Product Details

• Actors: Dusty Rhodes, Dan Gable, Dallas Page, Jerry Lawler, Ric Flair
• Directors: Chris Mortensen
• Producers: Chris Mortensen, Don Cambou, Fred S. Jung, Michael E. Katz, Robert E. Ziel
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767010256
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #211,398 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"Sure, wrestling is fake," admits narrator Steve Allen. "We wouldn't have it any other way." So much for ripping the lid off pro wrestling, but fear not--there may be no dirty little secret, but there is a colorful history. Digging way back to its roots--when it was a genuine athletic event and not "a soap opera with a referee"--the slow mutation of wrestling is analyzed in generous detail from its height at the turn of the 19th century to its nadir as a carnival sideshow attraction and urban entertainment during the Depression to its phoenix-like rebirth on early television to its modern-day explosion on cable. Interviews with modern stars, such as Hulk Hogan and veterans Classy Freddie Blassie and Killer Kowalski, wrestling historians, and even college professors tackle the subject from all sides, but the commentary is secondary to the spectacle provided by a rich array of clips--everything from prissy Gorgeous George's ringside sashays to midget wresting to a montage featuring the ubiquitous folding chair to the head. The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling tends to emphasize the freak-show elements of the sport--which, granted, are much of the documentary's fun--but does capture the showmanship and crazy energy that has transformed a sideshow attraction into a gonzo spectacle in a format that manages to be informative and fun at the same time. --Sean Axmaker

Product Description

It is the favorite entertainment of millions of Americans. Countless others revile it as a cast-off blend of showmanship and sports, built on the worst elements of each. Whatever your opinion, there is no denying that professional wrestling is here to stay. Go behind the scenes and into the ring in this hard-hitting exposÈ of the multi- million dollar industry that is growing more popular every year. How did a sport enjoyed by both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln become transformed into a spectacle dominated by men like Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan? THE UNREAL STORY OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING interviews performers, promoters, fans and psychologists to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. Extensive footage of matches through the years shows the changing face of the ""sport"" that is more truly spectacle, where audiences do not care if the outcome is predetermined as long as the match is entertaining."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A history of wrestling starting with the Greco Romans!, March 25, 2000

By 

Andrew Clark (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling (DVD)

The title doesn't give too much away and sells this DVD short. This is an excellent walkthrough for anyone interested in seeing why the wrestling business is how it is today. It concentrates on the last 100yrs. It is suitable for all ages and is a complete history lesson. It is packed with video footage and interviews from the stars of yesterday and today. There is no bias towards any one of todays "BIG 2". The trivia test is in stages, with classy sound effects for right and wrong answers. (Shame you dont get anything for answering all the questions correctly.) My wife hates me watching wrestling and even she thought the DVD was good value and informative. All in, a well balanced DVD with enough in it for you to go back and watch it several times. I would liked to have seen a bit more about the managers/women {Sunny}but that doesn't affect the great production, editing and storyline. I've got to thank Amazon for stocking it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only a true wrestling fan would have a video like this!, October 3, 2000

By 

John Hodgdon II (Pensacola, Fl United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling (DVD)

From the wrestling legends, to the their gimmicks and matches, this documentary shows it all. Just be prepared to spend a couple hours in front of the old tube... You can find all of your old favorites from Lou Thesz to Andre the Giant, to Hulk Hogan, and more! I reccomend this movie to any real hardcore wrestling fan who wants to know more about true Sports Entertainment.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Video, If you like Pro. Wrestling you'll love this!!!, April 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is one of the best videos EVER done on the history of professional wrestling. It aired on A&E and I loved it. Worth getting.