76ers the Complete History

The bane of girlfriends everywhere (my own included), Beyond Home Entertainment’s NBA box sets comprise some of the most thoughtfully constructed and downright enjoyable basketball collections released anywhere in the world. 

Arguably the most comprehensive yet, the recent 76ers - The Complete History provides, as the title suggests, an evocative and impeccably researched history of the franchise spread over no less than six DVDs.  Comprising documentaries, complete games, interviews and highlight footage, the series charts the rise of the Sixers and early greats like Wilt Chamberlain and Julius Erving, through to the Charles Barkley-led team of the 1988-1992 and the Allen Iverson era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.  The full breakdown is as follows: 

Disc 1: Introduction/The 76ers Dynasty

Disc 2: 1982 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7

Disc 3: 1983 NBA Finals, Game 4

Disc 4: 1990 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 3

Disc 5: 2001 NBA Finals, Game 1

Disc 6: Alan Iverson: The Answer 

Of particular note are the 1990 Conference Semifinals game between the Sixers and the Bulls - Barkley steals the show with 36 points and 20-odd rebounds, but Jordan also puts in a monumental 49-point performance.  The hour-long Allen Iverson doco The Answer is also a standout, comprising an excellent career retrospective and laden with extras, including Allen’s Top Ten Plays, ‘Rookie Record: 4 straight 40 pt. Games’ and several other noteworthy featurettes.  An impeccable collection, and a steal at just $29.95.  Don’t delay gents!  Your womenfolk won’t thank you, but this one will keep you busy for many an hour.