BLU-RAY REVIEW

Next Goal Wins

Featured In Issue 272, March/April

Picture4.5
Sound4
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
20th Century Studios
(Catalog Number):
240795
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Some strong language and crude material
(Retail Price):
$29.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
104
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
ABC
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
2/27/2024
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Taika Waititi
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 7.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"Next Goal Wins" follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurette "The Picture Of Life" (HD 6:47), "Priest Blessing The Team" deleted scene (HD 02:37) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.00:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photograph digitally using the Arri Alexa Mini LF and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. The picture was shot on location in Hawaii (filling in for American Samoa) and features numerous outdoor sequences. The imagery appears natural throughout with a warm and rich color palette. Colors are never exaggerated or unnatural. Flesh tones appear perfectly natural and realistic. Contrast i is naturally wide with natural blacks, and revealing shadows and white levels. Resolution is a bit soft but still respectfully sharp and clear. Overall, this is a satisfying visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS=HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is in the main dialogue focused with realistic atmospherics that support the on-location settings. Sound effects are also convincingly realistic and never exaggerated. The music often is native with great sounding percussive drums and otherwise an orchestral/choral arrangement. Dialogue is intelligible but often ADR produced and forward sounding. Surround energy is supportive and at times aggressively enveloping, especially with respect to the music during the soccer matches. Overall, this is fun infested soundtrack that is steep in Samoan traditions. (Gary Reber)