James, Marx, Gilbert/USA/1994; R1
Criterion, US$29.95 | Reviewed by John Spry

HAILED BY critics as a classic of documentary filmmaking, Hoop Dreams was recently re-released on DVD in the United States by the Criterion Collection, a company responsible for restored and definitive editions of once and now classic films. This edition, formely unavailable, takes its cue from previous releases in terms of the quality consumers now expect from Criterion. The disc contains a lush transfer with many special features and is a must for any fan of the documentary, or simply those with a love for great films.

It's been over ten years since the theatrical release of Hoop Dreams, and considering the sport under scrutiny (both college and pro basketball), not much has changed in the way of young players and their dreams of basketball greatness and immortality. Of course, that isn't to ignore that the game has changed elsewhere; with more High School draft picks being absorbed by the corporate machine and less young boys making it in the 'big leagues' (notable exceptions are Kevin Garnett and LeBron James), the very young are now being dissuaded from entering the NBA draft direct from high school (and at least, not until college). This has taken form through a new Collective Bargaining Agreement struck during this year's NBA Finals.

Hoop Dreams follows two young men, Arthur Agee and William Gates, over five years of High School and beyond. It is clear from the outset that although different in age, they are part of a growing and vocal group of Africa-America trying to make a name for themselves in the post-Jordan basketball era (although it should be noted that Detroit Pistons guard Isaiah Thomas features more prominantly as a role model than Michael Jordan), and shine in the commercial reality of the NBA.

We are made to live with these boys, their extended family, and their group of friends as they go about their everyday life in Chicago. We learn of the problems they face, what they dream for themselves and their children, and why so few make it out of the life they are born into. In a sense, we are like the filmmakers themselves, thrust into a world we have little first-hand experience of, waiting to be found out and sent on our way home.

Whilst viewing this documentary in the present and in an age of daily reality television programming, it may not seem particularly different. However the depth of plot, the structure of the narrative and the lives being highlighted make this a quite superior text to Reality TV, and is more in the vein of Errol Morris (director of The Thin Blue Line (1988), and other Oscar winning documentaries) as opposed to Michael Moore. There is no sensationalism at work here, or performance for vanity's sake, but only an honesty driven from the sweat and tears of all those involved in front of, and behind the camera.

Both subjects lead different lives; Gates being older and with a young family of his own, as well as a clear path of where he wants and needs to be in the future. Watching the film, it becomes obvious that his family's perceived success is inextricably linked to his own destiny. This is born out of the introduction of his brother, who is the driving force behind Gates, and is in his own way is helping him to become a good enough basketball player to make it in the professional NBA environment. When we meet Gates he already plays in high school at St Joseph's, whilst Agee is still at a public school playing on a winning team. Agee is at the other end of the basketball spectrum; he is not only younger but "plays to play", with grandiose dreams that only the young can dream of. The first time we see Agee play is when he is spotted by a scout for St Joseph's, is tagged as having talent, and with the right coaching could play at a higher level than his playground or local school. The film plots the boy's progress through St Joseph's until Agee has to leave because of his parent's financial problems, and Gates is hurt on the basketball court whilst playing for St Joseph's.

In recent years (Fahrenheit 911 excluded), one of the only avenues of success for any documentary was the international film festival circuit, as well as the Best Documentary Feature Academy Award. Some of the recent Oscar winners in this category are Bowling for Columbine (2002) and Fog of War (2004). It is of note that for all of its critical acclaim, Hoop Dreams did not win the Oscar in its eligible year, but for many years held the title for the most successful documentary at the US box office. This of course has now been surpassed by first Bowling for Columbine, and then last year Fahrenheit 911 (2004), which made an estimated US$100 million dollars. Looking back over the past ten years, it is difficult to locate a more original documentary that has moved me to extent Hoop Dreams did, and still does.


THIS DISC is presented in 4:3 picture format (its original release aspect ratio) and has been re-mastered from its original theatrical print. This is a single disc presentation that offers two separate commentary tracks: one from the director and filmmakers, and the other from Agee and Gates themselves, both of which were recorded earlier in 2005.

Whilst Hoop Dreams is now ten years on from its initial release, there has been a long period where all involved have had time to reflect on the documentary and the period spent producing it. Both the filmmakers and the principal subjects are able to articulate their own feelings on this landmark film. In particular, Agee and Gates seem relatively comfortable exchanging views, incidents and in depth details about the filming, each other and most importantly themselves. Both boys (now men) have gone onto lead very separate and different lives to what was represented (and to a point promised) in the documentary. Neither Gates nor Agee went on to play in the NBA, and both have or had families of their own and are involved with young people in sports to a varying degree. Hoop Dreams had both a positive and negative impact on the careers of all those involved in the production, and in re-visiting the film through this DVD it is clear that all involved remember the time with a fondness and a clarity that can only be seen in retrospect.

As well as the new commentaries there is also a highlight reel featuring Siskel and Ebert, (later Siskel and Roper) who over a period of years highlight the critical response to the documentary, the fact that it missed out on the Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as where this film stands for them in terms of the best films of the 1990s, rating it on a par with the best film of the 1980s, Raging Bull (1980). Most if not all DVDs released by Criterion are a must have, but of all those recently released, this film stands out from an already great pack.