Revenge of the Curse of the Bambino

Color/B&W;, NR (nothing offensive), 57 min., DVD only $19.97

Street: March 29, Prebook: March 8

First Run: HBO, Dec. 2004

Director: George Roy

HBO/WARNER

This documentary about the Boston Red Sox is actually a sequel that rehashes the original, and as such, it's relatively somber and downbeat in spite of the team's stunning 2004 triumph. The "curse" alluded to in the title has its origins in the team's 1920 sale of Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees, which sparked the Bronx Bombers' ascendancy and doomed the Sox to mediocrity. Year after year, the Sox suffered one humiliating defeat after another, finally shucking off the curse last year to sweep both the playoffs and the World Series. But Red Sox devotees obviously have wide masochistic streaks in them, judging by the reminiscences of such famous fans as columnist Mike Barnicle, critic Jeffrey Lyons, comedian Steven Wright and actors Michael Chiklis and Denis Leary--all of whom discuss the team on camera. Archival footage and newly shot material is skillfully woven together by director Roy. Some of the new stuff borders on the morbid, especially scenes in which Sox fans visit the graves of those who didn't live to see their beloved team go all the way. Nonetheless, Revenge makes for compelling viewing, and you don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it, which should be pointed out to consumers. HBO is simultaneously releasing Nine Innings From Ground Zero, a doc about baseball in the U.S.--specifically New York--in the weeks following Sept. 11, 2001.

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