This is NFL Films

10.0
1986

Much has been made of the Films style. Salon.com television critic Matt Zoller Seitz has called NFL Films "the greatest in-house P.R. machine in pro sports history . . . an outfit that could make even a tedius stalemate seem as momentous as the battle for the Alamo."[5] NFL Films productions follow certain patterns. Film is mostly used, one camera is dedicated entirely to slow motion shots, microphones are present on the sidelines and near the field to pick up both the sounds of the games as well as the talk on the sidelines, and narrators with deep, powerful, baritone voices are preferred. Narrators have generally been from the Philadelphia metropolitan area, with well-known announcers such as Jefferson Kaye, Harry Kalas, John Facenda, Andy Musser, Jack Whitaker, William Woodson, and current announcer Scott Graham all having narrated NFL Films presentations at various points in time. J.K. Simmons was tapped to narrate the company's one-hour recap of the 16-0 regular season of the 2007 New England Patriots, while actor Burt Lancaster was tabbed for narrations during 1969. Burl Ives narrated the 1971 Washington Redskins highlight film. Team-specific films such as year-in-review films have occasionally been narrated by broadcasters or personalities involved with the team in question. Examples include the 1985, 2000 and 2001 Oakland Raiders season reviews being narrated by actor and former Raiders player Carl Weathers. Former Giant Frank Gifford periodically narrated New York Giants season reviews (notably the company's throwback-themed 2013 season recap) until his death in 2015, and ex-Giants teammate Pat Summerall narrated highlight films for many teams until his death in 2013. New England Patriots play-by-play announcer Gil Santos narrated the year-in-review films of the 1974, 1976, and 1978 seasons, and New Orleans Saints films from their inception in 1967 through 1979 were narrated by Don Criqui, who called Saints games for the NFL on CBS in the team's early years, and radio announcers Al Wester and Wayne Mack. The style has been called tight on the spiral, a reference to the frequently-used slow-motion shot of the spinning football as it travels from the quarterback's hand to the receiver. This shot usually consists of showing the quarterback throwing the football, then the camera zooming in to focus on the spinning ball, then, as the ball starts to descend, the camera zooms out, showing the end result of the ball traveling into the receiver's hands. NFL Films also dubs sound bites of local radio broadcasts over key plays, because radio announcers are typically more enthusiastic about their home teams than are network television broadcasters. In addition, NFL Films often uses multiple camera angles (with an emphasis on close-up shots that often exaggerate the speed of the players in real time). The company's films also employ muscular orchestral scores from a wide variety of musicians, notably Sam Spence, Johnny Pearson (whose "Heavy Action" became the theme for Monday Night Football) Frank Rothman, Ralph Dollimore, Udi Harpaz, Malcolm Lockyer, Jan Stoeckart (under his varied stage names such as Jack Trombey), Peter Reno, Paul Lewis, Prameela Tomashek, Dave Robidoux and Tom Hedden. The company's use of KPM Musichouse tracks also notably included Syd Dale; tracks include "Malestrom" for the company's 1968 Minnesota Vikings season highlight reel and also the psychedelic-flavored jazz track "Artful Dodger" on the film recap of Super Bowl V, specifically during the montage which shows Johnny Unitas' 75-yard touchdown pass to John Mackey which was tipped in flight by Eddie Hinton and Mel Renfro before bounding to Mackey. The company also makes prolific use of footage of players and coaches in the locker room after the game. With these techniques NFL Films turns football games into events that mimic ballet, opera, and epic battle stories. Among the company's most famous creations is the poem and accompanying music cue "The Autumn Wind", which have become official themes for the Oakland Raiders.

Seasons

87 Episodes • Premiered 1986

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 1: Pro Football's Longest Day

1. Pro Football's Longest Day

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 2: Run to Daylight

2. Run to Daylight

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 3: American Football League Review

3. American Football League Review

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 4: They Call It Pro Football

4. They Call It Pro Football

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 5: Football Follies

5. Football Follies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 6: Lombardi

6. Lombardi

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 7: The Man Behind the Men (1968)

7. The Man Behind the Men (1968)

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 8: Big Game America

8. Big Game America

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 9: Eyeball to Eyeball

9. Eyeball to Eyeball

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 10: The Young The Old and The Bold

10. The Young The Old and The Bold

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 11: Try and Catch The Wind

11. Try and Catch The Wind

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 12: More Than A Game

12. More Than A Game

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 13: Pro Football Pottstown, PA

13. Pro Football Pottstown, PA

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 14: The New Breed

14. The New Breed

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 15: The Hunters

15. The Hunters

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 16: The Championship Chase

16. The Championship Chase

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 17: Son of Football Follies

17. Son of Football Follies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 18: The Defenders

18. The Defenders

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 19: Legends of The Fall

19. Legends of The Fall

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 20: The Super Seventies

20. The Super Seventies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 21: NFL Follies Go Hollywood

21. NFL Follies Go Hollywood

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 22: Crunchtime

22. Crunchtime

They don't stop with just taking a mad down. They leave an imprint on their opponent's psyche and his body. They are the toughest men in America's roughest game.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 23: In The Crunch

23. In The Crunch

The greatest drives in NFL history. Includes Johnny Unitas, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana and John Elway.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 24: Strange But True Football Stories

24. Strange But True Football Stories

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 25: Follies Crunches Highlights & Histories

25. Follies Crunches Highlights & Histories

For the first time ever, NFL Films proudly presents the best of the best. The explosive "Crunch" series, the hilarious "Football Follies" showcase of the greatest gridiron bloopers, and the intimate profiles of "Best Ever" coaches, runners, quarterbacks, and more.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 26: The Gift of Grab

26. The Gift of Grab

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 27: NFL Quarterback

27. NFL Quarterback

An in-depth look at what it takes to be a winning quarterback, through classic footage and interviews with coaches, quarterbacks and other team players. Features Bernie Kosar, John Elway, Dan Marino and other QB greats.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 28: Tough Guys

28. Tough Guys

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 29: An Era of Excellence: The 1980's

29. An Era of Excellence: The 1980's

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 30: High Stakes Heroes

30. High Stakes Heroes

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 31: Merchants of Menace

31. Merchants of Menace

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 32: Search and Destroy

32. Search and Destroy

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 33: Playing With Fire

33. Playing With Fire

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 34: See How They Run

34. See How They Run

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 35: The Best of The 1980's

35. The Best of The 1980's

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 36: Bombs Away

36. Bombs Away

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 37: Master Blasters

37. Master Blasters

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 38: Super Sunday - A History of The Super Bowl

38. Super Sunday - A History of The Super Bowl

From Super Bowl I to Super Bowl XXIV, see unprecedented footage of some of football's greatest players, coaches and dynasties. This historic production recaptures the glory of the legendary Lombardi's Green Bay Packers, the Miami Dolphins reign of the 70s and the only four-time Super Bowl winner, the Pittsburgh Steelers, plus much more. The magic of the winners and the despair of the losers, Super Greats, Super Sundays: A History Of The Super Bowl - a must for all football fans.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 39: The NFL's Hungriest Men of The 90's - Volume 1

39. The NFL's Hungriest Men of The 90's - Volume 1

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 40: The NFL's Hungriest Men of the 90's - Volume 2

40. The NFL's Hungriest Men of the 90's - Volume 2

Players or teams who have overcome adversity to reach pro football's greatest heights have always had one quality in common - a special hunger for the game. A hunger to excel beyond their peers and become the best in the NFL.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 41: Winning Plays and Wacky Wonders

41. Winning Plays and Wacky Wonders

Replays great moments of 1990 NFL football action.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 42: Thunder and Destruction

42. Thunder and Destruction

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 43: NFL Rocks

43. NFL Rocks

Rock & roll and football have always seemed to go together. Especially neck-breaking adrenaline-induced bass lines that perfectly offset a tackle. NFL Rocks takes this idea to the extreme, pairing seasonal football highlights with modern rock riffs. The result is an awesome array of hits and tosses, foibles, and fanfare. The 45-minute video goes from the huddle to the locker room, exposing the highs and lows of professional sports. It includes half-time show footage leading up even more football feats. All of the clips flow like an actual game, with an underdog win and a dramatic last-minute action. NFL Rocks finishes the show with a uniquely musical victory dance.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 44: NFL's Hungriest Men of the 90's Volume III

44. NFL's Hungriest Men of the 90's Volume III

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 45: Talk of The NFL

45. Talk of The NFL

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 46: John Elway's Greatest Comebacks

46. John Elway's Greatest Comebacks

Pro quarterback John Elway is known for his exciting fourth-quarter scoring drives that won (or nearly won) important games in football history. Elway and the Denver Broncos went to the Super Bowl three times and lost; then he led the team to two consecutive victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. This documentary traces Elway's career as an outstanding player in high school and college (an All-American at Stanford) through his selection as the NFL's 1987 MVP. Footage of Elway in action, interviews, and commentary are featured. Elway also explains his offensive strategies and provides advice on sports nutrition and conditioning.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 47: 75 Seasons 1920-1995 (1994)

47. 75 Seasons 1920-1995 (1994)

This video documents the ever-popular American sport between 1920 and 1994. Narrated by actor John Mahoney, this presentation chronicles 75 spectacular seasons of the game with vivid and memorable clips from newsreels and video footage of some of the most exciting games and Superbowls. This documentary begins with an interview of Aldo Browser of the Canton Bulldogs, the last surviving player from the first professional football team. Some of football's superstars and legends are featured, like Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, and Homer Jones. Don Shula, Joe Montana, and Bill Walsh offer insightful commentary about the game and its impact on American culture during the 20th century. It's an ideal video for any fan of this all-American sport.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 48: Monday Night Football 25th Anniversary

48. Monday Night Football 25th Anniversary

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 49: NFL's 100 Greatest Follies

49. NFL's 100 Greatest Follies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 50: The Super Bowl Dream Team

50. The Super Bowl Dream Team

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 51: Greatest Ever (Vol. 1) Plays

51. Greatest Ever (Vol. 1) Plays

In this first of a series of videos celebrating the NFL's first 75 years, the focus is all on plays. With categories like Greatest Catches, Greatest Throws, Greatest Tackles, Greatest Returns, Greatest Interceptions, and the Greatest Moment, the die-hard football fan won't miss a single moment of NFL greatness, which includes such all-time leading playmakers as Frank Gifford, John Elway, John Unitas, and Gale Sayers.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 52: Greatest Ever (Vol. 2) Players

52. Greatest Ever (Vol. 2) Players

The second volume of NFL Film's video trilogy celebrates its first 75 years with this focus on the league's players. Some of football's greatest are highlighted in this documentary with clips and player interviews. The video is broken down into eight categories: Greatest Quarterback, Greatest Individual Offensive Season, Greatest Individual Defensive Season, Greatest All-Around Individual Season, Greatest Offensive Line, Greatest Three-Man Receiving Unit, Greatest Individual Receiver, and Greatest Player. Offense rather than defense is emphasized. The video covers players over seven decades and features 15 players, including nine Hall of Famers. It is packed with wonderful clips, sound bites, and humorous anecdotes told by the players, putting a human face on the game.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 53: Greatest Ever (Vol. 3) The Game

53. Greatest Ever (Vol. 3) The Game

Greatest Feuds, Greatest Stories, Greatest Days. Plus a top ten list of fun facts and uncanny coincidences

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 54: NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 4 - The Quarterbacks

54. NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 4 - The Quarterbacks

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 55: NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 5 - The Runners

55. NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 5 - The Runners

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 56: NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 6 - The Dream Team

56. NFL's Greatest Ever - Volume 6 - The Dream Team

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 57: Quarterbacks on Quarterbacks

57. Quarterbacks on Quarterbacks

The men who play the toughest position in sports come clean- talking about themselves, each other and what it's like to line up over center each week in the National Football League.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 58: War Stories

58. War Stories

War Stories takes fans into the nether world of an NFL pile-up, where anything can happen...and does! War Stories follows Emmitt Smith on the field, Sam Wyche on the sidelines, and finally War Stories celebrates the ultimate war story - and triumph, with the inspirational story of Rocky Bleier, a true American hero.

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 59: Fight to The Finish

59. Fight to The Finish

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 60: The Man Behind the Men (1996)

60. The Man Behind the Men (1996)

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 61: Running Backs

61. Running Backs

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 62: The Spirit of The Game

62. The Spirit of The Game

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 63: Talkin' Follies

63. Talkin' Follies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 64: Swearin', Losin', Referees & The Whistle

64. Swearin', Losin', Referees & The Whistle

"You gonna Shmoooze 'em a bit?"

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 65: The State of The Game

65. The State of The Game

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 66: 1998 - The Year in Sound

66. 1998 - The Year in Sound

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 67: NFL Films Cinematographers

67. NFL Films Cinematographers

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 68: Football Lingo

68. Football Lingo

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 70: Inside NFL Films

70. Inside NFL Films

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 71: John Facenda

71. John Facenda

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 72: Game Innovations, Integrations, and Lost Strategies

72. Game Innovations, Integrations, and Lost Strategies

The Single Wing, The Stiff Arm, Sprint Right Option, The Onside Kick, The Dropkick, The Barefoot Kicker, Zone Blitz, Punt Returners, T.J Troup-Defensive Statistics, League Integration

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 73: 21st Century Follies

73. 21st Century Follies

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 74: AFL Moments & Sounds of the 60's

74. AFL Moments & Sounds of the 60's

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 75: Greatest Moments In Super Bowl History (2000)

75. Greatest Moments In Super Bowl History (2000)

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 76: Football and Life

76. Football and Life

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 77: Leading A Team

77. Leading A Team

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 78: Matchup of The Millenium

78. Matchup of The Millenium

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 79: Gatorade, Stick 'Em & Mud

79. Gatorade, Stick 'Em & Mud

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 80: Jan 5th, 2003 - The Most Exciting Playoff Day

80. Jan 5th, 2003 - The Most Exciting Playoff Day

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 81: Hall of Fame Induction Speaches

81. Hall of Fame Induction Speaches

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 82: Reunion in Canton

82. Reunion in Canton

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 83: The Greatest

83. The Greatest

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 84: Draft Stories

84. Draft Stories

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 85: Greatest Super Bowl Moments

85. Greatest Super Bowl Moments

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 86: Stories From The Game

86. Stories From The Game

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 87: Two Minutes To Glory

87. Two Minutes To Glory

Still image for This is NFL Films season 1 episode 88: '85 The Greatest Team in Pro Football History

88. '85 The Greatest Team in Pro Football History

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