Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
EAN: 0786936705119
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Item Dimensions: 25
Label: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
Languages: SpanishSubtitledFrenchSubtitledEnglishOriginal LanguageDolby Digital 5.1FrenchDubbedDolby Digital 2.0SpanishDubbedDolby Digital 2.0
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
MPN: 786936705119
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
Region Code: 1
Release Date: January 23, 2007
Running Time: 139 minutes
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
Theatrical Release Date: September 29, 2006

Editorial Review:

Product Description:
After losing his team in a tragic accident, rescue swimmer Ben Randall is given the task of training new recruits, and is challenged by one who wants

Amazon.com:
The Guardian offers satisfying entertainment with a no-nonsense combination of Hollywood formula and good old-fashioned star power. While honoring the men and women who serve as rescue swimmers for the U.S. Coast Guard, this predictable yet appealing drama is a well-crafted showcase for Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, who bring welcome depth and dimension to their formulaic roles. It's basically Top Gun for the Coast Guard, with Costner playing a legendary rescuer haunted by recent tragedy and the impending break-up of his marriage, and Kutcher as the hot-shot recruit whose bravado is tested when Costner takes over a grueling 18-week basic training course, where a 50% attrition rate ensures that only the best will make the grade. There's nothing particularly inventive about Ron L. Brinkerhoff's screenplay, but it's intelligently written and well-directed (by The Fugitive helmer Andrew Davis) as it shows how seasoned veteran and troubled but talented trainee build mutual respect while sorting through the trauma of accidents that left each of them as sole survivors, tormented by self-doubt and guilt.

Bolstered by a strong supporting cast including Neal McDonough, John Heard, Sela Ward and Clancy Brown, The Guardian is a bit on the long side (137 minutes), but it never feels slow, and a romantic subplot (with Kutcher wooing a schoolteacher played by Melissa Sagemiller) blends nicely with thrilling ocean-rescue sequences incorporating a seamless blend of CGI and footage shot in a 750,000-gallon water tank. Music fans will welcome the scene-stealing appearance of veteran singer Bonnie Bramlett as the owner of a jazz/blues club near the training base, where The Guardian serves up yet another staple of its genre: the barroom brawl. Although Hurricane Katrina prevented The Guardian from being filmed in New Orleans in 2005, real-life footage during the closing credits makes it clear that the Coast Guard was essential in Katrina's aftermath, and this rousing drama pays overdue tribute to those who risk there lives (to quote the Coast Guard's motto) "so that others may live." --Jeff Shannon

Average Rating:

Rating: - A+ movie...soon to be a classic
This film was great all the way around, but the acting by Costner and Kutcher were off the chain. They had great chemistry on line (and I'm not talking sexually either), great friendship and almost fatherly/son type by the end. Stroyline was great had a variety of emotions and events in it to fit everyones style. A must have if you like either actor or if you like military films. It is just a heart warming, action-drama, real life senerio movie. Just a very well done movie. Recomend to anyone ... Read More

Rating: - The Guardian
This is pretty much what a coastie has to do to become a rescue swimmer, much like what others have to do to become a Navy Seal, Green Baret, etc. My branch of the service I retired from.

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Rating: - Surprisingly great.
This will be brief since others have already taken the time to write in depth reviews. In short: I dismissed this film because of Ashton Kutcher, however with my utmost respect for the Coast Guard I decided to watch this anyway. I truly enjoyed this film and I think many others would feel the same way.

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Rating: - "Action-Packed"
Kevin Kostner and Ashton Kutcher star in "The Guardian", a film about the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, people who save lives. Ben, played by Kostner, is given an assignment, one he doesn't want, and that is to train a cocky, arrogant new recruit, played by Kutcher. The two find themselves at odds at the beginning because each have their own secrets, but what develops is a deep and respectful friendship between two men who eventually find themselves relying on the other to survive. "The Guardian" is well ... Read More

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Rating: - The Guardian
An aging USCG rescue swimmer's team is killed in a horrific rescue mission. Immediately prior to this terrible event, his wife also announced that she cannot take anymore. His first love is always the rescue mission. This leaves him an obviously emotional wreck. His commender gives him a choice - quit or take a position as an instructor at the USCG training facility in Louisiana. Reluctantly he takes the position. Moving into the school, he immediately increases the 18 week curriculum that routinely fails ... Read More