Product Details

• Format: Color, Live, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Bfs Entertainment
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 85 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301903420
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,678 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

The story of a great soccer tradition, the celebrated World Cup teams of Brazil, is told in this documentary produced by the BBC. Beginning with classic black-and-white archival footage, the story of Brazil's appearances in the first World Cup matches in the 1930s is shown, and the country's fascination with the sport is examined. Brazil would win the World Cup three times between 1958 and 1970, and the team would participate in some of the greatest matches of all time. Footage from the 1950s show the emergence of the world's greatest player, Pele, who would dominate the sport for the next two decades. Much of this documentary plays like a Pele tribute film, but there's nothing wrong with that. Seeing him in his prime in the 1960s is a treat, and the footage used, from broadcasts of the World Cup, makes the action seem immediate.

The games from the 1970s are shown in color, and the Brazilian team of that period is a portrait of graceful precision; they pass the ball poetically before striking with a vengeance. The story of the team in the post-Pele period is followed through some dramatic matches in the 1980s, against Italy in 1982 and France in 1986, and with commentary about players who took on his starring role. This is a very informative history of Brazil's celebrated team, and it is also a pleasure to watch. --Robert J. McNamara

From the Back Cover

Brazil is widely accepted as one of the world's greatest football nations, a reputation that is synonymous with the World Cup. They won the trophy three times between 1958 and 1970, and in 1990 they maintained their unique record of being present in every final tournament. Here, for the first time, is the complete record of Brazil's most enthralling games, including the sparkling World Cup Finals of 1958 and 1970 and two of the most dramatic matches ever played - Brazil Vs. Italy in 1982 and their quarter final against France in 1986. Featured too are all the dazzling individuals who have adorned the games down the years: the pre-war skill of Leonidas, the talent of Ademir in 1950, and, of course, the intoxicating period of Pele whose incomparable genius rubbed off on Garrincha, Gerson and Rivelino, and later inspired Zico and Socrates. This video celebration of a brilliant football nation is a football lover's dream, because the Brazilians and their samba-swaying supporters have no peer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every soccer fan should watch this, not just Brazilian fans!, November 9, 2000

By 

Frank G Costa (Canberra, ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boys From Brazil (Soccer Documentary) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is great because it shows some highlights from the greatest teams ever in the World Cup. We see the awesome, free-flowing Brazilians like Pele, Garrincha, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino etc etc. What a shame that football is not played like this today. The emphasis was on attack, attack and attack, and that is why some of the best goals you will ever see are on this video. Not only from Brazilians. I like this video because it is not biased heavily towards Brazil, and we also see some great goals from Hungary, England, Sweden and Italy in classic games played against Brazil. This is the best sporting video I have ever seen, and I love some of the English commentators as well!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent team, May 29, 2001

By 

D. Stackhouse "Doug Stackhouse" (WINSLOW, ME USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Boys From Brazil (Soccer Documentary) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was a ten year old soccer maniac back in Cumbria England in 1970, and I had to beg my father to let me stay up late to watch the World Cup games live (England is five hours ahead of Mexico, so evening games were a nightmare to try to stay awake for!) Nevertheless, when Brazil were playing I sneaked a few cups of coffee and the problem was solved (until I hit my thirties of course---bloody Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts!) I have never before or since seen anything like that 1970 Brazil team----every ball I kicked in the schoolyard or out in the fields with my pals was kicked not by me, but by Rivelino, Gerson, Tostao, and of course king of 'em all, Edson arantes do Nasciemento, Pele. If you don't love soccer and you're wondering what all the fuss is about, get this video. Brazil 1970 were like the Mantle/Maris Yankees, the Edmonton Oilers with Gretzky and the gang, the Celtics at their VERY best, the 1986 Bears. You must know what I mean by now. This is how the game was meant to be played.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for soccer funs, December 10, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Boys From Brazil (Soccer Documentary) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a great documentry video for the greatest football(soccer) nation. It runs 85 minitues and introduces the great goals and masters of the Brazilian national team from 1950 to 1986. Pele, Garrincha, Didi, Vava, Zico, Socrates... you name it. Enjoy their wonderful masterpieces.