Synopsis

Based on the extraordinary true story of the greatest smallboat rescue in Coast Guard history, THE FINEST HOURS is a tale of courage, loyalty and honor in the face of overwhelming odds. When a massive storm strikes off the coast of Cape Cod, it rips a T-2 oil tanker in half, trapping more than 30 sailors on its rapidly sinking stern. As Captain Bernie Webber (Pine) and his crew set out in a 12-seat rescue boat to save them, Chief Engineer Ray Sybert (Affleck) struggles to buy his men more time. Packed with heroic larger-than-life action and driven by the men’s faith in their mission, themselves and one another, THE FINEST HOURS is a triumph.

Specifications
The Finest Hours - Blu-Ray Movie Review
Walt Disney Studios
2015, Color, Rated PG 13, 1 hour 57 minutes
DTS MA 5.1, 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Glen Foster & Eric Bana
Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Intense New England Weather
Sex: No
Language: Mild

The Finest Hours - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Commentary

I have been privileged lately to review some films about New England as of late. The other week I reviewed The Witch, with its ties to NE folklore. The Finest Hours is a film about a local legend Bernie Webber, a young man in the Coast Guard who risked his life to save 32 crew members on a T2 tanker that split in half during a Nor’ Easter back in 1952. He managed to save them on a small boat designed to carry 12 people. Pine does a great job of playing a very humble and understated character (not an easy task for the likes of Pine).

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Affleck portrays the introverted crew member who suddenly finds himself in charge of a slowly sinking vessel and his smoldering determination to save the rest of the guys is impressive to watch. The CGI from Disney is top- notch. The massive waves, howling wind and grinding metal from the doomed ship are breathtakingly real and exhilarating to see. Sure, Disney polishes the story a bit with drama, humor and of course a love element, but the over arching story is one of heroism and courage. After all of these years, this remains the Coast Guards biggest single boat rescue of all time and the story is worthy of being retold. Recommended.

The Finest Hours - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Commentary

The picture quality is excellent, with some of the best CGI I have seen in awhile. Both the subtle lighting and details in the shadows are a wonder to behold. I wonder how much better this would look with HDR? The sound is actually a notch better than the picture. The 7.1 mix is very active during the storm with deep booming wave crashes and loud moaning as the ship breaks in half. The sounds of the creaking, groaning boat are in all of the speakers throughout the film. This disc is demo worthy.

The Finest Hours - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Commentary

The extras deliver the goods: Against All Odds: the story behind the story, Brotherhood, Two Crews, What is Your Finest Hour?, Finest Inspiration and of course, deleted scenes.

The Finest Hours - Blu-Ray Movie Review