From Disney, MCFARLAND USA is the true story of Jim White (played by Kevin Costner), a cross country coach in a small California town who transforms a team of disadvantaged high school athletes into championship contenders. When Jim Batts reviwed MCFARLAND USA here at We Are Movie Geeks, he wrote “(director) Niki Caro expertly captures the look of this little burg that may seem insignificant, but his home to fiercely protective and supportive neighbors. She also captures the dedication of these runners that’s reminiscent of CHARIOTS OF FIRE. There’s the heat, the exhaustion, even the monotony. And even though they’re part of a team, there’s that solitary testing of one’s abilities. Unfortunately the screenplay doesn’t avoid the culture clash clichés with the uptight wasps lightening up by being near the colorful earthy ethnics. And there’s the familiar riff on the sports underdogs, the ole’ slobs versus snobs set-up with the preppy rich competitors almost sneering at the noble Cougars. Well, the movie’s got its heart in the right place and it’s nice to see a somewhat upbeat true-story tale. So, if you’re a fan of HOOSIER-type, come from behind stories, then you’ll want to lace up your running shoes and join the team for a run around the dusty streets of MCFARLAND USA.” (read all of Jim’s review HERE).
MCFARLAND USA checks all the underdog sports movie cliche boxes, but still manages to be one of the better movies of the year, thanks to a strong leading performance from Kevin Costner and an inspiring story of a fish out of water determined to make a difference.
MCFARLAND USA is released on Blu-ray this week from Disney and We Are Movie Geeks has had a peek.
MCFARLAND USA is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Disney Studios with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.40:1. The high definition presentation here is eye-popping. Director Niki Caro and cinematographer Terry Stacey capture the sun-dappled climate, as well as the amber drenched ambience of the poverty-stricken areas of California perfectly. Fine detail and flesh tones are exceptional throughout this presentation – a crisp and extremely appealing transfer.
The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is similarly impressive. Dialogue is crystal clear, with plenty of directional chatter, and is layered appropriately with effects and music.
The MCFARLAND USA Blu-ray includes a handful of extras:
- McFarland Reflections (HD, 9 min.) – A standard featurette containing interviews with the cast, filmmakers, and the real life folks the film is based on.
- “Juntos” Music Video (HD, 3 min.)
- Inspiring McFarland (HD, 2 min.) – An brief interview with the filmmakers and some of the cast summing up the film’s story.
- Deleted & Extended Scenes (HD, 8 min.) – A collection of scenes that mostly serve to round out Maria Bello’s character, and a handful of the cross-country runners.
