Product Description

IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 30 2005 The second film directed by actor Bill Paxton is a marked departure--in both form and content--from his debut 2001's FRAILTY a shadowy gothic tale of murder. THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is a sports movie slash Horatio Alger rags-to-riches tale with undertones of class consciousness and social critique. The story is based on a real-life event--the 1913 U.S. Open golf championship--at which two equally sympathetic young men both of whom grew up economically and socially disadvantaged go club to club in one of the most exciting and dramatic athletic events of the early 20th century. The film focuses on the competition between the British star Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) and the young American prodigy Francis Ouimet (HOLES star Shia LaBoeuf). Though they hail from opposite sides of the Atlantic the struggles that the two young golfers have had to overcome are markedly similar; both grew up in hard-scrabble working-class homes that happened to be adjacent to golf courses and both were preternaturally disposed to the game. In addition both must defy the disdain of the golfing gentry. Vardon is already a reigning champion and international darling when Ouimet makes it to his first tournament to battle him. Though enough backstory is provided to connect the viewers to the characters the meat of the film is the dramatic unfolding of the tournament. With expert editing and fluid camera work Paxton films close-up views of the golfing action in a manner that recalls the kinetic pool shots in Martin Scorsese s THE COLOR OF MONEY. With each stroke the competition becomes closer and the mood more tense culminating in an explosive outcome that while not unexpected pulls at the heartstrings as do all good tales of triumph over adversity.System Requirements:Running Time 121 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: PG UPC: 786936277920 Manufacturer No: 03965100

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1190 in DVD
• Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
• Released on: 2006-04-11
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 121 minutes

Amazon.com
You wouldn't think a movie that uses the game of golf as a metaphor for class struggle could be so entertaining. The Greatest Game Ever Played stars the charming Shia LaBeouf (Holes) as Francis Ouimet, a golfer who, in 1913, rose from caddy to U.S. Open champion at the age of 20--despite the resistance of the powers that be, who thought it unseemly for a lower-class plebian to play the sport of gentlemen. Ouimet's main competitor is Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane, The Hours), a British professional, still considered one of the greatest players of all time, who fought his own class battles. The two go head to head in a genuinely gripping match, deftly balanced against the juxtapositions of their personal struggles. Is it sentimental and formulaic? Is the outcome a foregone conclusion? Yes, but it doesn't matter--formulas exist because, when executed with verve and dexterity, they work. Bill Paxton, best known as an actor (One False Move, Apollo 13), steps into the director's chair and hits all the right notes, aided by an excellent cast playing colorful characters, a vivid recreation of the time period, glowing cinematography, and an expert pace. The Greatest Game Ever Played works. --Bret Fetzer

LARRY KING
"The Greatest Game Every Played is one of the greatest movies ever ... "

LEONARD MALTIN, ENTERTIANMENT TONIGHT
"A welcome surprise for moviegoers of all ages... golf has never been portrayed this way before. Kudos to Bill Paxton."

Customer Reviews

DVD-"The Greatest Game Ever Played"
DVD requested arrived promptly but supplied to a UK address in USA format, therefore unplayable on coventional DVD. Exchange sought for UK version.

Awsome
Definatly one of the best sport movies I've ever seen. It shows the dedication it takes and what some people give up for a dream

The Greatest Game Ever Played
Disney once again comes up with an entertaining sports movie. This time centering around the 1913 U.S. Open Golf match. The story starts with some of the key characters as children and what they endure to end up at the U.S. Open. Well told true story with great characterizations. Most the family will enjoy it whether they like golf or not. This is just an overview that deals with the politics of the sport as much or more than the game itself. A dim view of the British club members and their looking down their nose at others is shown. Francis Ouimet's caddy adds some humor. Good quality DVD with decent replayability. If you enjoyed this catch "The Legend of Bagger Vance" and "The Natural". - C. Luster