Video:

The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen at its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. For a film 19 years old, it looks outstanding. There is some film grain visible, especially in the scene between Hackman and Shooter (Dennis Hopper) at Shooter's cabin. But there are no visible digital flaws – any picture problems come from the original prints, not the transfer to DVD.

Audio:

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is not quite as vibrant as one would hope. The rear channels do not have the chance to truly envelop the viewer in the game scenes. But again, for a nearly two decade-old film, the sound is clear and the dialogue is easy to understand.

Extras:

The only extra on disc one comes when writer Angelo Pizzo and director David Anspaugh team up for a commentary track. They do a pretty decent job of filling the track, though there are gaps in between individual stories. Neither man falls into the trap of just talking about what is going on in the film at that point, but instead they tell interesting stories about the background of the film, the pre-production process, and problems with the NCAA, among others.

The second disc offers up a half-hour documentary that talks not just about the film, but about basketball in Indiana. For those that have never lived in the state (or, like myself, were born there but left at a very early age), it is the closest that any part of America gets to the passion felt around the world for soccer. In small towns, the high school basketball game rivals as a meeting place, social event and the shaping of the town identity. The documentary does an excellent job of exploring that dynamic.

But the best special feature on Hoosiers - for my money, the best feature on any sports movie DVD ever – is the 40 minute film of the actual 1954 Indiana state high school championship game, accompanied by the radio call of the game. It looks terrible by today's standards, of course, but it is such an interesting piece of nostalgia for anyone truly interested in the legend and lore of Indiana basketball.

A set of deleted scenes rounds out the second disc, with a specific introduction for each scene by Pizzo and Anspaugh. The scenes are in decent condition, and add some interesting back-story to the characters, including some of Hershey's best work. In particular is a scene cut out of the pep rally parade where Hershey talks about her future plans; it really ties Myra into the story in an interesting, bittersweet way that makes her character's arc similar to that of Dale.

A trailer on disc one and a photo gallery on disc two round out the special features.

Final Thoughts:

ESPN.com's Page 2 named Hoosiers the fourth best sports film of all time, behind Rocky, Raging Bull and Bull Durham. What Hoosiers has in common with those three films is the use of sport as a metaphor for redemption, for second chances. This is not just a story about Indiana basketball – though it captures that spirit perfectly – but about how people rebound from personal disappointment and, in some cases, tragedy. Basketball is just the device used to get to those emotions. MGM has truly done right by this classic with its two-disc edition, and it is worthy of DVDTalk's top rating.