The movie, released in U.S. theaters by MGM, chronicles the career of Professor Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), a brilliant but volatile debate team coach who shapes a group of underdog students from a small African-American college into a historically elite debate team. A controversial figure, Professor Tolson challenged the social mores of the time and was under constant fire for his unconventional and ferocious teaching methods as well as his radical political views.

The film is directed by Denzel Washington and stars Washington, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise. It was written by Robert Eisele and produced by Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth.

"We're excited to present a special preview of 'The Great Debaters,'" said Joyce Woodward, senior vice-president for Blockbuster Inc. "Giving movie lovers special access to great entertainment is an important part of our mission at Blockbuster."