Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

The Express Blu-ray Movie Review

'The Express' is a true champion on Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 19, 2009

Football is just a game. What matters is what you play for.

Though the first decade of the 21st century will be remembered for the deluge of superhero-themed films, there has been no shortage of inspirational sports movies released over the same timeframe. Following in the footsteps of winning films such as Invincible, The Rookie, We Are Marshall, and others that examine through the prism of sports the growth of man, the bonds of friendship, and the importance of a dream, The Express, too, inspires audiences with a tale of one man's growth on and off the playing field. Like Remember the Titans, the film recalls the themes of football and racism in America, but The Express is something more. In a way, it is the collision of the Inspirational Sports and Superhero genres, for Ernie Davis was a superhero, a man battling injustice with an array of weapons, including swift legs, a strong spirit, mental toughness, and an unwavering soul.

The view shared by most defensive players during Ernie Davis's games.

A stuttering but standup young man in 1949 Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown, Coach Carter) could always run. He ran from bullies who picked on him both for his inability to enunciate and for the color of his skin. He idolized Jackie Robinson and, like Jackie, wanted to make a difference in the world. His special athletic talents in football and mental acumen developed over the years, culminating in a standout high school career and making Davis one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. Syracuse University head football coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid, Vantage Point) and the country's premier black running back and recent Cleveland Browns draftee, Jim Brown (Darrin Dewitt Henson, Stomp the Yard), approach the star running back. The pair convince Davis to attend Syracuse where he quickly learns that life in a prejudiced college atmosphere is more difficult than running wind sprints or shaking tacklers. He befriends one of the team's other black players, J.B. (Omar Benson Miller, Miracle at St. Anna), and develops a relationship with Sarah Ward (Nicole Beharie). Expectations are high for Davis; Syracuse's football program is struggling, and Coach Schwartzwalder provides Davis with a #44 jersey -- the same number worn by the venerable Jim Brown. Davis succeeds on the field, establishing himself as the top talent in the nation and leading Syracuse to a turnaround season with a national championship within sight, all the while battling prejudice on and off the field and keeping his eye on the ultimate prize in college football, the Heisman Trophy, an award yet to be presented to a black athlete.

As alluded to earlier, the inevitable comparison exists with Remember the Titans. While both Titans and The Express deal with issues of race and football, they do so from different perspectives. The Express tackles its material with a grittier edge, and with more emotion and spirit. Of course, neither movie is about football. They are about people, about life, about dreams, about hope. The Express captures the very essence of the title character, conveying his uplifting, important, and emotionally challenging story with both respect and excitement, combining gridiron action with moving sequences on the strength of the human spirit. As such, The Express is, at times, as tough to watch as it is exhilarating to watch, and will likely leave audiences emotionally drained by film's end. It is there that the film excels; football, the lush scenery, even all the behind-the-scenes things that come together to make the film possible, never rise above the heart of the story. The Express is as strong, swift, confident, and important as the man it portrays, a true tribute to the superhero it showcases.

Not only does The Express tell a strong story with plenty of heart and emotion, it is also a fine example of standout filmmaking. Director Gary Fleder (Runaway Jury) expertly blends the excitement of the game with the drama of the times and the journey of the man in a film that never fails to impress either technically or emotionally. The film places audiences in every scene, making them a part of the school, a part of the team, a part of the Davis family. Whether at the dinner table with Ernie, his father, Jim Brown, and coach Schwartzwalder; at an emotional press conference; or at the bottom of a vicious pile on the field; the audience feels every thrill of the score, hit of the tackle, high of the successes, and low of the failures. The acting in the film is superb, too. The film is highlighted by actor Rob Brown's portrayal of Davis. To say his performance is a standout would be to undersell it; Brown becomes Davis. Few actors are able to portray a historical figure and completely sell audiences on the character. While Brown may not be a household name, and even overshadowed on the marquee by veteran Dennis Quaid (who also delivers his usual quality performance), his work in The Express may be the most unheralded of the year. The young actor exudes confidence in the role, understanding the character, the times, the emotions, and the historical importance of Davis's accomplishments on and off the football field. Brown is an actor with a bright future.

The Express Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Express enters the record book on Blu-ray with a stunning high definition video presentation, framed in its theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. This transfer is astounding in every shot. Film grain is gloriously retained throughout, adding to the experience a film-like look that seems to have come straight off a first-run showing at a top-quality theater. The Express on Blu-ray is a home presentation of film looking its best, with a depth, color presentation, and attention to detail virtually second to none. The first time Davis walks through Syracuse University's campus in chapter five, both he and viewers are greeted by stunningly reproduced green grass and trees in bloom, the gorgeous textures of the buildings, and the wet sidewalks. Detail far and wide is both eye-catching and natural, every texture and subtle characteristic brought to vivid life. His subsequent entrance into the stadium, with the greenest, most perfect green turf, positively mesmerize on this disc. Flesh tones range from perfect to perfect, and blacks are as inky, deep, and true as they may be, with no loss of detail in the darker scenes. The film simply shines in the bright outdoor sequences; Davis's first collegiate game, as seen in chapter eight, reveals nothing but true-to-life imagery, the sequence, and others like it, a sanctuary of sports, a gateway into the past, and the top of the mountain of home theater imagery. Everything comes together in perfect harmony throughout this transfer, making it one of the absolute best on the market today.

The Express Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Express rolls onto the high definition Blu-ray format with a hard-hitting yet eloquently reproduced DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Certainly, the track shines during the football sequences, reproducing every hit with the utmost clarity and attention to detail, but outside the contests, the track remains proficient, with strong, crisp dialogue, a score that plays precisely across the front with support from the rears, and fantastic ambience heard all around, wholly engaging listeners and placing them in the midst of very scene. Whether surrounded by the chirping of birds in outdoor scenes or on the dance floor at a college social as heard in chapter seven, real-sounding ambience surrounds listeners, with excellent directional effects and subtle environmental ambience that adds a realistic flair to each and every scene. The Express features a great period soundtrack that benefits greatly from its lossless presentation. The instrumental score is positively rousing, too, powerful and concise, with a dramatic edge combined with a rah-rah college flair, and when merged with the big hits and slams of the games, it makes for a fantastic listening experience. What more can be said? Universal puts six more points on the board with another first-class sound presentation.

The Express Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Express arrives on Blu-ray with a fine selection of bonus materials. Out of the tunnel first is a commentary track with director Gary Fleder. The track is a good one, the director sharing his thoughts on the assembly of the film, casting, the themes of the film, Rob Brown's performance and his character's arc through the film, and much more. This is a recommended listen for fans. Fleder also provides optional commentary for a series of deleted scenes (480p, 7:37). 50th Anniversary of the Syracuse National Championship (480p, 16:23) is a fine piece examining the real story of the 1959 National Championship team, compiled with vintage video clips and photographs, and told through the eyes of members of the team. Making of 'The Express' (1080p, 13:57) is a slightly better-than-average making-of piece that features all of the usual suspects -- behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interview clips, and film footage, all assembled to tell a narrative of how the movie came together, with mentions of the fine performances, the chemistry between the cast members, the inspirations for the look of the film, the making of the football scenes, and more.

Making History: The Story of Ernie Davis (1080p, 13:18) features cast, crew, and others, including former teammates, Ernie's real-life uncle Chuck Davis, Bob Costas, Dick Stockton, Reggie Schwartzwalder (coach Ben Schwartzwalder's wife), the real Jim Brown, and others talking about the person that was Ernie Davis. Inside the Playbook: Shooting the Football Games (1080p, 7:00) is just as it sounds, a piece focusing on the making of the football sequences and describing certain plays run in the film, complete with telestrator assistance. From Hollywood to Syracuse: The Legacy of Ernie Davis (480p, 5:17) is a fun piece describing shooting at Syracuse, looking at the premiere of the film at the University, and the impact Davis has had at Syracuse. Finally, this disc is BD-Live (Blu-ray profile 2.0) equipped.

The Express Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As far as biographical films go, and as far as inspirational sports movies go, The Express ranks near the top of the pile. The Express performed poorly at the box office, a rarity for this sort of film; perhaps audiences simply suffered from "football movie fatigue," but for whatever reason, here's hoping it finds its stride on the home video market. It is truly standout filmmaking, featuring a standout young actor portraying a standout human being. If the film is to find its place now, this Blu-ray release certainly does it proud. Universal once again delivers a jaw-dropping high definition experience, the film looking about as good as any on the market, with a stupendous soundtrack reinforcing the visuals. While not as jam-packed as other Universal titles, The Express offers a nice array of bonus materials to round out an excellent package. It should come as no surprise that The Express comes highly recommended.