I fondly remember watching this movie when I was a child, but I don't remember the racists humor in one or two spots nor do I remember the frequent cussing that is present. Perhaps my mind has been playing tricks on me. More than likely I watched it on an edited for TV version. I also believe that the ending would not "test well" with audiences and that it would be redone. If you long for a movie that makes you remember the days of playing little league ball, then you'll find no better than Bears.

Walter Matthau plays the pool cleaning, alcoholic coach Buttermaker. He's been hired to coach an extra team of players that turn out to be the misfits of the league. After a vicious beating at their first game he sets out to recruit Amanda (Tatum O'Neal) to pitch for the team. After a deal is struck the team starts to come together with their new pitcher and the addition of one more wildcard.

As the Bears' performance improves, the attitude of their coach gets caught up in the competitive parent aspect of coaching. After a shocking turn of events before and at the championship game, the Bears and Buttermaker learn what it takes to be real champions. They take their first steps toward adulthood and see the mistakes that they shouldn't make.

The Video: Image quality on the DVD isn't the greatest around. The print has grown dark and shows it age and wasn't cared for upon restoration for DVD. It is presented in an anamorphic 1.78:1 aspect ratio that maintains the original format of the film.

The Audio: The original mono soundtrack is here for purists, but the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix brightens things up well enough without sounding over processed. It's still not a showcase disc for sound, by any means, but it's a definite improvement from the original.

The Extras: Or should I say, what extras? There is nothing on this disc to show that Paramount even cared about releasing this film for the public. There's no trailer, cast bios, nothing that normally is listed as an extra. Paramount has long been releasing bland DVDs like this and it's a shame they don't put a little time or effort into most of them.

Overall: I'd definitely recommend buying the Bad News Bears for your collection if found for the right price. Although it received sub-par treatment from Paramount, it's still the nicest copy of the film released in years.