While I'm all for senseless violence in movies, [well
given it's of an unrealistic-over-the-top nature], I've never really seen the
fascination with Wrestling, particularly the WWF. I guess it's just different
courses for different horses.
Obviously the reviewers here at DVDown Under are all none too interested in it either as I
got stuck with the job of reviewing this DVD (oh the sacrifices one must make :))
And as much as I hate to admit it I was pleasantly surprised what a great documentary
Beyond the Mat turned out to be!!!
Beyond the Mat takes you behind the scenes [primarily] of the World Wrestling
Federation and what it takes to be a Wrestler on both an amateur and professional level
(ie how you fake it, and not get too hurt and still make it look real :) .
It does look at the WCW and ECW, but with such world known WWF Wrestlers like The Rock
(The Scorpion King from The Mummy Returns), Mick "mankind" Foley and WWF Boss
McMahon (a wrestler himself), most seems to focus on WWF.
The cover credits that McMahon tried to get this doco banned, for it shows quite a bit of
the goings-on, but quite frankly I think it's a crock! With the extremes of WWF in
the first place, it was most likely a publicity stunt to get people to watch not only the
Doco, but more WWF. ...whatever though!
Those interested in wrestling will absolutely love what this doco has to offer, and
those who don't give a fig, might actually be as surprised as I was as to how interesting
this inside look into another side of the entertainment industry really is.
So how does this transfer hold up?
... |
VIDEO
Glossy and big budget it ain't! Just the Same it looks quite good for a documentary
(sans IMAX docos that is).
Framed at 1.33:1 this is a mixture of 16mm, and video, and is as far as I can find, is in
its original aspect ratio.
It ain't great looking (like your big budget 35mm movie) but its more than acceptable and
has lots of character :)
Some of the video footage is not all that great, but given it consists of "home
video" footage and the likes it's perfectly understandable that it's not of the
highest quality.
For the USA DVD release 2 versions were made, the 103 R rated version and the 108 minute
unrated version.
With our version running for just under 100 minutes, it would appear we've be given the
shorter version (which doesn't appear to have any violence as such removed for censorship
reasons , but additional scenes of Vince McMahon behind the scenes and a few other
tid-bits).
 .... |
AUDIO
The Dolby Digital 2.0 track is merely okay. Again, it's a documentary and the
narration and interviews all come across with enough clarity for you to hear what's being
said without a problem.
There is some music throughout, mostly from the WWF matches intercut with interviews, etc.
But overall it's more centre channel focused.
... |
EXTRAS
Well I have to say, we've been screwed over here!
The Region 1 DVD has 3 Audio commentaries..we get...... NONE! why???
I posed this question to Universal Pictures Australian and unfortunately "there were no rights clearances for the commentary tracks
and additional footage outside of the US."
All we get for extras is a Trailer and biographies.
It may be missing 95% of the USA DVD content but it's a great little documentary that's
well worth a look.
| PICTURE
QUALITY |
6/10 not bad,
but it's a no frills doco! |
| SOUND
Quality |
6/10 dialogue comes through clean and clear |
| EXTRAS |
1/10
we've been gypped! ROYALLY! |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T50W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Pioneer DV717 (using RGB outputs)
Receiver : Denon AVC-A1SE THX Ultra (Dolby Surround EX, DTS-ES Discrete)
Speakers:-
Mains: Quadral Phonolgue Gold Amun
Centre: B&W CDMC-SE
Surrounds Left/Right: B&W 602
Surrounds Back : Jamo Magic 14
Subby: M&K V125
- Reviewed 3rd May 2001
* jpeg files for internet promotion use
only. Copyright© exists on all aspects of these files by Universal Pictures Video
...