Few things from the 1970s have aged well, if Peter Frampton’s appearance at Naperville’s RibFest last year is any indication.

But underneath a thin layer of cultural classics (“The Godfather” films, Led Zeppelin’s peak period) and a whole mess of embarrassments better left unsaid, a few small-time gems have shone underneath gluttony’s decade-long pressure. “The Bad News Bears” stands as a diamond in the midst.

Enjoying the ultimate Little League movie means ignoring the washed-out ’70s look and retro Pizza Hut signs. The most telling characteristics – instigators for two sequels and a quotability factor through the roof – play the same games with an audience today as they did in 1976, just like the sport that’s depicted with such a detached reverence.

Twenty-six years later, the name “Kelly Leak” still epitomizes the wild-child slugger, full of punkish spirit and natural talent. Maybe you were on a team that featured such a star. Heck, maybe you were the “Kelly Leak” (played spot-on in the movie by Jackie Earle Haley). Then you’d recall warmly the cast of characters media executives dream of, so readily available on every all-inclusive Little League team.

Time hasn’t removed the likes of a Tanner Boyle (Chris Barnes) or Engelberg (Gary Lee Cavagnaro) from Little League’s natural selection. The hot-headed Tanner spouts epithets, throws gloves and picks fights like a kid diagnosed with a chipped shoulder. And current coaching still dictates that the Engelbergian, overweight kid must be catcher. Look it up, it’s probably in the rules.

The movie’s best moments come when such attention to detail harkens back to one’s own memories of childhood sports. These game recaps of yore are aided by sympathetic caricatures. Walter Matthau’s Coach Morris Buttermaker (and subtly called many other names throughout the film) exists as a focal point, but his subtle shifts from drunken, washed-up ballplayer to involved coach take the skill of a man who never took a role too lightly.

The DVD release comes nearly two years after Matthau’s death and in the wake of several tributes recognizing his comedic originality. With a face like that, the roadblocks to laughs were few. But take a look at “The Bad News Bears” and his facial expressions, especially in dealing with such sigh-worthy players as relief pitcher Rudi Stein (David Pollock).

With such memories running so strong, you’d thing the DVD could capitalize on such feelings. But the disc arrives sans extras – a void equivalent to forfeiting a game because not enough players have arrived. Just last year, the producers of “The Goonies” creating a loving treat for fans, with interviews with all the kids. While Tatum O’Neal is no Corey Feldman, this film demands a special edition full of retrospective insight.

Maybe the time isn’t right for such things. These days, movies like “Hardball” are passed off as legitimate Little League movies. And Kelly Leak, with his stringy hair and aviator sunglasses, probably wouldn’t adorn adolescent girls’ walls like he did 21 years ago. And such un-PC dialogue and depictions of drinking probably wouldn’t make it past the rough draft in the current climate.

But some things exist outside the ravages of time. The short guy still can draw the walk. Coaches’ sons still offer up more emotional fodder than any other player. And lines like Kelly Leak’s, “I got a Harley Davidson. Does that turn you on? Harley Davidson?” draw laughs even now.

Long live Kelly Leak, even in disappointing digital glory.