Search - The Main Event on DVD

Much better than it's reputation

Robert Johnson | Richmond, KY USA | 04/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This film was a major hit upon release in the summer of `79. With a budget seven-million-dollars, the film took in over $40 million at the domestic box office and became one of the top-ten grossers of the year. Unfortunately, it has since been written off by many fans and critics alike as one of Streisand's weakest film efforts. As for myself, I believe THE MAIN EVENT manages to be likable, funny, and entertaining. Even though we've seen the same story a thousand times before, THE MAIN EVENT is very enjoyable while it's playing.

The scenes are all set up very well, the one-liners are funny ("I said celebrate, not fornicate "), and Streisand and O'Neal give off a strong sexual charge between them onscreen. The film also features a very strong supporting cast, with Paul Sand, Whitman Mayo, and Patti D'Arbanville turning in terrific performances. Unfairly mangled by most critics and many viewers (many of whom need to learn how to loosen up), the film is complete fun from start to finish. Ignore all of the naysayers, THE MAIN EVENT stands one of my favorite romantic comedies.

About the DVD: The picture quality is great, and the mono sound is fine as well. It's great to have the original trailer and the 19-minute television special, titled GETTING IN SHAPE FOR THE MAIN EVENT, preserved on disc, although Streisand's brief audio commentary is slightly disappointing."

Disco era Barbra - very entertaining!

Christopher Sullivan | New York, NY USA | 09/13/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly, lets clear up some misinformation from other reviewers. "The Main Event" WAS financially successful and was in the Top 10 of 1979! The soundtrack, with 3 verions of the title song went gold and "The Main Event/Fight" went to #3 on Billboard and went gold as well! Barbra actually sang this live in her recent "Timeless" concert and it was the highlight of the evening.
It can be very unfair to review comedies so many years after their release because humor does change. "The Main Event" was a sheer and fun delight in its time. It holds up quite nicely now and is not intended to be any great masterpiece of a film... just light and funny. It suceeds on both counts. I found Barbra funnier here than in "What's Up Doc?" where Madeline Kahn stole the show. After this film, it was basically "serious" Barbra from there on out. (Except for her very next film "All Night Long", also underappreciated!)In the AFI "Directors" series, Barbra comments that she should probably have done more comedies. I agree. She has exceptional timing. So to all the nay-sayers I say... lighten up!"

Simply Streisand

Randi T. Fader | Kingman, AZ | 05/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Barbra Streisand it seems like forever. My aunt Dee Knuckles who had the only womans boxing team in San Pedro, CA. was the boxing consultant for Barbra in the Fabulously Funny "The Main Event". I can remember going with my aunt to see Barbra and Ryan at the Auditorium in LA, seems like just yesterday. The major highlight of this film is when Barbra sings "The Main Event" absolutely takes your breath away. This movie is fabulous. Way to go Barbra."

The Main Event

Deborah L. Corriveau | Willimantic,CT USA | 03/31/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Enjoyed it on the Big screen years ago when it first came out. Sometimes you wish you could watch the movies you loved from the past but they are not available for your personal collection. I always liked the paring of Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand since I first saw them together in "What's Up Doc" Some movies just remind you of a time in your life and gives you a chance to remember when. I'm a fan of the movie."