Blu-ray Review: THE BLIND SIDE

Blu-ray Rating: 9/10

This review will only cover the Blu-ray and it’s features. If you’re looking for a review of the film itself, you can check out James’ review HERE.

THE BLIND SIDE is a very touching film that took the nation by storm, grossing over 250 million dollars and capturing the hearts of almost everyone who saw it. As most know, the film is also commended for its performances, which ultimately led to Sandra Bullock winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. But would the movie that had it all bring the same magic to the special features of the Blu-ray?

The answer is a resounding yes, one that hits about as hard as Michael Oher. The disc is packed with a wide array of special features giving a really deep inside look into the film. Since the film is based off a true story, one should expect the home video release to have features comparing the film and the true events. THE BLIND SIDE definitely delivers in that category.

Right out of the gate, THE BLIND SIDE gets on your good side with an exclusive interview with Michael Oher, whom the film is centered around. In this ten minute interview, Oher talks about the difficulties he had growing up, and what it was like joining the Tuohy family. It’s pretty amazing watching the real guy talk about his experiences and how they relate to the film. The perfect feature for a film of the caliber of THE BLIND SIDE.

The next great feature is Acting Coaches: Behind The Blind Side, a look into what it was like having real life college football coaches play themselves for the film. Of course, in the film they play exaggerated versions of themselves, but if this feature proves anything, it is that these guys are definitely characters. It’s fun to see them talk trash about one another in a very subtle way.

Another fantastic feature on the disc is The Story of Quinton chronicling the choice of putting extremely unknown actor Quinton Aaron into the title role of Michael Oher. This feature proves that they could not have cast a better person for the role, as Oher and Aaron come from very similar beginnings. It’s pretty amazing to see the parallels drawn between their lives, and how the film gave Aaron the opportunity comparable to Ohers.

Then there is Sideline Conversations, easily the best special feature on the disc. They are a series of one-on-one interviews, one of which between Sandra Bullock and the real life Leigh Anne (who she portrays in the film), and one between the director John Lee Hancock and the author of the novel Michael Lewis. Bullock’s interview was so enthralling because she and Leigh Anne are so fun together. You can really tell why Sandra was given the role, and why she deserved it.

To top off everything, the Blu-ray version also comes with a DVD copy and a Digital Copy, something totally unexpected but completely appreciated. Films don’t do this often, but when they do, it instantly adds to the value of the set. For all those fans of deleted scenes out there, they also included the typical deleted scenes fare. Only about seven minutes worth, but it is certainly appreciated.

Sadly, the Blu-ray set does not have a commentary, which would have been perfect for this film. If they could have done a commentary with Michael Oher, my mind would have been blown. But even without the commentary, this is such a solid Blu, and is a definite must-have for any fans of the flick.