Blu-ray Review: Impressive Scope of Mini-Series ‘Hatfields & McCoys’

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CHICAGO – The History Channel waited years to debut their first narrative property but the wait seemed to be worth it both for fans and for the network that’s probably still counting their profits from one of the biggest TV events of 2012 and one of the year’s most notable Emmy nominees. I had my doubts going into the recent Blu-ray release of “Hatfields & McCoys” but this is an impressive mini-series of the type they don’t really make any more. It’s not surprising it was huge in the ratings and I expect the Blu-ray to sell for years (especially around Father’s Day and the holidays).

Rating: 3.5/5.0

They really spared no expense with this 290-minute production that has as impressive technical elements as most major Hollywood motion pictures. Honestly, Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton haven’t gotten roles this juicy on the big screen in years and it’s great to see actors like Tom Berenger, Powers Boothe, and Mare Winningham — three others not being given roles up to their talents by Hollywood — given a chance to shine. I don’t mean to imply that “Hatfields” is merely a project by former A-list stars but it does lead one to hope that more actors who can’t find the right parts in blockbusters turn to television.

It’s also an impressive Blu-ray given the production values of the mini-series and how they shine in HD. This is a typically-for-Sony stellar video transfer and the audio matches it. The special features are a bit slight but fans of this epic tale will be happy just to have their favorite TV event in HD. With the success of “Hatfields & McCoys,” we can expect a lot more epic TV mini-series over the next few years. Own the one that proved to the industry there was more than just a little life left in this former staple of the TV schedule.

Hatfields and McCoys was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 31, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
Bonded by their oath to the same flag, two confederate soldiers, “Devil” Anse Hatfield (Kevin Costner) and Randall McCoy (Bill Paxton), return home seeking peace after tireless months of battle. Their expectations are quickly shattered when a murder based on misunderstandings and an illicit love affair trigger warfare between former comrades and their clans. This historic feud teeters on the brink of an all out civil war as friends and neighbors join opposing sides in a rivalry that would ultimately shape American History.

Click here to buy “Hatfields & McCoys”

Special Features:
o The Making of “Hatfields & McCoys”
o “I Know These Hills” music video featuring Kevin Costner & Modern West

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com