Customer Reviews

Beyond the Mat (Unrated Director's Cut) (Ringside Special Edition)

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased this under the impression that all the features from the first disc would be retained, in addition to adding a new commentary with Jesse Ventura and Mick Foley and an interview with them as well. The new Ventura/Foley commentary is nothing special as they only talk for a total of about half the movie, and for some reason it's an intrusive video commentary where the disc pauses to switch tracks every time it comes on - would have been much better to just let them talk the entire time and leave it as an audio only track.

My problem here is, they removed the director only commentary and also the Mick Foley solo commentaries from the previous disc. I don't see why this happened, as the Terry Funk & director commentary from the previous disc IS still on there. It's not like they couldn't have fit all of it on one disc.

A very solid documentary that everyone should check out if they have not already, but I'd advise picking up the previous release, as the special features are stronger.

For the sake of completeness, I'd give the original DVD relase 4 stars.

This movie takes an inside look at the world of pro wrestling. You see the stars of today's wrestling world as you have never seen them before, the personal side. Featured in the flim is best selling author and hardcore icon Mankind (or Mick Foley). In one scene you see Mick's wife break down into tears, as she shields the couple's children as Mick gets cracked in the head a whopping 10 times in the head with a steel chair. Also doucumented in the film is Jake "The Snake" Roberts and his battle with personal demons. Hardcore legeng Terry Funk is also showcased. This is not just a movie for wrestling fans as it is a story of human emotions and insterst and not a vechile to promote the sports entertainment industry.

Beyond the Mat is a documentary of professional wrestling. It shows behind the scenes footage and lives of wrestlers. People from independent wrestling organizations to Extreme Championship Wrestling to the greater then all World Wrestling Federation (sorry Turner, no World Championship Wrestling in this movie!). It was great because it was non-biased. It's cool to see wrestlers at ease behind stage. Talking and hanging around with one another knowing that they have to wrestle each other in a few minutes! The movie has some footage of Vince McMahon, owner of the WWF. It proves once and for all that he is "THE MAN", and that he can make you or break you in the industry. The movie focused on the lives of 3 wrestlers, Terry Funk (now 56, has retired and come back as much as Ozzy!), the once famous Superstar Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Mick Foley (aka Cactus Jack, Mankind, Dude Love). I don't want to spoil the movie by going over their lives. I'll tell you one thing though, the shocker for me was Jake the Snake! Once the biggest star of the WWF, now turned into a has-been crack addict. Wow, what a story! That's just a part of his life, you should see the rest of it, it's pretty sad! The documentary also talks about the struggles of trying to become a pro wrestler, pretty much getting payed nothing. You have people that work as an airline mechanic, a kindergarden teacher etc. It's a great movie, even if your not a fan of professional wrestling. This is one of the best documentaries that I've ever seen.

This is a very sobering look at the life of professional wrestlers. If you liked the Bret Hart documentary-you must see this!

Mick Foley: Is this guy amazing or what? I can't believe he does what he does and still walks. And he truly worries that the fans might not have gotten their money's worth? No way Mick. We owe you money at this point.

Terry Funk: Another sick individual that seems to thrive on pain. Always in and out of retirement, his body has amassed a war's worth of damage-and he still keeps coming.

Jake Roberts: What a tragic figure "The Snake" is. I remember watching him back in the 80's and then he just disappeared. Lost amidst a world of drugs and alcohol-his demons are too numerous to mention.

If you like wrestling even remotely-watch this movie. If you are considering wrestling as a career-watch this movie and you may reconsider that choice.

"BEYOND THE MAT: UNRATED DIRECTOR'S EDITION" DVD... what an awesome documentary!

I was a big fan of wrestling many years ago and just started watching again this year. The game is more electrifying than ever and things have changed since the 80's of WWF. The focus on certain wrestlers in this documentary was very fun and shocking to watch at the same time.

From Terry Funk getting the doctor's prognosis of his battered body, Jake "The Snake" Roberts and the demons in his life which was a shock to watch and most of all, the segment that really hooked me in was Mick Foley's segment and how his family handled watching him get beat during "Royal Rumble". Also, one of the reasons to BUY this DVD is the comments Mick Foley had in the special features commentary in which he comments about the Rock hitting him and boy, you can tell Mick Foley was pissed at the Rock. Also, you see a few features on a few WWF and ECW stars in this documentary.

Some people may want to call this documentary perhaps "The True Secrets behind wrestling". I'm actually surprised to see the added footage of Vince McMahon...whoah! A lot of things are in this video. From people trying to get into the business, the dangers of the business and the wrestler outside of the ring.

As for the audio and video, the video has good colors, audio...I wasn't expecting digital 5.1 to begin with. As for the special features, it comes with a trailer, production notes...not that much compared to other movies/documentaries but if one thing truly shines in the special features category, it's the commentaries on this DVD which are the big thing. You have to watch Mick Foley's commentary. If anything, after I watched this movie, you have more respect for Mick. What a cool dude!

So, wrestling fans...this DVD is highly recommended. VHS owners, you thought the movie was good, buy the DVD to hear what Mick has to say in the director's commentary...whoah!

I enjoy watching professional wrestling but by no means would I consider myself a fanatic. My opinion has always been that professional wrestling is just another form of theatrics, captivating a large audience by displaying these "super-human" athletes doing battle for just and unjust causes.

Beyond the Mat opened my eyes to a whole different world that lives behind the scenes of professional wrestling. It provides a series of mini-biographies on the careers of several diverse wrestlers including the ageless Terry Funk, Jake "the Snake" Roberts, Michael Foley ("Mankind"), and a look at several of the professional circuits and the people who run them.

Beyond the Mat sheds light on some of the common problems that plague all types of professionals in the entertainment business. Jake Roberts is shown struggling with his substance abuse problems as well as trying to mend a broken relationship with his daughter. Very captivating scenes that goes far beyond the bash and smash that takes place inside the wrestling ring.

The movie also follows active wrestler Mankind and the toll that the business not only takes on him physically but the mental anguish that affects his children and his wife. Again, very touching and another side of the business fans would never have seen if it was not for this film.

Overall, I think this documentary has enough qualities to appeal to not just the average wrestling fan but to those who are interested in understanding the lifestyles of professional entertainers such as the athletes in professional wrestling.

Having spent the past 16 years as as wrestling fan, I have often been so caught up in the storylines and matches that I find myself forgetting that these aren't just characters in a real-life soap-opera; They're real people, with families, problems, hopes, & dreams, just like everybody else. Beyond The Mat has ensured that I will never forget that again.

The premise of the Documentary is a simple one: Director Barry Blaustein would follow 3 Wrestlers, filming them both in & out of the ring. From this tried-&-true format comes an amazing glimpse into the inner workings of the Wrestling Biz.

Blausteien follows Legendary Grappler Terry Funk, who is about to have his retirement match (He's since "retired" about 5 more times), Mick Foley, who at the time of filming was WWF Champion, and about to engage in one of the most sadistic matches in WWF History, his infamous "I Quit" match against The Rock at The Royal Rumble, and the troubled "Jake "The Snake" Roberts, whose toughest matches these days are his battles with drugs & his own demons.

There are some truly unforgettable moments in this film for Wrestling fans. Who would have thought that Legendary Wildman Terry Funk was such a nice, soft-spoken family man? Who will ever forget Mick Foley's Wife and Children screaming in horror as he takes 11 brutal chairshots to his unprotected head fron The Rock? What long-time fan could not be horrified and saddened to see how far Jake Roberts has fallen...? There are also some great "Time Machine" moments, such as the brief glimpse of the pre-silicon Stephanie McMahon, and Stone Cold Steve Austin uttering waht may have been his first "What?". We also see the first WWF appearance of the unfortunate Droz, crippled in the ring shortly after the filming ended.

The Director's Cut includes some new footage of Vince McMahon, surely one of the most loathsome "Human Beings", and I use that term loosely, on Earth. (I've never bought into the controversy about McMahon trying to keep Beyond The Mat from being released; as evidenced by Legendary Wrestler Bret "Hitman" Hart's struggles to liberate footage and stills of his WWF career from McMahon in recent years, McMahon rules WWF footage with an iron fist. Beyond The Mat uses extensive clips from the WWF archives, and McMahon would never have allowed that if he didn't approve of the film. There is also no mention whatsoever of WCW, The WWF's big rival at the time, another reason I believe that McMahon had more to do with the film than he wants you to believe.)

The film is presented in full-frame, which drives me NUTS, but that's the only way it's available on DVD, so I guess it's better than nothing. Aside from Commentary tracks, there's not much in the way of extras.

Barry Blaustein has done a rare impossible thing with Beyond The Mat: he revealed professional wrestling's dark underbelly. We find out how stars are made and created by the WWF and other smaller promotions. This documentary was very reavealing. Blaustein was able to succeed with this documentary on the fact that he was able to gain the wrestler's trust. Many of facts startled me as well like how Chyna was a U.N. Scholar. The most revealing part of the film though was with Jake The Snake Roberts. When I first viewed it, I was shocked to see how low he had gone (I knew already about his bouts with alcoholism and drug abuse). Even going as far as alienating his daughter was shocking. A couple of weeks ago, Jake was on a wrestling program called Chairshots. He sounded horse, but still ready to argue the facts of the film. He claimed Mick Foley and Terry Funk were the only one that were paid for doing the film (which strikes me as odd since Vince McMahon didn't even get a cut of the profits). He also said that he was lied to about the film, as Blaustein told him that it was going to be a TV special on the dangers of wrestling (which I dont believe). Jake also said that he is on good terms with his daughter from the film (which I extremely find hard to believe). Just about everything Jake said in the interview was disputable. I have both versions of this film but I bought the rated version the other day for the fact it had bonus footage. It was nice to see Chris Adams in the bonus footage because his appearances on TV are now rare. The bonus footage gives more understanding to stuff that was in the film. This is one documentary every wrestling fan would watch. It goes deeper than Wrestling With Shadows and any wrestling program on TV.

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.

REVISION NOTES
I originally typed this review in August of 2005. Since then, I have researched this movie and its subjects. Most of the persons' interviews and opinions believe this documentary is biased and extremely one-sided. After learning that, I am sickened that "Beyond The Mat", which was one of my favorite films for a long time, isn't as substantial as I once believed it to be. Before reading my original review, please note that "Beyond The Mat" still provides a powerful emotional experience. It's manipulative and somewhat non-factual, but aren't all films merely an interpretation anyway? Well, enough lecturing...here's my original review:

ORIGINAL REVIEW
"I've been a fan of televised wrestling for 19 years, and going strong. This documentary looked like it would be all praise and glorification, but instead turned out ot be one shocking portrait of the human condition.

Fanboy Barry Blaustein (who used to be an Saturday Night Live writer) poses a question, "Who are these guys?" That is a dreamy question that turns into a dark journey of despair and sadness. Blaustein mainly focuses on three of the business' top performers.

Mick Foley is one of the most gentle human beings in the world, who is also gifted with an uncanny ability to take ridiculous amounts of violence and brutality. His story basically contrasts his kindness with his in-ring persona, plus with some relationship footage with his wife and kids.

Terry Funk has been around for over 30 years, and is still doing some insanely violent matches to his 58-year-old body. He contemplates retirement (for the "X"th time), and may just do it this time.

Jake Roberts wasn't a great athlete, but he knew how to play to the crowd and keep them attentive. Sadly, he's become a drug-abusing has-been, who has a tragic past and equally sad relationship with his daughter.

Now this all sounds as if this is going to be on depressing moment after another. To be honest, most of this movie is cuthroat analysis of the politics and struggles of the wrestlers and the industry's key players.

But there are sheds of light in this dark, depressing tunnel. We see a former English school-teacher with blood across his head smiling and sharing his joy of wrestling. A gangster-ish performer with a criminal background is given a chance to audition for movies, and seems to have a future if he chooses to pursue. It's little touches like that enhance Blaustein's experience.

The small towns of the Midwest contrasted with the WWF's state-of-the-art spectacle is truly riveting. Seeing a couple of independent boys make it to the WWF tryouts is one of the movie's best scenes.

There are a couple of non-cohesive edits and clips that don't seem to fit. For example, the opening title sequence shows a bunch of clips from WWF and ECW television, but don't really explain what they are. Only the most hardcore fan out there will make any sense of these clips. Blaustein talks to us sometimes as if we know who he's talking about, but doesn't go all the way for a couple of people to really get to know them. It's almost a teaser for the TV programs.

But Blaustein managed to tap into the harsh realities of entertainment in general. There are the Terry Funk's who don't know when to quit, even if it destroys their careers and bodies. There are the Jake Roberts's who have fallen so far from grace, that the public will always endear them while condeming. We'll always have the Vince McMahon's tyrannically controlling entertainment with sly sadism...all for our viewing pleasure.

This movie is a masterpiece!"