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Greatest Game Ever Played (The)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Anthony Arrigo (9th November 2009). |
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The Film
 Consider me surprised on some level that I did not slip into a diabetic coma from another inspirational sports movie produced by Disney. Typically, films of this ilk are so heavily saccharine-laced that my body shuts down from the sugary overload. Though that isn’t to say that the moments of awestruck wonder in this film aren’t sappy, rather it’s the fact that everything that happens in the film actually occurred that gave it a pass in that respect. It’s easy to forget while you’re watching this film that what is happening on-screen may very well be one of the first great underdog sports stories of all-time, certainly of the early century. And having more-than-capable actors portraying these classic roles, and an assured and comfortable director behind the camera, absolutely led to making a 2 hour film move at a brisk and thrilling pace. Francis Ouimet (Shia LeBeouf) is the son of a blue-collar worker, a peasant, who earns a living as a caddy at the country club which he lives across the street from in Brookline, Massachusetts. He idolizes Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), a professional golfer from England who comes to town for a demonstration. After participating in a demonstration with Vardon, Francis decides that he knows what he wants to do: play golf. He practices non-stop for years until one day he earns the chance to play in the U.S. Open, the biggest tournament in the world, against his hero, Vardon. What follows is the thrilling, true-life story of how this unknown amateur rose above many seasoned professionals to become one of the first legends of golf in the United States. The film is held firm by an assured performance by Shia LeBeouf. This was his 6th film, a full two years before his role in the uber-blockbuster, “Transformers” (2007), and he has all of the wit about him that actors twice his age lack. Sure, people may associate him with popular yet terrible films thanks to some of his recent efforts, but make no mistake about it, the man can act. He never mugs for the camera, or tries to portray Ouimet as meek or someone to pity. He puts forth just the right amounts of enthusiasm and confidence to make the role both touching and pleasing. I wish he’d make some more small, personal films like this. His acting abilities get more of an opportunity to shine when he isn’t screaming “No…no, no, no, no, no!!!” and dodging giant robots. Another standout here is young Josh Flitter as Francis’ caddy, Eddie Lowery. Flitter is like a 40-year-old man in a boy’s body. Just as the character in real life, Lowery was a young man wise beyond his years, giving Francis confidence when he needed it and offering sage advice to help him stay ahead of the pack. I was surprised to learn that producer Mark Frost both wrote the novel this film is based on and the accompanying screenplay which was shot. I’m a huge fan of “Twin Peaks” (1990-1991), the early 90’s cult cable hit which was executive produced by both Frost and auteur director extraordinaire, David Lynch. Not that I know Frost personally or anything, but it surprised me to see a man who helped to envision such a bizarre universe making a film (and writing a book!) about the game of golf. I haven’t read the novel, but Frost did a magnificent job on the screenplay. The film rarely lags and the action is moved along quickly enough that viewers aren’t likely to become bored with the constant driving and putting. Another major asset to the film is having Bill Paxton in the director’s chair. Paxton is well-known for his abilities in front of the camera, but many may not know that he is also equally adept behind it. This is only his second film, but many, especially horror fans, may remember his first, the twisted psychological thriller, “Frailty” (2001). He surprised many people, me included, with that film and its chilling storyline and dark subject matter. Here, he takes on a wholly different subject with the sport of gold, but he’s obviously learned a thing or two from his years working with acclaimed directors such as James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow and Ron Howard. Paxton never lets the film become suffocated by heavy-handed inspiration; he allows the actual facts to play out without lingering too long on the sweet moments. I hope he continues to direct because he shows a capable hand in crafting memorable films. One thing that I felt slightly detracted from keeping the film too sickly sweet was Brian Tyler’s score. Don’t get me wrong, he composed a perfectly fitting soundtrack for the film, but I felt that at times some of his motifs were a little too obvious in their attempt to tug on heartstrings. In particular, the film’s main title theme is a bit overdone. I was hoping that we would get a score more commensurate with a thrilling game of golf, slight sarcasm intended. Golf can often be a boring game to watch and, though Paxton does keep the film at an even pace, I felt that the score could have worked a little harder to keep us enticed. But it hardly detracts from the picture; I think it’s very well-written; I just wanted something to amp up the thrill a bit more.
Video
Just as I might have expected, Disney has graced “The Greatest Game Ever Played” with an outstanding image. The film’s 1.85:1 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer looks stunningly good. A few of the opening scenes did look a bit hazy, but once we get to the country club, with its majestic greens and lush foliage, the real eye candy becomes to surface. Skin tones and complexions look incredibly detailed; you can se the individual hairs on faces beaded with sweat. Blades of grass are distinct and crisp, never looking like a shoddy tuft of Astroturf. The fall shades on the trees lining the club are rich and earthy, very organic. Even in the rain, detail is never lost and the image remains clear and detailed.
Audio
The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track mixed at 48kHz/24-bit encompasses the room with Brian Tyler’s score pumping out of all speakers. Though this is a film where the sounds are limited to dialogue, golf swings and putting a good job is done to separate each individual noise. Golf balls whoosh across the front channels, while sounds of an enthusiastic crowd can be heard panning through the rears. Tyler’s score sounds majestic and impressive when it swells to its fullest, filling the room with a full orchestra. There isn’t much here to show off with, but the track faithfully reproduces both the dialogue and score with great results. French, Spanish and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound tracks are included, as well as Chinese and Portuguese Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo surround tracks. Subtitles are available in English for the hearing impaired, French, Spanish, Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, Portuguese and Thai.
Extras
Disney has loaded up this Blu-ray with some informative, worthwhile bonus features that help to fill viewers in on some of the true-life story which it was based upon. We get two audio commentaries, a couple of featurettes and some bonus trailers. Firstly is the audio commentary with director Bill Paxton. He’s both assured and collected on this track, and his knowledge as both an actor and director allow him to really delve deep into the setting up of the film’s key scenes, how he cast the film and what artistic flourishes he included to help some scenes stand out. He’s very laidback but rarely allows the track to lag with silence. The second audio commentary is with author/screenwriter/producer Mark Frost, however, is very different. Frost talks with great expedience, trying to fill us in on as much as he can regarding the real life events and how the performances and lines were accurate to the actual persons involved. This is a fast-paced track packed with lots of key information. “A View From the Gallery: On the Set of The Greatest Game Ever Played” is a featurette which runs for 15 minutes and 22 seconds. Bill Paxton gives viewers an on-set look at the making of the film, including interviews with cast and crew members and what it took to adapt the novel to the big screen. “Two Legends and the Greatest Game” is a featurette which runs for 6 minutes and 50 seconds. This is a look back at the two players who went head-to-head in the finals of the 1913 U.S. Open, Harry Vardon and Francis Ouimet, as well as their impact of modern golf. “From Caddie to Champion: Francis Ouimet” is a featurette which runs for 25 minutes and 15 seconds. Host Fred Cusick interviews Ouimet at the country club where the film takes places in Brookline, Mass. Finally, bonus trailers are available for the following: - “Race to Witch Mountain” runs for 1 minute and 32 seconds. - “Hannah Montana: The Movie” runs for 1 minute and 38 seconds. - “Earth” runs for 2 minutes and 9 seconds. - “Disney XD” runs for 31 seconds. - “G-Force” runs for 2 minutes and 34 seconds. - “Morning Light” runs for 2 minutes and 27 seconds. - “Disney Blu-ray" promo runs for 1 minute and 12 seconds. - “Disney Movie Rewards” promo runs for 20 seconds.
Overall
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