Denzel Washington and producer Jerry Bruckheimer helped to make this Rocky-style football films into one of the highest grossing films of 2000. Now Disney has produced a fabulous DVD edition that does it ample justice. The picture is a letter-perfect transfer, presented in a 2.35:1 widescreen anamorphic format. Colors are vivid and full, especially in the scenes that highlight the film's rural settings. The sound is a stunning Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation, which highlights the gridiron sequences as well as gives life to the soundtrack of Motown-tinged hits. The extras are also something. There is a solid commentary from key members of the production team, including Bruckheimer and director Boaz Yakin. Of even more interest is the commentary from Herman Boone and Bill Yoast, the real-life football coaches on whom the film was based. Also featured are some very revealing documentaries and six deleted scenes, many of which add weight to the story and help expand the plot line. Even for those who are already fans of this movie, this DVD will be a treasure trove of new information.

Kevin Costner's 2003 Western Open Range comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by Costner. He talks about his theories as a director, his affection for the Western genre (a type of movie that, with this film, he proves he has absorbed), and many tales about the film's production. His commentary is as earnest and heartfelt as the film itself. A second DVD is full of information on the making of the film, allowing the viewer access to almost every aspect of the process. This is a strong disc from Disney/Buena Vista that will be of particular interest to any genre enthusiast.

Edwin Sherin directs Burt Lancaster in the western Valdez Is Coming, which comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1. English, Spanish, and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. Spanish and French subtitles are accessible, and the English soundtrack is closed-captioned. Supplemental materials include the original theatrical trailer. This is a decent release from MGM/UA.