Beyond the Mat (DVD, 2004, Ringside Special Edition - Unrated Director's Cut)

You don't need to be a serious wrestling fan to enjoy Beyond The Mat. This film takes the viewer behind the cameras, behind the curtain, and beyond the mat. The viewer gets to see what it's really like backstage, and just how the wrestling business takes a toll on those inside of it. From broken families to addictions, some performers have lost a lot to the wrestling business. It's not just the wrestlers that can get hurt, but their families and loved ones as well.

This is a very good film that will open your eyes to the dark side of the wrestling business. Even though the film was released in 2004, it is timeless. The names and faces on top of the business may change, but the stories and the struggles do not. This is a must-watch for any wrestling fan, and even those who don't classify themselves as fans will be intrigued.

The segment that is about Mick Foley's famous I Quit Match with The Rock is very memorable. It lets the viewer get inside the head of Mick Foley as he prepares for the match, and again after the match, when he's battered and bloody. The fact that his kids watch their father laying on a mattress backstage, getting his head sewn up was quite a moving scene for me. It really showed me how much the performers put into what they do, and how it's not all 'fake'.

WWF and ECW are the primary promotions that are profiled in this film, but I would have liked to have seen more about WCW.

If you haven't seen Beyond The Mat, don't wait any longer. Pick up your copy today. You won't be sorry that you did.

This movie touches a deep part of any wrestling fan's soul...Any person, not just fans, will find this movie intriguing and heart felt. To see once great superstars fall from grace and others excel...this movie gives you the tales of both. The extra commentaries on this DVD make it worth having. A look inside Mick Foley and Jesse Ventura's mind and their own memories of the "sport" that made them both famous is eye opening, humorous, and chilling.

This is one of the best documentaries in wrestling that has ever been made...even though it is now 10 or so years old, it still shows relevance in today's wrestling world...

I recommend owning this movie...it's a great movie to watch then watch again for the bonus commentary...This movie will touch your heart and help you understand why we love wrestling and why wrestlers do what they do.

Every wrestling fan should watch this movie it does a great job of showing what goes on behind the curtain at wrestling shows. It also lets you get to see some of the most famous wrestlers out side of the ring. it shows you how hard it is to get into the business, and make a living. You won't go wrong buying this DVD.

This is a great documentary of the behind the scenes life of a wrestler. The extra content is a great addition. If you're interested in similar titles, look for "Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows" and "The Wrestler" (starring Mickey Rourke).

Very well put together documentary, very emotional. Good watch for wrestling and non-wrestling fans alike.