Seabiscuit - The Lost Documentary

Rating:
Summary: Of some interest, but not a true "Seabiscuit" documentary
Review: Now that "Seabiscuit: The Lost Documentary" is no longer "lost" we should also admit that it is not exactly a "documentary" either. In 1939, after Seabiscuit beat War Admiral in the celebrated match race, his owner, Charles Howard, put together this half-hour film, which combines recreation of Seabiscuit's life with footage of a couple of his most celebrated races, including the famous photo finish at the Santa Anita Handicap. The film has been restored, both as a colorized version and in its original black & white format. The result is of passing interest to fans of the legendary horse, whether you made his acquaintance through Laura Hillenbrand's best selling novel or the popular 2003 film, and given its brevity "The Lost Documentary" would have been a perfect choice for being included in the DVD of the theatrical film. However, if you are really looking for a solid documentary about Seabiscuit, then that would have to be the episode from PBS's "American Experience," which is much more of a keeper than this one.

Rating:
Summary: This was the Original Seabiscuit Movie!
Review: Sadly, the profound story of Seabiscuit was completely lost in this documentary. None of the special highlights were brought to light in this worthless film. Narrartor was benign and drab. The only part of the film worth salvaging was the footage of Seabiscuit as a baby. Very dissapointed that I chose the wrong documentary.

Rating:
Summary: So dissapointed in "Lost Documentary"
Review: Sadly, the profound story of Seabiscuit was completely lost in this documentary. None of the special highlights were brought to light in this worthless film. Narrartor was benign and drab. The only part of the film worth salvaging was the footage of Seabiscuit as a baby. Very dissapointed that I chose the wrong documentary.

Rating:
Summary: A Fun Glimpse at Charles Howard and the Real Seabiscuit
Review: This is a fun lost film that has been unearthed in time for all of the Seabiscuit lovers of 2003/4 to take a trip back to the 1930's. It's more of a tribute by Charles Howard to the Biscuit, than a documentary, but very enjoyable. This may not be the best choice if you are looking for a "modern" PBS-style documentary. For that either buy PBS or the 2 DVD set of the feature Seabiscuit with lots of nice bonus material. But if you love Seabiscuit and the Howards, and want to see an authentic piece of film made by Charles Howard, this is a fine choice. Your expectations should be of a fascinating vintage 30's film about a truly great horse. A nice compliment to the new DVD release.

Rating:
Summary: This was the Original Seabiscuit Movie!
Review: This is a fun lost film that has been unearthed in time for all of the Seabiscuit lovers of 2004 to take a trip back to the 1930's. It's more of a tribute by Charles Howard to the Biscuit, than a documentary, but very enjoyable. This may not be the best choice if you are looking for a "modern" PBS-style documentary. For that either buy PBS or the 2 DVD set of the feature Seabiscuit with lots of nice bonus material. But if you love Seabiscuit and the Howards, and want to see an authentic piece of film made by Charles Howard, this is a fine choice. Your expectations should be of a fascinating vintage 30's film about a truly great horse. A nice complement to the feature film DVD release.

Rating:
Summary: A Rare Look at the Real Seabiscuit
Review: This is a wonderful documentary! As a huge Seabiscuit fan, I found it fascinating to be able to see the real Charles and Marcela Howard, Tom Smith, Seabiscuit and the rest of the gang that I have become so intrigued with. After reading Laura Hillenbrand's book, I very much wanted to see the characters in real life. Jeff Bridges and Tobey Maguire were good actors, but with this film, I finally got my chance to meet Charles Howard himself. It was like going back in time and getting a rare glimpse at what it was like to be on Ridgewood Ranch and a part of Seabiscuit's life. I really enjoyed this exciting trip back into horseracing history. Thank you Charles Howard for leaving us this great film legacy.

Rating:
Summary: A Rare Look at the Real Seabiscuit
Review: This is a wonderful DVD! As a huge Seabiscuit fan, I found it fascinating to be able to see the real Charles and Marcela Howard, Tom Smith, Seabiscuit and the rest of the gang that I have become so intrigued with. After reading Laura Hillenbrand's book, I very much wanted to see the characters in real life. Jeff Bridges and Tobey Maguire were good actors, but with this DVD, I finally got my chance to meet Charles Howard himself. It was like going back in time and getting a rare glimpse at what it was like to be on Ridgewood Ranch and a part of Seabiscuit's life. I really enjoyed this exciting trip back into horseracing history. Thank you Charles Howard for leaving us this great film legacy.

Rating:
Summary: Charles Howard and Seabiscuit
Review: What a love affair! This man loved his horse & the horse was such a wondeful inspiration to all those around him at that time...this country, in turmoil....Seabiscuit, from turmoil to finding respect and understanding....after reading Laura Hillenbrand's book, viewing the PBS documentary, and then the film, plus the additional "older" books available, this special video is a precious addition to any personal Seabiscuit library....truly a tremendous, early documentary of an event that brings it to so many of us first hand....for the Howard family to provide their famiy treasure with the rest of us, thank you for sharing such love.....(having both the original black and white and the colored versions of the documentary is special history)

Rating:
Summary: Charles Howard and Seabiscuit
Review: What a love affair! This man loved his horse & the horse was such a wondeful inspiration to all those around him at that time...this country, in turmoil....Seabiscuit, from turmoil to finding respect and understanding....after reading Laura Hillenbrand's book, viewing the PBS documentary, and then the film, plus the additional "older" books available, this special video is a precious addition to any personal Seabiscuit library....truly a tremendous, early documentary of an event that brings it to so many of us first hand....for the Howard family to provide their famiy treasure with the rest of us, thank you for sharing such love.....(having both the original black and white and the colored versions of the documentary is special history)

Rating:
Summary: Charles Howard and Seabiscuit
Review: What a love affair! This man loved his horse & the horse was such a wondeful inspiration to all those around him at that time...this country, in turmoil....Seabiscuit, from turmoil to finding respect and understanding....after reading Laura Hillenbrand's book, viewing the PBS documentary, and then the film, plus the additional "older" books available, this special video is a precious addition to any personal Seabiscuit library....truly a tremendous, early documentary of an event that brings it to so many of us first hand....for the Howard family to provide their famiy treasure with the rest of us, thank you for sharing such love.....(having both the original black and white and the colored versions of the documentary is special history)