The Best of Times, starring Robin Williams and Kurt Russell, is now available to bring home on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

The new Blu-ray release is sourced by a 2022 HD Master. While we know Ron Shelton for writing or directing some brilliant sports comedies, I’m afraid to say that The Best of Times is not one of them. That’s not to say that he doesn’t try–both Williams and Russell do their best with the material. In my defense, my headspace and focus has also been terrible lately. I needed a Robin Williams comedy to make me laugh this week but unfortunately, this could not do the job. Moreover, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score is 31% on 13 reviews as of Monday night, hardly a great selling point. Maybe I need to give it another chance when my mind is clear but right now, I cannot recommend the film.

Synopsis:

Screen legends Robin Williams and Kurt Russell star in this winning comedy about life, hope, and getting even. In 1972, underdog Taft High challenged their meanest rival, Bakersfield, to the annual football game. But when Jack “Butterfingers” Dundee (Williams) dropped the ball instead of making the big play, Taft was defeated and star quarterback Reno Hightower (Russell) has never let him live it down. Now, 13 years later, Dundee wants the chance to redeem himself, no matter what it takes. His only solution is to play Bakersfield again…with the same team! But for the Taft team, getting into shape couldn’t be tougher! Written by Ron Shelton and directed by Roger Spottiswoode, The Best of Times is a hilarious film full of heart and charm that makes good on the American dream. Join the team that wants to win for all the right reasons!

Bonus Features:

• NEW Audio Commentary by Director Roger Spottiswoode and Screenwriter Ron Shelton
• Two Theatrical Trailers
• Optional English Subtitles

DIRECTOR: Roger Spotiswoode
SCREENWRITER: Ron Shelton
CAST: Robin Williams, Kurt Russell, Pamela Reed, Donald Moffat, M. Emmet Walsh, Margaret Whitton, Holly Palance, R.G. Armstrong, Dub Taylor, Kathleen Freeman, Tony Plana

Universal Pictures released The Best of Times in theaters on January 31, 1986.

Please subscribe to Dugout Dirt and Solzy at the Movies on Substack.