[2011-06-07] "When It Was A Game: The Complete Collection" Blu-ray (HBO)

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Apr 20, 2011 1:49 pm

Amazon.com
This HBO documentary is based on a highly original idea: tell the story of baseball from the Great Depression era through the late 1950s using footage from home-movie cameras shot by fans and players. The result is a marvelous look at baseball in America as seen from the ground--the culture of stadiums, the ritual of afternoon games, the spiritually sustaining rivalries. Among the truly unexpected sights is color footage of the 1938 World Series, not only from inside the stadium walls but from the street as traffic cops, crowds, and vehicles amassed. It also covers World War II's impact on the game, and, of course, the heroes, often caught in relaxed, unselfconscious moments.

Arguably more defined and even more lyrical than its predecessor, When It Was a Game 2 moves from a general celebration of baseball culture in America to a specific focus on various facets of the game's history, including the special relationship between game announcers and fans and the farm-team system during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Brooklyn's assimilation of the Dodgers into their community identity is covered quite winningly as is the heartbreak of the team's desertion to California. Last, the film takes us on a tour of some of the game's legends and presents a touching tribute to the extraordinary Babe Ruth. --Tom Keogh

When It Was a Game 3 focuses on the 1960s, a time of change for all of America. Through sharp, incredibly clear color footage of players and fans, the film shows how Major League Baseball slowly but surely evolved from pure sport to moneymaking entertainment. Covering the mighty Yankees, the western expansion of both leagues, the increasing inclusion of black players, and the rise of free agency and increased salaries, the film shows the growth of baseball from adolescence to adulthood. --Rob Lightner

Product Description
For the first time in the full three-part HBO® series on Blu-ray, the greatest legends of baseball history are vividly brought to life through never-before-seen home movie footage and memorable storytelling from fans and players alike. See Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax. Relive precious lost moments from teams like the "Gas House Gang" Cardinals, the New York Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers. Experience epic ballparks like Ebbets Field, Briggs Stadium, and Crosley Field. Marvel at the remarkable, changing face of baseball through the years - spearheaded by Jackie Robinson in 1947. Also featuring insightful narration, interviews, and remembrances from celebrities, stars, writers, and sportscasters, When It Was A Game: The Complete Collection captures the full magic of America's National Pastime as you've always imagined - the way it really was.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QRUN8M/?tag=imwan-20

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

I have all 3 of these on regular DVD. If I find the Blu-Ray very inexpensive down the road I'll get this.

Being home footage and of such the selling point for me is that all are in one package. I wonder if they will redit this?

Rick A.

[2011-06-07] "When It Was A Game: The Complete Collection" Blu-ray (HBO)

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