American Flyers (1985) {Review Warner Archive Blu-ray}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Kevin Costner is a actor, producer and director. I have enjoyed Costner films for most of my adult life. I remember my first Costner film, Field of Dreams and I have gone on to enjoy many more including Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Dances with Wolves, The Untouchables, JFK, Draft Day and many more.

Warner Archive released an early Kevin Costner film Fandango on Blu-ray. You can read the review of that release here. But now it is time for another Kevin Costner Blu-ray. Warner Archive is giving American Flyers it's Blu-ray debut.

After the tragic death of his father Dr. Marcus Sommers (Kevin Costner, Dances with Wolves) discovers that he and his brother David (David Grant, Air America) may be prone a fatal brain disease as well. So he decides to try and bury the hatchet with his brother by asking him to join him is a grueling bike race through the Rockies. But they soon realize they may have to go it alone.

American Flyers is an exciting sports drama in the line of Rudy, Miracle, Invincible, Hoosiers and Brian's Song. But it is good to note that while this is a feel good drama, it does have a good amount of adult language, situations a brief nudity. So parent should use discretion.

American Flyers was amazingly directed by John Badham (WarGames, Blue Thunder, Saturday Night Fever). Beyond seeing Kevin Costner we get a pretty amazing supporting cast of familiar faces including, John Amos (Good Times, Coming to America), Jennifer Grey (Ferris Buller's Day Off), Robert Townsend (The Parent 'Hood, The Meteor Man), 

Now American Flyers have been transferred in 1080p with the aspect ratio 2.35:1 from a new master. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

I must say this new master looks stunning. The picture is crisp and clear with no signs of damage whatsoever. The soundtrack is clear and with the amazing music included in this film it needs to be clear so that you can enjoy the 80s rocking soundtrack!

The only downside that I see with this Blu-ray release is that the bonus features are extremely limited. The only thing included is the Theatrical Trailer. But this new master looks so good I can not help but recommend it for fans of sports dramas.

Watch The Trailer Below:


If you love Kevin Costner or sport dramas American Flyers is defiantly one Blu-ray that you will want to add to your Blu-ray collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

 Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive Blu-ray release of American Flyers receives...