Hoosiers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hoosiers" demonstrates a commendable yet not revolutionary improvement over previous iterations. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode notably outperforms the earlier MPEG-2 version by offering a slightly sharper and cleaner image. The transfer maintains a filmic look fitting for this period sports drama, with visible grain that can sometimes be heavy but authentic to the source material. Colors present a marginally brighter and more vibrant palette, especially evident in the red and yellow uniforms during game scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Despite these improvements, several issues persist. Black levels can either crush detail or appear insubstantial, and contrast in exterior scenes remains inconsistent. Artifacts such as white and black flecks are still occasionally visible, hinting at an incomplete restoration process. Close-ups alternate between crisp clarity and a softer diffusion, influenced by fluctuating grain levels. Background details can blur, especially in scenes with prominent grain. Even though shadow detail is generally respectable, fleshtones have a slight tendency to drift toward a rosy hue.

While this edition holds the title of the best "Hoosiers" has looked on home video to date, it falls short of delivering the full-fledged restoration the film warrants. Enhancements like the AVC encode and subtle improvements in color and noise reduction bring slight but notable advancements. However, aficionados and critical viewers will likely notice the lingering imperfections that prevent a thoroughly pristine experience. This release will satisfy casual viewers but leaves those seeking the ultimate restoration wanting.

The audio presentation on the Blu-Ray of "Hoosiers" offers a serviceable but ultimately lackluster experience, utilizing the same lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track from the 25th Anniversary Edition. The mix predominantly focuses on the front channels, rendering the rear speakers almost redundant, apart from sporadic instances of crowd cheering and minimal environmental ambience. This results in a front-heavy track that conveys little in terms of depth or immersive soundfield. The missed opportunity for true 5.1 engagement is evident in scenes that should be rich with layered sound, such as the students bustling through hallways, which lack presence and environmental detail.

Jerry Goldsmith's score, while Oscar-nominated, does not particularly stand out in this mix. The score's dynamic range feels compressed, skewing towards the mid and treble frequencies while failing to utilize the bass effectively. Dialogue generally remains clear and intelligible, but there are moments where it becomes boxy or thin, particularly when voices are raised. Additionally, crowd noises during game scenes fall flat, giving a filtered and distant impression more akin to a portable AM radio than a cinematic experience. Although some ambient noise is present and isolated conversations are crisp, it doesn’t compensate for the overall lack of immersive and well-distributed sound.

The disc also includes a Dolby Digital 4.0 surround mix which further underwhelms with a limited soundfield and down-converted bitrate. Both audio formats reflect the outdated recording technology of their era, resulting in a soundscape that feels distant and flat compared to more modern remixes from the same period. In summation, while dialogues and some ambient effects are well-prioritized, the audio package fails to deliver a compelling surround experience, detracting from the overall impact of this classic film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Hoosiers" includes a comprehensive suite of extras that film enthusiasts will appreciate, particularly those who missed out on the previous releases. Although no new content has been introduced, this collection brings together all previously omitted features, making it a valuable addition for fans. It prominently features insightful content such as an engaging audio commentary by Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo, essential production details, and intriguing anecdotes from the filming. There's also a nostalgic documentary about Indiana basketball culture and the real-life underdog story that inspired the film, as well as numerous deleted scenes that offer additional character development. For sports history buffs, the inclusion of the original 1954 Championship game footage adds a unique archival touch, despite its less-than-stellar video quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion by Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo.
• Hoosier History: The Truth Behind the Legend: Comprehensive documentary about Indiana basketball and the real story behind Hoosiers.
• Deleted Scenes: Thirteen cut scenes with introductions by Anspaugh and Pizzo.
• Milan vs. Muncie 1954 Indiana High School Championship Game: Archival footage of the original game.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.

The reissued Blu-ray of "Hoosiers" brings to viewers a mixed bag, notably improving upon the original 2007 release. This version employs an AVC encode which, though derived from the same master, elevates the visual quality modestly. Unfortunately, it retains the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 from its predecessor. As for special features, the edition revisits familiar territory, including content from the 2005 Collector's Edition DVD without any dazzling new additions, save for updated cover art. Fans of this classic basketball movie, particularly those ranking it high on their list of sports favorites, will appreciate the enhanced picture quality and curated extras, but newcomers might find these changes insufficient impetus for purchase.

"Hoosiers," directed by David Anspaugh and written by Angelo Pizzo, transcends its genre through standout performances and an engaging narrative. Gene Hackman delivers a powerful portrayal of Coach Norman Dale, whose troubled past and unconventional methods place him at odds with the small-town residents of Hickory, Indiana. The film's universality shines as it explores themes of perseverance and redemption, making it resonate even with audiences unfamiliar with basketball. Dennis Hopper, playing the assistant coach battling alcoholism, adds an emotionally charged layer that merely amplifies Hackman's nuanced performance.

However, modern viewers may wrestle with Hoosiers' dated cinematic elements, including Jerry Goldsmith's jarring synth-heavy score and certain melodramatic moments that feel overly sentimental by today's standards. Additionally, the romantic subplot involving Barbara Hershey's character seems somewhat extraneous within an already emotionally rich framework. Despite these issues, the film's core message of discipline and loyalty remains impactful. Its period authenticity and the compelling dynamics between Hackman and Hopper secure its position as a seminal sports drama that has inspired a plethora of subsequent films in the genre.

The 25th Anniversary Edition of "Hoosiers" on Blu-ray presents an incremental yet noticeable improvement in both video and audio quality. The new encoding process has done a commendable job in minimizing the artifacts and imperfections that were evident in the previous release. While the audio remains largely unchanged, it serves its purpose adequately, preserving the film's nostalgic charm without introducing significant enhancements.

The supplemental features accompanying this edition are largely carried over from the DVD release. While these extras are sufficient to engage fans, they do not bring anything groundbreaking or novel to the table. Packaging remains standard, lacking any special celebratory touches such as digibook packaging, which some might expect for a 25th anniversary edition.

So, is the Hoosiers 25th Anniversary Edition worth a double dip? That's a call you'll have to make on your own. If you already own the original Blu-ray release, whether or not to buy this new edition is simply going to come down to how much you love the film. The new encode is better, but not drastically better, and the special features are nice having but nothing you haven't seen before. It's a toss-up. On the other hand, if you don't yet have a copy of the movie—and want one—this is definitely the edition to get. Recommended for sports film fanatics, high school basketball nuts, and anyone who roots for the underdog.