In the late 1960s and early '70s, Robert De Niro was like many actors in the game. He was hungry, eager to prove himself, hunting for any job he could get to add to his resume, allowing him to maintain momentum in the industry. 1973 was the year when everything changed for De Niro, breaking through big time with his turn in Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets," detailing a tough side to the talent, backed by an exceptional filmmaker. There was also "Bang the Drum Slowly," giving De Niro an opportunity to showcase his range, portraying a dying baseball player handling a friendship with his teammate. Director John Hancock oversees this tender study of partnership and trust, which is an adaptation of a book by Mark Harris (who also scripts), challenged to find the softness in male bonding and sporting achievements. "Bang the Drum Slowly" is a quiet picture with a love for character that sometimes derails its pacing, but the central relationship is compelling, watching two men deal with their emotions and the reality of mortality while handling the ups and downs of a baseball season. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com