Product Details

• Actors: Russell Harvard, Raymond J. Barry, Shoshanna Stern, Susan Gibney, Rich Franklin
• Directors: Oren Kaplan
• Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: ARC Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: January 31, 2012
• Run Time: 109 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B005TTEFXK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,857 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Inspired by the life of deaf UFC fighter, Matt Hamill, The Hammer tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat. The Hammer is a coming of age drama depicting the struggles and successes of what it takes to become a champion. Raised among those with the ability to hear, Matt later finds himself no less an outsider amidst the Deaf Community. But through sheer determination, he uses his 'perceived' disability as an asset, and becomes not only the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Championship, but an inspirational force to both hearing and deaf alike.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great GROUNDBREAKING Film February 3, 2012

By HammerFan

This film is groundbreaking. The first feature length film of its kind. Written and Produced by Joseph McKelheer and Eben Kostbar, Directed by Oren Kaplan with Matt Hamill's full support. The Hammer is based on the true story of the first deaf NCAA Wrestling Champion and UFC Fighter, Matt "The Hammer" Hamill. This film follows Matt from childhood to navigating through college on his mission of becoming a national wrestling champion, despite what some would call his "handicap." The Hammer is the first of what we hope will be many films and tv shows to feature a large amount of deaf and Hard of Hearing cast/crew. Matt Hamill supported the originally slated star, Eben Kostbar (Writer/Producer), to fill his shoes. However, the writers/producers chose to cast a deaf actor in the role for authenticity. This proved to be the greatest decision they could make, as it opened many doors for Deaf/HOH people in the film industry. This film features some ASL with subtitles for the hearing audience. The audio is edited in certain parts for the hearing audience to try to experience what it would be like to be deaf; although no hearing person can truly understand what it's like. While watching this film you will experience many emotions. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cry and moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. Wrestling has never been so exciting! The entire cast is extraordinary and deliver pure emotions on screen. You will fall in love with Russell Harvard and Michael Anthony Spady will become your new best friend! In theaters the film is fully captioned, however you may turn that option on or off while watching the DVD. Extra features were fun to watch. This film was accepted into 8 film festivals, and swept all 8! This is the first film of its kind; story is one of triumph and inspiration which the writers and director captured beautifully.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars See The Hammer February 13, 2012

By Dave

I first saw this film in the theater in December of last year. I really enjoyed the film and, as a wrestling coach, I thought the wrestling depicted was pretty good (only a few small errors that don't really detract from enjoyment of the film). More importantly, this is a great story about finding your way in life as Matt is torn between two worlds, hearing and non-hearing. Your girlfriend/wife/daughter will also enjoy the love story component. We showed the film in our school auditorium because I thought it was such an important story for people to see. The people associated with the film were great in helping us promote the showing and we will be forever grateful to them. You will feel uplifted and better about life after watching The Hammer.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hammer January 2, 2013

By John Balis

Amazon Verified Purchase

This movie was very well done, as fan Mixed Martial Arts and Matt The Hammer Hamill, i was interested in learning more about Matt the person then Matt the UFC Fighter and this movie def made it a possibility. If you are a fan of MMA/UFC or not this movie will def touch you and give a new respect for Matt Hamill and what he has overcome to become a top MMA in the world.