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NHL All-Access!
review by Zach B.
Studio: USA
Running Time: 50 minutes
Retail Price: $19.95
Features: Special Events Segments, SuperSkills
Segments, The Draft Segments, Behind The Scenes Segments,
NHL Previews. DVD-ROM
Specs: 1.33:1 Full Frame, English 5.1 Dolby Digital,
French Dolby 2.0, French Subtitles, Chapter Search (9
Chapters)
ESPN's Bill Clement hosts this really interesting
documentary of sorts entitled "NHL All-Access!" While hockey
is a very popular sports, I sort of feel that its kind of
underrated. I'm not a die-hard fan, but I really enjoy
playing the game a lot and I do like to watch it on
television.
This disc is pretty much for the more in-depth hockey
fans only. Sure casual viewers can watch and get a good deal
out of it, but I feel if you follow the pros year in and
year out, you'll get even more out of it. The disc has
interviews with players, coaches and you'll hear some pretty
candid talk.
The disc also has some memorable hockey moments, such as
Gretzky's final game and some stuff on Mario Lemieux's
comeback. In addition to that, there's some cool montages.
There's also some focus on Ron Wilson and Patrick Roy, among
other things.
Clement has much enthusiasm for this presentation, and
its presented in an excellent manner. Everything is divided
up evenly and features good focus for each chapter. It's
editied very nicely and offers some pretty insightful and
in-depth information on hockey, stuff you can't always see
or hear from the games. You get some good perspective on
things and how some players focus and work.
This is an entertaining DVD with a lot to like, and you
may even watch some of this stuff more than once. Hockey and
NHL fans, you're gonna love this.
Presented in 1.33:1 full frame, "NHL All-Access!" looks
pretty good. Basically all of this is video tape. Clips
range in quality, depending on age. Some look really sharp
while other, older clips are a bit faded on and have a good
deal of wear. I didn't notice any noise, and some things
were in widescreen actually. A good effort overall for what
it is. It even looks a bit better than I expected.
"NHL All-Access!" has a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The
music uses all of these channels nicely, like during chapter
five there is a good build of tension as players go out and
prepare to play. Dialogue is clear and not distorted, and
nothing overpowers anything else. Some surround use during
the games is also present, and that brings a good kick into
the mix. If you check this disc out you'll be treated to a
surprisingly strong 5.1 mix. A 2.0 French track is also
included and French subtitles.
"NHL All-Access!" has a Photo Gallery that has
stills that deal with Patrick Roy ("Roy's Record Breaker"),
Gretzky's Finale and Lemiuex's Comeback.
Special Events is divided into three sections:
"Pond Of Dreams", "Behind The Pond Of Dreams" and "Montreal
Forum Finale". These are nice interesting clips that will
please hockey fans, as it features some clips from games,
but the players walking and talking is pretty staged and
kind of pathetic (they need acting lessons for sure).
SuperSkills features some more viewing fun, with
"Pronger Takes The Mic" and "SuperSkills 2000". You'll love
these if you love hockey.
The Draft has some even more segments, these
dealing with the NHL draft and creating a team. "NHL Entry
Draft", "Building Minnesota" and "Building Columbus" are the
clips.
Finally, the last bonus clips section is called Behind
The Scenes where you take a look at four more segments.
"Behind The Broadcast", "Canucks In Sweden", "A Day With
Bure" and "The Equipment Managers"
Finally, the menus are nicely animated and easy to
navigate, while there is some DVD-ROM material.
Before the main menu there are Previews for other NHL
DVDs.
An excellent feature and a great amount of supplements,
all hockey fans should add "NHL All-Access!" to their
collection. For a good price and the wealth of stuff, it's
truly worth it.
 (4/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (3.5/5)
(3.5/5)
 (2/5)
(3.5/5, NOT an average)
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