I realize I look into these things too much, but really Hollywood, the box art really gives the ending away. Can’t you at least hide it a little bit? I know, I’m funny, you don’t have to remind me.
Phillies fans have been waiting for this DVD since DVDs came into existence and were waiting for even longer for the team to finally win another of these. So obviously, Phillies fans will love this DVD set. Brewers/Dodgers/Rays fans…probably not so much.
This is actually the second World Series Collector’s edition that I own, the first one is the 1987 World Series and for those who know me, should know that there is no way the 2008 edition could top the DVD record of my Minnesota Twins winning their first World Series, that being said, there are parts of this DVD that I do like better than the ’87 version.
The biggest thing that I absolutely ADORE, you can choose your audio feed! Are you like 8 out of 10 Americans who despises Joe Buck and/or Tim McCarver? No worries, in the five World Series games you turn them off and choose between the Phillies or Rays radio announcers. May I recommend the sultry voice of Harry Kalas? Of course, with something this perfec, there have to be flaws. The radio audio feeds are, like live, a little delayed from the video feed. But that’s rather normal and to be expected. What’s unexpected is the audio cutting out and not being there for the last out of a few innings. Not for any apparent reason, just because. There is a disclaimer that warns you when you select a various form of audio, but I still don’t understand why they’d just cut out last pitch of a given inning. Although it is nice, because you can tell when the last pitch of the inning is coming.
But, if you stay on the normal fox feed for the audio, you won’t be all that much better off thanks to Tim McCarver. The editing doesn’t help him at all, but it’s not all editing that has him talking about things that happened 15 minutes ago for no reason what so ever. Something like talking about Jimmy Rollins excellent defense seconds after someone has hit a homerun.
But there, I did mention the editing. The World Series discs aren’t as bad, but the editing in the NLCS games gets pretty bad from time to time. It’s all in an effort to speed the game up and make it more watchable, but it’s painful to see a pitcher throw a pitch and immediately cut back to him throwing the next pitch. It’s confusing and makes you wonder if you have a bad disc. But I understand it, so I’m not terribly disappointed, however if you’re looking for something with good editing, you may want to look elsewhere.
Included in this set are 8 separate DVDs
Game 4 and 5 of the NLCS
All 5 Games of the World Series
And a bonus DVD with numerous highlights from the year for the Phillies, behind the curtain looks at the celebrations after the games.
The 2008 World Series is presented in 1.78:1 Widescreen format and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
Video glitches out in a few areas, but it’s still worthwhile.
An entire DVD of fun stuff.
Walk off homeruns.
3 Homerun games.
Inside the park Homeruns.
Ryan Howards 40th and 48th homeruns.
Footage from the Championship Parade with audio from Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard.
If you really have to ask, it’s not for you. If you have to think about it, it’s probably not the best gift idea. However, it’s basically essential for any Phillies fans. And the minor gripes I have will seem trivial.
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A&E Home Video Presents 2008 World Series Collector’s Edition. Starring Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utlely, and Ryan Howard. Running time: 611 minutes. Not Rated. Released on DVD: December 9th, 2008. Available at Amazon.com.
