6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 5.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.8 |
On the game winning play of the biggest game of his life, the best High School Football player in the nation injures his knee and destroys his dreams of a college and professional career. But fifteen years later, he receives the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to go back and change history.
Starring: Brian Presley, Kurt Russell, Melanie Lynskey, Marc Blucas, Christine LahtiSport | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Whatever happens, it's your choice.
Sometimes the game of life results in an incomplete pass, a fumble, a costly interception, or a game-changing injury. Sometimes in the game of life,
the moment results in victory but the cost is ultimately greater than a loss. Sometimes, a loss -- and not necessarily on the scoreboard -- can bring
about a big win, a roundabout way through which fate may work its magic, destiny may take its course, some invisible, higher power may nudge
everything into perfect harmony. Sometimes victory does come from defeat, and that's at the center of
Touchback, the heartfelt story of one man's unanswered prayers and his second chance to do it all over again, to live the dream but lose
everything that makes him who he is, in his core essence and not just his unrealized stats on the field, his unfulfilled legend in the game, or the
missing dollars in his bank account.
It's a story that demonstrates that oft overlooked part of life which says being better off isn't necessarily for the best, that the way things might have
been aren't the way things need to be, that regrets are sometimes just stepping stones to true happiness. It's a predictable movie in many ways, but
it's the journey and the message that make Touchback one of the year's best and most honest inspirational tales.
One play to set a future in motion.
Touchback scores a balanced and pleasing 1080p high definition transfer. Anchor Bay's 1.78:1-framed image isn't as vibrant as some of the most eye-popping transfers sourced from HD video photography, but there are nice, even colors and quality details throughout. Some of the brighter clothes and objects seen in the 1991 flashback scenes, particularly the red and yellow mesh practice football jerseys and the bright green field grass, are pleasing and true, even if they don't explode off the screen. The red fire engine and bright emergency worker apparel seen near film's start also impress in their natural, even appearance. Likewise, detail isn't so intricate as to catch longtime Blu-ray viewers off-guard or truly dazzle veteran HD fans, but there's satisfaction in the image's sturdiness and consistency. The elder Murphy's mesh cap, the rust and scratches and wear and tear on his old pickup truck, and the definition of tall weeds and gravel driveways look quite good. Black levels are deep and true, flesh tones generally natural, and only some banding hinders an otherwise consistent and satisfying transfer.
Touchback arrives on Blu-ray with an accurate, balanced, and satisfying Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This is a smooth, seamless presentation, from the light notes hovering over the opening titles and drifting off to the sides and into the back all the way through to the all-immersive football scenes that bookend the film. Musical clarity is superb, with good spread and rich, accurate notes throughout the range. This includes both score and popular music, including Life is a Highway heard during the film's second act. the track inserts good ambience, whether exterior small town and country elements, the background sounds inside the school, or the rattle as heard inside Murphy's truck. The football scenes are dazzling, with loud and wonderfully clear and exciting crowd cheers that spread around the stage and truly immerse the listener into the environment. Additionally, hard tackles and the crashing of protective gear push the lower end but maintain a pleasing authenticity. Dialogue is steady, clear, and focused in the center channel. This is a very good track, a fine companion to the film and a quality listening experience in every regard.
Touchback contains the following two bonus features, in addition to a DVD copy of the film and a voucher to watch the movie on Vudu.
Touchback won't work for audiences looking for originality above all else, but for viewers who appreciate a solid, grounded-in-life story of the opportunity at a second chance and the consequences of giving up one life for another will find the movie to be of high value. Such audiences will find it tender and sweet, an uplifting picture that reinforces positives and demonstrates that sometimes living the dream doesn't mean fame and fortune. Great performances, a steady script, beautiful filming locales, and an even cadence all make Touchback a touchdown. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Touchback features solid video and audio. Two supplements are included, as are DVD and Vudu copies of the film. Highly recommended.
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