Product Details

• Actors: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood, Helen Hunt
• Directors: Sean McNamara
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed: French, Spanish
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: August 2, 2011
• Run Time: 106 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (398 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B004EPYZZI
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,666 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #9 in Movies & TV > Blu-ray > Sports
• Learn more about "Soul Surfer (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The life of Bethany Hamilton, a promising amateur Hawaiian surfer who overcame a crippling shark attack at age 13 to succeed on the pro circuit, would likely make for a compelling, inspirational cinematic experience even if it consisted of a voice-over recounting her story on a blank screen. The actual film may stay firmly within the standard safe sports underdog movie guidelines (complete with a sneering nemesis clad in a black wetsuit), but Hamilton's incredible strength and spirit still manage to shine through, aided by a terrifically appealing lead performance by AnnaSophia Robb. Beginning with a montage establishing Hamilton's lifetime love of the water, the film quickly focuses on the strong ties with both her family (including her parents, here played by Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) and community (personified in Carrie Underwood's youth minister) that aided in her recovery from tragedy. Director-cowriter Sean McNamara, a television veteran, gives the images an appealing, natural sheen, but unfortunately proves less successful at illustrating the depths of his main character. Throughout, Hamilton comes across as more of an idealized, selfless saint than a real person learning how to cope with such horrendous trauma, which is a particular shame, considering how good Robb is during the few moments when she's allowed to show frustration. She does her real-life inspiration proud, even if the film surrounding her sometimes feels overly scrubbed. --Andrew Wright

Product Description

Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including Anna Sophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 118 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!! Good Can Come Out of Difficulties April 9, 2011

By KittyKins

Format:DVD

I just went this afternoon to the matinee, and wow what a good movie!! A main theme of the movie is that good can come out of bad. Also, it shows how we can help others through our personal tragedies and that life is not over when bad things happen to us. There is a plan for everything. I was very impressed with all the acting, special effects and the family friendly tone. There are zilcho swears. Even in the characters' darkest moments, there are no typical overused omg's or anything that would indicate they were angry at God or anyone else. They don't shy away from Christian references but present it accurately, the way the family and Bethany responded in the situation. I was impressed that the faith message that was natural, but not preachy. Also, the Bible verse quoted was from Jeremiah 29:11 and really if you were of another faith you wouldn't be offended by it I don't think. In the credits they show interviews with the real Bethany and she mentions Jesus there. However, that's who she is! Some of the critics have said oh she was too calm or sweet...but I didn't see it this way at all. In fact, in real life, it was her calmness that helped save her life!! She wasn't screaming but was in shock as well I think. I think she is just a very calm person. Later it showed how hard it was for her to deal with the loss of her limb from a functional standpoint and emotionally such as when she worried about not being attractive to boys. All the relationships and reactions were very typical of real people...nothing forced at all. It is clear how good the relationships are between the parents and among the siblings but they interact and argue like NORMAL people. Bethany has said in real life interviews that she and her competitors weren't that catty with each other, like with the antagonist they created for the movie. However, her response to the girl is very good which shows young people that being nice to someone gets you a whole lot further and can change the person. It also showed how she dealt with her celebrity status and how that was a real challenge. The other part critics say isn't realistic is about her artificial arm...but it's very common for amputees to reject a prosthesis when it's for their upper limb. Tony Melendez (singer and plays 12-string guitar with his feet) did the same thing and he found he could function more easily without the prosthesis. There are some beautiful shots of Hawaii and the underwater/wave effects were just breathtaking. I definitely recommend this movie and am looking forward to having the blu-ray/dvd!

62 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST SEE..!! April 9, 2011

By Amanda74574

Format:DVD

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen.. Period. It is a movie you can take your whole family to and not be afraid of them being exposed to any kind of crude jokes or bad refrences. There is not one curse word in the movie and it's hard to get that these days, even in cartoons.! It is a wonderful movie of faith, family, and never giving up.! So inspirational and just a great all around movie.! They also did a good job staying true to Bethany's story.! Loved it and would see it again in a heartbeat! Can't wait until it comes out so I can buy it.! =)

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, it has an overt Christian message, but read on. June 22, 2011

By s. fiet

Format:DVD

This movie was wonderful! The cinematography was beautiful. I especially loved the shots filmed through the pipeline as she surfed and the scenes shot looking up through the surface of the water. I scuba dive and love to look up through the water. It adds dimension and energy to the scenes. The special effects were just awesome. The actress really looks like her arm is missing. Just incredible. The acting was top-notch. It is everything I am looking for in a good movie. Drama, warmth, realism, up-lifting. This young girl is a real inspiration. There are those who might not want to watch because the message is overtly Christian, but I would ask the question, "Have you seen the movie, Ghandi? Or Seven Years in Tibet?" Did you avoid them because they were overtly about their religious beliefs? Watch with an open mind and be inspired by this young girl and the God who gave Bethany such courage and perseverance.