The Natural (DVD, 2001, Special Edition)

if you want to learn the history of this country, i mean REALLY learn the history of this country, you needn't go to Washington--even the the Smithsonian and the museum mall remain excellent reference points;

no, if you want to learn the truth about this country, go to Cooperstown--and then to Kansas City;

baseball is the fabric, the life the true history of this country, developed from the time of Native American lacrosse and through the Civil War (where it was mistakenly credited to Abner Doubleday) encompassing the rampant racism, desperate gambles of determined businessmen, the dirty business of underworld gamblers, the political machinations of antitrust exemption neatly summarising the political story of this country succintly;

against this background, "The Natural" brings out the interrelationship of baseball as part and pinnacle of everyday society, played by men of uncommon skill seeking the elusive balance inherent in the greatness of the game as in life;

there are some flaws--loaded bats are visible from scene to scene, electric circuits even in that period would hardly support such a display at the end, various editing gaffes--as well as the obvious lack of minorities in every venue and stopover save the trains, but the movie actually does capture the game in the perspective it was originally played, while lifting it to the mythical heights of a Greek tragedy, Chinese or Arabian Nights tale, like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or Alladin";

Kim Basinger plays herself flawlessly, Redford plays the troubled star effortlessly as Gary Cooper or Gregory Peck, even if he lacks their stature;

if you read the book, you will be as disappointed with the way the movie twists the original dark "Casey at the Bat" theme as were readers of "Jaws" were with the movie, but nowhere near as disgusted and despicable as Diana Ross attempting to portray Billie Holliday;

after you've seen the original thatrical release, by all means get the director's cut--it makes the movie much more coherent;

this may not be the best baseball movie--purists prefer the hoary old bio-tome of Lou Gehrig--oddly enough, also a Gary Cooper work, while most critics today prefer "Bull Durham"--but it is almost certainly the best movie to weave the fabric of baseball ever;

If you like sports movies, then you have got to love the Natural.

Ok, nothing realistic in any way shape or form about this movie. Its not based on a true story. It has no deep social message. Its not a romance to inspire the heart.

But if you're a kid at heart, who loves the game (any game) for the love of the game, you've got to love this movie.

By now, you've either seen this movie or you haven't. On the outside chance, you've seen the movie and decided not to add it to your DVD collection, what are you waiting for?

Come on, when Wilford Brimley's character (Pop Fisher) says to Redford's character (Roy Hobbs), "You're the best [ball player] I ever had and you're the best damn hitter I ever saw- suit up," you know you want to jump up. And when he finally hits the dinger to win the game and blows out the stadium lights...a classic sports genre movie.

I bought the DVD of the Natural with Robert Redford, because I couldn't rent it any longer.This is one of the best films done on baseball. It is a very well photographed films. There is a real beauty in the photography. Team that up with an all star cast of Redford, Glen Close, Barbera Hershey, Kim Bassinger, Wilford Brimley, Joe Don Baker, Darin McGavin, and Robert Duvall and you have a film that is very high in entertainment value. This film was made in 1984, and I don't think they could make this film today. Just look at the cast, and the kind of money these superstars would get today. The locations used, the subtile little touches like playing at Wrigley Field before the famous Ivy covered walls had fully matured. The lighting, costumes, and period correct set dressing makes this a very "pretty" film with a touching storyline. A must see for any real baseball fan.

One of the best baseball movies ever made. Robert Redford gives an outstanding performance. The cinematography is excellent. The movie creates drama, lifts you up, brings you down, and end in one of the best climaxes to any sports movie ever! If you haven't seen this one, grab it...now!

This movie has all the things that make baseball the national pasttime. I seen this movie many years ago and decided to add it to my dvd collection. It just makes you feel good to watch it. Since I got such a good deal on Ebay it became a no brainer. Robert Redford was in his prime for this movie. This movie is thought provoking too. It makes you wonder how good the character would have been had he not been shot so early in his baseball career.