Coalwood, West Virginia, 1957. Working in the coal mines is an inescapable way of life in this small town. When high schooler Homer Hickam, Jr. (Jake Gyllenhaal) sees the Sputnik satellite in the night sky, he dares to break free of the mines and reach for the stars. With the support of his teacher (Laura Dern) and three friends, Homer sets out on an inspiring quest to build his own rocket. Overcoming a poor education, a tough father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires, Homer turns his dreams into reality in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph.

CRITIQUE

I remember when this film came out in theaters in 1999, but I never actually sat down to view it until now. I have to admit the reputation of this critically acclaimed film is understandable.

The plot is somewhat clichéd, as any coming-of-age story is. But the acting and Joe Johnston’s direction is really a gem in filmmaking. In fact, the way Johnson shot the little town of Coalwood is quite romantic in a way, almost as if the town is an enchanting place even though it’s not at all that. There is a nice little montage in the very beginning of the film that gives you a feeling that this is going to be a good, enjoyable film.

The acting is a definite strong point in this film. With (at the time) newcomer Jake Gyllenhaal (who should’ve gotten the Peter Parker role instead) as the lead, the father-knows-best Chris Cooper, and the inspiring teacher Laura Dern, October Sky displays a strong cast; this assembly equals quality acting at its finest.

The story is a bit simple but also very endearing. It’s a story I suppose all of us at one time can relate to, mostly at a young age, being passionate about something that may not receive the approval of our parents. And the restrictions within a small town are very realistically on screen. Even though I’ve grown up in a big city, my parents grew up in a small town and after viewing this film they commented that the limitations to what one can do in a small town for fun, or even opportunities, was similar to theirs from the film.

THE VIDEO

Universal Studios presents October Sky in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. I am impressed with the nice transfer. Colors are rich and well saturated.

THE AUDIO

Universal Studios presents October Sky in English, Spanish, and French 5.1, not to mention a DTS audio track for good measure. Between the 5.1 and the DTS track, both are high quality for stereo surround sound loudness. The stereo surround sound makes you feel as if you are right on the spot of the location, watching the rockets lift up into the air.

THE EXTRAS

-Aiming High: The Story of the Rocket Boys

-Feature Commentary with Homer Hickam

-Spotlight on Location

-Production Notes

-Theatrical Trailer

The first two bonus materials are brand new, whereas the last three are the special features from the previous DVD release. The way it looks there isn’t much to consider this a “special edition” title. Not true. The first two features are what most DVDs are missing. I was expecting something like this from the ire in the Sky DVD, as well as many other “inspired by a true story” films. It makes the movie more special and real, and gives you depth between the filmed version and the way things happened in real life.

FINAL THOUGHTS