Plot: What’s it about?
The small town of Massillon, Ohio is home to about thirty-three thousand residents, including a number of high school football players. But these few players aren’t normal citizens, instead you’ll see their names, faces, and numbers plastered all over town, with signs in front of their homes showcasing who lives inside. When the team takes the field, the entire town shows up and cheers like there’s no tomorrow, although up until this point, there was always a tomorrow. Now however, after a losing season and a lack of needed funds, there might not be a tomorrow and for Massillon, it could be the final season. The school has won numerous state championships, produced many top notch players, and above all else, it has given the locals something to believe in, something to hold close to their hearts. But with an important tax levy on the horizon, it could all end, though if a few things go right, the legacy of the Massillon Tigers could survive. In Go Tigers!, we watch as the team’s three co-captains drive the team back toward the glory days, while the town braces to potentially lose its heart & soul.
This is the kind of story we’ve seen countless times in sports movies, but in this case, it holds more impact, since its a true story. And not even a fictional retelling either, as we watch the real emotions that the real people go through, as their town faces the chance of losing perhaps its most important element. As I detailed above, football is life in Massillon, Ohio and with the high school program on the verge of extinction, the stage is set for a roller coaster ride of emotions, as potential heartbreak or triumph hangs in the balance. Go Tigers! proves to be an effective look at the struggle, as it allows the events to unfold in a natural fashion, we see the positive & negative traits with the players, as well as the town’s obsession with the sport. That ensures that the people seem real and by turn, it makes us want them to succeed and that’s crucial to this kind of picture. I don’t think I would rank Go Tigers! in the same class as Hoop Dreams, but it is a well crafted, worthwhile look into the world of sports and how a game can impact peoples’ lives. I recommend it to anyone interested in football, as well as those looking for an emotional, real look at what one small town can do when it has to rise above incredible odds.
Video: How does it look?
Go Tigers! is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. I was quite impressed here, as this looks head & shoulders above most low budget documentaries. The image is clean throughout, thanks to an almost pristine source print that allows the visuals to simply shine. The colors come across in bright, bold fashion and flesh tones look natural also, with no problems in the least. I saw no troubles with the contrast either, as black levels are refined and well balanced as well. I didn’t expect this kind of visual presentation, but Go Tigers! looks excellent on this release.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc houses a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, but as this is a documentary, not an action movie, keep your expectations realistic. The in game moments pack some nice punch, from the impact of the hits to the immersive crowd presence, but as these don’t dominate the picture, the audio is often more reserved. The dialogue is sharp and never wavers however, so the vocals always come through to perfection, which is excellent news. Although it is not a dynamic experience, given the documentary nature of Go Tigers!, I was quite impressed with the soundtrack and as such, am giving it more than solid marks.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Docurama has piled on some cool extras here, including the complete “Touchdown Town” newsreel, part of which is shown within the film itself. Next is an interview with NFL star Chris Spielman, a Massillon native who shares his thoughts on the town’s love for the game. You can also browse the film’s original music tracks, as well as view a selection of deleted sequences. This disc also includes a talent file on filmmaker Kenneth A. Carlson, a Massillon Hall of Champions gallery, “Where are They Now” update (with exclusive photos), and unreleased Go Tigers! trailers.
