Review – The Finest Hours On Blu-ray and Digital HD

Disney presents one of the greatest rescue stories ever told. THE FINEST HOURS a heroic action-thriller based on the extraordinary true story of of the greatest small-boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Starring Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films), Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck (“Interstellar”), Ben Foster (“3:10to Yuma”) and Eric Bana (“Lone Survivor”), “THE FINEST HOURS” makes its in-home debut packaged with a host of bonus features about the making of the movie and the remarkable true-life events that inspired it. It storms home on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD and Movies Anywhere May 24th.

Based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias, viewers can enjoy diving into the thrilling eye of the storm with: An all-new documentary  “Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story,” in which real-life residents of Chatham recall the events that set the stage for the film’s historic rescue mission; Four making-of featurettes highlighting cast members experiences and reflections by members of the U.S. Coast Guard; as well as two never-before-shared Deleted Scenes.

I was sent a copy of The Finest Hours on Blu-ray DVD to review, and I have to hand it to Disney they did an incredible job with the cinematic presentation of this movie.  When we had first seen trailers for this movie in theaters, I kind of dismissed it as one I would not enjoy.  But I was so wrong, it is so good.  The video and audio are so realistic, you almost feel as if you are in the rescue boat with Captain Webber and his crew mates.

Chris Pine is a favorite of mine, whether he’s captaining a star ship or a tugboat this guy can act.  His skills made you feel like you knew Bernie, as if he was your very own friend.  Casey Affleck also did a tremendous job in his role.  Holliday Grainger I think captured Miriam’s (Webber’s fiancée) spunk and confidence perfectly.

I always enjoy the special features on Blu-ray discs, and I really enjoyed the Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story featurette.   It was very interesting to hear actual accounts of the night the incident took place from the view point of the residents of Chatham as well as from Bernie’s own daughter.

I highly recommended that you watch The Finest Hours on Blu-ray or on Digital HD if you can, the experience will truly have you sitting at the edge of your seat.  I do suggest you have some tissues close by if you are the sensitive type.  I admit there are a few scenes that resulted in tears running down my face.

Directed by Craig Gillespie (“Million Dollar Arm”), “THE FINEST HOURS” stars Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films); Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nomineeCasey Affleck (“Interstellar”); Ben Foster (“3:10 to Yuma”); Holliday Grainger (“Cinderella”); John Ortiz (“Silver Linings Playbook”); and Eric Bana (“Lone Survivor”). The film is produced by Jim Whitaker (“Cinderella Man”) and Dorothy Aufiero (“The Fighter”), the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver (“8 Mile”) and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson (“The Fighter”) based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias. Doug Merrifield (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) serves as executive producer.