Miracle Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Miracle" by Disney offers a high-definition experience that brings the 1980s to life with a careful balance of stylistic choices and technical finesse. Vibrant, naturistic colors alongside robust blacks and contrast set a visually engaging scene, albeit with a deliberate softer focus that serves to enhance the film's period feel without compromising on detail. The film's gritty, documentary-like aesthetic is preserved with balanced shades and reserved skin tones, achieving an authenticity in its visuals. Fine textures, especially in clothing, are crisply rendered, allowing even the design of plaid fabrics and the texture of corduroy to pop off the screen with exceptional clarity. This attention to detail extends to the minutiae of jersey holes and foreground edges, showcasing Disney’s remarkable technical efforts in maintaining the integrity of every scene without succumbing to significant artifacting, banding, or source noise.

However, the transfer does exhibit occasional inconsistencies with sharpness and grain, particularly in scenes with heavy light backgrounds where grain becomes more noticeable. These moments are few and do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the presentation. In some instances, shadow delineation and skin tone accuracy—especially noted in scenes involving Noah Emmerich—do present mild challenges, but these do not mar the viewing experience extensively. Despite these minor variances in video quality, details, even during fast-paced action sequences and long-range pans, maintain above-average depth and resolution, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Disney has evidently taken great care in the Blu-ray transfer of "Miracle," ensuring that both the thrilling hockey sequences and quieter character moments are conveyed with clear and well-articulated detail. The grain, while present, is rendered in a way that feels natural to the film's atmosphere, only rarely becoming a focal point. Overall, this Blu-ray edition represents a significant improvement over its DVD predecessor, offering fans a visually rewarding experience that profoundly respects the original cinematic vision. The meticulous preservation of the nuanced visual elements of "Miracle," from its period-specific aesthetic choices to its dynamic representation of the iconic hockey sequences, makes this release a commendable addition to any high-definition library.

Disney's "Miracle" Blu-ray release showcases a masterful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that truly honors the spirit and intensity of ice hockey. The audio clarity and precision ensure that every dialogue, from the softest whispers to the loudest shouts, maintains impeccable quality, albeit with minor overwhelming in scenes brimming with action and fervor. The authenticity of interior acoustics is captured with astute accuracy, while the LFE channel lends substantial weight and dimension to the soundscape, enhancing the overall experience. The effort to imbue every scene with realistic ambience, whether it be the serene Brooks' homestead or the chaotic locker rooms, is evident and laudable, cementing Disney's reputation for lossless audio excellence.

The immersive audio experience is further enriched by the meticulous sound design during the hockey scenes, where the crisping glide of skates on ice, the impact of body checks, and the resonant clang of pucks hitting posts are rendered with startling realism. This auditory prowess extends to the faithful recreation of crowd energy, fluctuating dynamically to transport listeners from the stands to the ice, encapsulating the electrifying atmosphere of the Olympic games. Mark Isham's music score, with its eclectic blend and stirring arrangements, complements the visual narrative beautifully, achieving an enveloping effect that is both spatially expansive and emotionally stirring.

Moreover, Disney's commitment to authenticity extends beyond visuals, capturing the genuine essence of hockey culture through sound. The painstaking efforts to replicate true-to-life hockey auditory elements demonstrate a deep respect for the sport. From the detailed capture of on-ice actions to the inclusion of Al Michaels' iconic commentary, every aspect contributes to an audio presentation that not only surpasses its DVD predecessor but sets a benchmark for sports-genre mixes in the industry. The Blu-ray edition of "Miracle," with its advanced sound mix and careful attention to detail, offers an unparalleled auditory journey into the heart of one of America's most storied sporting events.

The Blu-ray edition of "Miracle" brings a comprehensive array of extras, effectively ported from the 2004 Special Edition DVD, but presented in standard definition. These special features delve deeply into the film-making process, casting insights, technical challenges of capturing the essence of hockey, and intimate reflections from those involved in the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey victory. Noteworthy is the filmmakers’ commentary, offering rich behind-the-scenes discussions by Director Gavin O'Connor, cinematographer Dan Stoloff, and editor John Gilroy. The absence of a new commentary track or high definition upgrades might disappoint some, but the inclusion of detailed documentaries like "From Hockey to Hollywood" and the emotionally resonant "First Impressions" with Herb Brooks adds substantial value. "The Sound of Miracle" featurette impresses with its intricate breakdown of the film’s audio design. While some extras cater more to completists, like the outtakes, overall, the package provides an enlightening experience for fans and newcomers alike, capturing the spirit and challenges behind bringing "Miracle" to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Gavin O'Connor, Director of Photography Dan Stoloff, and Editor John Gilroy: Insights into casting, rehearsals, aesthetic decisions, and the intricacies of filming hockey scenes.
• The Making of Miracle: An 18-minute featurette that looks at the creation of the hockey sequences and general filmmaking process.
• From Hockey to Hollywood: The Actors' Journeys: A 27-minute featurette detailing the casting of the hockey players/actors, including personal stories and preparation for their roles.
• The Sound of Miracle: A 10-minute deep dive into the film’s sound design, showcasing the methods used to capture authentic ice and game sounds.
• First Impressions: Herb Brooks, Kurt Russell, and Filmmakers: A 21-minute conversation offering valuable insight from Coach Herb Brooks and his perspective on the film.
• Outtakes: A 5-minute collection of bloopers and fun moments from the set.
• D-Box Motion Code Enabled: Providing an immersive viewing experience by synchronizing with compatible D-Box motion systems.

The film "Miracle," directed by Gavin O'Connor, delivers an extraordinary cinematic portrayal of the 1980 United States ice hockey team's underdog victory over the Soviet Union at the Olympics. Known for its compelling narrative and strong performances, particularly from Kurt Russell as coach Herb Brooks, the movie transcends typical sports film clichés to offer an inspirational and in-depth look at teamwork, determination, and national pride. By meticulously crafting the characters and focusing intently on the intricate dynamics within the team, O'Connor succeeds in making "Miracle" not just a film about hockey, but a resonant story of human spirit and perseverance.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray presentation do justice to the movie's dynamic and high-stakes energy, especially during the well-executed hockey scenes that bring authenticity and intensity to the viewing experience. The cinematography and sound editing work together seamlessly to immerse viewers in the game, making each moment of play feel real and immediate. The attention to detail in replicating the historic 1980 Olympic games is evident, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the sport can appreciate the significance of the victory against the Soviets.

While much of the film's emotional weight rests on Russell's portrayal of Herb Brooks, the ensemble cast also delivers convincing performances, embodying the diverse personalities and backgrounds of the young men who formed the legendary hockey team. The movie skillfully balances personal storylines with the overarching narrative of teamwork and national achievement, avoiding the pitfall of focusing too heavily on individual players. As a result, "Miracle" stands as a poignant reminder of the power of collective effort and shared dreams, making it a must-watch for not only sports enthusiasts but anyone looking for a story of triumph against all odds.

The Blu-ray release of "Miracle," Gavin O'Connor's emotional and authentic portrayal of one of the most inspirational moments in sports history, delivers an outstanding home theater experience. The technical prowess of the Blu-ray edition is commendably highlighted by its remarkable video transfer and potent DTS-HD Master Audio track, ensuring that the film's period-appropriate visual grain and desaturated color palette are presented with exceptional fidelity. This release allows viewers to relive the 1980 Winter Olympics' iconic hockey match with unprecedented clarity and immersion, from the accurate color tones to the finely detailed textures, both on and off the ice. Supported by an array of playback equipment, including the JVC DLA-RS20 projector and an assortment of top-tier Blu-ray players such as the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Sony Playstation 3, this edition faithfully recreates the theatrical experience at home.

In terms of special features, this Blu-ray edition incorporates a substantial collection from its DVD predecessor, albeit in standard definition. Highlights include "The Making of Miracle" featurette, which provides valuable insights into the film's production and the real-life story behind it, along with contributions from actual players and Coach Herb Brooks himself. Additionally, the audio commentary and various behind-the-scenes pieces offer an in-depth look at the film's creation, from casting real hockey players to crafting a sound design that places viewers squarely in the action. These extras complement the main feature by deepening the understanding and appreciation of the remarkable true story it depicts.

In conclusion, Disney's Blu-ray release of "Miracle" is an exemplary instance of how to handle a sports film with historical significance and emotional depth. The impeccable attention to audio-visual quality ensures that the tale of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's unlikely triumph is told with all the fervor it deserves. Furthermore, the comprehensive suite of bonus materials enhances the viewing experience by providing context and celebrating the real-life figures who inspired this cinematic endeavor. "Miracle" is not just a film for hockey fans but a beacon of hope and a testament to belief, making it a highly recommended addition for anyone who cherishes truly uplifting stories.