As they do each year, Major League Baseball recently released World Series Champions a clip Laden extravaganza that allows fans to enjoy all the series biggest moments. Since the series went the full seven games there were several moments of high drama. The Cubs had won an impressive 103 games in the regular season, so they were heavy title family favorites coming in. Nonetheless, they found themselves down 3 games to 1 answer their backs against the wall. Only the 1925 Pirates, 1958 Yankees, 1968 Tigers, and 1985 Royals had come back from such a huge deficit. But, throughout the season the Cubs had shown a never quit attitude that would serve them well in the end.
Interestingly, the documentary starts out evenly divided with information about the Cubs and the Indians. While some Cubs fans may feel slighted, for a baseball fan without a dog in the fight, it’s interesting to get backstory on both teams. However, one the Cubs wrap up the title, we don’t get any interviews from the Cleveland locker room. The focus completely shifts to to Chicago big win. The parade drew an estimated five million people–making it one of the largest gatherings ever. The excitement is palpable.
Major League Baseball has done a nice job of providing slickly edited game highlights. Obviously, they have top level access, allowing players to be. miked, interviews with coaches and other club personnel, fan reaction and more. There’s also vintage footage of Cubs fans throughout the years, which is a nice touch.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer varies a bit, but it’s generally very good. The talking head interviews appear flawless. The game footage, taken from several sources, varies a bit. I noticed some lines and weather related distortion on occasion, but it doesn’t disrupt the overall viewing experience. Depth is solid with minimal blur. Black levels are deep and appropriate, while colors are bright and refreshing. The Cubs blue uniforms pop off the screen. Skin tones look natural and realistic throughout.
Taking from many different audio sources, the 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack sounds fine, but it should be listened to with the understanding that this is a sportscast for live TV. Interviews are crisp and come through nicely. The LFE gets some nice work when it comes to music cues and crowd noise. Surrounds get a nice amount of involvement as well and the back and forth action is well represented. Dialogue is clear throughout.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Regular Season Highlights (HD, 5:25)
- Clinching Moments (HD, 2:44) The clinching moments for the Cubs throughout the playoffs.
- World Series Highlights (HD, 9:02)
- World Series Parade (HD, 2:12) Highlights of the victory parade in Chicago.
- Cubs on David Ross (HD, 1:35) The Cubs share their thoughts on catcher David Ross, who had announced before the season began that 2016 would be his final year.
- DVD
- Digital Copy
