Reviewed By Jason LockardToday is March 26th 2020. This day would have been opening day in Major League Baseball. But with the issues, we are going through not only here in American but around the world with the COVID-19 virus, all venues and events are closed for the time being including baseball.
So now since we are missing our baseball at least for the forseeable future. I think this is a great day to look back at a classic baseball comedy from the fine folks at Warner Archive. The film is the 1951's Angels in the Outfield.
The film follows Jennifer Paige (Janet Leigh), a reporter who is investigating the Pittsburgh Pirates' losing streak. The team is led by manager Guffy McGovern (Paul Douglas), whose swearing and fighting is seemingly causing the team to faulter. Now all the while there is a little orphan girl named Bridget White (Donna Corcoran) who loves her Piraters team and has been praying them to win. Suddenly her prayers are answered and an angel begins urging Guffy to be kinder in return for helping the Pirates win, but the playoffs test the manager's temper.
When most people think of Angels in the Outfield they probably think of the Disney film. But most people probably never saw this version, the original version. Disney's version was heavy in special effects. This one is not, but it makes up for in a great screenplay and tremendous acting lead by Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh, the supporting cast is a great cast including Keenan Wynn, Donna Corcoran, Lewis Stone, Spring Byington, Bruce Bennett, Marvin Kaplan and many more.
Now as for this Warner Archive Made-on-Demand DVD. The film has been transferred in the original full screen format 1.37:1 and in Dolby digital audio. I have to say I was very impressed with the audio and video quality of the film. The quality is so good for a film that will soon be 70 years old! The film print really looked amazing on this DVD. On this DVD there is also comes with English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Always a nice bonus!But Warner Archive loves to give the classic film fan a little bit more! So as awesome as it is to have the film on DVD, Warner Archive went well above and beyond with this release and loaded it with bonus features. They include:
- Donkey Baseball (A very cute vintage short film)
- Jerry and the Goldfish (Tom and Jerry cartoon)
- Radio Show adaption of Angels in the Outfield featuring Janet Leigh and George Murphy
So as we wait for the National pastime to come back. I highly recommend this classic film to kind of whet your appetite for baseball. The print is great and the bonus features are amazing. I can't imagine a more entertaining release for baseball fans than Warner Archive's DVD release of Angels in the Outfield.
So if you are longing for some baseball action now. I can not recommend this release enough. You can pick up a copy of this DVD at WBShop.com or at Amazon.com today.
Offensive Material: Nothing
Audience: Families
Genre: Comedy
Length: 1 Hour 39 Minutes
DVD Value Rating: A
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