"ONCE IN A LIFETIME"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: ***** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: ***** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Matt Dillon as NARRATOR Marv Albert as HIMSELF Carlos Alberto as HIMSELF Franz Beckenbaur as HIMSELF Giorgio Chinaglia as HIMSELF Rated PG-13 Studio: Miramax Directed by: Paul Crowder and John Dower Back to DVD Review Home |  |
One does not normally expect a high thrill factor from a documentary, but that is exactly what you get from “Once in a Lifetime.” This film tells the untold story of the New York Cosmos, the soccer team that MADE soccer in the U.S.
The success of the American team in the 1950s World Cup created the need for a soccer league in the United States. Soccer is a sport like no other American sport. Americans are accustomed to time outs to converse, eat, and drink. The nonstop action of soccer was something Americans had yet to fall in love with.
After the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the National American Soccer League was created. The league had yet to gain anyone’s attention until the Cosmos won the 1972 league championship. This is when Steve Ross, the creator of Warner Communication and its branches (including Atari), purchased the Cosmos for one dollar.
Even now that the Cosmos had a foothold in television, the sport had still yet to fulfill its potential. Ross knew what to do. He signed Pelé, the world’s greatest soccer player who hailed from Brazil. Pelé’s salary at 4.7 million dollars made him the highest paid athlete on the globe, and he did not disappoint. Pelé’s first game brought in three times the attendance the Cosmos were familiar with.
After Pelé came the recruitment of Italy’s highest paid player: Giorgio Chinaglia. Chinaglia brought energy to the team and the fans loved him. Following Chinaglia was German player Franz Beckenbaur. Next, Carlos Alberto, a former teammate of Pelé’s from Brazil. Together they transformed soccer into a major American success.
The documentary follows every aspect of the Cosmos development, success, and failure. Matt Dillon (“Crash”) narrates the film, while players, managers, and experts offer their stories and commentary.
This picture is beautifully put together. The rapid, eye-catching editing of original footage is mixed with appropriate 1970s music for maximum effect. Paul Crowder (“Dogtown and Z-boys”) has utilized editing in a way that keeps the viewer’s attention throughout the entire movie.
The DVD comes complete with some commendable bonus features. See game highlights from the 1980 and 1981 Soccer Bowls, as well as Pelé’s farewell game. Also deleted scenes and a featurette entitled “Stories of Pelé” are available as extras.
I do not expect to be as entertained by a documentary as I would be by a fictional movie, but this piece is at least as entertaining as any fictional account. This is a truly impressive documentary. It is absolutely entertaining and is sure to make a soccer fan out of anyone who watches it.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen (1.85:1). English Language Track. French and Spanish Subtitles.
