| | | When people say dreams don't come true, tell them about Rudy
Features: DVD, Deluxe Edition, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 1.85:1, Dolby Digital (5.1), Dolby Surround Sound, English, French, Subtitled, Spanish, Dubbed & Subtitled
All his life, people have told Rudy he's not good enough, not smart enough, not big enough. But nothing can stop his impossible dream of playing football for Notre Dame. From the time he's a young boy, Rudy (Sean Astin) is determined to join the Fighting Irish. But his blue collar family only laughs at his ambitions - they know Rudy will follow his father and brothers to the local steel mill. And, for four long years after high school, he does just that. But some dreams won't die, as Rudy proves when he goes to heroic, occasionally hilarious, lengths to win admission to Notre Dame. Once there, he becomes a walk-on player, serving as little more than a human tackling dummy against the starting players. Bloodied but unbeaten, Rudy wins the respect of legendary coach Ara Parseghian and the other Irish players, who give him one shot at gridiron glory. An incredible true story from the creators of Hoosiers, is an unforgettable testament to the power of dreams and the triumph of the common man.
"Two thumbs up. A marvelous performance by Sean Astin." Siskel & Ebert
Editor's Note
One of the most heartwarming tales ever committed to film, the true story of Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettinger (Sean Astin, THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) is an underdog drama that escapes--for the most part--the pitfalls of sentimentality. Set in 1960s Joliet, Illinois, Rudy lives in a staunchly blue-collar steelworkers' community. Despite his obsession with Notre Dame and college football, Rudy goes to work in the mill alongside his father and brothers directly after his high school graduation. It takes the accidental death of his best friend to inspire Rudy to pursue his dream of playing for Notre Dame. As everyone in his life is quick to point out, Rudy lacks the brains, brawn, and financial means to ever achieve his goal, but he sets out for South Bend just the same, enrolling in a junior college and trying out for the team as a walk-on. Eventually Rudy becomes a member of the practice team, where he displays such a strength of heart and fierceness of will that he touches and inspires all those around him, including the groundskeeper, Fortune (Charles Dutton), the tough-talking coach (Jason Miller), and even his nay saying father (Ned Beatty). Director David Anspaugh, who scored a previous hit with 1986's HOOSIERS, delivers an earnest sports film that concentrates on character and detail, with Sean Astin turning in a remarkably understated, subtle performance.
Plot Summary
High School student Rudy Ruettinger dreamed of one day playing football for Notre Dame's Fighting Irish champions. But Rudy's got two obstacles to overcome: his runty build and mediocre academic record make him an unlikely candidate for a school with Notre Dame's athletic and scholastic reputation.| When college chaplain Father Cavanaugh -- won over by Rudy's commitment and perseverance -- helps him get into an affiliated community college, the young man makes good on his promise to work hard. After pulling up his grades and transferring to Notre Dame, Rudy gets the chance of a lifetime, the golden opportunity to realize his life-long dream.
| Features | Audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround | | Scene Selection | | CD Soundtrack | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai | | Remastered In High Definition | | Filmographies | | Isolated Score | | Bonus Trailers | | Featurette: Rudy, The Real Story | | Original Featurette | | Featurette: First Down With Sean Astin |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Columbia Tri-Star |
| Release Date: 9/30/2003 |
| Running Time: 114 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1993 | | Catalog ID: 01429 | | UPC: 00043396014299 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Available Subtitles: French, Korean, Spanish, Thai, Chinese | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | New York Times
"...A knowing glimpse of working class life....Most important, it has a tough, persuasive performance by Mr. Astin..." 10/13/1993 p.C21Premiere
"...Charming....[Astin] gives an uncomplicated, utterly winning performance..."|- Recommended 06/01/1994 p.121 Variety
"...A film that hits all the right buttons, it's an intelligent, sentimental drama that lifts an audience to its feet cheering..." 09/27/1993 Washington Post 7 of 10
...If these kinds of films keep you on edge, surprised and charmed, you've already heard enough. Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo know all the combinations... And Astin gives these familiar doings the charm they need, as he pushes towards a virtually impossible goal. His most frequent question (to priest Prosky) is, "Have I done all I can?" The truth is, he has. That's the positive difference for Rudy. - Desson Howe
MovieThing.com 9 of 10
...An emotional ride that will give you goosebumps and have you chanting, Rudy is an amazing sports film with high drama and superb acting by Astin. - David Pickup
James Berardinelli's ReelViews 7 of 10
...Rudy is intended to be triumphant and inspirational, and, in a cliche-riddled fashion, it attains those aims... The performances of Sean Astin and Charles S. Dutton are noteworthy. Dutton has a forceful onscreen presence, and his portrayal of Rudy's unofficial mentor invests this role with more than might typically be expected from it. Astin, a relatively fresh face, has all the tenacity necessary to play the title character... - James Berardinelli
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