Metlakatla is Alaska’s last Native Indian reserve. For hundreds of years two distinct traditions have defined their community—fishing and basketball. Watch as two cousins lead their local High School team toward a shot at their first state championship in over 30 years. In the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy, a basketball title has the ability to breathe new life back into this small town.

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Video Quality

Alaskan Nets comes to Blu-Ray from Good Deed Entertainment with a gorgeous high definition master that delivers everything you might want. This feature is primarily made up of footage shot over the last decade which means you do not have to worry about anything looking too ragged. The talking head interview segments look incredibly sleek and clear with natural skin tones and some detailed facial features. Material outside of this controlled setting is likewise crisp even with the varied environments. The natural wonder of the landscapes look really nice in high definition, even if some of the distressed buildings serve as a stark juxtaposition from them. The colors featured in the footage have an impressive sense of vibrancy to them. The transfer does not fall victim to any compression artifacts or digital nuisances of the sort. Good Deed Entertainment has offered up a rock solid presentation.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio track that perfectly suits the source material. This primarily acts as an interview showcase with a good amount of talking heads to complement the candid footage. Dialogue is a focus right up front in the center channel as you get thoughtful moments filmed with precision. The pleasant score and other songs on the soundtrack come through with impeccable fidelity as they fill the room in a wonderful way. The surround sound presentation makes the environment come alive such as the chatter during a school assembly or roar of the crowd at a game. There were no digital anomalies or other issues spotted. You really could not ask for better from this presentation. There are optional English subtitles provided.

Special Features

Trailers: The two-minute trailer for Alaskan Nets is provided here. There are also trailers provided for Bleeding Audio, Charlotte, Ma Belle My Beauty and Moon Manor.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Nets is a rich and emotional documentary that doubles as an inspirational sports tale as well as a stark look at a town in economic peril. You quickly become invested in these kids as they work to achieve something that will instill confidence in themselves while boosting the town morale, but even this is tinged with sadness knowing the prospects afterwards are limited at best. The presentation is straightforward yet never boring thanks to its strong subject. Good Deed Entertainment and Kino Lorber have released a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation but almost nothing in the way of special features. If you appreciate a great documentary, give this one a shot. Recommended

Alaskan Nets is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Good Deed Entertainment & Kino Lorber have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.