Sports movies: the gifts that just keep on giving





Whether they prefer a comedy or drama, classic movie or documentary, even wrestling or animation, sports fans should have no problem finding their perfect stocking-stuffer this year. Here are a few DVD gift-giving ideas for the person who enjoys sports on film.

Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper Story (WWE)— With his rivalry against Hulk Hogan putting Wrestlemania on the map, the halloffamer’s journey through wrestling and Hollywood is detailed in this three-disc anthology.

Cars (Disney)—A cocky young racer (Owen Wilson) learns some humility from a veteran (Paul Newman) as the secret lives of cars is explored through the animated prism of Pixar. Extras include an Oscar-nominated short and several deleted scenes.

FIFA World Cup 2006 (Sony)—Narrated by Pierce Brosnan, this is the official film of soccer’s quadrennial tournament, won by Italy over France in the spectacular event last summer in Germany.

Freedom’s Fury (Cinergi) Here’s a powerful documentary about the 1956 Olympic semifinal water polo match between Hungary and Russia. Held in Australia, the match, famously known as “Blood in the Water,” took place at a time when Soviet forces came to Budapest to stomp out the city’s popular revolt. Produced by Quentin Tarantino and Andrew Vajna, the film takes an in-depth look at one of the most politicized sports events ever.

Grand Prix (Warner Bros.)— This double disc of John Frankenheimer’s drama, shot during the 1966 season of the Formula One racing circuit, is still considered one of the greatest car racing films ever made, thanks to the director’s dramatic race footage, dynamic split-screen effects, and documentary detail behind the scenes. Starring James Garner, this double disc includes behindthescenes features on the making of the film, a profile of its Oscar-winning sound design and a tour of the famous courses used in the movie.

Invincible (Disney)—From the producers of “Miracle” and “The Rookie” comes this true story starring Mark Wahlberg as 30-year-old Philadelphia Eagles fan Vince Papale who loses his job and wife, then decides to try out for his favorite NFL team and achieve his dream of succeeding on the gridiron.

Notre Dame Football: The Fighting Irish Collector’s Set (A&E)—An eight-volume tome that highlights the storied Notre Dame program and looks at the great players and games that make up the history of Irish football.

Rocky Anthology (MGM)— On the heels of the theatrical release of “Rocky Balboa” comes this five-disc set featuring the first five installments of the beloved underdog boxer from Philadelphia.

Talladega Nights (Sony)— Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is one of NASCAR’s greatest racers and is living the American dream, but when it all spins out of control the former champ puts the pedal to the metal in this hilarious romp. Extras include cast interviews, alternate lines, deleted scenes and a vignette, “Will Ferrell Returns to Talladega 25 Years Later.”

St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Series Collector’s Set (A&E)A massive eightdisc is

sue that presents the five Fall Classic games in their entirety as well as detailed stats, exclusive interviews and a look at the franchise’s 1982 title.

Randy Williams is the author of “Sports Cinema: 100 Movies —The Best of Hollywood’s Heroes, Losers, Myths, and Misfits.” In his new book, Williams counts down his top 100 movie picks from the early 20th Century to the present. With over 2,000 sports movies in the genre’s history, coming up with a list of the very best is a difficult task. Williams based his study upon hundreds of hours of film watching and his expertise as a lifelong writer and sports movie fan.


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