Major League (Wild Thing Edition) [Blu-ray] (1989)

 

 

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No, you're not going to walk away from this movie thinking about how to achieve world peace or end poverty, but you will be walking away with a smile. MAJOR LEAGUE is a lighthearted, entertaining film that also happens to be hysterically funny. Throw the great sport of baseball into the mix and MAJOR LEAGUE is a win/win for those who love the game and those who just want to have a good laugh.

There's nothing complicated about the plot. When an aggressive femme fatale (Margaret Whitton) inherits the Cleveland Indians from her late husband, her plan is to put together a team so bad it will lose its fan base and allow her to relocate. And so a band of misfits is put together: washed-up players, inexperienced players, headcases. Of course, predictably, her plan goes awry, but it's still good fun watching the antics of the Indians as they misfire and then come together over a long, long season.

Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Rene Russo, Corbin Bernsen, and Wesley Snipes headline a great cast. Bob Uecker is absolutely hysterical. My favorite character is manager Lou Brown (James Gammon) who delivers the film's funniest line, but one I dare not repeat here (it would never get past the editors)! Grab a hot dog and a beer, pull up a chair, and let MAJOR LEAGUE put a wide grin on your face.

Considered by many sports fans as "the greatest baseball" film that captures the excitement of America's past time, the 1989 sports comedy film "Major League" brought in over $50 million during its theatrical run.

The film which was written and directed by David S. Ward (writer for "The Sting" and "Sleepless in Seattle") was known for jumpstarting the careers of Wesley Snipes ("Blade", "U.S. Marshalls", etc.), Dennis Haybert ("24', "The Unit", etc.) and Rene Russo ("Lethal Weapn 3 and 4', "Get Shorty", etc.) but also trying to capture the realism of underdogs sports teams and even Charlie Sheen (who was a former high school baseball pitcher), an actor throwing actual pitches. And possibly breathing new life into the Cleveland Indians baseball team (which did very well during 1990's) and giving significance to the number #99 and also athletes utilizing the song "Wild Thing" as their theme song.

"Major League" is the ultimate sports film featuring a group of underdogs not expected do accomplish anything but in the process, becoming a team that has a chance of making it to the playoffs.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"MAJOR LEAGUE" is featured in 1080p High Definition. And is actually a very clean and vibrant transfer thanks to the fact that the film was remastered several years ago.

For a film that is 20-years-old, you realize how beautiful the actual picture quality is as colors pop, blacks are well done and although evident, minimal specks of dirt. Of course, as many films created back in the late 80's and mid 90's tend to have a softness to it, "Major League" also has that soft feel. But the amount of sharpness and color vibrancy makes this release much, much better than the 2007 "Wild Thing Edition" DVD release.

As for audio quality, audio is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD (also French and Spanish Mono). The film is primarily a dialogue-driven film and only until you get to the last half hour of the film, where the stadium is finally packed with people and Vaughn getting his "Wild Thing" introduction, do you finally see the sound being kicked up a notch.

Audio is front channel heavy, with some subwoofer usage during X's "Wild Thing" theme (even more pronounced on the menu selection). Rear surrounds featured a little stadium ambiance but nothing significant in terms of audio direction but overall, you hear things quite clearly.

Subtitles are featured in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The "Major League: WILD THING EDITION" Blu-ray Disc release comes with everything that was included on the 2007 DVD and all are in Standard Definition. Included are:

* Commentary: Commentary by Writer/Director David S. Ward and producer Chris Chesser - The commentary for "Major League" was quite interesting. Especially how David S. Ward wanted to reshoot scenes, for example, Wesley Snipes final scene and by the time he was done, he was black and blue from sliding a lot. Also, Ward and Chesser discussing the crowd scenes especially in the championship game, shooting long hours to the early morning (which Russo cried because she was forgetting her lines because it was so late) and how CG wasn't used at all, especially during Charlie Sheen's pitching and more. Discussion of how the ending had to be reshot because it didn't test as well in front of the audience. So ,they had to travel to London to have Margaret Whitton reshoot her scenes as Rachel Phelps. Also, how both men were almost speechless because they were enjoying the film. Overall, an informative and fun commentary.
* My Kinda Team Making Major League - (23:10) Interviews with the Director, Producer and cast of "Major League". How the film continues to stay strong and how David S. Ward is a true baseball fan and how he modeled certain characters from a combination of a few baseball players and working with LA Dodgers Steve Yeager who put the cast through a 2 week baseball boot camp and more.
* A Major League Look at Major League - (14:27) Interview with several Cleveland Indians baseball players and staff who discuss similarities or differences from the characters of "Major League" and people who actually play in the big leagues. Especially how one minor leaguer watches the film each day he is supposed to start pitching.
* Bob Uecker: Just A Bit Outside - (12:43) A look at Bob Uecker the baseball player, the baseball announcer and being on the film. Featuring cast of "Major League", Cleveland Indians players and staff and interviews with Bob Uecker.
* Alternate Ending with Filmmaker Introduction - (4:18) In the original screenplay and for the film, it was supposed to be revealed that the owner Rachel Phelps planned it all along and that she had to use the baseball players that they had because the team had no money. But because it was tested badly among fans who despised her character, they had to reshoot the whole scene with her character.
* A Tour of Cerrano's Locker - (1:35) A short segment with the character of Pedro Cerrano showcasing his vodoo shrine in his locker.
* Photo Gallery - Still photos from the film.

JUDGMENT CALL:

"Major League" still manages to have the enthusiasm as it did back in 1989 with sports fans in 2009. Many baseball players and even athletes talk about the film and how it ranks as one of their top sports films of all time and whenever its on television, they have to watch it.

It's an enjoyable film but it all comes down to what your preference is for a baseball film. Are you looking for inspirational and serious films such as "Field of Dreams" or do you want a sports comedy film such as "Major League". It's also an honest film that even professional baseball players and staff have said it has its relevance because many elements from the film actually happen in real life. From veterans assisting rookies, players having their daily rituals before a game, relievers in their own element and the feeling of sadness and excitement for a fan of one's baseball team.

Obviously, not all audiences enjoy sports films but for those who do, "Major League" definitely is quite fun and entertaining with its team of interesting to unusual characters but most of all, watching a group of people rising to the occasion as a team and most of all kicking some butt!

"Major League: WILD THING EDITION" is worth checking out!

It's not a deep drama and it won't make you ask you any tough questions of yourself, but Major League is pure entertainment from beginning to end. As such, it's my all-time favorite movie. It's easy to invest in the story (a Cleveland team made up of spare parts tries to overcome their owner's plot to move the franchise) even if it's been dated by the Indians' '90s success. The comedy doesn't pull any punches but still stays pretty tasteful, and I still find it laugh-out-loud funny even after 30+ viewings. The comedy is equal parts outstanding writing by David S. Ward and brilliant characterizations by the actors. James Gammon is dead-on as grizzled manager Lou Brown and Tom Berenger is actually sympathetic as journeyman catcher Jake Taylor. Dennis Haysbert and Corbin Bernsen give great performances, and Charlie Sheen is inimitable as Wild Thing Vaughn. I think any baseball fan will enjoy this movie, but fans of good comedy will probably like it, too.

The DVD has no special features (what else do you expect from Paramount?), but the picture and sound are good.

Movie: 6/5
DVD: 4/5
Overall: 5/5

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5.0 out of 5 stars Even more hilarious in stunning HD!
A classic baseball comedy / inspirational story is even better in high definition! Pop this baby in for all of the "Wild thing!" you can handle!

Published 11 days ago by bmcguir2

4.0 out of 5 stars good old fashioned baseball comedy
Seller performed well. Product arrived ahead of schedule and was as advertised. The movie is classic to me in that I love baseball and I love comedy. Read more

Published 2 months ago by alphawolf

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!!!
This movie is an all time favorite of my brother and i, i found it in Amazon and bought it. Great movie, funny and entertaining, Chan shows it's best in this movie.

Published 3 months ago by Victor

5.0 out of 5 stars Major League: A baseball film for everyone
As an Australian, Major League was my first introduction to baseball way back in 1992. Despite knowing very little about the game, this film is where my love for baseball started... Read more

Published 3 months ago by Nicholas R.W. Henning

1.0 out of 5 stars MESSED UP DISC
WHEN I PLAYED THIS DVD FROM AMAZON THERE WERE AT LEAST THIRTY BREAKS IN IT MAKING ME THINK, AT FIRST, THAT OVERNIGHT, THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY PLAYER. NOT SO! Read more

Published 5 months ago by A. Mercado

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Sports Film.
Viewed: 10/03, 4/08, 6/11
Rate: 8

3/08: Probably the best baseball picture made, Major League wins points when it comes to casting, characters, comedy, and... Read more

Published 6 months ago by John Doe

1.0 out of 5 stars The movie is great, but the special features are missing
The movie itself is a favorite of mine, but unfortunately there is a problem with this release.

I purchased the Wild Thing edition, which is supposed to have several... Read more

Published 7 months ago by First Name

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic, Winning Duh
Best baseball movie I've seen. Very realistic portrayal for a Hollywood sports movie. Very funny, classic characters, hot shot rookie Willie Mays Hayes, the old veteran Jake... Read more

Published 8 months ago by Sports Guy

5.0 out of 5 stars "Wild Thing!"
A comedic view of major league baseball.
The Cleveland Indians are in last place, and the new owner wants them to loose, so she can relocate the team to a different city... Read more

Published 8 months ago by J. T. Burnett

4.0 out of 5 stars Great sport movie
I just received the DVD last week. I've watched this movie before I bought it. It's a great sport movie with great cast. Read more

Published 9 months ago by cast78

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