Product Description

Fifteen-year-old Patrick McCardle (Zac Efron, Hairspray) doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, and the pressure put on him by his dad, an ex-professional baseball player, isn't helping. Then Patrick meets Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs, Night at the Museum), a misunderstood horse trainer who convinces him to train for the famous Derby Cup. But can Patrick convince his parents to let him compete, beat out the rich town bully - a five-time Derby Cup winner who will stop at nothing to keep his title - and somehow find the champion that lies within?
Don't miss High School Musical star Zac Efron in this uplifting tale of faith, perseverance and the magic that happens when you follow your heart.
Special Feature(s): Behind the Scenes Featurette, with Commentary by Tonja Walker-Davidson; Unrated Cast Interviews; Unrated Stories from the Shoot; Photo Montage; Three Audio Song Tracks from Billy Preston; French Language Track; Widescreen; 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound; Closed Captioned; Printable Photos; Screen Saver and Wallpaper; Buddy Icons

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9433 in DVD
• Brand: PLATINUM DISC LLC
• Released on: 2009-06-02
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 98 minutes

Features

• When struggling fifteen-year-old Patrick McCardle is convinced by a horse trainer to train for the Derby Cup, he discovers more lies within him than he ever imagined. This collector s edition features an all-new behind the scenes featurette with commentary. Starring Zac Efron and Bill Cobbs. Special Features:Behind the Scenes Featurette, with Commentary by Tonja Walker-Davidson. , Unrated Cast Int

Amazon.com
Part of growing up is discovering something that inspires a true passion within and allowing that passion to guide one's actions and choices. The process of self-discovery isn't easy, and when 15-year-old Patrick McCardle (High School Musical's Zac Efron) realizes that playing baseball is more his father's dream than his own, it's an unlikely friendship with old man Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs), a recluse and horse trainer, that inspires Patrick's newfound passion for the exciting world of horse jumping. Patrick and his father (William R. Moses) clash over Patrick's decision to give up baseball and spend time training for the Derby Cup race with Houston, but eventually Patrick and his father come to a mutual understanding and gain a whole new sense of respect for one another as they begin to really talk about and listen to each other's dreams and desires. The road to becoming a derby rider is difficult, but as Houston and Patrick work together, the two share dreams and disappointments and become incredibly close. In the end, Houston, a most unlikely role model, winds up having a profoundly positive impact on Patrick's life both on and off the racetrack. (Ages 5 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Review
"...very compelling, heartwarming and emotional." --Dr. Ted Baehr, Movieguide.com

Review
"...a fun, adventurous, exciting, moving story featuring Zac Efron." --The Chicago Parent

Customer Reviews

Wins Our Derby
With all the junk out there, it's nice to watch a movie with such positive values and one which can be shared with the whole family. Zac Efron is endearing -- it's not surprising he has soared to stardom in "High School Musical." And Bill Cobbs as the wise old horseman is great. I loved the mentor chemistry between them. There is a lot to like in this movie and I recommend it heartily.

Pleasant family film
15-year old Patrick (Zac Efron) is new in town and has problems: He can't seem to please his jock father (William R. Moses) and he runs afoul of Randy, the town bully, when both boys are attracted to the same pretty girl. Patrick's only friend is one-time horse trainer and long-time alcoholic, Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs), who sees something special in the boy. Houston gives him a horse and trains him to ride in the State Steeplechase Cup race, but Randy, the reigning champ, decides to make Patrick's life miserable.

This low-budget but pleasant 2005 film was never shown in theatres, but has been released on DVD following Zac Efron's mega-successes in High School Musical (Encore Edition) and Hairspray. There's no denying Efron's Tiger Beat-cuteness, and he does a fine job in an undemanding role, but if you want to see a real actor, take a look at Bill Cobbs. He's been playing small character parts in TV and movies for years, but this time he's the star and absolutely owns the screen. His craggy face and gravelly voice masterfully express the only real emotion in the film and he's a pleasure to watch.

The story plays like an After School Special; all obstacles are easily overcome - the kid goes from non-rider to race winner, bonds with his father, and gets the girl - all in a matter of weeks. Adults may find it predictable and a bit bland, but the wholesome message about finding your passion and working hard for it makes "The Derby Stallion" just right for family viewing.

Wonderful Movie
Our granddaughter is 6 years old, and loves anything to do with horses. She has watched this movie many, many times. Its a great story for the family also.