Stars: Johan Leysen, Edward Atterton, Jonathan Cake, Josh Lucas, Brian McGovern, Andrew Tees, Nicholas Rowe, Dominic West

Director: Ferdinand Fairfax

Summary: The story behind the 1987 Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race and the infamous mutiny.

Based on a true story, TRUE BLUE is the gripping tale of the infamous 1987 Oxford University boat race mutiny. When Oxford loses to Cambridge in 1986, it means an end to their 11-year championship boat race reign. Unfortunately, Oxford's obsessive desire to regain their title the following year leads to further misfortune.

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On one level, True Blueis a distillation of the brutal physicality and unique focus demanded of participants in the annual University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. Based on legendary oarsman and Oxford coach Dan Topolksi's book about the 1987 race, it is also a tale of revenge; dominant Oxford had been defeated the year before and wanted the title back. More than that, though, it is a story of sporting obsession and the Machiavellian resources required to last the course in an event shrouded in ritual. When a clutch of lantern-jawed American international rowers muscle in on the Oxford team and threaten, quite literally, to rock the boat with their disregard for any of the tradition surrounding the race or Topolski's coaching methods, the fragile concept of team spirit is splintered.

Ferdinand Fairfax's film, full of fine performances, builds the tension through a series of confrontations and a constantly shifting balance of power over the year leading up to the race. The intuitive relationship between the besieged Topolski (the excellent Johan Leysen) and the President of the College Captains, Donald McDonald (the quietly impassioned Dominic West) is particularly well drawn. With more than a hint of Chariots of Fire, not least in the Vangelis-like soundtrack, this is a moving and beautifully observed film about sporting passion.

On the DVD:True Blueis presented in widescreen with a 16:9 anamorphic video aspect ratio that makes excellent use of the sweeping vistas of the Thames for the racing and training scenes which dominate the film. Stanislas Syrewicz's brooding score underpins the action at every stage and, thanks to the quality of the Dolby Surround soundtrack, helps to bring an appropriately epic, theatrical feel to your home viewing. --Piers Ford

Aspect Ratio:	16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Original Theatrical Trailer
Year:	1996
Release Date:	February 11, 2002
Runtime:	110 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	C C D 8844
Keywords:	Blue, True, General, Wide, Screen, Drama
Genre:	Drama