COLLEGE STATION -- "The Burning Desire” is an emotional and inspirational original documentary produced by 12th Man Productions. It chronicles the eight days in November 1999 when Bonfire collapsed prior to the annual rivalry football game between Texas A&M and the University of Texas. The two DVD set will be released on Thursday, Nov. 26 with a retail price of $34.99 with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the Bonfire Memorial Fund.

In a state known for football, no game is bigger than the annual gridiron clash between the Aggies and Longhorns. The 2009 meeting on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, will mark the 116th game in this series, and no other game had more heartfelt emotion than the 1999 game played ironically on Nov. 26.

Tragedy struck on Nov. 18, 1999, just eight days prior to the football game. The traditional Aggie Bonfire collapsed and 12 Aggies working on stack died while many others were injured. On that fateful day, the Aggie football team joined with other students and emergency workers in helping in any way possible. The following week saw memorials, tributes and an outpouring of support from students, former students and alumni from both schools. In the state’s capital, the Longhorn football team and university held a blood drive and provided support and prayers.

When the decision was reached to play the game, the character of both schools was on display. A candlelight vigil was held in Austin instead of the annual Hex Rally. A moving Yell Practice was held at Kyle Field to honor those who were killed and injured. Pregame featured 12 doves being released and quite possibly the most moving halftime performances in the history of both great bands were on display.

The first DVD is an approximate one hour documentary retrospective of the emotional events that unfolded in 1999 as told with 2009 interviews with both head coaches of the game, as well as Aggie players and those involved in the memorials, yell practices and tributes, as well as rescue and recovery efforts.

The second DVD is the 1999 football game between the Aggies and the 5th-ranked Longhorns in its entirety with full halftime and extended post-game interviews.

The two DVD set can be purchased on Thanksgiving on the Texas A&M campus at the University Bookstore inside G. Rollie White, at Aggie Locker in the north end of Kyle Field or merchandise stands throughout Kyle Field. Orders will also be accepted online at AggieAthletics.com.

Throughout history in moments of darkest despair, the Aggie Spirit has been present with a bright light and resolve. More importantly, the Aggie family will always remember