“ADMIRATION FOR A GREAT HORSE”
Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, Dylan Baker, and Margo Martindale
Directed by: Randall Wallace
MPAA Rating: PG for brief mild language
Genre: Drama, Biopic and Sports
Running Time (Film): 1 hr. 56 min
Release date: January 24, 2011
Distributors: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
By John Delia
One of the most remarkable true stories ever, Secretariat comes to DVD/Blu-ray. The evenly paced historical drama takes a look at a family who found a way to survive, no matter what the odds. Well acted, the movie is worth the watch and the bonus features even more.
Based on a true story, the movie Secretariat chronicles the interesting journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. In the film, housewife and mother Penny Chenery Tweedy (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horseracing experience. Against all odds, with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), she manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.
Although horseracing is not as popular as other sports, watching the magnificent animals race against the best can really get exciting. In this true story we find more than a racehorse contest but a life challenge as well. Penny Chenery Tweedy did not choose an easy road to travel, but one that would pit her against all odds. Her belief in Secretariat and the love of the animal is truly what horse racing is all about.
The bonus features on the Blu-ray disk are many, but one I especially like comes with the DVD as well. The feature is called Heart of a Champion and includes Secretariat’s Triple Crown races using actual footage. I believe it captures the essence of the real reason why the story is one of the best sporting events ever put on film.
Another feature on the Blu-ray called Choreographing The Races shows how the wizards of technology make you feel like you are right on the track. Many more bonuses are on the disk that makes it a very good value.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This DVD/Blu-ray makes a great addition to anyone’s collection. (B-)