Search - Chariots of Fire [Fullscreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1981 DVD Release: 05/20/1997 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 4 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 26 Genres: Drama, Period Film, Sports Drama See Also: Chariots of Fire [Widescreen Special Edition], Chariots of Fire [Fullscreen] [Oscar O-Sleeve]

Based on a true story, Chariots of Fire is the internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning drama of two very different men who compete as runners in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a serious Christian Scotsman, believes that he has to succeed as a testament to his undying religious faith. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), is a Jewish Englishman who wants desperately to be accepted and prove to the world that Jews are not inferior. The film crosscuts between each man's life as he trains for the competition, fueled by these very different desires. As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve. (Ian Holm was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in his role as Abrahams' coach), and this powerful film ended up with four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide

Ben Cross - Harold Abrahams
Ian Charleson - Eric Liddell
Nigel Havers - Lord Andrew Lindsay
Nicholas Farrell - Aubrey Montague
Ian Holm - Sam
Daniel Gerroll - Henry Stallard
John Gielgud - Master of Trinity

The Best Picture Oscar winner for 1981, Chariots of Fire comes to DVD with a standard full-frame 1.33:1 image. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital Surround. English, Spanish, and French subtitles are available. Supplemental features include production notes and the theatrical trailer. While it is nice to have this famous film released on DVD, it does seem a shame that a Best Picture winner is given such a pedestrian release; at the very least, the famous musical score deserves its own audio track. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide