Step back into the vibrant and spirited world of 1930s Negro baseball with the Blu-ray release of The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. This feel-good comedy, directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, Dracula) and boasting a stellar cast including Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, and Richard Pryor, is based on William Brashler’s acclaimed 1973 novel. Considered a landmark sporting book, the film is finally available in a Limited Edition Blu-ray, marking its world premiere in this format and offering fans an unmissable home viewing experience.
Set against the backdrop of segregated baseball leagues, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings isn’t just a sports movie; it’s a celebration of resilience, humor, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. The film follows Bingo Long’s enterprising team as they barnstorm their way from humble beginnings to championship contention. Directed with John Badham’s signature flair, this movie is renowned for its comedic timing and the electric chemistry between Williams, Jones, and Pryor, making it a beloved classic for generations. This pre-Star Wars pairing of Williams and Jones, alongside comedy legend Richard Pryor, delivers unforgettable performances that continue to resonate with audiences today.
This Indicator Limited Edition Blu-ray of The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings is packed with special features that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Fans can enjoy a High Definition remaster and the original mono audio, ensuring the film looks and sounds better than ever. For deeper insight, dive into the insightful audio commentary with director John Badham from 2007. The release also includes There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leagues, a compelling 1983 documentary narrated by James Earl Jones. This documentary provides valuable historical context to the world depicted in the film, chronicling life in the segregated Negro Leagues through archival footage and interviews with numerous baseball players.
Beyond these key features, the Blu-ray is brimming with bonus content. Expect the original theatrical trailer, a John Badham trailer commentary from 2013, and vintage radio spots that capture the promotional era of the film. An image gallery showcasing promotional and publicity material offers a glimpse behind the scenes. The release also includes new and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. Furthermore, the limited edition exclusive 40-page booklet features a treasure trove of written content, including a 1978 retrospective article on the film, an archival report on a promotional baseball match between the casts of Bingo Long and The Bad News Bears, an archival interview with Billy Dee Williams, an overview of contemporary critical responses, new writing on There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace, and complete film credits.
For cinephiles, comedy lovers, and sports movie enthusiasts, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings Blu-ray is a must-own addition to any collection. It’s not just a chance to revisit a cherished and hilarious film but to experience it in the best possible quality, accompanied by rich bonus content that deepens appreciation for its cultural and cinematic significance. Don’t miss this world premiere Limited Edition Blu-ray release to own a piece of baseball and comedy history. This edition, limited to 3,000 copies, is set to be released on 30 August 2021, with an OOP date of 30 October 2024, making it a timely acquisition for discerning collectors.
