SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1,350 Min.
Released by the NBA in 2006 through Warner Home Video, this eleven-disc set depicts the Detroit Pistons’ playoff series win over the Chicago Bulls (4-2) for the Eastern Conference title before decisively halting a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers’ bid (4-0) for a third consecutive NBA Championship. Though the CBS and TBS intros & half-time shows have been omitted, footage of all ten 48-minute games appear in their entirety, along with CBS footage of the Pistons’ title celebration. Note: A sole exception is the Pistons-Bulls Game 5, which oddly omits the first two-and-a half minutes of the fourth quarter.
One game is allotted per disc, as viewing can be chosen for a full game or by each quarter. The eleventh disc consists of regular season/playoff highlights; exclusive non-TV coverage; and some off-court access to the Pistons squad.
REVIEW:
Frankly, this set is as close to perfect as one could expect. Despite the age blips and some sporadic fuzziness, the standard-screen viewing remains solid entertainment. Hearing the familiar 1980’s commentators again (i.e. Dick Stockton; Billy Cunningham; Hubie Brown; etc.) is a nostalgic treat, in large part because they stick to game coverage without shamelessly fawning over the players. Of course, that doesn’t apply to a young Michael Jordan, as, even in 1989, the commentators openly speculated that he might already be the game’s greatest-ever. His playoff efforts are a fan’s thrill to watch, especially as the Pistons possessed one of the few defenses that could contain him.
Also, the opportunity to see other Hall-of-Famers: i.e. Joe Dumars, Scottie Pippen, Isiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Magic Johnson (the regular season’s MVP), is worth the price of admission alone. Vinnie Johnson is another spark plug worth catching, too. Observing head coaches Doug Collins and Pat Riley trying to out-maneuver their rival, Chuck Daly, offers another great sub-plot (not to mention, some amusing facial reactions). At a reasonable price, this set is a wonderful investment for NBA fans.
Note: The commentators’ in-game analysis of Detroit’s recent trade of Adrian Dantley for Mark Aguirre is another interesting element.
BONUS FEATURES:
The eleventh disc is an assortment of visual extras to complete this Pistons championship package.
PACKAGING:
With two games per DVD case, each game’s box score, team stats, and summary are provided on the casings. However, only a few (if any) of the decorative game stills actually represent these specific games. The inner DVD casings reiterate the same team photo, which is also seen on the back of the set’s box.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
