Baseball - A Film By Ken Burns

Actors: Hank Aaron, Bud Abbott, Roger Angell, Arthur Ashe, Red Barber
Studio: PBS Paramount
Category: DVD

List Price: $179.99
Buy New: $100.00
You Save: $79.99 (44%)


New (41) Used (11) Collectible (1) from $100.00

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 15 reviews
Sales Rank: 4777

Format: Box Set, Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 10
Running Time: 1140 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0

MPN: TM3529
UPC: 841887051262
EAN: 0841887051262
ASIN: B000BITUDO

Theatrical Release Date: September 18, 1994
Release Date: September 28, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Baseball - A Film By Ken Burns

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Customer Reviews

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5 out of 5 stars Baseball: The Story of the Uniquely American Game by the Consummate American Storyteller    July 27, 2008
James Curtis (Carrollton, TX United States)
Ken Burns uses the nine innings of a baseball game to tell the story of the game as only he can. Amazing imagery -- from still photographs of the game's roots, enhanced by the "Ken Burns Effect," to remarkable film footage -- is wed to Burns's trademark soundtrack lyricism and John Chancellor's wonderful narration of the Geoffery Ward script. If you like the game you'll like the series. If you love the game and haven't seen the series, you've waited long enough. And if you're not a baseball fan, but merely a lover of history and Americana, there's plenty here for you.


5 out of 5 stars The Old Ball Game    July 21, 2008
Zachary Koenig (Fergus Falls, MN)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Only the sport of baseball could lend itself (via its long, rich heritage) to a Ken Burns-style documentary. Of course, Burns nails it once again.

Though not as emotionally touching as his Civil War or World War II documentaries, Baseball captures the essence of America's pastime. From Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, and Ty Cobb to Willie, Mickey, and the Duke, to Yaz, Pete Rose, Mick Schmidt, and everyone in between, Burns recounts all the rousing stories that old fans will recite from memory and younger fans will be fascinated by. Guest commentators wax poetically about the game, old veterans tell their stories, and Burn's traditional mix of period music, solo piano, and aching violin provide an emotional punch, whether positive or negative.

However, what really sets this film apart from others is Burn's willingness to "pull no punches" in terms of describing the often-flawed sport of baseball. Whether it be the rowdyism that plagued the game in its early existence, the "Black Sox" scandal of 1919, or baseball's outright racism until the late 1940s, Burns explains those issues without letting too much personal bias creep in.

Overall, this is a wonderful documentary for baseball fans who truly value the rich history of the sport. When watching, you will fell as if you actually exist in whatever decade Burns happens to be describing. This is the ultimate "biography" of our national pastime.


5 out of 5 stars The Usual Burns' Spin, but Outstanding Nonetheless    April 15, 2008
R. Bailin
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

The sheer magnitude of this set makes it worth 5 stars. Of course Burns beats us over the head w/ the racial angle, but that's Burns. If you're from NY, you'll get a lot of satisfaction from the New York bias. The cinematography is often stunning. Look for the Babe hitting a HR in slo-mo. Doris Kearns Goodwin somehow slipped into the mix, as did Mario Cuomo. Buck O'Neill is always enjoyable. I like seeing Sandy Koufax's pitches in slo mo w/ the behind the plate angle. If you're a Red Sox fan, you'll want to go out and pick up a pizza during the replaying of the infamous Bill Buckner game and the classic 7 game series against the Big Red Machine. The introduction to each "inning", with the Star Spangled Banner playing, might send chills down your spine. Some great players are not mentioned at all: Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Rollie Fingers, etc. but at least we get to hear how Doris Kearns Goodwin was welcomed back to the candy store and we get a full scouting report on 20 year old prospect, Mario Cuomo.



5 out of 5 stars Ken Burns has done it again...    March 3, 2008
L. Hardie-Vallone (Bethesda, MD United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

For the Basball fan and intrigued viewer alike, this documentary is amazing. Ken Burns has a knack for documentaries, and this is no exception. He's outdone himself again! You will not be disappointed. This is not just another documentary on Baseball. Worth every penny.


5 out of 5 stars Baseball    February 10, 2008
James A. Russo
I bought it for a friend who is into the history of baseball. He really likes it.