The New York Yankees broke the bank after watching the low payroll Tampa Rays win the American League while they missed the playoffs. They paid hundreds of millions to land free agents CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeria. For a reasonable fee they nabbed Nick Swisher. They weren’t going to open the billion dollar New Yankee Stadium with another third place finish. Rumors were swirling that owner George Steinbrenner’s health was failing him. His sons were now in charge of the team. They weren’t merely doing dad’s bidding. George would have fired manager Joe Girardi more than once. Nobody pays 25 guys almost $250 million to watch TV in October. But the sons had patience unlike their old man. World Series 2009: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees shows the reward in a 27th title in the Bronx.
The special shows how the team started off on a bad foot. Before the season started, Alex Rodriguez was on the disabled list, but that turned out to be the least of his troubles. He was involved in a messy divorce after his relationship with Madonna hit the tabloids. Word had gotten out that he was a major abuser of steroids. He finally admitted it, but only claimed he and his cousin were needling each other’s butt during the time he was with the Texas Rangers. When he came back from the DL earlier than expected, he was received what many consider the kiss of death: Kate Hudson. The Oscar nominee had meant career suicide to the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson when he married her and his band vaporized. When she broke up with Owen Wilson, he attempted real suicide. Would A-Rod and the Yankee get cursed by her? Nope. Somehow A-Rod had a major comeback. The team ended up winning the division and easily dispensed the Twins and Angels to capture the AL Pennant.
The Philadelphia Phillies were the defending World Series champions. They seemed destined to be repeat winners except they lost their most powerful weapons. In 2008 Brad Lidge was the great shut down closer. In 2009, Lidge had looked like he was auditioning to throw at the homerun derby. Ryan Howard was the major bat for the team. While the Phillies looked good wining game 1 in the Bronx by beating down CC Sabathia. Phillies starter Cliff Lee was the stud. And he also won game 5. Unfortunately that’s all the Phillies won. Thus the Bronx Bombers ended up winning it all in the new Yankee Stadium with Kate Hudson getting as much TV time as Hideki Matsui.
World Series 2009: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees features the highlights of the season and the Series with interviews with all the team stars. This reminds fans what major league baseball is truly about: having a team that can afford to spend whatever it takes to buy a title. The players act like they did it just for the chance to win, but earning $25 million a year helps them put on the pinstripes.
The video is 1.78:1. The 1080i transfer is taken off HD video so it looks good on the Blu-ray. There’s a real feeling of getting into the game with many of the angles chosen. There’s also a DVD release. Phillies fans might not notice the Blu-ray upgrade since their eyes will be filled with tears whenever Brad Lidge’s name is mentioned. The audio is 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Stereo. Crank up the volume so you can hear Ryan Howard come up short.
ALDS Game 2: Mark Teixeira walk-off Homerun (1:25) is a clip of the moment.
ALDS Game 2: Alex Rodriguez Homerun (1:04)
ALCS Game 2: Alex Rodriguez Homerun (1:52)
ALCS Game 2: Yankees walk-off win (0:38)
ALCS Game 6: Last out (1:54)
World Series Game 3: Alex Rodriguez Homerun (1:02)
World Series Game 4: Johnny Damon 9th inning at-bat (4:04)
World Series Game 4: Johnny Damon stealing 2nd and 3rd base (1:38)
World Series Game 4: Alex Rodriguez 9th inning double (1:10)
World Series Game 6: Hideki Matsui Homerun (1:23)
World Series Game 6: Hideki Matsui 2-run single (0:51)
World Series Game 6: Hideki Matsui 2-run double (0:42)
Final 3 outs of the World Series and celebration (10:10) has the Yankees jump on each other.
Player reactions (2:53) is filled with group hugs.
World Series 2009: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees is the perfect gift for long suffering Yankee fans who can barely remember when they last won a title back in 2000. The Blu-ray will make the moments more vivid for the devoted. Phillies fans might not be so happy watching their team go down in flames.
Shout! Factory presents World Series 2009: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees. Directed by: Roland Emmerich. Starring: Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher and Kate Hudson. Running time: 84 minutes. Rating: Unrated. Released on DVD: December 15, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
