The Main Event DVD in Stores July 1, 2003
Posted/Updated: 30 August 2003 14:33
Warner Home Video released Barbra Streisand's 11th movie, The Main Event, on DVD on July 1, 2003. Also included in the 4-disc box set, The Barbra Streisand Collection (order link), this 1979 comedy re-teams Barbra with her What's Up, Doc? co-star Ryan O'Neal and some colorful supporting characters played by Paul Sand, Whitman Mayo, and Patti D'Arbanville. This was BJS's third film for her First Artists Production Company and was originally released on June 22, 1979. Currently, her Barwood Films owns the property. Check the box below for full release specs, including Barbra's first-ever DVD commentary. Each individual DVD package features pink side binding. Order the DVD now. Merchandiser display bins should be in some stores. Look for print ads (view) in People (June 30 issue), Ladies' Home Journal, and Woman's Day. Britain and Europe should see these new DVDs at the end of August. Read the Warner Home Video press release dated April 8, 2003.
DVD Review by Sal LaBarbera (barbratimeless.com)
One of Barbra's sleepers, The Main Event receives a delightful makeover in the newly released DVD. The film is presented in a widescreen format for the very first time, and the quality of the film is pristine, something videophiles have come to expect from digital media.
Barbra's commentary is "scene specific" and lasts only 9 minutes. But within her short discussion, Barbra demonstrates her fondness for this particular comedy and even delights in pointing out her sister, Roslyn Kind, who has a bit part in the film's opening credits sequence. Barbra loved making The Main Event, as she explains, and her onscreen reunion with Ryan O'Neal was a labor of delight for both actors. Their chemistry was right, as she further discusses, and their scenes were all played loosely and with lots of improvisation along the way. As filming commenced, there was still the small matter of writing a suitable ending for the "glove story." Barbra asked cast and crew to submit their ideas for the conclusion of the story and was delighted when even her driver produced a treatment. It's these types of anecdotes from Barbra that makes her audio track on the DVD fun.
Two other features of the DVD are worth mentioning. A very nice slide show presentation includes some rarely seen photos from the production. But a highlight of the DVD, and of particular interest to fans of the film, is the documentary Getting In Shape for The Main Event. The short runs 19 minutes and is a fun-filled behind the scenes look at all the frolic and hijinx from the set.
It's enjoyable to watch this remastered version of The Main Event, knowing how much fun Barbra had making it. In fact, according to Barbra, it was so much fun to make, she might even show it to her husband some day. - SL, 7/2/03
Synopsis: Barbra Streisand plays Hillary Kramer, a successful fragrance entrepreneur whose business manager has just split with most of her assets. One he overlooked - or purposely ignored - was the contract of handsome ex-fighter Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal), who has no intention of going back into the ring. But Hillary has no intention of starving, so the Kid puts on the gloves - and fights for Hillary in more ways than one. You will certainly recognize the Streisand hit single, "The Main Event"/"Fight."
The Main Event (1979)
Release Date: July 1, 2003
Warner Home Video
Suggested Retail Price: $19.98
Catalog Number: 17161
ISBN Number: 0-7907-6812-7
UPC: 0-85391-71612-9
Features:
* Anamorphic 16x9 Widescreen Format (1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio)
* English - Mono, French - Mono
* Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
* Special Features
- Exclusive All-New Scene Specific Commentary by Barbra Streisand
- Original 1979 Making-Of TV Special Getting in Shape for The Main Event
- Production Stills Gallery (6 pages)
- Original Theatrical Trailer (1:54)
- Cast/Director/Writers Film Highlights
Running Time: 112 minutes
DVD Region Code: 1 Rating: PG
Streisand films released or coming soon on DVD in U.S. --
- Hello, Dolly!, FOX # 2007579
- What's Up, Doc?, WHV #1041 (July 1, 2003)
- Up The Sandbox, WHV#11325 (July 1, 2003)
- The Main Event, WHV #17161 (July 1, 2003)
- Nuts, WHV #11756 (July 1, 2003)
- Funny Girl, CTHE #03089
- Funny Lady, CTHE #06676
- The Prince of Tides, CTHE #23329
- The Owl and the Pussycat, CTHE #04751
- For Pete's Sake, CTHV #05814
- The Way We Were, CTHV #02850
- The Mirror Has Two Faces, CTHV #82529
Copyright © 1996-2003 Mark Iskowitz. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
www.bjsmusic.com
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
