Nintendough
#Kliq
Feel like this is going to be a rehash of many stories we already know about. Mixed with a little splash of revisionist HisStoryhttp://www.wrestlingdvdnews.com/in-depth-look-history-of-wwe-dvd-documentary/54323/
In just under a week, WWE will release its latest DVD/Blu-ray:The History of WWE – 50 Years of Sports Entertainment.
Today, I am going to be looking through the documentary and Blu-ray exclusive stories.
As we have reported previously the total run time for the documentary is a little over 2 hours, and not the 3 hours which was stated on the early marketing materials. I know this caused a degree of disgruntlement amongst fans, especially when it was accompanied bt what some collectors feel to be a rather lackluster collection of matches and moments.
After watching the documentary I can say it does provide a good overview of the past 50 years of WWE, however as you may have expected some topics were glossed over or simply omitted completely – maybe that additional hour would have helped with this?
The feature opens with footage of Vince McMahon arriving at WWE headquarters and walking through the building and on into his office. This leads to the more “traditional” DVD open which has been featured on the site a few weeks ago (watch).
A criticism which certainly cannot be leveled at this documentary is under delivering on the number of subjects interviewed. The sheer number of interviews on the set is quite spectacular; ranging from newly recorded interviews with Linda McMahon, Undertaker, Roddy Piper, Bret Hart and Jim Ross through to recycled interviews from previous projects. The newer interviews are used more often through the documentary while the older individual interviews are used sporadically with some only being used once. A good job is made of integrating the new and archive footage as the older interviews are presented in widescreen format with no sidebars.
Here is a list of SOME of the talent which is featured within the documentary:
The documentary is formatted in a very similar way to “The True Story of WrestleMania”, even down to the fact that the feature is voiced over by renowned film, television and voice actor: Keith David. A minor criticism would be that at times when introducing WrestleMania III, The History of WWE feels very similar to The True Story of WrestleMania, however given both are discussing the same thing, in a similar style – this was inevitable.
The documentary in earnest begins looking at the history of McMahon family in the promotion business; from Jess McMahon and then on to Vincent J McMahon and beginning the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) and the TV show Heavyweight Wrestling from Washington, here we hear stories of those early tapings from Blackjack Mulligan and Lou Albano.
The next portion of the documentary looks at the CWC breaking away from the NWA, Buddy Rogers and the Bruno Sammartino era. The North East portion of the United States is then attributed as helping towards the success of McMahon Sr’s business with its heavily populated cities and the importance of the wrestling magazines, which were published in the area. The stars of the 1970s are looked at next including Andre The Giant. To conclude this portion we are given insight into TV syndication and the logistics of “bicycling” tapes from TV station to TV station, used to set the stage for the next part of the documentary and the rise of cable TV.
The documentary then moves on to 1982 and the purchase of the promotion by Vince McMahon and Titan Sports. We are given insight into Vince McMahon’s plans to take his North East promotion nationwide, using cable TV as the primary method for distribution and the fact that a national promotion would need a worthy top star to carry the business, enter Hulk Hogan.
Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania is examined in detail and the attributes which made Hogan perfect for the role of #1 attraction with his tremendous charisma which brought the company mainstream attention. The mainstream attention was especially important leading into the first WrestleMania. The first WrestleMania and its build is looked at, along with Linda McMahon’s explanation of the importance of the financial success of the show to both the promotion and the McMahon family.
The next landmark for the company was the first Saturday Night’s Main Event and the partnership with NBC. It is explored how Saturday Night’s Main Event revolutionized WWE’s television production – even to this day. dikk Ebersol explained how the show brought WWE an additional level of attention and awareness. The expanded audience was then capitalized upon in ways which were incredibly unique for the wrestling business – consumer products. This video was featured on the site just a few days ago (watch).
[spoiler/]
Today, I am going to be looking through the documentary and Blu-ray exclusive stories.
As we have reported previously the total run time for the documentary is a little over 2 hours, and not the 3 hours which was stated on the early marketing materials. I know this caused a degree of disgruntlement amongst fans, especially when it was accompanied bt what some collectors feel to be a rather lackluster collection of matches and moments.
After watching the documentary I can say it does provide a good overview of the past 50 years of WWE, however as you may have expected some topics were glossed over or simply omitted completely – maybe that additional hour would have helped with this?
The feature opens with footage of Vince McMahon arriving at WWE headquarters and walking through the building and on into his office. This leads to the more “traditional” DVD open which has been featured on the site a few weeks ago (watch).
A criticism which certainly cannot be leveled at this documentary is under delivering on the number of subjects interviewed. The sheer number of interviews on the set is quite spectacular; ranging from newly recorded interviews with Linda McMahon, Undertaker, Roddy Piper, Bret Hart and Jim Ross through to recycled interviews from previous projects. The newer interviews are used more often through the documentary while the older individual interviews are used sporadically with some only being used once. A good job is made of integrating the new and archive footage as the older interviews are presented in widescreen format with no sidebars.
Here is a list of SOME of the talent which is featured within the documentary:
- Arnold Skaaland
- Basil DeVito
- Batista
- Blackjack Lanza
- Blackjack Mulligan
- Bob Backlund
- Bobby Heenan
- Bret “Hitman” Hart
- Bruno Sammartino
- Chief Jay Strongbow
- CM Punk
- dikk Ebersol
- Ernie Ladd
- Fabulous Moolah
- Freddie Blassie
- Gene Okerlund
- Gerry Brisco
- “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant
- Howard Finkel
- Hulk Hogan
- Jack Brisco
- Jake “The Snake” Roberts
- Jerry Lawler
- Jim Duggan
- Jim Ross
- Jimmy Snuka
- JJ Dillon
- John Cena
- Kid Rock
- Larry Zbysko
- Linda McMahon
- Mae Young
- Mark Yeaton
- Michael Hayes
- Michel Cole
- Mick Foley
- Ozzy Osborne
- Pat Patterson
- Paul Bearer
- Paul Heyman
- Randy Orton
- Ric Flair
- Rocky Johnson
- Rowdy Roddy Piper
- SD Jones
- Shawn Michaels
- Sherri Martel
- Stan Hansen
- Stephanie McMahon
- Stu Saks
- Ted DIBiase Sr
- The Rock
- Tony Chimmel
- Triple H
- Undertaker
- Vince Russo
The documentary is formatted in a very similar way to “The True Story of WrestleMania”, even down to the fact that the feature is voiced over by renowned film, television and voice actor: Keith David. A minor criticism would be that at times when introducing WrestleMania III, The History of WWE feels very similar to The True Story of WrestleMania, however given both are discussing the same thing, in a similar style – this was inevitable.
The documentary in earnest begins looking at the history of McMahon family in the promotion business; from Jess McMahon and then on to Vincent J McMahon and beginning the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) and the TV show Heavyweight Wrestling from Washington, here we hear stories of those early tapings from Blackjack Mulligan and Lou Albano.
The next portion of the documentary looks at the CWC breaking away from the NWA, Buddy Rogers and the Bruno Sammartino era. The North East portion of the United States is then attributed as helping towards the success of McMahon Sr’s business with its heavily populated cities and the importance of the wrestling magazines, which were published in the area. The stars of the 1970s are looked at next including Andre The Giant. To conclude this portion we are given insight into TV syndication and the logistics of “bicycling” tapes from TV station to TV station, used to set the stage for the next part of the documentary and the rise of cable TV.
The documentary then moves on to 1982 and the purchase of the promotion by Vince McMahon and Titan Sports. We are given insight into Vince McMahon’s plans to take his North East promotion nationwide, using cable TV as the primary method for distribution and the fact that a national promotion would need a worthy top star to carry the business, enter Hulk Hogan.
Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania is examined in detail and the attributes which made Hogan perfect for the role of #1 attraction with his tremendous charisma which brought the company mainstream attention. The mainstream attention was especially important leading into the first WrestleMania. The first WrestleMania and its build is looked at, along with Linda McMahon’s explanation of the importance of the financial success of the show to both the promotion and the McMahon family.
The next landmark for the company was the first Saturday Night’s Main Event and the partnership with NBC. It is explored how Saturday Night’s Main Event revolutionized WWE’s television production – even to this day. dikk Ebersol explained how the show brought WWE an additional level of attention and awareness. The expanded audience was then capitalized upon in ways which were incredibly unique for the wrestling business – consumer products. This video was featured on the site just a few days ago (watch).
[spoiler/]
