Sandow, Rickard, and Uncle Ralph
Sandow, Rickard, and Uncle Ralph Review DVDs
By Sandow, Rickard, and Ralph
Nov 20, 2005, 17:39

 Bret Hart DVD Review

By Eugene Sandow

It’s clear within seconds that Bret “Hit Man” Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be will make for surreal viewing. Vince McMahon opens the docudrama (WWE dvd releases are almost always closer to docudrama than documentary) by thanking Bret Hart for putting their differences aside and participating in the project. It’s hard, however, not to imagine at that very moment what the dvd would have looked like had Hart not participated, and had it retained its original title, Screwed: The Bret Hart Story, with the original promos burying Hart from the likes of Shawn Michaels and Roddy Piper. To protect his legacy, Bret felt that he had to more or less make a deal with the devil, and for this McMahon thanks Hart in the dvd’s opening seconds. The result makes for rather compelling viewing, on a number of levels. I’d guess that Bret is satisfied with the results, as the dvd pretty much paints Bret in a 100% positive light, maybe even bordering on hagiography, although that’s really not surprising considering that Bret Hart, as great as he was, always seemed to be his own biggest fan. Still, the dvd is never boring and I enjoyed it considerably more than I enjoyed Jake Roberts’s Pick Your Poison.

The movie sheds no new light on Survivor Series 1997 (certainly nothing comes close to Shawn Michaels’s bombshell allegations in his new book). Vince refers to the situation as “regrettable” at least three or four times, and Bret makes clear that he doesn’t regret punching McMahon out. Bret does say that people who judge either man’s actions are passing judgment without knowledge of all the facts. Shawn Michaels’s promo was cut completely, and Bret doesn’t provide him any time to comment on the double cross. Bret’s view of Shawn is basically summed up by Hart’s labeling him an asshole, yet grudgingly paying Michaels his due in terms of athleticism, as Hart speaks of trying to keep up with the “little bastard” at their Iron Man match at Wrestlemania 12 (which Hart believes might be his best ever match).
The rest of the dvd provides a decent but slanted view of Hart’s career. Throughout the docudrama, we’re repeatedly told that Bret Hart was a master ring technician, one of if not the best ever. The story regarding the formation of the original Hart Foundation, Bret, Jim Neidhart, and Jimmy Hart, is done well, although their later work in the early 1990s is given short shrift. The discussion about Bret’s feud with Owen is for obvious reasons very poignant. It’s also interesting to hear Hart express sympathy for the “good hearted” Bill Goldberg, whose in ring carelessness ended Bret’s career and probably led to Bret’s stroke. Ultimately, though, if you’re looking for revelations or a comprehensive and accurate look at Hart’s career, you probably won’t find it here. I dare to say that Hart’s rfvideo shoot interviews are probably more revealing, although they lack both the production values and footage found in The Best There Was, The Best There Is, The Best There Ever Will Be.

One of the highlights of the set is the classic Calgary footage contained in the main feature. Decent length excerpts from late 1970s and early 1980s matches against the likes of Dynamite Kid, Bad News Brown (in a ladder match), and Nick Bockwinkel are included, along with footage of Stu Hart returning (looking like he ate Vader) to team with Bret. The matches included in the extras, carefully chosen by Bret himself, are extraordinary. There’s a rarely seen classic against Ricky Steamboat from 1986 in Boston, one of only two times the future legends wrestled each other, and the only time it was taped for posterity. The context of the match, which is not mentioned on the dvd, is interesting, as Bret and Steamboat believed they would be working with one another at the upcoming Wrestlemania 2, but were told in Boston that the booking plans had changed. Steamboat then told Bret that they should tear down the house in Boston, which they proceeded to do. Also included are two matches against Owen Hart: the Wrestlemania 10 classic and one from White Plains, New York, that Bret chose because it exemplified the professionalism of his brother Owen, who successfully carried the injured Bret to a good match that night. Most fascinating to me, however, is the fantastic Hart Foundation vs. Rockers Saturday Night’s Main Event match from 1990, where we see Bret and Shawn battle several years before either one was pushed to the top as a singles star, and seven years before the infamous Montreal incident. It also strikes me as ironic that the tag match actually does end in a schmoz (i.e., outside wrestlers run in, a brawl ensues, and the match ends in a no contest), which is how Bret vs. Shawn at the Survivor Series was “supposed” to have finished. There are a number of other classic Bret Hart matches included as well. With a quality feature film and extras to spare, it’s an easy call: put this one on your Christmas wish list. You won’t be disappointed.

 Bret Hart DVD Review

By Mike Rickard

In more ways than one, Bret Hart’s career is legendary and like many legends, somewhat tragic. The career of Bret “The Hitman” Hart could just as easily have come from Greek tragedy as it did from contemporary times. Consider Hart’s story. The son of a mighty warrior, he reluctantly assumes the obligations imposed on him by his father. After initial success, he finds himself in unfamiliar settings where the trappings of nobility are stripped from him and he is forced to start anew. Only by a relentless effort is he able to beat the odds and attain victory, all the while maintaining his honor and adhering to a code of honor. Betrayed by the treachery of his closest friend he finds his last days marked by death and tragedy and he sits in a self-imposed exile from the place he once called home.

Unlike legends though, the story of Bret Hart is all too real and all too painful. Bret’s triumphs have been many (WWF Tag Team Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and Heavyweight Champion) but so have the tragedies (the Montreal screwjob, the accidental death of his beloved brother Owen, and the tragically premature end to Bret’s career). Sadly, the legacy of Bret Hart which should be noted by a tremendous work ethic, amazing technical skill, and recognition of his talent by being chosen to carry the WWF Heavyweight Title on several occasions has been reduced to two words-Montreal Screwjob. Anyone familiar with Bret Hart’s career would think it inconceivable that Hart’s accomplishment as the first man to win all three major titles in the World Wrestling Federation would be eclipsed by the events of November 9, 1997 but until recently it appeared that that was Hart’s destiny. Thankfully, recent developments have given fans hope that Hart’s legacy as one of the all-time greats would be restored.

The WWE’s latest DVD release Bret "Hitman" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be not only is a five star retrospective of Hart’s career but a restoration of his legacy to the forefront of wrestling’s top players. The Hart DVD provides fans with conclusive proof that Hart was the excellence of execution and shows that his career is about far more than the Montreal Screwjob. This 3 disc DVD set offers a close to three hour documentary on Bret Hart’s career and eighteen matches guaranteed to show you why Hart’s accomplishments can never be denied. The matches have been hand-picked by Hart and feature him wrestling some of the greatest workers and names in wrestling such as the British Bulldogs, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the British Bulldog, Chris Benoit, and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.

A celebrated career like Bret “the Hitman” Hart’s deserves nothing less than a five star presentation and yet it was not that long ago that the working title of the Bret Hart DVD was “Screwed: The Bret Hart DVD”. “The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior” demonstrates Vince McMahon’s belief the adage “Don’t cross the boss” and what happens if you don’t go along to get along. Since this project was first announced, there was wild speculation as to what kind of treatment Hart would get. Given the WWE’s continued rubbing the Montreal Screwjob in Canadian fans’ faces for the last eight years the WWE would release. At the same time, while Bret Hart worked closely with the WWE on this DVD project, it’s by no means a puff piece designed to encourage other WWE superstars cooperate with the WWE on DVD projects. While the DVD casts Bret in a favorable light, it takes a surprisingly close look at his career, examining both the highs and lows.

Where the DVD really shines is the heavy use of Hart’s own words to accentuate the story told in the biography. Whether it’s Bret’s discussion of the great expectations thrust on him by his father, his early struggles in the WWF (you won’t believe the gimmick that Bret was suggested that Bret take), the frustrations of his first WWF Heavyweight Title reign, his battles in and out of the ring with Shawn Michaels, his final days in the WWF leading up to the Montreal screwjob, and his anticlimactic run in WCW, Hart gives fans his own opinion of the many events of his career. The combination of match footage, interviews with his colleagues, and Hart’s own account of things makes for one of the most well-rounded WWE career retrospectives.

Listening to Bret Hart tell his side of the story, it’s clear that Hart is speaking his mind. Clearly Hart is proud of his career and sure of his place in wrestling history (whether or not his pride borders on arrogance is an opinion the viewer will have to form for themselves). He’s also clear on how he feels about the people he has worked with in wrestling such as the British Bulldog, Mr. Perfect, Steve Austin, and of course, Shawn Michaels. At times Hart is surprisingly critical of the people he has worked with but he is equally critical of his own work (such as his shortcomings on the microphone). Hart is also quite vocal in expressing how he felt that the WWF failed to appreciate his work during his runs as champion and in his opinion, made subtle moves to undermine his position as the top player in the WWF.

One of the themes that plays through the DVD is Hart’s tremendous rapport with his fans. Unlike some wrestlers who pay lip service to their fans, Hart has maintained a close and sincere relationship with his fans and the DVD shows Hart’s devotion to his fans as well as their devotion to him. Bret Hart’s worldwide popularity made him a top draw wherever he worked and even after his career ended, he has maintained contact with his fans despite his self-imposed exile from the World Wrestling Federation.

Critics of McMahon are going to have to give the devil his due. Despite the fact that McMahon and Hart diametrically opposed positions on the infamous Montreal screwjob, both are given the opportunity to tell their side of the story in their own words. That’s not to say that Vince McMahon doesn’t put his spin on things nor should it be said that Bret Hart’s side of the story is without bias. The bottom line is that you get to hear both sides of the story. Fans are given McMahon’s portrayal of events and Hart’s and left to choose which one they believe. Hart sums up things perfectly when he says that people who have come out in support of him or against him regarding Montreal don’t have all of the facts.

Like any historical analysis, the Bret Hart DVD doesn’t have all of the pieces of the puzzle present (some pieces have been conveniently left out such as Vince McMahon’s account of Bret Hart jumping to WCW conveniently omitting the part where McMahon basically begged Hart to abandon a 20 year contract with the WWE when McMahon realized what a financial millstone it would be) but there’s plenty in place for a fan to form their own picture. The DVD features footage from Bret’s career, Bret’s account of what happened, and interviews with many of the people who worked with and around Hart.

Despite the inherent bias of this being a WWE produced product, it provides a refreshingly balanced look at Hart’s career and the event that Hart’s career is most associated with (the infamous Montreal screwjob, a pivotal event in Bret’s career as well as the history of professional wrestling but by no means Hart’s claim to fame). Without question, this DVD is the bench mark by which all future WWE career retrospectives will be measured by and rightfully so. Fans of the Hitman will find this DVD honors its subject and at the same time offers a candid examination of his career. For people who have heard of Hart but never seen him wrestle, this DVD is the perfect starting point for discovering one of the greatest wrestlers of the 80’s and 90’s. No one should walk away unsatisfied after watching this DVD. Bret Hart’s legacy has been showcased and more importantly, restored.

Matches (House shows unless otherwise noted)

Hart Foundation vs. British Bulldogs
Hart Foundation vs. Killer Bees
Hart Foundation vs. Rockers (Saturday Night’s Main Event)
Hart Foundation vs. Nasty Boys (Wrestlemania VII)
Bret Hart vs. Ricky Steamboat
Bret Hart vs. Ted DiBiase
Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Wrestlemania X)
Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart
Bret Hart vs. the British Bulldog (SummerSlam 1992)
Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (SummerSlam 1991)
Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (King of the Ring 1993)
Bret Hart vs. Hakushi (In Your House)
Bret Hart vs. Diesel (Survivor Series 1995)
Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog (In Your House)
Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (Wrestlemania XIII)
Bret Hart vs. Undertaker (One Night Only 1997)
Bret Hart vs. Chris Benoit (Owen Hart Tribute Match Monday Night Nitro)

***

The Out For Justice DVD Review

By Crazy Uncle Ralph

Anybody know why Richie did Bobby Lupo?

Who's da boxer? You da boxer?

Mutha F**ka! You knocked my teeth out!

With those three lines, Out For Justice starrring Mr. Steven Seagal etched it's name into the f**kin' history books of life. Men across America now had a new hero to look up to. His name is Gino and - Ming, look at this ova here - he's bustin' some heads.

What does this have to do with wrestling, you ask? Well, shut the hell up! The guy, Richie, played by William Forsythe, looks like Paul Bearer. A psychotic, cracked out, Paul Bearer. So there. That's wrestling.

So go out and grab this DVD today. Once you do, choke on it. Who cares? I don't care. I gotta go get me a drink.

Now who's this Bret Hart guy?