The UCLA Dynasty – DVD Review

DVD Reviews, Reviews

UCLA Dynasty DVD cover
Available at Amazon.com

You’d think a documentary on the best basketball dynasty ever would be better than this.

But you’d be wrong. Far too many topics, far too little depth leave you wanting so much more at the end of this documentary. Now, granted, this is an HBO production and was probably designed to run in a 60 minute time slot. But in that situation, find 2 or 3 things and focus 20-25 minutes on each, give some freaking insight. Case and point, Did you know Bill Walton was arrested for protesting while he played for UCLA? I didn’t either until I watched the documentary, and that’s something I think would have been interesting to hear more about. Instead, they spent about 3 minutes on it, and the next thing you know, Walton is learning how to put on a shoe and you never hear about the arrest again.

There are countless other incidents like that throughout the movie, some would be interesting to hear more about, others make you scratch your head and wonder why it’s even on the documentary. Ever wonder how The Doors came up with their band name? Watch this DVD, they’ll tell you. Why will they tell you? I’m not sure. I think one of two of them might have went to UCLA or something, but I don’t think they were ever on the basketball team, so I don’t know why that was included in the documentary.

Another point that would have been interesting to dig into a little bit more was the accusations of illegal booster activity during the glory years. But instead, they bring it up, then continue on to something else. Maybe HBO is who is causing A.D.D. because they change stories and topics in an instant and leave you feeling used and dirty and helpless.

I usually try to say something good about the movies I review, but my old standby’s of good camera work and snazzy editing don’t really hold any weight here since it’s a documentary and all the footage is either old game highlights or people sitting around being interviewed.

The UCLA Dynasty is presented in a 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Both the audio video look and sound fine.

Extras? We don’t need no stinkin’ Extras.

A gloss over documentary of the most dominate ten years of college basketball. Hardcore UCLA fans will obviously want it, but I can’t really recommend The UCLA Dynasty for anyone else.

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Home Box Office presents The UCLA Dynasty. Produced by George Roy. Starring John Wooden and Bill Walton. Written by Erik Kesten. Running time: 60 minutes. Rated Not Rated. Released on DVD: March 4th, 2008. Available at Amazon.com.