Watch Duke-Carolina: The Blue Blood Rivalry

Duke-Carolina: The Blue Blood Rivalry is a 2013 documentary film that explores the intense and long-standing rivalry between two of college basketball's most storied programs. Directed by Jason Hehir, the film takes viewers on a journey through the history of Duke and North Carolina's bitterly contested matchups, while also examining the cultural, social, and political forces that have shaped this legendary rivalry over the years.

Narrated by ESPN personality and avid college basketball fan Erin Andrews, the film features insights and analysis from a wide range of experts, including former players, coaches, journalists, and historians. Notable figures from both Duke and North Carolina are prominently featured, with on-camera interviews from the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Grant Hill, Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and many others.

The film is organized into chapters that correspond to different eras and themes in the rivalry's history. It begins with an exploration of the early days of Duke and North Carolina basketball, when the two programs were not yet national powers and were often overlooked in the shadow of larger programs in the northeast. Through interviews with players and coaches from this era, the film shows how the rivalry slowly began to take shape as both programs grew in stature and began to recruit top-tier talent.

As the film progresses, it delves into some of the most celebrated moments and individual performances in Duke-Carolina lore. From Christian Laettner's buzzer-beating heroics in the 1992 NCAA tournament to Tyler Hansbrough's gutsy play against Duke in 2005, the film examines the most memorable games and game-changing players in the rivalry's history. Along the way, viewers get a sense of the unique styles and cultures of each program, with Duke's emphasis on discipline, technique, and mental toughness contrasted with North Carolina's reputation for fast-paced, stylish, and team-oriented play.

Perhaps most interestingly, Duke-Carolina: The Blue Blood Rivalry explores some of the broader social and political forces that have shaped the rivalry over time. For instance, the film takes a critical look at the way race and identity have played out in the rivalry, examining the evolving demographics of the two schools and the ways in which issues of race and class have shaped both programs' recruiting strategies and playing styles. The film also touches on the economic and cultural impact of the rivalry on the region, with interviews from local business owners, fans, and community leaders who have experienced the rivalry's intensity and excitement firsthand.

Throughout the film, the viewer gets a sense of the deep passion and respect that both Duke and Carolina fans have for their respective programs, as well as the way in which the rivalry has become a defining feature of college basketball as a sport. The film is expertly produced, with a mix of archival footage, still photos, and modern interviews that help to flesh out the narrative of this epic rivalry. Overall, Duke-Carolina: The Blue Blood Rivalry is a must-see for any college basketball fan or anyone interested in sports history and culture more broadly.

Duke-Carolina: The Blue Blood Rivalry is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.