The Greatest Game Ever Played Blu-ray Review
June 16, 2009 by Admin/Neil
Filed under 2009 Blu-Ray Reviews, Blu-ray Clips
On June 16th, get ready to be inspired as Shia LeBeouf (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Transformers) stars as amateur golfer Francis Oiumet in Walt Disney Studio’s Hi-Def Blu-ray release of The Greatest Game Ever Played.
The son of a laborer, Francis Oiumet spent much of his childhood and youth serving as a local caddy for well-to-do members of the country club. After a couple club members spotted Francis’ talent for the game, they encouraged him to practice and to sign up for the US Open that was coming around.
Despite his passion and natural gift for the game of golf, Francis faced a couple uphill challenges in his quest to become one of golf’s great amateurs. His status in society was not typical of a golfer, which ultimately contributed to his glory. His father was also not supportive his his interest in golf, preferring that his son accept his “position” in life as a working-class man.
With the chance to compete against his hero, the greatest golfer of the time, Britain’s Harry Vardon, Francis set out against many professional and more experienced amateur players. By his side for the entire tournament was his 10-year old trusted caddy, Eddie.
Francis Ouimet went onto become a two-time US Amateur Golf champion, and is still recognized as one of the best ambassadors for the gentleman’s game in its history. Disney does a nice job presenting this inspiring story of perseverance, determination, and heart. At times, the movie does lack a bit of depth from a story perspective, but sports enthusiasts will enjoy The Greatest Game Ever Played. There are some attempts at a romantic angle, and family pressure comes into play, but this story is really about one man and his love for golf.
Special features of his Hi-Def Blu-ray release include:
- A View from the Gallery: On the Set of The Greatest Game Ever Played
- Two Legends and the Greatest Game
- From Caddie to Champion: Francis Ouimet
- Audio Commentary with Director Bill Paxton
- Audio Commentary with Author, Screenwriter and Producer Mark Frost
- Actors: Shia LeBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Elias Koteas, James Paxton
- Directors: Bill Paxton
- Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, HiFi Sound, Surround Sound, THX, Widescreen
- Language: English
- Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Studio: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
- DVD Release Date: June 16, 2009
- Run Time: 121 minutes
Blu-ray Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews
