'Miracle' shoots, scores on DVD

Come-from-behind, feel-good, larger-than-yourself stories -- at least the kind on display in "Miracle," the story of the "miracle on ice" 1980 U.S. hockey team which is new to DVD -- are something that will never go out of style in movies.\nAnd it's the reason "Miracle" works. It's a sports movie that's really not about the sport. It's about the coach, the team players and what it meant collectively for all those who watched and cheered. It's an ideal cinematic reflection of what the actual 1980 team meant to Americans in one of the rockiest periods of the Cold War.\nYes, it's a little cheesy. Yes, it's a little Disney. Yes, it's probably no coincidence it's out on DVD during the Stanley Cup playoffs. But it's also very enjoyable. It's just hardly memorable -- with the lone exception of Kurt Russell, who is powerful, fascinating and stoic as the unorthodox coach Herb Brooks. \nIt's real, engaging acting; Russell, beefed-up with a square haircut and hideous plaid pants, is at his best here, completely submerged in Brooks. I almost feel that without someone giving a strong performance as Brooks, this movie would have been far less entertaining.\n"Miracle" comes in a shiny two-disc set, with lots of behind-the-scenes featurettes, outtakes and an ESPN roundtable hosted by Linda Cohn with members of the 1980 team and Russell. All told, it's a nice package.