Hidalgo (DVD)

Hidalgo didn't exactly bring home the gold in theaters raking in just over $67 million domestically, but despite a lot of critical bashing and historians questioning the likelihood that this film was actually based on a "true" story I thought it was a lot of fun and despite a couple of slow spots well worth the ride.

Hidalgo tells the story of the one-time famed cross-country horse racer Frank Hopkins and his horse... Hidalgo. The two became known in certain circles as the best in the world, which didn't exactly sit well with a particular Middle Eastern sheik who in turn invites Hopkins and Hidalgo over to prove themselves in a 3,000 mile race described as the Ocean of Fire.

Sure enough a lot of swashbuckling actions ensues including a massive wall of sand and a swarm of annoying locusts, but nonetheless Hidalgo is a fun film, but I must say where the film succeeds in my mind the bonus features leave a lot to be desired as we get zero commentaries and not even a theatrical trailer... what happened?

Of the two "known" features, the only one that interested me too much was the mini making-of feature called "Sand & Celluloid", which runs about 9 minutes long. The best part of this is when they show just how they made edible locusts, pretzels and sugar anyone?

Moving on, if there is one thing I despise it is having to put my DVDs into my computer to access additional features, that is unless it is to download and print out scripts or something along those lines. Unfortunately here you will have to put your DVD into your computer to watch a 20+ minute featurette, which could have just as easily been made available to view on your DVD player.

The featurette goes deeper into the roots of the Mustang, looks at the history of Frank Hopkins and Hidalgo and is presented in QuickTime format of all things.

The only other feature on the disc is a hidden Easter egg that can be found by going to the "Bonus Features" screen and pushing down on your remote until you highlight the circled cross in the lower left hand portion of your screen for a 3:30 minute segment featuring stories from a couple of Native Americans and a look at some of Viggo Mortensen's photography. Viggo is an avid photographer and has even shown his work around the world. If there is one thing to say for this one is that it at least doesn't have to be played in your friggin' computer.

One huge redeeming quality the DVD does have is the fact that it is presented with your choice of Dolby 5.1 or DTS sound, and if you ask me DTS sound makes up for a lot of mistakes!

Looking at the disc as a whole, the bonus features are a waste, but despite poor box-office numbers and mixed critical reviews I think Hidalgo is worth the money. If the history thing bothers you then you have other issues to worry about considering this is a flick with a good sense of humor, good action and some excellent special effects, besides teh day you find me a film "based on a true story" without any added drama you let me know.