delves into the familiar narrative terrain of an underdog's journey, focusing on Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker), an illegal Mexican immigrant in Los Angeles with dreams of professional soccer stardom. Despite its niche appeal in a market dominated by traditional American sports, the film brings a heartfelt story of perseverance and family to the screen. Accompanied by sleek camera work and a robust script, Becker delivers a passionate performance, making the protagonist's journey both relatable and inspiring. While Santiago grapples with familial obligations and the harsh reality of his situation, an unexpected opportunity arises when an ex-talent scout spots him, propelling him towards his dream but not without obstacles, including skepticism from his father and financial hurdles.

Despite its conventional plotline and lukewarm reception at the US Box Office, "Goal!" stands out with its depiction of the international love for soccer, contrasting sharply with American apathy towards the sport. The film's integration of real football matches and cameos by soccer legends like David Beckham adds a layer of authenticity to the proceedings, enhancing its appeal to fans of the sport. Furthermore, its exploration of themes like immigration, family conflict, and determination against the odds resonates on a universal level. Kuno Becker's performance is noteworthy, bringing depth to Santiago Munez's character without relying on actual soccer skills, a testament to the effective direction and production that allows the film to transcend its genre limitations.

Ultimately, "Goal! The Dream Begins" serves as an inspiring tale that captures the essence of sports dramas: the triumph over adversity. Its rich portrayal of the uncertainties young athletes face, coupled with a compelling family narrative, creates a movie that is as much about soccer as it is about chasing one's dreams against all odds. Despite its setbacks and genre clichés, the film boasts a charm and energy that leaves a lasting impression, hinting at a potential for exploring further adventures in its proposed trilogy. The blend of genuine character arcs with the excitement of soccer encapsulates a universal story of ambition and resilience.

"Goal! The Dream Begins" leverages the universally appealing story of an underdog's rise, effectively tapping into the dreamer in all of us. While it follows a familiar narrative trajectory reminiscent of numerous sports films, its focus on soccer—a sport still fighting for its due recognition in North America—brings a breath of fresh air, albeit with a flavor too conventional to markedly stand out. The portrayal by Kuno Becker, playing the film's protagonist, adds a layer of authenticity and charm, contributing significantly to the film's engagement factor. On the technical front, this Blu-ray release offers a satisfactory viewing experience despite some qualms about the transfer's overly processed appearance.

The audiovisual presentation of the Blu-ray edition maintains a professional grade, with a soundtrack that resonates well with the film's thematic aspirations and an audio commentary that provides insightful glimpses into the making of the movie. However, it's the film content itself that might leave viewers divided—soccer enthusiasts and fans of Becker are likely to find more value here than others. The transition to Blu-ray doesn't escape criticism entirely, specifically regarding the visual quality, which some might find less than ideal due to its processed nature. This aspect could detract from the overall experience, particularly for cinematic purists who prioritize visual fidelity.

Conclusively, "Goal! The Dream Begins" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that shines insofar as its audio capabilities and the solid performance of its lead, Kuno Becker. While it doesn't revolutionize the sports film genre or Blu-ray presentations, it holds its own with a heartwarming story and competent technical execution. This edition is primarily recommended for die-hard fans of the film and soccer aficionados. For others, it might serve better as a rental to appreciate the aspirational narrative and Becker's commendable portrayal before potentially adding it to their collection.