Search - The Rookie [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: G Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Suitable for Children Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 08/27/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 7 mins Studio: Walt Disney Video Total Copies: 37 Genres: Drama, Biopic [feature], Sports Drama See Also: The Rookie [Fullscreen], The Rookie [Blu-ray]

The true story of a middle-aged baseball rookie comes to the screen from Finding Forrester (2000) screenwriter Mike Rich and the studio behind the previous year's equally inspirational sports drama Remember the Titans (2001). Twelve years ago, the pro baseball aspirations of Texas pitcher Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) were derailed by a severe shoulder injury. Jim became a high school science teacher and baseball coach, married his sweetheart, Lorri (Rachel Griffiths), and settled down to raise a family. After corrective surgery repairs, despite the longstanding damage to his shoulder, Jim discovers that he can pitch a ball even faster than he could before. When his team delivers a lackluster on-field performance in a losing game, coach and players agree to a wager: If they'll make it to the district championships, he'll try out for a major league ball club. When his team makes it to the championship and wins for the first time in the school's history, Jim is forced to live up to his end of the bargain. Nearly laughed off the field, he confounds the pro scouts by tossing successive fastballs that clock at nearly 100 miles per hour. It seems that Jim is about to live his dream of joining a major league team in middle age, when most players are planning their retirement. The Rookie (2002) co-stars Brian Cox, Beth Grant, and Jay Hernandez. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Dennis Quaid - Jim Morris
Rachel Griffiths - Lorri Morris
Jay Hernandez - Joaquin "Wack" Campos
Beth Grant - Olline Morris
Angus T. Jones - Hunter

The Rookie, the inspirational story of Jim Morris, a high school teacher who realized his dream of becoming a big-league baseball player, makes its way to DVD. Picture and sound on this disc are top notch. The image, framed at 2.35:1, and anamorphic, is nearly perfect. Skin tones are well balanced, while the darker scenes are solid with no signs of breakdown. Colors are quite vivid, re-creating the theatrical experience nicely. The audio elements, 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in English and French, are surprisingly strong. While the majority of the sound is located up front, there are some very effective moments where the Surrounds take control. Though not labeled a special edition, this disc does contain some nice extra features. For starters, there is a scene-specific commentary track from director John Lee Hancock and Dennis Quaid. Though a bit dry at times, and lacking much enthusiasm, this is made up by their obvious love for the project and their knowledge of the subject. A definite plus is a 20-minute featurette on the real Jim Morris with cast, crew, and Morris interviews, that is really so good it seems too short. Though they will probably appeal only to a specific part of the audience, there are also some baseball tips aimed at younger viewers. Finally, along with seven deleted scenes, hosted by Hancock, are a number of previews for additional Disney titles that round out this exceptional disc. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide