“American Flyers,” Rex Reed wrote, “is a fine mixture of romance, humor, and tears with action sequences among the most exciting ever captured on film. It’s guaranteed to increase the viewer’s adrenalin.” Two-time Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner and David Marshall Grant star as brothers struggling to win a world-class cycling competition — and regain the respect and affection they once shared. The painful events surrounding their father’s death have caused a rift. To bridge the gap, both enter the Hell of the West, a grueling race through the Rocky Mountains. While training and racing together, each confronts the fear that the congenital ailment that struck down their father could suddenly strike one of them. Written by Breaking Away Oscar® winner Steve Tesich and directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever), American Flyers is a dazzling, spirit-soaring spectacle.

For thoughts on American Flyers, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/_Ii4uA0MNE8?t=1580]

Video Quality

American Flyers gets a terrific upgrade on Blu-Ray courtesy of Warner Archive with a new 2022 1080p master. The level of detail that is revealed for the first time ever on home entertainment is impressive from the flourishes of the interiors to the textures of the landscapes. There are some nice, vibrant colors that leap off the screen in a striking way, including the famous red and yellow of McDonald’s. Skin tones look natural, and the presentation offers up deep black levels. The transfer provides natural film grain absent of any compression artifacts or other such digital anomalies, but be prepared for it to get a bit thick during certain darker sequences. This disc represents the various settings across the country in an impressive manner that never lacks for nuance. Warner Archive has provided a great transfer for a film that many have probably forgotten about over the years.

Audio Quality

Warner Archive brings this new Blu-Ray to fans with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix that is even more impressive than the video presentation. While this maintains its stereo roots, the track really fills the room with distinct environmental sounds that help this release stand out. The dialogue primarily stays within the center channel and balances well with the sounds of each location. The cycling sequences create some notable effects that give the track vivid life. The soundtrack and original score aid in crafting an effective atmosphere that complements the emotions perfectly. Every stirring tune brings a dynamic sound to the presentation which fills the room in an enveloping way. This is a well-balanced track that does not falter in the slightest. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

Trailer: The minute-and-a-half trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

American Flyers has some patently melodramatic moments that can go a bit overboard, but there is no denying that it is an effective, emotional crowd pleaser once the credits start rolling. Kevin Costner shows early signs of his commanding screen presence that we all know today, and not even blatant McDonald’s product placement can take that away from him. The human story gives you a gateway into the world of cycling which offers its own thrills in a way that will have you holding your breath with anticipation. It is not a perfect movie, but it is very entertaining. Warner Archive has delivered this Blu-Ray with the terrific A/V presentation it deserves. If you are a fan of off-the-beaten-path sports movies, or simply a Kevin Costner fan, this one is worth a shot. Recommended

American Flyers can be purchased directly through the Warner Archive Amazon Store or various other online retailers.

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

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.