Search - NFL History of the Cleveland Browns on DVD

Nicely done overview, but glosses over some ugly stuff.

M. Keogh | New York, NY | 10/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

""The History of the Cleveland Browns" is a two DVD set.

The first DVD is a nearly 2.5 hour documentary that, of course, follows the history of the Cleveland Browns from their inception in 1946 to their surprising 10-6 2007 season. In between it relates the story of a franchise that was once the "New York Yankees of football." This documentary does a very good job highlighting that dynasty by focusing on the players and coaches who made it possible: Paul Brown, Otto Graham, Jim Brown, Blanton Collier, Leroy Kelly, and Paul Warfield. Interspersing recent and old NFL films interviews with Browns' greats, the viewer is given nice insight about what made the Browns back then so dominant.

Being a "feel good" documentary, the film then skips over most the 1970s before detailing the Kardiac Kids (although it incorrectly states that the 1980 team went 10-6 instead of 11-5). It then goes into fairly decent depth of the Kosar and Schottenheimer years. Of course, it relates the bittersweet moments of "Red Right 88," "the Drive," and "the Fumble." As in the dynasty segment, this documentary uses old and recent NFL films interviews with former Browns to highlight the key moments and players of the 1980s.

Being an NFL made product, this film glosses over the bitterness and ugliness of the 1993 (Kosar Cut) and 1995 (the Move) seasons which resulted from awful decisions on the part of managment and ownership. The film highlights the few bright moments of Bill Belichick's disasterous tenure in Cleveland, but ignores his alienation of the Cleveland media and a significant percentage of the fanbase. Although it mentions Belichick's controversial decision to cut Kosar, the film gives the viewer Belichick's disgraceful spin of "diminishing skills" and fails to mention that Testeverde was hurt, the Browns were in first place, and Belichick had the gall to tell Browns' fans that Todd Philcox was a better QB than Bernie Kosar.

In a film that lets Belichick off the hook, it is not surprising that it also completely glosses over "The Move." It even has the temerity to show Modell's pathetic signs thanking himself for his years in Cleveland that were placed around Cleveland Stadium by his employees for the last game. The film provides no context in showing those signs, and one not familiar with the true facts might think that Browns' fans created them. (To state the obvious, NO ONE in Cleveland was thanking Arthur B. Modell in 1995!) The film almost ignores the magificent fight that Browns' fans put-up to keep their tradition and get the NFL to promise a new team! They are only fanbase that has ever been able to do so, and it's a shame that this film did not elaborate that point.

The documentary finishes up by seemingly showing virtually every single highlight of the expansion Browns.

Overall, the history DVD is very nicely done, and it is understandable that an NFL made documentary would not highlight items that reflect badly on any of its owners and coaches. Thus, as set forth above, it glosses over some ugly stuff. However, this DVD was made for Browns fans to feel good about their team and for the most part it does a good job.

The 2nd DVD has five separate segments: 2007's "NFL Greatest Games" featuring the Browns-Jets 2OT playoff game, Steve Sabol's 2004 interview with Bernie Kosar, an NFL films interview with Dr. Frank Ryan, QB of the 1964 championship team and mathematician, the 1980 season highlight film, and a feature on Ozzie Newsome. All this is terrific stuff except the Newsome feature. The Newsome feature relates not only his career as a player, but then highlights his success as the Ravens GM by showing scenes of their 2000 Superbowl season! I'm sorry, but NO Ravens' highlights should be featured on a DVD about the Cleveland Browns. It was a poor decision by the creators of this DVD to include that segment without, at least, editing out the Ravens stuff."

History of the Browns DVD Set

G. Abbate | Surprise, Arizona United States | 10/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first DVD is the history DVD. This DVD was pretty good and covered most of the memorable moments in their history. The reason I give it only 4 stars is because it lacks a lot of detail such as why Modell did the things he did, Kosar's exit, the rebirth, etc. I really wanted them to get into the behind the scenes of what really happened but they didn't.

The second DVD is really cool. We start with the Greatest Games series and the 1986 playoff game between the Browns and Jets. Great show with a lot of detail and interviews. There are three player specials. One of Bernie Kosar, Ozzie Newsome, & Frank Ryan. The last feature is the highlight film of the 1980 Kardiac Kids team. Good special features DVD. Great job!

This is certainly worth it for any Browns fan. Any questions about this DVD...just ask."

They were the best of times, they were the worst of times...

K. Lepore | Ohio | 12/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Honestly, I thought this was a fantastic DVD. If you are a Browns fan, this is a must own. More than once, this brought a tear to my eye -- particularly at the end. It really did a fine job documenting the ups and downs -- the emotional roller-coaster -- the agony, and the heartbreak of being born and raised on the Cleveland Browns. The only thing I found peculiar was the lack of attention given to Belichick's debacle as a head coach. It seemed like the NFL wanted to exonerate him for his less-than-stellar tenure. Likewise, the DVD tries to gloss over Modell moving the team to Baltimore. Perhaps it's because they are trying to put him in the Hall of Fame, or perhaps it's because he didn't break the hearts of millions of fans and sell his soul for a Super Bowl...oh, wait... Other than those minor flaws, this DVD is an essential for Browns fans."

Ode to the Kardic kids

P. Smith | WV | 11/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun look back at a wonderful team. For a long time the Browns led the way in championship football. In many ways the Browns taught the NFL how to win in foot ball.

Did not like how they glossed over major events in team history. The move to Baltomore, I would have liked more details and given more insight on how ugly it was. I still consider it a personal loss."