I challenge you to venture into Philadelphia and find a bigger Eagles freak than yours truly. We're talking about a guy who once turned down an invitation to a star-studded Sundance party, just so he could sit (alone) in his lodge and watch the Eagles play in the 2003 NFC Championship Game. (A game the Eagles lost.)

Either in person or on television, I haven't missed an Eagles game since 1992, and that was because I had a 102 fever and I slept through the damn game. (Also a game the Eagles lost.) The Phillies are great for the summertime fun, but winter is when me and my pals gear up for the man-sized version of sports fandom. Basically, you haven't lived until you've experienced an Eagles playoff run here in Philadelphia. (Plus you can get a cheese steak while you're here, so it's win-win; just don't wear a Cowboys jersey in public, because you might get savagely beaten.)

So it was with much happiness that I sat down to revisit the Eagles' phenomenal 2004 season with NFL Films' 2004 NFC Champions: Philadelphia Eagles. The 59-minute main feature carries you from the opening kickoff of Game 1 to the 3-point Super Bowl loss to those damned Patriot fellas. But even with the Eagles on the losing side of the Super Bowl equation, this season gave the fans a whole LOT to cheer about.

From the controversial addition of the motor-mouthed superstar known as Terrell Owens to the always-professional demeanor of Philly Hero Donovan McNabb, from the amazing defensive squad to the stellar coaching staff... If you've ever wondered how the Eagles became the #1 winningest team of the past five years, this DVD is a good place to start your research.

Needless to say, this DVD is something for the Philly faithful only; "general" NFL fans will certainly enjoy this presentation the first time through, but I don't know many Packers fans who'd need to relive the Eagles 2004 season over and over. Me, I'll pop the disc in from time to time, content to bask in one of my favorite team's very best seasons (ever!) -- but mostly I'll be focusing on the current Eagles squad. The team finally made it into the Super Bowl after three torturous tries, so maybe within the next year or two -- the longtime & loyal Eagles fans will have a parade of their own to enjoy.

And if not, well, we still have the cheese steaks.

The DVD

Video: Presented in its original Fullframe format, the hour-long highlight reel looks pretty damn spiffy. Any sports fan worth his salt can tell you that NFL Films knows how to put together a fantastic highlights package, and that's certainly the case here.

Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, with optional subtitles in English.

Extras

2004 NFC Championship Game gives you about 50 minutes dedicated to the Eagles-Falcons game from last January. (P.S. Michael Vick is so overrated it's hilarious.)

McNabb Football Camp (2:17) is a brief promo clip in which #5, along with several NFL pals, host a football camp for smilin' kids.

Trotter Car Wash (3:05) is a visit to Trott's Spot, which is where you'll wanna go when your ride needs a shine.

Reno Mahe Hosts Dinner (2:31) gives you the low-down on Chickie's & Pete's, which is one of the finest seafood joints in all of Philadelphia.

Dhani Jones Football Camp (2:41) is another "NFL Under the Helmet" promo in which the Eagles linebacker teaches a few good lessons to a bunch of kids.

McNabb Goes to School (2:04) sees the friendly QB visiting a local elementary school and wowing lots of youngsters.

Eagles Build a Playground (3:04) features most of the high-end Eagles as they help to paint, construct, and improve a local playground.

Douglas Pass Rush Tips (3:27) is a collection of pointers from the colorful ex-Eagle.

Final Thoughts

Hell, it's a one-hour highlight reel from my favorite football team's best season ... maybe ever! What's not to like? This platter is highly recommended for Eagles fans, certainly worthwhile for NFL freaks, and an education for everyone else. Hop on the bandwagon now, sports fans, because this team's going to do some great things ... at least until McNabb retires.