Everton - Season Review 2004/2005 DVD > Reviews > A dramatic season, a dramatic DVD

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Exciting, entertaining, innovative
Disadvantages:	Lack of BBC/SKY commentary

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having owned Everton season review videos and DVDs heralding back to 1996/97, I can honestly say over the years they've been a grim watch- the constant battles against relegation, disturbing lack of goals, and defeat after defeat, contributing to a depressing watch for all Evertonians.

Ray Stubbs succinctly sets the scene of the mood at Goodison Park in the summer of 2004- the disasterous end to the 2003-04 season which had seen the Blues fourth bottom with their lowest points total for a hundred years, the boardroom struggle, the dark days of the Rooney sale, when it just seemed Everton were in for another season of relegation struggle- the critics predicted doom and morale hit an almighty low.

But the revival and transformation throughout the course of the season adds to the drama of this DVD- how Everton went from no-hopers into the midst of the European elite- it is a pulsating watch, for any football fan- it's an opportunity to see a footballing miracle.

All the big wins of an incredible season for the blues are here- the majestic derby win at Goodison, the win against Manchester United (the first for ten years) and the victory over Newcastle that secured Everton a place in the Champions League- all major moments in a season that defied belief for Evertonians and critics alike.

The whole nature of Everton's 4th place finish leads for a very different DVD- one not just a normal bog-standard season review DVD, the usual mundane match-by-match feature- this DVD features past greats such as Duncan McKenzie and the late, great Brian Labone giving their insight on a historic season- this all adds to the entertainment, and emphasises that finishing 4th was just as great as the title wins of yesteryear.

The DVD ends with a dream-like scene with Everton playing Real Madrid on the Goodison turf- and although we all know Everton's Champions League journey was all too short but sweet the following season, it captures perfectly the great feelings of optimism and excitement- and the surreal picture that Everton had gone from almost the Championship to mega bucks in just twelve months.