Blu-ray Review: AMERICAN UNDERDOG

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Feb 20, 2022 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

From the moment a young Kurt Warner saw Joe Montana become Super Bowl XIX MVP and break the passing record, he knew that he wanted to be that guy. Even though the odds of making to the NFL, let alone becoming a Super Bowl MVP quarterback, are very slim, he didn’t let that stop him from giving up on his dream. In 1992, as a fifth-year senior at the University of Northern Iowa, Kurt (Zachary Levi) finally made it off the Panthers’ bench and into the game, but with just a dozen games left to the season, it didn’t give him a whole lot of time to compile a highlight reel to impress any NFL scouts. And when he asks Coach Allen (Adam Baldwin) to put him in, he is told that while he has the talent, he doesn’t stay in the pocket—when things get hard he has a tendency to bail, running from adversity. So Kurt sets out to prove that he can.

Meanwhile, while visiting a honkytonk bar with best friend/teammate Mike (Ser’Darius Blain), Kurt sets his eyes on Brenda Meoni (Anna Paquin) for the first time, and it’s love at first sight…at least for Kurt. He starts actively pursuing Brenda, but she’s a bit stand-offish as a divorced mother of two. They are also very different—he’s not a big fan of country music and loves football, while she hates sports, loves line dancing, and is a very faith-driven person. She finds Kurt charming, but she is a former Marine, who lives with her parents while trying to go to nursing school, and take care of a toddler and her legally-blind son Zack (Hayden Zaller). She wonders why someone like Kurt would want to take on all of that. But Kurt isn’t going to take no for an answer and they give it a go—though they face some ups and downs and challenges along the way.

Each year that Kurt doesn’t make the draft, it seems less and less likely that his NFL dream will come to fruition, and he may just have to accept that. He works as a supermarket stocker in order to support his family, but never completely gives up on his dream. As time passes, he has some false starts, and is even contacted by Jim Foster (Bruce McGill), the founder and first commissioner of the Arena Football League (AFL), but his heart is in the NFL. And that chance may finally come from Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid), head coach of the St. Louis Rams, who sees a bit of himself in Warner. However, his offensive coordinator, Mike Martz (Chance Kelly), isn’t so sure that the older, slower Warner can keep up with the other rookies.

American Underdog is based on true story of Kurt Warner’s life, but focuses more on his relationship with Brenda and less on his NFL career—just his life leading up to that point. However, that doesn’t mean that the film lacks exciting football action. Filmmakers the Erwin Brothers (Woodlawn) have experience with showing football on screen, and do an excellent job of recreating both Warner’s AFL games and his NFL debut, seamlessly mixing in archival footage with the reenactments for some really exciting gridiron action. At the same time, the film is very much a relationship drama, showing the courtship and love between Kurt and Brenda, and some of the big obstacles they must overcome in their relationship—which give Kurt a chance to prove that he can stay in the pocket when it comes to his relationship as well. Faith is a big part of what makes Brenda Brenda, and the filmmakers don’t shy away from this—the Erwin Brothers have a lot of experience in telling these true-life stories with a faith-based angle (I Still Believe, I Can Only Imagine)—however, it never feels completely in your face or heavy-handed in a way that might turn off non-religious viewers.

The love story between Kurt and Brenda, Brenda’s unwavering faith, and Kurt’s unwavering belief in his dreams are all very inspiring, and the filmmakers have done a nice job of making this a captivating and entertaining story to watch. Both Zachary Levi and Anna Paquin give really strong, emotional performances, though it takes a little willing suspension of disbelief that Zachary Levi is a 20-something college student. There are also lots of other side characters that bring in some levity, such as the various coaches, teammates and friends. Dennis Quaid’s Coach Vermeil is both fun and motivational, while Bruce McGill’s Jim Foster primarily brings the humor. The filmmakers have also done a good job of making these characters look like their real-life counterparts (who can be seen in footage at the end of the film). It is an engaging and entertaining film that finds the right balance between the sports and the drama in a way that should please all audiences.

Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds excellent. The video presentation looks clean and pristine, with some beautiful exterior shots capturing the blue skies and green football fields. There is a strong level of detail throughout, especially in close-up shots. We were sent the Blu-ray disc for review, but the the film has also received a 4K disc release, plus the digital copy from either will redeem in 4K if Apple TV is selected as the provider. The Atmos audio track provides clear dialogue, and makes excellent use of the stereo and surround sound to fill the room with the roar and excitement of the crowd during the football games. It also provides a nice general ambiance, which is especially noticeable as the Warners are driving during a blustery snow squall, or the sound of the folks in the honkytonk bar.

The Blu-ray and DVD discs contain the same assortment of bonus material—a director/producer commentary, and over 2 hours of behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes. The discs come packed on either side of a standard HD keepcase with a glossy slipcover. An insert contains redemption instructions for an HD digital copy of the film (the digital copy redeems in 4K on iTunes).

What’s Included:

Film: (1:52:08)

Blu-ray:

1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
Audio:  English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

DVD:

480i/ Anamorphic Widescreen 2.39:1
Audio:  English 5.1 Dolby Audio, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (Code subject to expiration, may not be valid after 2/22/2023):

HD Digital Copy redeemable via Apple TV, Vudu or Google Play (not Movies Anywhere compatible). Note: Will redeem in 4K on Apple TV.

Extras:
Items that do not appear on the DVD disc are noted with an *

Audio Commentary (1:52:08)
Directors Andrew and Jon Erwin, and Producer Kevin Downes provide an entertaining and informative commentary, talking about how the movie came about, their favorite memories of Kurt Warner, the challenges of shooting during the pandemic, casting the film, and more. They share lots of behind-the scenes stories about the production.
Inspired (16:08)
The cast and filmmakers talk about casting the film, the characters’ faith, the inspiration of the real Kurt & Brenda Warner and Coach Dick Vermeil, getting the story right, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with co-directors/producers/screenwriters Jon & Andrew Erwin, executive producers Kurt & Brenda Warner, St. Louis Rams Head Coach Dick Vermeil, and stars Zachary Levi (“Kurt Warner”), Anna Paquin (“Brenda Warner”) & Dennis Quaid (“Coach Vermeil”).
Making the Cut (13:45)
The filmmakers talk about the editing process, combining an emotional redemption story with the sports drama, staying true to the actual sports games, using archival footage, choreographing the sports, test screening reactions, balancing the film for audiences that are both faith-based and not, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with co-directors/producers/screenwriters Jon & Andrew Erwin, and editor Sean Albertson.
A Coach’s Faith* (30:48)
Actress/football fan Heidi Gardner (Saturday Night Live) sits down with St. Louis Rams Head Coach Dick Vermeil (1997-1999) to discuss his career and inspirations, what made him give Kur Warner a chance, what it’s been like seeing his life played out on film twice, why audiences love sports films, and more.
New to the Scene: Hayden Zaller (6:10)
The cast and filmmakers talk about casting and working with 10-year-old Hayden Zaller. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with executive producer Brenda Warner, directors Jon & Andy Erwin, producer Kevin Downes, and stars Zachary Levi, Hayden Zaller (“Zack Warner”) & Anna Paquin.
Meet the Champion (14:49)
Coach Steve “Mooch” Mariucci sits down with Kurt Warner to talk about what it was like seeing his life depicted on the big screen, his involvement in the filmmaking process, his son Zack, and more. Then, Coach Dick Vermeil talks about working with Kurt Warner and how he relates to his story. And finally, FOX Sports commentator Clay Travis sits down with producer Kevin Downes and directors Andy & Jon Erwin to discuss why this was a perfect time for this film, filming the blizzard sequence, using the archival footage, filming the football scenes, the involvement of Kurt & Brenda, and more. (The last portion appeared to have been originally targeted for early theater screenings.)
Behind the Game (8:13)
Director/writer Jon Erwin & director Andy Erwin discuss filming a 10-minute documentary with the Warners as a proof of concept for the film, using what they learned making Woodlawn to immerse the audience in the sports, working with a reduced schedule, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Kurt & Brenda Warner, and stars Zachary Levi & Anna Paquin.
American Underdog: Behind the Story (3:39)
The cast and filmmakers talk about the relationship between Kurt & Brenda, the themes of the film, and faith. Includes interviews with Kurt & Brenda Warner, directors Jon & Andy Erwin, producer Kevin Downes, and stars Zachary Levi & Anna Paquin.
Deleted Scenes (17:44)
11 deleted/extended scenes play back-to-back. Director Andrew Erwin provides optional audio commentary, explaining where the scenes would have fit in, why they were ultimately cut, and some behind-the-scenes stories.
Theatrical Trailer* (2:21)
Also From Lionsgate (4:47)
Trailers for The Unbreakable Boy & The Jesus Music play back-to-back.

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Recommended

American Underdog tells the emotional and inspirational true story of Kurt Warner realizing his dream of making it to the NFL, and his relationship with future wife Brenda along the way. The film finds a great balance between the sports action and the character drama, helping it to appeal to sports fans and non sports fans alike. Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds excellent, and contains a large, entertaining array of bonus material that will surely please any fan of the movie. The release comes recommended for all audiences, even non-sports fans unfamiliar with Warner’s story. This is a universal story of overcoming adversity, having faith, and realizing your dreams.