Lords of Dogtown (2005) Steelbook Edition Review

The X-Games are a big deal! Many skateboarders dream of maybe someday competing on the X-Games. But it wasn't always that way! In the 70s skateboarding was just a way to get from point A to point B if you will! That all changed with the Z-Boys. Lords of Dogtown is considered the best skateboarding film of all time! Yes, there have been more than one!

The 2005 biopic of these pioneers of extreme skateboarding is now on Walmart Exclusive Deluxe Steelbook from Mill Creek Entertainment.

Lords of Dogtown follows the true story of three California teenagers Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva and Jay Adams. These guys were just 'pirates' as they are called in the film, until board designer Skip Engblom (played flawlessly by Heath Ledger) to create a new style of skateboarding all thanks to the urethane skateboard wheel. Skip takes the boys and others into competition. But the three boys are the standouts and soon leave Skip to make money! Then the fun of skateboarding becomes a job. And success shreds their friendship.

The film shows the raw and uncensored lives of teenagers in the 70s. Sometimes it's hard to watch these guys make bad decisions that impact themselves and others but that is the truth of life. We make bad mistakes and sometimes pay for them. The cinematography in this film is outstanding. The camera follows the Z-Boys as they skate, and you get the feeling that you're riding alongside them. Finally, Heath Ledger really shines in this film. 

This is the unrated extended cut of this film, and it does drag a little in places. Adding additional scenes extending the film may have caused that! Also, it is good to note there are some adults' themes and language in this film so just because this is a skateboard film this is not for the kids not at all!

The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in widescreen format in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The audio and video quality are pristine, the action looks gorgeous on Blu-ray.

But in addition to a great looking film transfer, there are the bonus features, which include the theatrical trailer, making of featurettes, gag reel and not one but two audio commentaries. One featuring the director and cast and the other featuring the original Z-Boys.

Then there is the fact that this is a Steelbook edition. I love Steelbooks! They are so sturdy, and they look so classy. And The Lords of Dogtown Steelbook is no different. The art is so cool. The orange and blues really pop on this Steelbook edition.

Now while Lords of Dogtown may not be everyone cup of tea when it comes to movies, but it has its fans. And those that love this film are going to love this Steelbook edition. So, I highly recommend it for anyone who loves this film.

So, if you are a fan of biopics or skateboarding movies, Lords of Dogtown would be right up your ally! I suggest you head over to Walmart today and get a copy for yourself!

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Lords of Dogtown Steelbook receives....