Miracle

THE FLICK: I know it’s tantamount to heresy to admit this in the state of Michigan, but I’m not a big hockey fan (and after watching the Red Wings sink yet another season, I imagine some other fair-weather fans might say the same thing). So the movie “Miracle” might not be the religious experience for me that it is for fans who view that one incredible victory in the 1980 winter Olympics over the Soviets as the sport’s crowning achievement. However, it’s impossible not to recognize the near-perfect performance by Kurt Russell as tough-as-nails coach Herb Brooks, the man who molded a group of amateur college kids into a team that could rival the best in the world...at least for one night. “Miracle” skates around most of the underdog sports film clichés to deliver the unexpected; a character-driven drama that’s more interested in the “how” behind the team’s success rather than the big game itself. Not that the classic match-up, when it finally arrives, isn’t suitably dramatic. Director Gavin O’Connor meticulously recreates each play with an eye for accuracy and historical significance. But it’s the character building scenes, specifically Coach Brooks’ punishing skating drill after a particularly lackluster game, that standout as defining moments in the film. The hockey is phenomenally photographed, but “Miracle’s” real game is about what happens off the rink, not on it. And serves as a reminder of the effect one group of committed athletes can have on the entire nation. THE FEATURES: It goes without saying that true stories make for terrific DVD extras. And after viewing “Miracle” don’t be surprised if you’re salivating to find out more about the real deal. Disney’s 2-disc set is a well-balanced package of sports history and filmmaking techniques. “The Making of Miracle” is the most comprehensive segment, covering the meticulous recreation of specific plays and the arduous training each actor went through to win their respective roles (more on this later). Also on disc one is a running commentary from O’Connor and crew. Kicking off the second disc is “From Hockey to Hollywood: The Actors’ Journey,” which details the specific casting requirements (the guys not only had to skate, but physically resemble their counterparts, as well). “ESPN Roundtable” gathers Kurt Russell and three of the Olympic team members for a 45-minute chat about their achievement. “The Sound of Miracle” describes O’Connor’s attempt to create the atmosphere of “Saving Private Ryan” on skates. A bevy of outtakes set to music wraps things up. FINAL SCORE: Love of the sport will determine how deeply “Miracle” resonates, but there’s a lot to admire even if you don’t know the rules of the game. And Russell only entrenches himself further as one of Hollywood’s best-unsung actors. Disney gives the film, and the true story behind it, a great chance to shine on DVD.