Without Limits

Yawn. Sports. Running. At least in a horror film you’re running from something. OK, so by now you’ve gathered that it’s no secret that this reviewer is not a sports fan. With this preset notion in mind, it makes it hard to actually get into a sports-based film. There are, however, a few exceptions. The Mighty Ducks - how could you not love it? Jerry Maguire - Renee makes it worth the while. See, I’m not that bitter, cold and harsh. Just generally, that’s all...

Now with this rather harsh preconceived concept, this reviewer watched Without Limits without hope of enjoyment. Well, I was actually attached for longer than I would have thought. It’s definitely not going to be a ‘favourite’, however it is passable, and those with a shred more appreciation of sport as well as a warm heart - although those two concepts don’t really mix - may be able to appreciate it more.

This film tells the story of Steve Prefontaine, an American athletics icon and his rise to success and, of course, his inevitable drop from that high point. Holder of every long distance running record in the United States, his success was shown through his devoted fans and inspiration to other athletes. Prefontaine, played by Billy Crudup (Big Fish, Almost Famous) apparently captures the character of Prefontaine, or 'Pre' as he was called, with ego-fuelled boisterous behaviour and a hint of arrogance too, freely saying it how it is and authentically portraying, both behaviourally and physically, Prefontaine. Pre’s coach, Bill Bowerman, played by Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job, The Puppet Masters), acts powerfully in this role, adding contrast to Prefontaine, making their friendship of opposites believable. Prefontaine’s love interest, Mary, played by the lusciously beautiful Monica Potter (Along Came A Spider, I’m With Lucy) adds warmth to her character, and it is her presence that is able to teach Prefontaine the price of following a dream at all costs, pushing yourself further than you can handle, really without limits.

The video is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect, and is anamorphically enhanced. While the Region 1 version receives the option of pan and scan or a widescreen option, our disc receives only the one choice. Makes it easy, huh? Anyway, the video transfer that we have been given leaves you feeling rather nostalgic, with rather muted and dry colours. This effect, however, would have made the splicing of original footage from the Munich Olympics an easier task with the poor colours on older film. The editing of Without Limits is really slick, as is the cinematography from Academy Award winner Conrad L. Hall (Road to Perdition). The quality of the shadow detail is rather saddening, with murky depths, yet blacks are given the Rolls Royce treatment with solid results. Film artefacts are apparent, but nothing overly distracting. With such beautiful cinematography it is a shame that the transfer isn’t nicer than what we’ve been given.

The audio transfer, however, is gorgeous, with the single Dolby Digital 5.1 English track being more than sufficient with a clean spout of dialogue coming directly from the centre channel and the remaining speakers used healthily for effects in all of the appropriate moments. Bass levels are suitable, yet the woofwoof does get a little left out with a few scenes missing out from that extra woof. Randy Miller’s score is appropriate for the genre of the film, and well-paced during the more action-packed race scenes, adding a warm heart to the film without being a memorable score. This soundtrack may not be the most active 5.1 mix, however a rich enveloping sound is built and adds so much atmosphere to the film.

Sorry, but interactive menus and scene access don’t really count. Keep running...

It was hard for this reviewer to really get into this film due to its sports theme, however the emotional story is strong and well-constructed. The film itself deals maturely, if a little melodramatically, with the rather short life of Prefontaine, and for fans of the man this would be a great addition to the DVD collection. The video transfer is adequate, but definitely nothing worth writing home about, while the audio transfer is great to say the least.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, the bargain price on this baby is just another guarantee that you'll want this disc in your collection.