Plot: What’s it about?
Paul “Wrecking” Crewe (Burt Reynolds) has never cared much about anything, from his love life, to his professional football career, to the rest of the civilized world. Crewe worries about one person and that’s himself, as that is what matters the most to him, over all other elements. When he played football he was a star quarterback and become a hero, but that all ended when he shaved points in a game. But since Crewe cared more for the money than the game, he had no problem with making sure the scoreboard looked as his clients desired. This has served him well enough until now, but when he beats up his girlfriend and takes her car, he ends up arrested and sentenced to serve some time in a real prison. His reputation precedes him, as the warden (Eddie Albert) asks him to put together a team of prisoners to take on his guards’ team, which plays at the semipro level as it is. In exchange for his coaching and playing, Crewe will be given an early release, which he eventually agrees to and thus, starts to form his team. The men become very close and look to Crewe as their leader, but when the warden demands that Crewe throw the game, what will become of the team’s fate?
I happen to like a lot of sports movies and although some do suck, I think some real gems can be found in the genre. Most of these films use the same premise and change the events & characters, but for some reason, they still dazzle audiences and win fans. But while some of these pictures do indeed suck, The Longest Yard doesn’t and in truth, it is my personal favorite sports film of all time. I like Hoosiers, Any Given Sunday, and Bull Durham, yes, but this one takes the cake in my book. I simply love the performance of Burt Reynolds, who plays off his fellow cast members well and seems to nail the role of Paul “Wrecking” Crewe. Sports films need a good supporting cast also, which this one has and then some, with as terrific a back up team as you could ask for. These men might not be famous faces, but they seem so natural here and that adds depth & realism to the film. I admit, this movie has some flaws and pulls some strings at times, but I simply love it and I think it gets better with each viewing. I am sad that Paramount has issued such a bare bones disc, but I still think this disc is worth a look, as The Longest Yard is modern classic, at least to me it is.
He might take some slack at times, but I think Burt Reynolds is a gifted performer, as his recent supporting work in films has confirmed. Some still see him as the grinning, cackling fellow with Dom Deluise by his side, but there is much more to Reynolds’ career than that. In The Longest Yard, he is able to use his charms and comedic skills, but he also shows his more dramatic side, which also works very well here. I think Reynolds was a natural choice to take this role, as he seems so confident and natural within the part, which ensures the film is effective. His character isn’t always (ever?) a real good guy, but you can’t help but cheer for him, as he really wins you over as the film goes on. You can also see Reynolds in films such as Boogie Nights, The End, Striptease, The Cannonball Run, Stroker Ace, and of course, Smokey and the Bandit. The rest of the cast includes Eddie Albert (Dreamscape, The Devil’s Rain), Ed Lauter (Thirteen Days, True Romance), Michael Conrad (Requiem for a Heavyweight, They Shoot Horses Don’t They?), Harry Caesar (Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, A Few Good Men), and James Hampton (Sling Blade, Teen Wolf).
Video: How does it look?
The Longest Yard is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I braced for the worst here, but I was pleased to find an above average visual presentation. This film made in 1974 and as such, some flaws do surface, but this is one of Paramount’s finest transfers for an older catalog release. A few scenes look rough, but the on the whole, the image is sharp and very clean, I was very impressed. Some specks surface on the print of course, but nothing to be concerned about, as the print used is very clean most of the time. The colors look good, but dated at times and the contrast is stable, which means a solid detail level at all times. When compared to the full frame laserdisc edition, this is a massive improvement and I commend Paramount for their work here.
Audio: How does it sound?
Although 5.1 remixes are usually included on Paramount catalog discs, this one retains the original mono and I for one am pleased with that decision. I feel this film is just fine in this mono presentation and in truth, I don’t think a new surround track would enhance, though it could lower the impact to be sure. So this track doesn’t use the surrounds, but it is clean and very crisp at times, so no real complaints. The music has a dated sound, but that is all right, as the sound effects and vocals all sound terrific. Kudos to Paramount for keeping the original soundtrack present, I hope to see more of this in future releases. This disc also includes English subtitles, in case you need them, as well as a French mono track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
In what is a real disappointment, this disc contains no supplements.
