Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

Google "greatest sports films of all-time" and without a doubt, Major League is on almost every list. It's not exactly Pride of the Yankees. Instead, it's more like a wacky R-rated version of The Bad News Bears.

However, these aren't foulmouthed little kids trying to play baseball. They are foulmouthed adults trying to play baseball. Back in 1989, the Cleveland Indians were the butt of plenty of jokes, so writer/director David Ward decided to drag that out into a feature-length, feel-good film.

However, like all feel-good movies, even the goofy ones, the underdog will overcome the odds. Did I spoil things? Sorry, but you did have 20 years to see it.

In case you're been busy, Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton) is a former exotic dancer who inherited a baseball team from her dearly departed husband. Unfortunately, it's the worst team in the league: the Indians. She hates everything about the town and the team, and comes up with a ploy to move the whole kit and kaboodle to the sunny shores of Florida. All she has to do is come in dead last.

To do that, she compiles some of the worst players in the league, including sad sacks played by Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and a very young looking Wesley Snipes. The film is slightly predictable, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining.

The Picture

Take me out to the ball game -- it's got to look better than this 2.35:1 transfer. Even though this is the best edition to date, when we upgrade to Blu-ray, we want the image to at least be on par with ESPN HD. The film is 20 years old, and looks it here. The colors are a bit on the dark side, making the film look dated. Some of the fleshtones are a bit rosy (or is that just Tom Berenger?). However, it's still got a good amount of detail. Everything from Cerrano's snakes to the jerseys to Wild Thing's wild hairstyle look great.

The Sound

Wild Thing, you make our surrounds sing. While much of the movie leans heavily on the front speakers, there's plenty of game action in this film, which pushes sound through all of the speakers. Add in the Dolby TrueHD, and you can almost smell the hot dog water.

The Extras

This is not the first time we've seen the "Wild Thing Edition." It's got a few neat features, but nothing new for the Blu-ray release. If you haven't seen this version, check out the thumbs-up from real-life players in "A Major League Look at Major League." Also, the alternate ending is completely lame, but definitely worth a look just for the "thank goodness they didn't do that" factor.
Final Thoughts

Paramount timed this release perfectly with the early stages of the baseball season. Whether your team is at the top or in the dumps, Major League is still a good diversion on those few nights where no games are being played. While the Blu-ray isn't much of an upgrade from the "Wild Thing Edition" on DVD, the baseball classic has never looked better.

Where to Buy:

• Major League on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Dennis Haysbert, Bob Uecker
• Director: David S. Ward
• Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English), Mono (French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: R
• Studio: Paramount
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: May 12, 2009
• Run Time: 106 minutes
• List Price: $29.99
• Extras:
  • Commentary by Writer/Director David S. Ward and Producer Chris Chesser
  • My Kinda Team: Making Major League
  • A Major League Look at Major League
  • Bob Uecker: Just a Bit Outside
  • Alternate Ending with Filmmaker Introduction
  • A Tour of Cerrano's Locker
  • Photo Gallery