Product Details

• Actors: Tom Burlinson, Richard Morgan
• Directors: Simon Wincer
• Format: Import, PAL, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 4 (Read more about DVD formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Roadshow
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000F5JQMS
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,532 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Australia released, PAL/Region 4 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), English ( Dolby DTS 5.1 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Collectors Edition, Commentary, Featurette, Interactive Menu, Music Video, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Phar Lap, the legendary Australian racing horse, is as well-known today for his mysterious death as for his fabulous accomplishments in life. Beginning at the end, the film flashes back to the day that Phar Lap, despite his lack of pedigree, is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford. Phar Lap loses his first races, but Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable. Suddenly the horse becomes a winner, thanks to the love and diligence of stableboy Tommy Woodcock. American-promoter Dave Davis arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races, where his 'long shot' status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. Just after winning an important race in Mexico, Phar Lap collapses and dies; though the film never comes out and says as much, it is assumed that the horse was 'murdered' by the gambling interests. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Australian Film Institute, ...Phar Lap ( Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation )

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PHAR LAP IS THE GREATEST, September 1, 2006

By 

Demon Economist (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Phar Lap [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ] (DVD)

I'm an American who grew up watching this movie. It is still to this day my favorite movie of all time. An inspirational underdog story that will touch you no matter how old you are. I'm waiting for it to come out in the US's format, i'm considering just purchasing it and converting it over, i can't watch my bootleg vhs for too many more years...

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sentimental but effective racehorse biography, January 30, 2007

By 

Mr. Stephen Kennedy "skenn1701a" (Doha, Qatar) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Phar Lap [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ] (DVD)

Unashamedly sentimental in its directorial approach, this movie nonetheless has legs, and is no also-ran.

Set in and produced in Australia, this 1983 drama is based on the true story of a racehorse in the late 20's and early 30's that became a household name in Australia. Phar Lap (Thai for `Lightning') earned its owners a huge amount of money before dying in 1932 in mysterious circumstances.

The story has a lot in common with the more recent `Seabiscuit', but is told in less overwrought style here. The music can be trite to say the least, and there are no surprises to be had, especially in who wins the races.. but this hardly matters for such a well made story with convincing characters. The owners are never portrayed as two dimensional horse-loving heroes, far from it, but as genuine flawed characters we can relate to.

Our window onto the story is through the eyes of the one apparent horse-lover in the movie, the stable boy (Tom Burlinson, from `The man from Snowy River') who forms a close bond with the horse. It's this relationship that gives the movie an overall feel-good factor, even among the cut-throat and money obsessed atmosphere of horse racing.

It may feel like a long shot to take a bet on a relatively unknown movie, but if you're in the mood for family friendly fare, then this movie certainly fits the bill and you'll be happy to stick with it to the finish line.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful movie, September 26, 2006

By 

book wyrm (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Phar Lap [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ] (DVD)

This is one of my favorite films. Like the other reviewer, I have a VHS copy and am hoping it will be released to the US market on DVD before to much longer. The story is fascinating and inspiring - and for those who are unaware of who Phar Lap is - it might be worth mentioning, that this is a true story. The movie is very well acted and perfectly cast. There is cause for every human emotion there is to feel, as you watch this film. Unless you have a heart of cold stone you will be touched and blessed by it.