Sasaki Time's Blu-Ray Review: Disney's The Finest Hours

The year is 1952, during one of the biggest storms off the coast of Massachusetts, the oil tanker Pendleton is split in half. With another oil tanker having already suffered a similar fate and undergoing a major rescue operation, the Pendleton sits alone with no radio communication and no commanding officers. A small U.S. Coast Guard boat is dispatched to find the Pendleton. But this small crew and smaller boat loses its compass and has no way of knowing if they are heading towards the tanker or not.

Leading up to this epic rescue is a love story between Coast Guard sailor Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and Miriam (Holliday Grainger). This helps add to the tension and drama as Bernie leads his team out into the storm.

Meanwhile aboard the Pendleton, chief engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) unwillingly takes command of the remaining crew. The crew is made up of all types of sailors with every personality type imaginable. This makes for some very tense moments in an already horrible situation. And the camera work here as we swoop up and down the levels of the ship really bring the ship to life.

The cast is strong. Chris Pine plays Bernie Webber, a man who follows the rules. Holliday Grainger plays Webber's fiancee Miriam, a woman who does not abide by the rules of gender. She is proactive
and has much guts as any of the men in the movie. But Affleck is the stand out here. He takes a man of very few words into the most compelling character here. He quietly becomes the leader when he has no desire to be in charge and uses his knowledge of the ship and the currents to help save him and the remaining men on the ship. The quiet hero who steps up when no one else does or no one really knows what to do.

This man versus nature film will keep you on the edge of your seat.  You feel the hopelessness of the men on the tanker as it appears they have no hope to survive. And you feel the pain of the small Coast Guard crew on their small boat as they head towards certain death to do their job of helping others out at sea. This is one forgotten rescue story that will now never be forgotten. 

Video Quality

The 1080p video transfer is solid for a film that mostly takes place in very dark conditions. You get mostly stormy nighttime scenes and low light ship interiors. Solid details on clothing textures, skin, weathered ships and more. Another solid presentation from Disney.

Audio Quality

The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is huge! The power of the waves in the storm surround you as the bass pounds you. Inside the ship you hear every rattle, creak, yell as if you were trapped in the ship itself. Another outstanding effort from Disney.

Bonus Material

There are several bonus features and a Disney digital copy is included with purchase. 

• Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story (1080p, 14:10): This is a wonderful feature with the main film crew and some of the residents of Chatham talking about the town history and some of the actual details behind the event, with an emphasis on Bernie Weber's heroics. 
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): There are two deleted scenes here. A Desperate Idea (2:34) and The Story of How They Met (1:53).
• Brotherhood (1080p, 1:49): A short feature of how well the cast got along as well as Chris Pine's leadership on the set.
• Two Crews (1080p, 2:02): Another short feature showing the parallel stories of Weber's crew and the survivors on the tanker.
• What Is Your Finest Hour? (1080p, 1:02): A real member of the Coast Guard discussing some of the heroics.
• The Finest Inspiration: The U.S. Coast Guard (1080p, 1:42): A quick look at the modern Coast Guard's missions and abilities.

An exciting, edge of your seat movie on a blu-ray with Disney's high standard for both video as well as audio presentations. The bonus material could have been longer but provide some good value in a blu-ray that I definitely recommend. 

The Finest Hours - On Blu-ray and Digital HD May 24

ONE OF THE GREATEST RESCUE STORIES EVER TOLD

Starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster and Eric Bana

RELEASES ON IN-HOME PLATFORMS, MAY 24^TH

Disney Presents

THE FINEST HOURS

The Film Storms Home on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere,

and Packaged with A Host of Bonus Features Including An All-New Documentary With A Look at the True Life Heroes Behind the Story, Making-of Featurettes and Deleted Scenes

BURBANK, Calif., March 25, 2016 — “THE FINEST HOURS,” a heroic action-thriller based on the true story of a 1952 U.S. Coast Guard rescue, storms home on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, and On-Demand on May 24^th, 2016. Starring Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films), Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck (“Interstellar”), Ben Foster (“3:10 to 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.

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.

Directed by Craig Gillespie (“Million Dollar Arm”), “THE FINEST HOURS” stars Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films); Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey 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.

BONUS FEATURES*:

Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Digital SD, Disney Movies Anywhere

·              AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE BERNIE WEBBER STORY – Visit the quaint and close-knit town of Chatham, and experience the events surrounding the most heroic Coast Guard rescue ever through the eyes of the people who witnessed them.

·              BROTHERHOOD – Cast members reflect on the bonds they forged during the shoot.

·              TWO CREWS – Chris Pine and Casey Affleck share insights into Bernie Webber and Ray Sybert, men who led their respective crews against all odds.

·              WHAT IS YOUR FINEST HOUR? – A Coast Guard member recounts an incredible rescue.

·              THE FINEST INSPIRATION: THE U.S. COAST GUARD Meet the people who put their lives on the line for others.

·              DELETED SCENES:

o    A Desperate Idea

o    The Story of How They Met

DVD

·       BROTHERHOOD

·       THE FINEST INSPIRATION: THE U.S. COAST GUARD

Movie Review: Disney's The Finest Hours

The year is 1952, during one of the biggest storms off the coast of Massachusetts, the oil tanker Pendleton is split in half. With another oil tanker having already suffered a similar fate and undergoing a major rescue operation, the Pendleton sits alone with no radio communication and no commanding officers. A small U.S. Coast Guard boat is dispatched to find the Pendleton. But this small crew and smaller boat loses its compass and has no way of knowing if they are heading towards the tanker or not.

Leading up to this epic rescue is a love story between Coast Guard sailor Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and Miriam (Holliday Grainger). This helps add to the tension and drama as Bernie leads his team out into the storm.

Disney's The Finest Hours World Premiere Photos

Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Eric Bana and the cast of Disney’s “The Finest Hours” were greeted by the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Honor Guard and throngs of fans at the film’s premiere last night at the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. The heroic action-thriller opens in U.S. theaters this Friday, January 29.

"THE FINEST HOURS" HEROES FOR HEROES PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN CHICAGO

 “THE FINEST HOURS” HEROES FOR HEROES PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN CHICAGO ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Screening Series to Honor Real-Life Heroes and Their Families

BURBANK, CALIF. (January 19, 2016) – Walt Disney Studios announces “The Finest Hours” Heroes for Heroes program, a screening seriesdesigned to honor real-life heroes and their families sponsored by Visa Signature and Homewood Suites by Hilton. 

The Heroes for Heroes program will provide military and first responders the chance to attend a screening of Disney’s upcoming heroic action-thriller “The Finest Hours.” Homewood Suites by Hilton, Visa Signature and Disney will travel across the country, stopping in 10 U.S. cities, to create these exclusive screening events.

Heroes for Heroes will kick-off with a screening in Chicago today, Tuesday, January 19, followed by screenings in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis and Kansas City, wrapping up in Los Angeles on Monday, January 25, where the film’s premiere will take place in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The U.S. Coast Guard Band along with the U.S. Honor Guard will perform and officially open the red carpet, with 70 heroes from around the country (representing the Armed Forces, Veterans, Wounded Warriors and First Responders) attending the premiere courtesy of American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation. The heroes will enjoy accommodations by Homewood Suites at a nearby hotel. American Airlines and Homewood Suites by Hilton are sponsors of the premiere.

About The Film:

“The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Raymond Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a., and Dorothy Aufiero, p.g.a., the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, January 29, 2016.

Visa Signature is a proud sponsor of the theatrical release of “The Finest Hours.” Visa Signature cardholders receive benefits including complimentary 24-hour Visa Signature Concierge service, exclusive travel perks, special fine wine and food experiences, and discounts at premium retailers. For more information, visit www.visa.com/signature.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton:

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand with more than 375 locations in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is an award-winning leader that has been named “Top Upscale Extended-Stay” hotel by J.D. Power the last six years. The first choice for guests seeking comfortable accommodations when traveling for an extended or quick overnight stay, Homewood Suites offers inviting, generous suites, featuring separate living and sleeping areas, and fully-equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators. Additional value-driven essentials include: complimentary Internet, a daily full-hot breakfast and complimentary evening social every Monday-Thursday. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Homewood Suites is focused on guest satisfaction and stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance® guarantee. The brand’s military support campaign is also part of Hilton Worldwide’s wider commitment, Operation Opportunity, a pledge to hire 10,000 veterans over the next five years and donate millions of Hilton HHonors points to assist job-

seeking veterans. For more information on the extended-stay advantage, visit: www.homewoodsuites.com or news.homewoodsuites.com.

About Walt Disney Studios:

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which

live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Two Brand New Clips from Disney's The Finest Hours

Chris Pine and Casey Affleck bring the true story of the most daring rescue in Coast History to the big screen. Check out two new clips from the heroic action-thriller "The Finest Hours” featuring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Kyle Gallner, John Magaro and Casey Affleck.

Disney's "The Finest Hours,” which is presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D and transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale, storms into theaters on January 29, 2016.

Disney's The Finest Hours Featurette - In Theaters January 29!

Disney's The Finest Hours is in theaters January 29!

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history.Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016 in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

The Finest Hours - Behind The Scene Featurette

Disney's The Finest Hours is in theaters January 29! 

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history.Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016 in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

The New Poster for The Finest Hours and Tune In Tomorrow 11/11 on GMA for the New Trailer!

Check out the new poster for the heroic action-thriller , “The Finest Hours,” the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.

Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11th, to see the first look at the new trailer for the film on Good Morning America.

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POSTER AND TRAILER FOR THE HEROIC ACTION-THRILLER "THE FINEST HOURS"

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016 in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.