By John Corrado

Today, Sony Pictures Classics is releasing the critically acclaimed documentary Red Army on Blu-ray.  Directed by Gabe Polsky, the film explores how the famed Russian hockey team was used as propaganda for their soviet government, before the players got tired of the regime and fought to leave the country and play in the NHL.

Nicely combining new interviews with archival footage, Red Army is an interesting and well put together look at the close connection between sports and politics, and a worthwhile time capsule of an important time in history for both Russia and hockey in general.

The Blu-ray includes deleted scenes, commentary with Gabe Polsky and producer Werner Herzog, two Q&As with the director and an interview with hockey star Scotty Bowman.

Red Army is 85 minutes and rated PG.