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| Dvdivas
was founded by John Gabbard in 2000. It's purpose has been and
remains to be to provide you, the entertainment community with
the latest dvds and movie reviews. It will continue to be your
link to the most popular dvd movies. |
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“Fever
Pitch (Boston Red Sox Collector’s Edition)”
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Reviewed
by: |
Wayne A. Klein |
| Genre: |
Comedy |
| Video: |
1.85:1 Anamorphic
Widescreen |
| Audio: |
Dolby Digital
5.1 |
| Languages |
English |
| Subtitles |
English,
French, Spanish |
| Length |
103 minutes
|
| Rating |
PG-13 |
| Release Date |
9/13/05 |
| Studio |
20th Century
Fox Home Entertainment |
| Commentary:
|
Peter and
Bobby Farrelly |
| Documentaries:
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None |
| Featurettes:
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“Break the Curse”, “Love
Triangle”, “Making of A Scene-‘Fever Pitch’”, “Inside Look:
In Her Shoes” |
| Filmography/Biography:
|
None |
|
Interviews: |
None |
| Trailers/TV
Spots: |
Theatrical trailer |
| Alternate/Deleted
Scenes: |
13 deleted
scenes |
| Music
Video: |
None |
| Other:
|
Gag reel
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| Cast
and Crew: |
Drew Barrymore,
Jimmy Fallon, James Sikking, Johnny Sneed, Brett Murphy, JoBeth
Williams |
| Written
By: |
Lowell Ganz
and Babaloo Mandel based on the book by Nick Hornby and the
British film “Fever Pitch” |
| Produced
By: |
NA |
| Directed
By: |
Peter and
Bobby Farrelly |
| Music:
|
NA |
| The
Review: |
When does a man become a man? Is
it the first time true love finally hits like an unexpected
curveball? Or is it when a man finally gives up his baseball
bed sheets? Tough call but in “Fever Pitch” it’s when Ben
(Jimmy Fallon in an appealing performance) finally realizes
he would give up his season baseball passes to spend his life
with the woman he loves. It’s when he can sleep in without
worrying about who won the playoffs. Or least it’s when he
can pretend to not care about all these things to please Lindsey
(Drew Barrymore). When they meet Lindsey is a highly paid
executive on the way up the corporate ladder while Ben is
a teacher. The two click despite their differences and Ben
asks Lindsy out on a date. You know its true love when you’re
throwing up because of food poisoning and your date sticks
around to clean up the bathroom, make sure you’re ok (trust
me on this it’s from personal experience). Ben’s obsession
with his favorite team the Red Sox threatens to undo their
relationship just as Lindsey’s commitment to work almost undoes
their relationship. “Fever Pitch” may be a predictable romantic
comedy but it has enough bite and funny moments to make it
a pleasant way to spend an evening. ---
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| Image
and Sound: |
A sharp,
virtually blemish free transfer for “Fever Pitch” makes this
a homerun as a purchase. The detail is amazingly sharp and the
colors as vibrant and rich as the atmosphere on opening day.
The 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound mix is just right and the spread
around the speakers so good, so alive that you’ll be waving
your hand for the peanut vendor to come by. |
| The
Extras: |
The big
difference between this edition and the regular edition is
a seamlessly branched Red Sox ending. I don’t want to give
anything away but I was a bit underwhelmed. Then again, this
isn't "Gladiator: The Extended Edition" nor does it pretend
to be. There are a number of good featurettes. “Break the
Curse” discusses the curse the Sox have faced since the days
of the Bambino. “Love Triangle” discusses the character conflicts
and the central premise of the film as seen from the point
of view of the characters. We also get 13 deleted scenes none
of which would have improved the film (or diminished it for
that matter). The theatrical trailer is included as well as
two other featurettes “Inside Look: In Her Shoes” and “Making
of a Scene: ‘Fever Pitch’”. My personal favorite was the gag
reel which was pretty funny although not as funny as some
of the previous Farrelly brothers outtakes on other DVDs.
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| Commentary:
|
The Farrelly
brothers provide a perceptive, funny commentary track that makes
it worthwhile to watch a second time. Interesting comments are
made about changes from the original screenplay, the novel and
the original British film made in 1997. --- |
| Final
Words: |
A sweet
(who would have thought!) natured comedy about men, baseball
and the women who love them, “Fever Pitch” has enough funny
moments to make it memorable. It’s not the best Farrelly brothers
movie but it’s an enjoyable romp. It’s almost, well, respectable.
Hopefully the brothers will make their next feature as outrageous
as possible to make up for those fans disappointed that these
two guys could make a sweet natured comedy. |
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