For Love of the Game (HD-DVD)
Studio: Universal
Release Date/Year:2007 (Film Year 1999)
Rated:PG-13
Film Length: 137 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 16X9 Enhanced Widescreen (2.35:1)
Video: 1080p/24 VC1
Audio: English - Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 & English - Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Video Quality:5
Audio Quality: 4.5
Overview and Film Information
For Love of the Game, directed by Sam Raimi, tells the story of Billy Chapel (Costner) a Major League Baseball picture for the Detroit Tigers, who is considered by most to be washed up and nearing the end of his pitching career. During the final game of the season Billy is contemplating some major things; his longtime girlfriend is leaving him for a job in London, he is possibly being traded away from Detroit by new owners, his retirement from the game that he loves so much and the possibility of him pitching the perfect game. Kevin Costner, having been a pitcher in his life, gives a great performance as Billy Chapel in this film.
Video Quality ***** out of *****
Those looking for a reference film release on HD-DVD need to look no further than "For Love of the Game". We are presented with a absolutely amazing 2.35:1 image that is excellent from start to finish. The first thing that sticks out on this release is the amazing cinematography of this film, most particularly the baseball stadium. This film was shot with the best filming process in the world, Panavision Scope. Only true scope films have a level of lush image detail and sharpness that is untouchable in the movie world. FLOTG is a perfect example of how a film should look via the fabulous new HD formats. Sharp as a tack with tons of image detail all the while being clean and smooth as a whistle. Contrast is out the roof lending to a amazing 3D looking image. The color palette is also top notch and there is not even one single hint of edge enhancement. Film grain is present and there are no signs of any noise reduction being used. I struggle with myself to reserve the highest rating of 5 stars for those special films that really do deserve it video wise, maybe its the amazing Panavision Scope image (of which I am a sucker for) but I just have to give this release that 5 on video, it is that good.
Audio Quality ****.5 out of *****
Universal has finally stepped up to the plate and delivered this film with what it deserves and that is a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack (my review was of this track only), also available is a Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 track. This film has a very convincing soundtrack and this is easily heard during the scenes of the live baseball game during this film. The sound field is marvelous and dialog is very very clean and precise. I can only hope that Universal begins to use the lossless Dolby TrueHD tracks that their films deserve, they are truly a notch above other compressed audio formats and take the performance of these films to another level, delivering a grand slam for HT enthusiasts (I love puns). A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extra Features and Menus ** out of *****
Extra features include a making of documentary under Universal's "Spotlight on Location" series, deleted scenes and a cheesy trivia game. Menu's are Universal's new style (with opening flying HD-DVD logo), easy to navigate and well laid out, I particularly like the scene selection menu.
Overall ****.5 out of *****
This release is Universal at it's finest, reference video and audio is all that I can ask for and in this case they delivered with style.
) Great news.
J/K. Keep up the good work. 
