BURBANK, Calif., March 23, 2006 - Walt Disney Pictures, the studio that brought audiences “Remember The Titans” and “The Rookie,” presents THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED, an inspirational and heartwarming film based on the true story of Francis Ouimet, on DVD April 11. Born with nothing except a dream, 20-year-old Francis (Shia LaBeouf) beat the odds and rose in the ranks of golf to face off with his greatest idol and competitor, Harry Vardon, in the 1913 U.S. Open.
Theirs was the greatest match the sport had ever known. A milestone in sports history, sometimes it takes an
outsider to change the rules. The DVD includes featurettes on the real people who inspired the movie, including an interview with Francis Ouimet; a visit to the set of the film; and audio commentaries with the director and producer.
A young amateur player from a working class family, Francis Ouimet - played by Shia LaBeouf (Disney’s Holes; Constantine, Disney’s The Even Stevens Movie) - is caught between a world of hardship and a beckoning life of privilege. Francis needs to prove his unfailing will and ability to make it to the tournament. Through unending hard work, Francis finally faces off with his greatest idol and competitor, defending British champion Harry Vardon, in the 1913 U.S. Open. The 20-year-old Ouimet shocks the golf world when, flanked by his 10-year-old caddie, he defeats his idol in the dramatic, unlikely match-up – “the ingénue versus the seasoned champ.”
Stephen Dillane (King Arthur, The Hours) plays Harry Vardon. Elias Koteas (Traffic, Arafat) plays Francis' tough, hardworking father. Newcomer Peyton List plays Sarah Wallis, the beautiful young
woman who catches Francis' heart. Josh Flitter (TV’s “My Life With Men,” upcoming “Big Momma’s
House 2”) is Eddie Lowery, the pint sized caddie who helps Francis find his way through the troublesome
fairways to victory. Written by Mark Frost, based on his book. Directed by Bill Paxton (star of “Twister,” “U-571,” “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over” and more).
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is the winner of the Heartland Film Festival’s® “Truly
Moving Picture” Award for, as the Festival states, “films that explore the human journey by artistically
expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life.”
DVD bonus materials:
STREET DATE: April 11, 2006
• A View From the Gallery: On Set of The Greatest Game Ever Played
• Two Legends and The Greatest Game – A Featurette on Francis Ouimet and Harry Vardon
• Film Audio Commentaries with Director Bill Paxton and Writer Mark Frost
• From Caddy to Champion: Francis Ouimet – A Historical Interview from 1963
Buy The Greatest Game Ever Played on DVD from Amazon.com.
Read our The Greatest Game Ever Played DVD review
Click to view larger The Greatest Game Ever Played cover art
Direct prebook: February 14, 2006
Distributor prebook: February 28, 2006
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD)
Run time: Approximately 121 minutes
Rating: “PG” For Some Brief Mild Language
Bonus features not rated or subtitled, and subject to change.
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 TV screens
Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Language: English audio, French audio; French subtitles