Throughout the film (which also includes Richard Pryor in the surprisingly small role of a player trying to fake his way into the majors as a Cuban athlete) The All-Stars develop an infield personality full of old fashioned showmanship mixed with great baseball. This sort of Harlem Globetrotter-style entertainment astounds audiences of every ethnicity and draws increasingly big crowds, until the Negro League owners can't ignore them anymore. After attempts to sabotage the All-Stars, the owners decide to gamble all on a game, the outcome of which would either end the All-Stars for good or secure them a spot as an official team. The ending of the film is bittersweet, as one of the All-Star players gets called up to join the Brooklyn Dodgers, the major league team that famous plucked Jackie Robinson out of the Negro League in real life. This breakthrough, and the complex reactions that Long and Carter have, underscores the mixed blessing that was Major League integration. While it was a huge advancement for the sport in reflecting America's rich diversity, it also spelled out the end for the Negro League, which was home to some of the finest baseball ever played. Sadly now the Negro Leagues are often treated like a footnote in American history, but at least The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings tries to memorialize it with humor and memorable characters.

VIDEO:
The anamorphic video looks fine. The film is a bit grainy, owing to its origins, but the transfer is top notch, really giving the dusty Midwestern atmosphere it's correct look. Surely this is the best this film has looked for a long time.

AUDIO:
The 2.0 mono soundtrack is also fine. The dialog is clear and the mix works well. English, Spanish and French subtitle tracks are also available.

EXTRAS:
An informative commentary track from director John Badham (who went on to direct Saturday Night Fever, WarGames, and many other films) is included. He eloquently discusses the athletes that inspired the film as well as his reminiscences of making the film. Overall, a very good supplement.

A trailer and some text screens are also included.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Bingo Long All-Stars is a completely underrated film. There are plenty of dramatic and comedic highlights in the film, as well as some fine performances. This DVD release does the film proud. I'm sure that there are a lot of people out there clutching their old VHS copies who will be thrilled with this release. For those who have never seen the film, and even those with only a passing interest in baseball, it deserves a look.