Customer Reviews

SLIGHTLY DISAPPOINTING - By: Mr. R. P. Barron, 15 Dec 2006
I think that they should have added the Fourth & Fifth Tests on a second DVD, & perhaps they should release the whole series on a three disc boxset. For that you get Ian Botham taking five wickets for one runin twenty-eight balls, then his century at Manchester where he had the temerity to hook Dennis Lillee not only once but twice, considering that Dennis Lillee had a very successful series & year (39 wicketsin the series, 85 wickets overallin the year. Only Shane Warne has bettered that.)

There is also one priceless piece of commentary & perception made during the Headingley Match that was cut out of the original highlights, & on the DVD. It is no surprise it came from Richie Benaud, soon after Ian Botham reached Hundred, "Mike Brearley tells him to stick around" then "Who knows if they stick around much longer, who know what the England bowlers are going to do on this pitch." Now if that isin the extras great, but should have been edited backin to the main section to show what turned out to be great commentary.

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Marvellous Deliveries - By: Donutman, 11 Aug 2006
I was 19 at the time & I kind of remember this a bit but I didn't have a TV then. So glad to be able to get to see it at last but was not aware that only the one match was covered as the whole series was extraordinary. I forgot just how close the scores were & I found myself cheering & shouting at the TV & getting quite nervous each time Bob Willis steamed in. The England team were amazing when you look at the line up. Didn't think Mr Boycott & Mr Dilley ever played at the same time let alonein the same team.It was good to see the interview with my cricketing hero as well. In the style of Messrs R Benaud & G Boycott, That's great cricket, that! What a marvellous video!

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A fantastic look back at the greats of yesteryear - By: Mr. N. D. Cornfield, 01 Feb 2006
I approached this DVD with much sceptisism, having read all the bad reviews that were circulating around. However, being a massive fan of cricket, I decided to buy it anyway as I like watching footage of old cricket.

And was I pleased? You bet I was! Loads of footage of the English greats such as Ian Botham, Graham Dilley & Bob Willis as well as the Australian legends Dennis Lillee, Geoff Lawson & Terry Alderman. The picture quality is absolutely superb & has barely agedin the twenty-five years since the test took place. You could be forgiven for thinking that the match was only a few years old.

All the highlights are here: all the fours, sixes & dismissals as well as interviews of the key players at the end & much more. This is all nicely complimented by a great, thoughtful & insightful introduction by Ian Botham.

Now for the extras. As well as career stats for all the players, English & Australian, you also get a fascinating interview with Ian Botham as he travels back to that memorable summerin 1981 & gives us an insight as to how everyone was feeling leading up to the match, during the match & its aftermath. This interview is quite lengthy & provides many fascinating stories.

There is also an opportunity to watch ball-by-ball coverage of Ian's match-saving 149, some of which is not includedin the main feature as there is simply not enough time. (Yay, deleted footage!)

So allin all, if you love cricket today & want to see how much (or how little, depending on your point of view) the game has changedin a qaurter of a century or if you wish to see the men who have since become legends of this sport, pick this DVD up & give it a watch. I promise you will not be disappointed.

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Great Fun for All Cricket Lovers - By: , 24 Jan 2006
This was bought for me for Christmas & I was warned that reviews had not been 100%. However, I watched it through & thoroughly enjoyed the superb vintage footage! Whilst the actual highlights are a trip down memory lane, the extras are worth everything. From the enlightening interview with Both to the 'sadly' fascinating player's stats for that Ashe's series & also their career stats.

For someone who wishes to see player's faces enjoying their game as opppsosed to a face behind a helmet... Plus English cricket as we have not seen until last summer, I do really recommend it. I does make a great present! Brilliant fun!

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Aussie bashing at its best... - By: , 05 Sep 2005
Well presented DVD, the classic BBC highlights with good old Richie commentating... Botham & Willis sticking it up the Aussies... Heaven!