From an early age, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger (Sean Astin) became obsessed with Notre Dame football. Whenever there was a game, his father (Ned Beatty) would gather the rest of the family around the TV to watch. Rudy would tell his family that one day he would be on that field playing for the Irish. But they’d just laugh and tell him it was never going to happen. No one in Rudy’s family had ever gone to college—they were blue collar, living in Joliet, IL. Rudy wasn’t the biggest, smartest, or most athletic, but what he lacked in ability, he more than made up for in gumption and heart. The only person who really believed in Rudy and supported his dream was his best friend Pete (Christopher Reed). It looked like Rudy was going to end up heading down the same path as the rest of his family, going to work at the local steel mill for the rest of his life. However, a tragic accident finally gives Rudy the impetus he needs to stop listening to the naysayers and go pursue his dream. So 22-year-old Rudy packs up and heads out to South Bend, IN. He is determined to achieve his lifelong dream, but before he can even try out for the team, he first needs to get accepted into The University of Notre Dame. It proves to be a long, trying process, but Rudy is not the type of person to give up, and with his endless determination, and with the help of many different mentors along the way, he knows his dream will eventually become reality.
Rudy is probably considered one of the best sports movies ever made, though it’s not really a sports movie, but rather the inspirational true story of one young man never giving up on his dream, no matter how many people tell him it’s impossible. No matter how many hurdles life throws at Rudy, he never lets it stop him from believing he can achieve his goal. He has this endless optimism that is infectious to those around him. I probably hadn’t seen this film in over 20 years. I am the furthest thing from a sports fan, but I found myself completely drawn into this story, rooting for Rudy even before the slow clap or chanting of his name. It’s such a wonderful and inspirational story, and even more-so because it’s true. Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score is so uplifting and emotional—I defy anyone to watch this movie and not well up during the last 5 minutes!
Sean Astin is wonderful in this role, really embodying the spirit and heart of Rudy Ruettiger. Along his journey, Rudy meets several people who encourage him in his efforts—some of the actors are even quite recognizable today. From the priest, Father Cavanaugh (Robert Prosky), who helps him get into a nearby junior college to get his grades up, to teaching assistant D-Bob (Jon Favreau), who assists him with his studies and gaining access to the Notre Dame campus in exchange for helping him meet girls, to the wise and friendly groundskeeper, Fortune (Charles S. Dutton), who shows Rudy compassion and offers him a job, to football fan/booster club president/journalism student Mary (Greta Lind), who’s interested in sharing Rudy’s story, to the many coaches and football players who recognize Rudy’s heart and dedication, over the fact that he certainly won’t be an All-American or a professional athlete. Not only do these characters help change Rudy’s life, but his endless enthusiasm and courage also help to inspire them as well. Some other recognizable appearances include Lili Taylor as Rudy’s longtime girlfriend Sherry, a very young Vince Vaughn as football player Jamie O’Hara, and Amy Pietz.
Sony had previously released Rudy on Blu-ray back in 2008, but this new SteelBook release is the first time the film has gotten the 4K treatment. In addition, it offers a brand new director’s cut that adds back in 13 minutes of footage! It had been so long since I last watched this movie that I couldn’t have told you which scenes were new. They blend in seamlessly with the rest of the movie. Though in the disc’s new commentary track, the director and screenwriter point out which of the scenes are new to this version. The new 4K picture looks fantastic, with a crisp, clean image throughout, with just the right amount of film grain. Colors look natural, rich and beautiful, and there is an excellent level of detail, particularly in close-ups of faces. I even noticed the embroidered texture of the film’s opening title for the first time. I can’t imagine this film looking any better—it certainly doesn’t feel like a 30 year old movie! The disc’s Atoms soundtrack is also great, providing an immersive viewing experience, especially with the roar of the crowd in the football sequences, and how Jerry’s Goldsmith’s delightful and inspirational score fills the room.
This release features beautiful new SteelBook packaging, which can be seen below. The 4K and Blu-ray discs reside on the right side of the case, while an insert provides instructions for redeeming a 4K Movies Anywhere digital copy of the film. The 4K disc includes a brand new commentary track from the film’s screenwriter and director—who had also worked together on Hoosiers, so there are a lot of comparisons made—as well as 5 deleted scenes and the film’s trailer. The Blu-ray disc, which is identical to the 2008 release, contains the rest of the bonus material—an interview from 2000 with the real Rudy Ruettiger, a promotional featurette, and a short interview with Sean Astin from the set.
What’s Included:
Film: (2:07:18 Director’s Cut / 1:54:00 Theatrical Cut)
- Both Cuts of the film
- 2160p / Widescreen 1.85:1
- Dolby Vision / HDR10
- Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible), English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (Both Cuts), English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, French, 5.1, Spanish Dolby Surround (Theatrical Only)
- Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
- Theatrical Cuts only
- 1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
- Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
- Subtitles: English, English SDH, French
- 4K digital copy, redeemable via Movies Anywhere or Vudu
- Directors Cut Commentary with David Anspaugh & Angelo Pizzo (2:07:18)
The brand new commentary from writer/co-producer Angelo Pizzo and director David Anspaugh appears to have been recorded 3 years ago (based on a comment that they made the film 27 years ago). The two men provide a fun and interesting discussion about the movie and the production, sharing lots of behind-the-scenes stories and factoids, talking about some of the changes that were made from Rudy’s real story, pointing out which scenes were added back in for this Director’s Cut, and more. - Deleted Scenes (3:14)
Five additional deleted scenes. Most are pretty short, but it’s always nice to see new material for an older movie. The longest clip appears to be an alternate ending, with a group of kids playing football, arguing over which one of them gets to be Rudy. Play All, or select from Spaghetti (:47), Game’s On (:30), Stadium (No Audio) (:32), This Story (:27], Train Tracks (1:12). - Theatrical Trailer (1:59)
- Rudy: The Real Story (12:53)
The real Rudy Ruettiger discusses his true story that is depicted in the film. Originally produced in 2000. Presented in 4:3 full frame format. - Production Featurette (3:10)
Promotional featurette for the film’s original release. Includes clips and interviews with director David Anspaugh, screenwriter Angelo Pizzo, Associate Vice President of Notre Dame Richard W. Conklin, producers Rob Fried & Cary Woods, and star Charles Dutton. Presented in 4:3 full frame format. - First Down with Sean Astin (1:05)
Interview with star Sean Astin from the set. He talks about the magic of the story, and filming the football scenes. Presented in 4:3 full frame format. - Previews
Select from Trailers for “Blu-ray Disc is High Definition!” and Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition.
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4K UHD:
Blu-ray:
Digital (Limited time offer):
Extras:
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4K Ultra HD:
Blu-ray:
This disc appears to be identical to the 2008 release
Final Thoughts:
Rudy arrives on 4K disc for the first time in a beautiful new SteelBook case, and with a stunning presentation that deserves a slow clap and chanting from the stands. The film is a wonderful, inspirational and uplifting drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey with Rudy Ruettiger as he never gives up on his dream. The 4K disc includes an entertaining new commentary and a few short deleted scenes, along with the legacy bonus material residing on a copy of the previous Blu-ray release. The film has never looked this good, making it must own for Rudy fans, and highly recommended for anyone looking for an entertaining underdog story that is certain to make you well up by the end.
Rudy 30th Anniversary SteelBook (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) [4K UHD]
27% Off $45.99 $30.56 (as of April 26, 2024 15:14 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rudy
$3.59 (as of April 26, 2024 15:14 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
