Amazon.com essential video
At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews:
The movie Vince doesnt want you to see.......2007-09-07
I really dont understand why they had that saying on the back cover. This movie really doesnt degrade Vince in anyway. Sure a few wrestlers say some things about how he is a jerk but thats nothing new. I remember seeing this dvd awhile back and liked it. I watched it recently and it sucked. Nothing really informative and I thought it was a poorly made film. I also hate to see Mick Foley. All he does these days is get any money he can get and I've lost all respect for him.
Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers.......2007-05-07
Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it.
Good but felt incomplete........2007-05-01
I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not.
One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's.......2006-10-21
i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages
Best Rasslin' Documentary I've seen.......2006-05-05
Beyond the Mat is not only an insightful wrestling documentary, it's a very good overall film. It tells the story of several wrestlers all at different stages and places in their careers.
Jake 'the Snake' Roberts' is the typical story of a down and out former star that's hit rock bottom. His story is like a VH1 Behind the Music minus the great comeback.
Terry Funk's the fading star that just can't quite give up the life he's always know.
Mike Modest and Tony Jones are the young hopefuls looking for their shot in the big dance.
Mick Foley's story is the most interesting of all, showing the life of a family man and one of the most extreme wrestlers in the game. His match with the Rock in the Royal Rumble was difficult to watch, particulary alongside the shots of his young children crying at the sight of their father's pain.
All in all, a great film...this wasn't hard hitting journalism talking about all the problems with McMahon or the rampant steriod problem in professional wrestling. Some of the darker issues were covered in the Jake the Snake segment, but when compared to the life of Foley, Jake's problems can be easily attributed to personal choices.
If you want good behind the scenes coverage of late 90s pro-wrestling, this is the film to see.
Amazon.com essential video
At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine
Description
Barry Blaustein's critically acclaimed documentary about wrestling takes viewers beyond the ring and into the lives of the men and women who inhabit this colorful, competitive, and surprisingly complex world. During the five years he spent working on the film, Blaustein discovered that the control wrestlers exert in the ring is often contrasted by the lack of control they have in their own lives. Some pursue dreams--others are pursued by personal demons. Always relaying his love and respect for his subject matter, Blaustein travels on the open road with the wrestlers, shares their most intimate moments with their families, and witnesses their victories and defeats in the ring. 108 minutes.
Customer Reviews:
The movie Vince doesnt want you to see.......2007-09-07
I really dont understand why they had that saying on the back cover. This movie really doesnt degrade Vince in anyway. Sure a few wrestlers say some things about how he is a jerk but thats nothing new. I remember seeing this dvd awhile back and liked it. I watched it recently and it sucked. Nothing really informative and I thought it was a poorly made film. I also hate to see Mick Foley. All he does these days is get any money he can get and I've lost all respect for him.
Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers.......2007-05-07
Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it.
Good but felt incomplete........2007-05-01
I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not.
One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's.......2006-10-21
i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages
Best Rasslin' Documentary I've seen.......2006-05-05
Beyond the Mat is not only an insightful wrestling documentary, it's a very good overall film. It tells the story of several wrestlers all at different stages and places in their careers.
Jake 'the Snake' Roberts' is the typical story of a down and out former star that's hit rock bottom. His story is like a VH1 Behind the Music minus the great comeback.
Terry Funk's the fading star that just can't quite give up the life he's always know.
Mike Modest and Tony Jones are the young hopefuls looking for their shot in the big dance.
Mick Foley's story is the most interesting of all, showing the life of a family man and one of the most extreme wrestlers in the game. His match with the Rock in the Royal Rumble was difficult to watch, particulary alongside the shots of his young children crying at the sight of their father's pain.
All in all, a great film...this wasn't hard hitting journalism talking about all the problems with McMahon or the rampant steriod problem in professional wrestling. Some of the darker issues were covered in the Jake the Snake segment, but when compared to the life of Foley, Jake's problems can be easily attributed to personal choices.
If you want good behind the scenes coverage of late 90s pro-wrestling, this is the film to see.
Amazon.com essential video
At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews:
The movie Vince doesnt want you to see.......2007-09-07
I really dont understand why they had that saying on the back cover. This movie really doesnt degrade Vince in anyway. Sure a few wrestlers say some things about how he is a jerk but thats nothing new. I remember seeing this dvd awhile back and liked it. I watched it recently and it sucked. Nothing really informative and I thought it was a poorly made film. I also hate to see Mick Foley. All he does these days is get any money he can get and I've lost all respect for him.
Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers.......2007-05-07
Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it.
Good but felt incomplete........2007-05-01
I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not.
One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's.......2006-10-21
i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages
Best Rasslin' Documentary I've seen.......2006-05-05
Beyond the Mat is not only an insightful wrestling documentary, it's a very good overall film. It tells the story of several wrestlers all at different stages and places in their careers.
Jake 'the Snake' Roberts' is the typical story of a down and out former star that's hit rock bottom. His story is like a VH1 Behind the Music minus the great comeback.
Terry Funk's the fading star that just can't quite give up the life he's always know.
Mike Modest and Tony Jones are the young hopefuls looking for their shot in the big dance.
Mick Foley's story is the most interesting of all, showing the life of a family man and one of the most extreme wrestlers in the game. His match with the Rock in the Royal Rumble was difficult to watch, particulary alongside the shots of his young children crying at the sight of their father's pain.
All in all, a great film...this wasn't hard hitting journalism talking about all the problems with McMahon or the rampant steriod problem in professional wrestling. Some of the darker issues were covered in the Jake the Snake segment, but when compared to the life of Foley, Jake's problems can be easily attributed to personal choices.
If you want good behind the scenes coverage of late 90s pro-wrestling, this is the film to see.
Amazon.com essential video
At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews:
The movie Vince doesnt want you to see.......2007-09-07
I really dont understand why they had that saying on the back cover. This movie really doesnt degrade Vince in anyway. Sure a few wrestlers say some things about how he is a jerk but thats nothing new. I remember seeing this dvd awhile back and liked it. I watched it recently and it sucked. Nothing really informative and I thought it was a poorly made film. I also hate to see Mick Foley. All he does these days is get any money he can get and I've lost all respect for him.
Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers.......2007-05-07
Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it.
Good but felt incomplete........2007-05-01
I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not.
One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's.......2006-10-21
i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages
Best Rasslin' Documentary I've seen.......2006-05-05
Beyond the Mat is not only an insightful wrestling documentary, it's a very good overall film. It tells the story of several wrestlers all at different stages and places in their careers.
Jake 'the Snake' Roberts' is the typical story of a down and out former star that's hit rock bottom. His story is like a VH1 Behind the Music minus the great comeback.
Terry Funk's the fading star that just can't quite give up the life he's always know.
Mike Modest and Tony Jones are the young hopefuls looking for their shot in the big dance.
Mick Foley's story is the most interesting of all, showing the life of a family man and one of the most extreme wrestlers in the game. His match with the Rock in the Royal Rumble was difficult to watch, particulary alongside the shots of his young children crying at the sight of their father's pain.
All in all, a great film...this wasn't hard hitting journalism talking about all the problems with McMahon or the rampant steriod problem in professional wrestling. Some of the darker issues were covered in the Jake the Snake segment, but when compared to the life of Foley, Jake's problems can be easily attributed to personal choices.
If you want good behind the scenes coverage of late 90s pro-wrestling, this is the film to see.
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DVD
DVD
General
| Documentary
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