Crazylegs (1953) DVD Review – Classic Football Biopic of Elroy Hirsch in Vintage Sports Cinema Spotlight

Before sports biopics became box office staples, there was The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) and Crazylegs (1953). These two films blazed the trail for all sports films to follow. But what made these two films so unique was the films starred the men that lived these lives. 

Kit Parker Films, Sprocket Vault and MVD Visual have released 1953's Crazylegs on DVD! The DVD, Crazylegs offers both a nostalgic look back at a football legend and a window into the golden age of sports cinema. But how does this mid-century underdog story hold up in today’s home entertainment era? Let’s take a closer look.

Synopsis: "Crazylegs" tells the story of Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, played by Hirsch himself, picking up from his high school days, into the Universities of Wisconsin and Michigan, service in the Marines, followed by what was thought to be a career-ending fractured skull while playing for the Chicago Rockets. Defying the odds, he went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams, becoming one of the acknowledged great athletes of his day. The many football sequences are skillfully edited from the actual college, All-Star and Rams home games. 

Now I am a huge fan of The Jackie Robinson Story starring the man himself. When I can across this film "Crazylegs" I had to see it! Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch was a natural on the gridiron and a natural in front of the camera as well. Elroy's story plays out in a less than 90-minute film, which is perfect. This is not too long to get bored and not too short to feel cheated. The drama of his life, injury and comeback complete with real game footage. Lending realism to this production.

Elroy Hirsch led this cast for this biopic and does a wonderful job. But in addition to him we see many of the greats from the Los Angeles Rams including, Larry Brink, Tom Dahms, Dick Daugherty, Jack Dwyer, Tom Fears, Bob Gambold, Norbert Hecker, Elroy Hirsch, Dick "Night Train" Lane, Woodley Lewis, Leon McLaughlan, Don Paul, Duane Putnam, Volney Quinlan, Dan Towler, Norman Van Brocklin, Bob Waterfield, Stan West, Jim Winkler and Paul "Tank" Younger.

Elroy Hirsch after this film would find work in other films most notably Unchained (1955) and disaster classic Zero Hour! (1957). He would also find himself on the small screen making appearance in classic TV Shows like Captain Midnight and The Munsters.

Now it would have been easy to just throw a copy of this film on DVD and be done with it. But not with Kit Parker Films and MVD they want the best possible quality. Well, enter the UCLA Film and Television Archive. They took the film Crazylegs and restored it in 2K and than Kit Parker Films' Sprocket Vault took over and transferred it to DVD and MVD took over for the distribution.

When I received the DVD I was not sure what to expect. After all this is a film that is over 70 years old! But I am pleased to say that with this new restoration this film looks and sound spectacular. You would not even think this film is 72 years old. The film is presented in 1920x1080 but runs in it's original full screen format in 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English Dolby Digital mono audio.

In addition to a wonderful looking restoration and transfer this DVD features some great bonus features. That film fans and sports fans will simply love! Check out what is included on this DVD release.

* Hall Bartlett and the Power of Film: An over 18 minute featurette about the writer of Crazylegs

* Haller and Forty: A congratulatory letter written for the release of the film Crazylegs

* Frank Leahy and His Football Forecasts (1955) College football highlights

* Touchdown Thrills of 1948: College football highlights

* Touchdown Thrills of 1948: College football highlights

* Touchdown Thrills of 1949: College football highlights

* Theatrical Trailer

The featurette is a really nice addition to this DVD release. But probably most sports fans will really enjoy the college football highlights packages. Fans that love the classic NFL Films programs are going to get a kick out of these. 

In the end, Crazylegs remains a sincere and uplifting tribute to one of football’s early icons, told with humility and heart. The film's modest production only adds to its charm. So, if you love the legends of the NFL, this DVD release of Crazylegs would make a great addition to your home video library! Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today! 

Out of 4 films reels (4 being the best) the DVD release of Crazylegs receives....