Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24592 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-09-18
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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 co-written 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

Special Features
English
Region 2

Synopsis
Filmmaker Barry W. Blaustein takes a look at the professional wrestling game at every level, from the hopeful, perhaps deluded beginners who spend their money on wrestling schools, to the lower levels of the profession, to the pinnacle of wrestling success: national fame in the WWF. Particularly fascinating are Blaustein's examinations of Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Mick "Mankind" Foley. Roberts was once a superstar in the WWF, but evidently drugs and alcohol destroyed his career, and left him a broken and bitter man, wrestling on the outer reaches of the pro circuit. In a poignant scene, Blaustein captures a painful reunion between Roberts and his adult daughter. Foley, on the other hand, is a tremendous success in the WWF and a devoted husband and father. But the violence of his profession still threatens to tear his family apart. Blaustein makes no bones about his perspective in making his film. He's a wrestling fan. That said, the film offers an honest view of the outrageous and controversial world of professional wrestling. Though the outcomes of matches are usually predetermined making it a different kind of sport, pro wrestling is certainly a demanding and brutal way of life.

Customer Reviews

decent enough
Beyond the mat is another documentary that offers insight to the behind the scenes world of the professional wrestling business,the tagline that goes with that refers to the fact that vince mcmahon wanted this banned,true or not this fuelled the appeal of this release even though it is far from masterful.
The dvd follows the lives in particular of mick foley,terry funk and jake roberts and we get to understand what their careers mean to their loved ones,the foley segments reveal a family traumitised by his antics,the way the director examines jake roberts is certainly one sided,making him appear pathetic and a joke to all and sundry,this isnt fair and one of the problems with this,if you ever wondered where wrestlers friends backstage then this answers that,if you wondered if the matches were planned then again you may find some answers but this really doesnt have much soul and is a snapshot look at the business,nothing more.

Beyond the Mat GET IT!
WOW! This is one of the greatest wrestling movie's ever. This WWF (WWE) Movie is about the life of Mick Foley, Jake The Snake Roberts and D.r HARDCORE! Terry Funk. But much more stars than that. This also stars the never forgetting ECW! Days.
BUY IT!
NOW!
ECW! ECW! ECW!

The Movie The McMahons Tried To Ban.
I know what you're wondering, why is that one of the titles? Well let me explain a bit about what happens during the movie.

**Warning May Contain Spoilers**

This movie was made by acclaimed director Barry Blaustein who is a huge wrestling fan and it takes you behind the scenes of the wrestling world and some of it's biggest names. Mainly New Jack from ECW and Mick Foley from WWE. This basically reveals every secret the WWE tries to keep you from knowing, from the scripted shows to the rivals chilling and laughing with each other backstage, plus it makes Vince look kind of foolish when he is interviewing Darron Drozdov later to be known as The Droz and giving him the name Puke and making him throw up in a rubbish bin.
This shows a very honest and sometimes disturbing look at the real world of wrestling including an honest and somewhat upsetting look at the troubled life of Jake "The Snake" Roberts.
Buy this movie if you love wrestling or even if you are a critic who likes to go round saying wrestling is fake. This may change your mind.