Ultimate Gretzky

Professional hockey has never seen a force like Wayne Gretzky, whose nickname "The Great One" is more than justified. Ultimate Gretzky serves up a stunning two-disc celebration of the life and career of the ice rink icon, beginning with home movie footage of Gretzky as a child sensation in Canada's Pee Wee Hockey League through his gold medal glory in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Hosted and narrated by hockey broadcaster John Davidson and spiced with interviews from, among others, Gretzky's father, former teammates and coaches, and longtime pal Kiefer Sutherland, Ultimate Gretzky chronicles the almost endless series of career achievements that Gretzky scored plus some endearingly human goof-ups, including a series of career bloopers which proved that even The Great One can make silly mistakes both on the ice and on solid ground (who told him he could act?). Through it all, Gretzky conducts himself as a consummate professional, a skillful and daring player in a rough and often raucous sport. Even those not particularly interested in hockey might find themselves drawn to this portrait of a man whose stunning athleticism and equally impressive lack of ego and self-importance are truly deserving of the elusive title "sports hero." DVD extras include extended game footage, new interviews, honor ceremonies, bloopers, family footage, and statistics. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)