Beyond the Mat (2000)

At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com essential video

An inside look to pro wrestling

Beyond the Mat is a very good documentary on pro wrestling outside the ring. I liked the way it begins with the narrator describing his love for wrestling and the reasons he decided to explore it. Barry W. Blaustein, a screenwriter begins on a journey to learn why these people abuse their bodies in this way for a living.

He explores the then WWF and you will see Vince signing a future superstar who would later end up crippled for life. Others talk about broken promises and unfair termination. Independant organizations are also brushed up on to include talented young wrestlers trying out and never getting the call. Several legends of the ring are explored in detail, Terry Funk, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, & Mick Foley. The film takes a much darker turn when focused on Jake.

You will see the rehearsals for big events. In this case the 99 Royal Rumble "I Quit" match, Rock vs. Mankind. He makes it clear that the outcomes are predetermined, it's choreographed, but the injuries are very real. ECW is also brushed up on but there is no mention of WCW.

There are extras and the most important one is a conversation. This is a short segment between Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura, & Barry Blaustein. They speak on what got them interested in pro wrestling. They talk about how much the business has changed and the "cutthroat" of the business.

Even though I didn't learn anything new. This was still an interesting watch for me. I will be honest about this. If I still had intentions on joining this business, there is a good chance my mind would be changed. It doesn't take much to be a headliner for a major promotion. And one mistake will have you in the lowest arena on earth with a very unsure future. I also did enjoy the layout of the film, plus Barry's reasons for exploring the world of wrestling. He had some very interesting questions. I mean, why would somebody want to do this? Even though some of the reasons may sound absurd to some. They're still reasons that makes sense to them. February 24, 2008

The movie Vince doesnt want you to see

I really dont understand why they had that saying on the back cover. This movie really doesnt degrade Vince in anyway. Sure a few wrestlers say some things about how he is a jerk but thats nothing new. I remember seeing this dvd awhile back and liked it. I watched it recently and it sucked. Nothing really informative and I thought it was a poorly made film. I also hate to see Mick Foley. All he does these days is get any money he can get and I've lost all respect for him. September 7, 2007

Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers

Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it. May 6, 2007

Good but felt incomplete.

I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not. May 1, 2007

One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's

i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages October 21, 2006

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