A Spectator's Guide To Football

The cover art which shows pictures of veteran TV sportscaster Chris Schenkel, and a football stadium, coupled with the tag line that this is "an overall description of the game of football," would lead viewers to believe that this video is designed for football widows. Not so. A Spectator's Guide to Football, though nowhere indicated on the cover, is really about high school and college football. Schenkel's voiceover narration covers the rules of the game, player positions and their duties, the responsibilities of the referees, and descriptions of the most common penalties. The format is not particularly amenable to a clear understanding of the game, and the distinctions between high school and college football (not to mention pro ball) are not adequately addressed. The visuals consist primarily of home video footage shot at high school games. The washed-out video images combined with Schenkel's straightforward narration and the lack of music, go a long way towards draining the real excitement and joy out of the game of football. Unfortunately, this video is not going to win any converts to the game. Not recommended. (Available from: Visual Concepts, P.O. Box 17528, Toledo, OH 43615; 1-800-354-6455.)