Steelers' Super memories caught on DVD by NFL
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Fans line up inside the AMC Loews Waterfront 22 cinema in West Homestead as linebacker James Harrison signs autographs before the debut of the NFL Films DVD documenting the Steelers' season.
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With a show business sense of preparation, NFL Films had outfitted Santonio Holmes with a microphone for the Super Bowl.
And as the Steelers were taking the field for their winning drive, Holmes could be heard telling quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: "I want the ball."
That line played prominently in the premiere of Super Bowl XLIII Champions, which opened to an overflow crowd last night and is now available on DVD at various outlets.
Holmes and several teammates attended a special screening at the AMC Loews Waterfront before heading out to Best Buy in Bethel Park to autograph the first copies that went on sale.
"We're going to have this moment to share for the rest of our lives," said Holmes, who has been on a whirlwind tour of celebrity ever since his MVP catch lifted the Steelers to their sixth Super Bowl title. "All of it has been great."
The drama has long-since played out, and the ending is etched in the collective memory. But the story, available from Warner Home Video and NFL Films for $24.98, apparently never gets old.
"It'll be a collector's item," said Hines Ward, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XL and is on the ring committee designing the new bling. "You get to watch the Super Bowl from a different level."
Ward will be signing copies from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the West Mifflin Wal-Mart, and LaMarr Woodley will attach his signature to purchased copies from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Giant Eagle in the Robinson Town Center.
In addition to the highlights leading up to the team's sixth Super Bowl title, the DVD includes bonus material and features that fans can savor through the winter.
Narration is provided by Harry Kalas, the Hall of Fame baseball announcer with the Philadelphia Phillies who has been a longtime contributor to NFL Films.
Given unrestricted access, NFL Films has a way of eavesdropping on conversations and showing just the right angles -- set to music -- to stir the emotions again and again.
Not much is out of bounds. The DVD includes Tunch Ilkin noting that a James Harrison snap almost ended up in the Ohio River; Casey Hampton chuckling over a touchdown run by Byron Leftwich; Tennessee's LenDale White stomping on the Terrible Towel; and Limas Sweed getting an attitude adjustment from Hines Ward before throwing a memorable block.
There are several segments that provide insights into coach Mike Tomlin. But in a Super Bowl that produced more big plays than any other, the Steelers provide enchantment.
Before the dramatic winning drive, a resolute Max Starks is overheard saying: "We got this. We are built for this. We are built for this!"
The Steelers came back for a 27-23 win, climaxed by a tiptoe touchdown catch that fans will be talking about for years.
First Published February 24, 2009 12:00 am
