Product Description

This two-disc set celebrates the rich history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, from the inception through their incredible run in 2004. Bonus program is the NFL Films production of Super Bowl XIII, the 35-31 thriller in which the Steelers topped the Cowboys. Includes tons of bonus features on the greatest Steeler moments, games and players.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9213 in DVD
• Brand: Team Marketing
• Released on: 2005-08-02
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 330 minutes

Features

• Officially Licensed
• Highest Quality Recording

Amazon.com
The Complete History of the Pittsburgh Steelers is NFL Films' amazing 142-minute overview of one of the NFL's most storied and successful franchises. It begins with the team's humble start as the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1933, its first star, Byron "Whizzer" White (who soon gave up football glory for school and an eventual seat on the U.S. Supreme Court), and a by-necessity wartime merger with Pennsylvania's other team to form the Phil-Pitt Steagles. Subsequent years brought their move to the fledgling AFC, the hiring of coach Chuck Noll, and an influx of better players such as Joe Green, Terry Bradshaw (when he had hair!), Lynn Swann, and Jack Lambert. That led in turn to Franco Harris's "Immaculate Reception" and four Super Bowl championships in a span of six years. But the history doesn't end there. Also covered are players such as Rod Woodson, Kordell "Slash" Stewart, Hines Ward, and Ben Roethlisberger, the passing of owner Art Rooney, a new coach in square-jawed native son Bill Cowher, the disappointment of Super Bowl XXX, the infamous coin-flip fiasco, the demolition of Three Rivers Stadium, and the team's relationship with its community, up to and including the team's 2004 season.

If that's not enough, the two-DVD set also adds three and a half hours of bonus features. There's the 48-minute "NFL's Greatest Games" installment about Super Bowl XIII, 40-minute featurettes on Cowher, Jerome Betttis, and Bradshaw, and shorter pieces on Harris's Italian fan club, Rocky Bleier, broadcaster Myron Cope, longtime running back and coach Dick Hoak, and the first player mic'd for sound, linebacker Bill Saul. Obviously The Complete History of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a must-own for Steeltown fans, but it should also appeal to almost anyone interested in football history. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

"Here we go, Steelers, here we go!"
The Steelers - The Complete History DVD contains two discs. On the first disc the audience can discover the history of the Steelers in a rather interesting documentary. Through this almost two and half-hour long documentary historical facts emerge, as well as what rests behind the winning tradition of the Steelers.

"Here we go, Steelers, here we go!"

Steelers' tradition is built on perseverance, toughness, and unity, which began in the midst of the Great Depression when Arthur Rooney bought his team into the National Football League. It was back in 1933 when Rooney paid the sum of $2,500 to be a part of the NFL and at that time the team was called the Pirates. The merger with Rooney's team and the NFL was a struggle, as the team did not achieve a winning season with the name Pirates. Two years after their name change from Pirates to Steelers in 1940 they harvested their first winning season. However, the foundation was in position, as they gained the tradition of persevere in a time of great difficulty.

In the 1950 and 60s the Steelers stepped up their game, even though the wins were few, as all opponents knew the team for its brutal toughness. This toughness truly emerged in the 1970s when the team's defensive line acquired the nickname the Steel Curtain. The Steel Curtain led by Mean Joe Green helped together with several other defensive players such as Jack Lambert, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight "Mad Dog" White to the Steelers first two Superbowl victories.

Some years later still in the 1970s, the NFL decided to change the rules due to the Steelers defensive superiority and the low scoring games. The change brought a more open field, which made it easier to pass to the wide receivers. A team with Terry Bradshaw at quarterback and the two deep threat wide receivers Lynn Swan and John Stallworth opened up offense for the Steelers who continued to remain tough on the football field. They won their last Superbowl in 1980 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Although it might sound that the tough 1970s Steelers won the first two with defense and the second two with offense, it should be known that the teammates of the Steelers have always carried each other through rough and tough times, as Mean Joe Green gave his support to the Bradshaw when the confidence in him was at an all time low. The unselfish act by Green is a commendable example of the Steelers tradition, which has unified a whole city to stand behind their yellow and black football players through any kind of adversity. The Steelers traditions and attitudes of perseverance, toughness, and unity are still fostered by current head coach Bill Cowher.

Steelers - The Complete History comes in a stylish packaging that Steelers fans will enjoy. The material on the two discs is definitely interesting and worth viewing for football fans and enthusiasts. However, the audience should be aware of the poor quality of the image, which unfortunately stains the quality of the DVD.

A Little Light on the Total Content
Pros:

The 2 1/2+ hour 'History' of the Steelers is an engaging, top-notch look at both the good and the bad times for the Steelers franchise. Humorous, introspective, and informative, especially during the pre-dynasty days for the Steelers.

The 'profile' segment on Franco Harris and "Franco's Italian Army" is very nostalgic, moving, and makes you remember what was good about 70's. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The 'profile' on Terry Bradshaw became sappy at times, but still presented a well rounded view of his estrangement and ultimate reunion with the Steeler fans, the city, the team, and Chuck Noll. It could have better presented his strong playing ability, especially during the end of his career. This profile also seemed somewhat 'vindictive' showing Terry as still missing the 'T' in cat. Still a good profile.

Cons:

Certainly falls well short of the 'Complete History of the Steelers.' I would have liked to have seen at least 10+ more 'profiles' on various players/personalities including Ham, Lambert, Rooney Sr. & Jr., Blount, Mean Joe, Swann, Stallworth, Woodson, many of the pre-70's players, and many many more stars that can be named by you or me.

Only one of the four superbowls are included. Sounds to me like they are planning on three more 'Complete History' DVDS...Also I would have liked to have had an 'uncut' version of Superbowl XIII, and not just the 'edited' version included here. This version is more of a 'Highlights' version along with player interviews. Nice, but where's the uncut original?

As the title of this review says, it's light on total content. Still well worth buying, but don't expect anything more than "The Completely Edited History of the Steelers." Still, it's a step in the right direction.

STEELER FAN
OH MY GOD!!!!
This the DVD that Steeler Fans have been waiting for.
A very comprehensive history. From the lean years to the glory years.
Hours and hours of great special features, lots of great stories.
The opening credits shot chills down my spine.
What a great way to get amped up for another season of Steeler Football
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for any Steelers fan.
Here we go Steelers, Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!