Opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics are only days away. This DVD of the week will get you in the mood to chant “U-S-A” throughout the entire two week-long event.

Miracle [Disney] Release date: 2004
Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson and Noah Emmerich
Rated: PG

During the summer of 1979, only one man in the world believed that the U.S. National Ice Hockey Team could beat the Soviet Union’s on-ice dynasty: Herb Brooks, head coach of the U.S. team. Brooks (Russell) was given the chance to prove to everyone that hard work and dedication can make the impossible become probable.

Based on a true story, Miracle details how a group of college kids from rival hockey teams banded together at the Lake Placid Games to achieve a goal: winning the Olympic gold medal. As the underdogs in just about every game they played, the U.S. team was never taken seriously by the Soviets. But on the night of February 22, 1980, they went on to create what many consider the greatest sports moment of the century, stunning the world with a 4-3 win against the U.S.S.R.

STACK’s Take: No surprises or twist endings in this movie. If you know about the event, you know the film’s outcome. In-depth interviews with former players and coaches are what make the film special. Interweaving actual game and audio coverage makes the film more realistic. It’s truly an inspirational movie. Looking for some motivation? Watch the locker room scene right before the game against the Soviets, and you’ll see what we’re talking about.