After an accident ends his career as a hydroplane pilot, Jim McCormick (Jim Caviezel) settles into life as an air-conditioner mechanic, husband and father in a Midwestern town. The population of Madison, Ind., is relatively small, but it has been a fixture of national powerboat racing for years — although that’s in danger of ending. With life in the town being bleak enough as is, Jim, with the blessing of his wife (Mary McCormack) and son (Jake Lloyd), enters the 1971 Gold Cup hydroplane race.

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

[youtube https://youtu.be/Y4SNS4G9gKc?si=qoKl4kJLwVjLzY2f&t=4418]

Video Quality

Madison debuts on Blu-Ray with a 1080p transfer in its original 2.35:1 which appears to be from a good older master from MGM. This holds up slightly better than other recent catalog titles from the company due to it being more recent. The picture maintains its natural film grain with not much in the way of density fluctuations. The transfer is capably defined with favorable clarity when it comes to showcasing background detail. The transfer does not show signs of damage or digital manipulation, even if you do notice a slightly aged look to the master.

Colors are robustly saturated with a grand vibrancy within the foliage, clothing, and production design. Black levels are pretty good overall with no standout signs of crush. Highlights are firm without any obvious blooming. Compression artifacts and other digital anomalies do marr the image. MGM has delivered a fine enough transfer for this one.

Audio Quality

MGM brings us this new Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that effortlessly brings this movie to life. The Kevin Kiner score sets a pleasant tone for the narrative, and it emanates with a rich fidelity. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without losing a battle to any competing element. The environmental effects transport you to this gentle locale in a welcome manner. The sound effects add some texture to the proceedings. MGM has treated this one well. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

There are no special features provided on the disc.

Final Thoughts

Madison does not upend the long tradition of nostalgic sports dramas, but it plays capably within the creative confines of the genre. The focus on boat racing is at least somewhat unique, and the small-town charm conjures a semblance of a warm feeling. The ensemble does what they need to do without standing out in any particular way. The film is pretty forgettable, but if you like traditional underdog tales, you won’t hate this one. MGM has brought this film to Blu-Ray with a good enough A/V presentation but nothing in the way of special features. If any individual elements intrigue you here, it is worth seeking out. Recommended

Madison can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

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

Disclaimer: MGM 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.