I finally got a chance to watch the Phillies World Series DVD – the one that got the red carpet treatment a couple of weeks ago in local theaters.

I’m not sure I’ve ever spent $15 on a more satisfying viewing experience.

Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard figure prominently in the film, which chronicles the entire season but focuses most heavily on the Fall Classic. The NFL Films-style of juxtaposing the highlights with the players and coaches discussing the events directly to the camera adds an extra level of drama to a season that already had plenty of it.

The Tampa Bay Rays also help tell the story, which adds even more depth to how it all went down.

It’s amazing how quickly I had moved to the back of my mind how maligned the Phillies were going into the Series. The Rays were going to win in a laugher – maybe even a sweep. Their starting pitching was superior to ours once you got beyond Cole Hamels. The Phillies had too long of a layoff. The Rays were more battle tested from being in the AL East. Blah, blah, blah.

There are some choice extras as well, including the top of the 9th of Game 5 with Harry Kalas and Chris Wheeler’s call instead of the annoying Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Apparently the 8 disc A&E box set of the entire World Series allows you to watch all 5 games this way, also.

My only complaint is the notable absence of Pat Burrell from any interviews. Also – no love for Harry Kalas? It would have been cool to hear his thoughts at different times during the video as well.

MLB Productions does a fine job of being at the right place at the right time with camera and mic, as there are great little moments throughout the film where we get to hear the players’ reactions during the games, or less public moments during the celebration after the World Series win.

The DVD is a great way to relive an October that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.