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The first gymnast to ever score a perfect 10 at the Olympics was Nadia Comaneci. From a small town in Romania, Nadia (Leslie Weiner, in her only feature film role) rose to international stardom. Under the coaching guidance of Bela Karoli, she pushed herself with the will of a champion. This movie does a wonderful job of showing how hard gymnasts must work as well as showing how much they must give up in their personal lives in order to achieve success. After winning three gold medals at the 1976 Olympics, her life spins out of control when Bela is removed as her coach. For the first time in her life she is on her own, she is the object of jealousy from her teammates, and her weight is out of control. She seeks out her former coach and asks for his help. Together they put Nadia back on the winning track. A family film with a lot to offer, Nadia shows in a credible way the highs and lows of celebrity. The gymnastics portions are terrific. A must if there's a budding gymnast or gymnastic enthusiast in your home. Made in 1984 for television. (Ages 5 to adult) --Peggy Maltby-Etra ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Where's the rest of the movie?
I bought this VHS for my daughter, who is starting gymnastics lessons on the fall. While it was a good introduction to gymnastics for her, I can't help but feel really cheated. There is a LOT missing from this VHS version! There are scenes that abruptly cut off without explanation. There is a nice scene in the beginning where Nadia meets another little gymnast, they do an impromptu gymnastics routine together and lie on the mat and talk. That entire scene was cut out, so you're left not even knowing that they are friends. The was a lot more missing - more towards the end, that I realized after the film was over. I'm not sure why they didn't just release the film in its entirety, but it left the viewer with a feeling that character development was rather shallow, and it was more like a quick after-school special than a "bio", which is what the original version was. I would suggest waiting for this to eventually reappear on cable, rather than buying this version if you want something complete.

From what I've seen, it's pretty good
I saw a small part of this movie on the Internet, and from what I saw, it was pretty good. I just wish I could see the whole movie!

The gymnastic sequences were very well done, although some of the editing was pretty bad.

If you can get your hands on this movie, than I think you should see it, because it deserves to be seen.

Good!
I remember watching this movie about Romanian Gymnast Nadia Comaneci when it first aired on TV and for a made for TV movie it was pretty good though some scenes were a bit rushed but I'm disappointed to hear that that when they put the movie on video they edited it and cut things out but maybe someday a restored version will be released on DVD. I see that there is some complaints that this movie didn't cover her comeback and her move to America but that is because this movie was made before her comeback and her move to America so that is why it's not mentioned in this but maybe someday an updated movie will be made about her.

Good Film
I saw this movie when it was on TV and loved it! My sister and I taped it and must have watched it over 100 times! We knew every routine, every line, etc. Then I went to College with tape in hand and taped over it on accident. I was absolutely devastated until I found it on-line! I am so excited to get this movie back in my hands again. I read that this is an edited version, but I think that'll be ok.

Decent portrayal
I felt the movie could've used a little more gymnastics action, and a little more of Nadia's come back from adversity. Also, little Teodora reminds me of another past Romanian star, Alexandra Marinescu. ... Read more

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This completely absorbing three-hour documentary follows the lives of two inner-city African American teenage basketball prodigies as they move through high school with long-shot dreams of the NBA, superstardom, and an escape from the ghetto. Taking cues from such works as Michael Apted's 35 Up, director Steve James and associates shot more than 250 hours of footage, spanning more than six years, and their completed work actually moves like an edge-of-the-seat drama, so brimming with tension, plot twists, successes, and tragedies that its length--170 minutes--is never an issue. Yet, what makes the film more impressive is how James moves his scope beyond a competitive sports drama (although the movie has plenty of terrific, nail-biting basketball footage) and addresses complex social issues, creating a scathing social commentary about class privilege and racial division. The film opens by introducing William Gates and Arthur Agee, two Chicago hopefuls, as they are being courted and recruited by various high schools to play ball, and continues until the pair are college freshmen. James allows the audience the experience of not only watching their journeys and daily routines (it's a sobering portrait of inner-city life), but also witnessing their maturation. Each takes a separate path along the way, stumbling over several obstacles (William suffers injuries, Arthur fails to meet his coach's high expectations); but James takes particular care to stress the importance and strong commitment of each character's family along the way, giving the film a essential center. The parents and siblings emerge with as much depth and complexity as the two main "characters," and turn Hoop Dreams into an unforgettable film experience. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (31)

good, but a bit too long and narrow
This film follows the lives of two inner city kids who aspire to play basketball in the NBA. All of the hopes and dreams of the youngsters and their failures and succeses are monitored. From young kids to young men, the harsh realities of growing up in the inner city are also shown.

The two main things that bother me about this documentary is that it was too long and narrowly focused. Two hours would have been more than sufficient espeicially for only two people. The extra time diminished the value of the film for me. I also think the film is too narrowly focused because there are only two subjects. The director could have selected 5 or maybe 7 subjects from the different cities to give more of a perspective.

I won't spoil the film, but I must say that nothing extrodinary happens. Both subjects seem content (one of them more than the other) with their lots in life however.

For those interested in seeing an excellent documentary series which follows the lives of people very well though different stages of life, see Micheal Apted's "Up" series.

Perhaps the Greatest Film Ever Made
And easily the best of the nineties. I've heard people using excuses such as "It's too long" or "It's a documentary" or "It's just a sports movie." Well it is a documentary, but I've seen two other documentaries ("Roger and Me" and "Hearts of Darkness") that rank among the finest I've seen. "Hoop Dreams" encompasses not only basketball, not only the ghettos, but life itself. We see ups and downs, successes and failures, and because we know it's all real, the film affects us tremendously. Its length is no factor. When the Gates or the Agees make bad decisions we cringe, when they gain succeed we cry (literally.) No other film has such an incredible impact emotionally and intellectually. This film will change your life.

Still brings tears to the eyes after 10 years
When this movie first came out 10 years ago, I remembered sitting for several minutes in the theater as the credits were rolling, collecting myself. I never cry in movie theaters. And this movie moved me to bawl like a child. To think about the ups and downs, the raw enthusiasm of the young boys when they first started chasing their hoop dreams, the rough realities that they both faced without consistent fatherhood, without steady incomes, without one advantage in their lives, still brings tears to my eyes. This was a brilliant movie that moved public discourse about the importance of steady parenting, the need for educational and employment opportunities in all corners of America, the costs associated with our obsession for celebrity athletes, and the limitations of athletics as a vehicle for moving young men from poverty to wealth. Because of the openness of the families being documented, and because the film's editors and director were able to cut to the core of human needs and desires, this film broke through cultural barriers, bridged gaps in our understanding of one another, and helped us to understand that every life has value, every person has a story to tell, and every child has the right and the power to dream. It also helps us to understand that it is not always the content of character or talent that enable these children to achieve their dreams. It is also privilege, opportunities, and the right guiding hands. And without these, dreams become melancholy memories of something that could have been, only if...

One of the greatest
In my opinion, being a big fan of the genre, Hoop Dreams stands as one of the greatest nonfiction works of film, most probably the most important movie of any genre made in the last 35 years and a serious contender for the somewhat silly "greatest movie of all time" credential, comparing favorably with such cultural fixtures as Citizen Kane. I'm not a sport fan whatsoever, I dont know anything about basketball, and my life has been about as different from the two kids in the film as possible. When I first saw this movie about ten years ago I was bracing myself for some blaxploitation movie. I have since watched it at least a half a dozen times since, and I never fail to be awed by the incredible scope and pathos of this film. On the surface, the movie is about basketball, poverty, aspiration, frailty, loss, hope, marginalization, ghetto life, and youth. When put together over the most engaging 3 hours I have ever had, the film constructs a monumental testament to the human experience. Brilliant in its themes, virtually flawless in its execution, stunningly humane in its treatment of its subjects, Hoop Dreams is big, important, and excellent. Like other true greats, its greatness is often overstated, but it's the type of movie that if you have half a brain and half a heart, you will be seized by the brilliance dripping from every pixel.

very tight Documentary
I went to see this Film at the Movies&it was very moving.it showed two Cats who were going for the Gold&leaving nothing for chance. this is a documentary that shows about How hard Cats work at doing what they want to do.still a very Moving Picture. ... Read more

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Baseball player Yogi Berra had an amazing life. Raised by an immigrant family, he lived on the poor side of town and never got any breaks. He rose through the Yankee farm system as a precocious talent who had as much impact with his mouth as he did with his bat. Hosted by Bob Costas, Deja Vu All Over Again recounts the fascinating career of a man who used a combination of determination, athleticism, and smarts to make a name for himself. Yogi recalls life in the old neighborhood and all of the obstacles he had to overcome on his way to the Hall of Fame. Celebrity fans, including Joe Torre, Ted Williams, and Billy Crystal, give this documentary a colloquial appeal, aptly reflecting the pathos of Yogi's life. --Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Deja Vu All Over Again
This is an excellent video!It is informative, humorous, warm, and interesting.I had always known that Yogi was important to the history of baseball but had no idea what a really great person he is.I thoroughlyenjoyed watching the video even though I am not a huge baseball fan.Itwas nice to see a man who is talented at his job but also valued his wife,family, and friends. ... Read more

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The come-from-behind winner of the 1981 Oscar for best picture, Chariots of Fire either strikes you as either a cold exercise in mechanical manipulation or as a tale of true determination and inspiration. The heroes are an unlikely pair of young athletes who ran for Great Britain in the 1924 Paris Olympics: devout Protestant Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a divinity student whose running makes him feel closer to God, and Jewish Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), a highly competitive Cambridge student who has to surmount the institutional hurdles of class prejudice and anti-Semitism. There's delicious support from Ian Holm (as Abrahams's coach) and John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson as a couple of Cambridge fogies. Vangelis's soaring synthesized score, which seemed to be everywhere in the early 1980s, also won an Oscar. Chariots of Fire was the debut film of British television commercial director Hugh Hudson (Greystoke) and was produced by David Puttnam. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Uplifting and Inspiring
"Chariots of Fire" makes the list of my ten favorite movies of all-time. The film depicts the true life journey of two sprint champions from the 1924 Paris Olympics. This isn't your average sports movie as the character development is more significant than the competition on the track. The "Flying Scotsman" Eric Liddell is man of deep moral conviction and joyful heartfelt devotion to God. As he runs he senses God's pleasure. Harold Abrams is an intense Jewish student at Cambridge who is driven to win in defiance of the obstacles of prejudice and institutionalism. He runs to prove his worth.

The film is slow moving and filled with numerous flashbacks. Knowing the history of the characters would enable you to better follow the story and appreciate the men portrayed. The acting is excellent with terrific performances by supporting actors such as Ian Holm as track coach Sam Mussabini; John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson as the stuffy masters of the university; and Nigel Havers as the likeable Lord Lindsay. The electronic sounding musical score is the most recognizable part of the movie and the costuming is exceptional. I was deeply moved and inspired by "Chariots of Fire."

The Brilliant Resurgence Of The British Movie Industry
The time is 1924. The finest athletes of England have begun their quest for glory in the Olympic Games. Their success will win honor for their nation - but for two champion runners, the honor at stake is a personal one...and their challenge one from within.

Chariots Of fire tells the exciting, inspiring true story of Harold Abrahams, Eric Liddell, and the dedicated team of competitors who brought Great Britain one of her most legendary victories in international sports. It is also the film that marked the brilliant resurgence of the British movie industry - and won four 1981 Academy Awards - including Best Picture.

Virtually a succession of smashing debuts, which it proved to be for Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Nicholas Farrell, Alice Krige, Jeremy Sinden, and Daniel Gerroll in their first major film roles, and Hugh Hudson (a veteran of British Television)directing his first theatrical feature. With such other wonderful talents by veteran actors Sir Ian Holm, Sir John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, and Nigel Davenport, the collective people together shaped a film whose impact is still lasting and unique. From its bracing footage of competition and pagentry, to the haunting image of the English runners on the beach, to the extraordinary music score by Vangelis, Chariots Of Fire has left its mark on film fans everywhere. It also has proven that British filmmakers and film crews are the best, and only the best, in the world.

If you are looking for the finest in entertainment, art films, or otherwise, you need not look any furthur than Chariots Of Fire. The finest of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Competition and Character
Chariots of Fire is an outstanding epic based on the lives of two men (among others), Eric Liddel and Harold Abrahams. Eric Liddel, a Scotsman and a missionary believes he can succeed as a testament to his undying faith. Harold Abrahams, a Jew wishes to succeed to prove that Jews are no inferior to others in post WWI England. This movie is one of refinement, ambition, commitment and integrity. In that era, there are tempers when the Masters of Cambridge do not take lightly to Harold being trained by a professional as they pride in the amateur aspect of the sport and the esprit de corps. His interaction with his girl friend when he loses a race is a special point. She says, "He won fair and square. There is nothing you can do about it." Then he retorts, "I do not run to compete, I run to win, if I cannot win, I should not run." She replies, "If you do not run, you cannot win." It ends with her frustration and saying, "Grow up". As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve.

I am glad that I have a wide screen edition of this DVD, however this is a region 3 and cannot play in a regular DVD player, as they play only the region 1 version. It is similar to the version released in UK. Even this version does not have a good audio and video transfer. There are dots in the video and the audio should be better considering the outstanding score by Vangelis. The widescreen edition is farbetter than the one released in US though. I am sad that they are not releasing this one here. I got this one in US through another website, thanks to my enhanced DVD player. So, I would give 5 stars for the movie and 4 stars for the transfer (I am being very generous here).

With hope in our hearts and wings in our heels!
The athletes of the British running team who went with hope in their hearts and wings in their heels in the VIII Olympiad in Paris in 1924 is the focus of this movie, but there's also the dynamics of what it means to be English, and the reconciliation of one's soul and religious convictions in the Modern Age. Three of them are students from Cambridge. There is the quiet and soft-spoken Aubrey Montague, Lord Andrew Lindsey, and Harold Abrahams. As the head of Caius (pronounced Keys) College tells them when they first attend in 1919, they are the first post-war generation who have inherited the dreams of a generation that perished on the fields of France, a generation embodying "goodness, zeal,...and intellectual promise."

The two main athletes here are a contrast from one another. One is Harold Abrahams, a Jew who wants to be seen as English as the fellow next to him. Hence his enrolling in all these clubs and fraternities in Caius College, from track, tennis, and even the Gilbert and Sullivan glee club-he wants to enter the Christian, Anglo-Saxon corridors of power, i.e. the old school tie. He succeeds in getting to an English girl in the form of Sybil Gordon, who doesn't mind he's Jewish. He can run like the wind, and nothing would fulfill his dream of being English more than winning so he'll be accepted, but he's so driven, hinging so much of his success on his winning, that he acts like its his own funeral when he loses in a race. He engages Sam Mussabini, a private and professional coach, which is contrary to the implied rules of Cambridge. When the heads of Trinity House and Caius House, (Sir John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson) use their prep-school mentality to chastise him, saying Cambridge prided itself on the amateur attitude as opposed to the professional, and an esprit de Corps as opposed to individual glory, Abrahams tells them off.

Scottish Eric Liddle, on the other hand, is a missionary born in China, who plans to return there to continue God's work, but the "muscular Christian" runs like a wild animal. With religion as a metaphor, he compares faith to running a race, describing the energy of the soul, the elation of breaking that tape, but he says that the power comes from within. "If you commit yourself to the love of Jesus Christ-that is how you win a straight race." To win is to honour God, and the gift he was given. His faith is tested twice, between the missionary work and running, and his respect for God and running on the Sabbath. He's clearly more Victorian, but also a Scot, choosing God over country instead of the more secular British. But will his faith help him triumph over favoured Americans Jackson Scholz and Charles Paddock?

The slow-mo shots of the running athletes, the looks of elation, the disappointment of those who didn't qualify shows the various reactions of the soul. And New Age composer Vangelis Pathaniossou made his mark with his score, during the races and the scenes of Americans training, but especially the moving main theme that opens and closes the movie as the athletes are running along the ocean shore. This sequence itself is repeated twice, once where we know nothing about these athletes on who the cameras pan in on, but by the end, when the camera does its work, we know these people better, and they have names, as the credits identify actor and role. This was an early role for Nicholas Farrell (Montague), who was Horatio in Branagh's Hamlet. But Ben Cross as the driven Abrahams, Ian Charleson as the debonair blond Christian Liddell, Nigel Havers as Lindsay, Ian Holm (Mussabini), and Alice Krige (Sybil) do well. And yes, the Head Porter at Caius College is Richard Griffiths, best known as Harry Potter's Uncle Vernon, and quite thinner too.

As the winner of four Oscars including Best Picture, Chariots Of Fire remains an unpretentious film where the finish line is a moral, spiritual, and of course a physical goal, and how one must be true to oneself to reach that goal.

Refined, inspiring, intelligent
Even though this has an air of Merchant-Ivory crossed with Masterpiece Theater, and no genuine movie stars (at least at the time, except Sir John Gielgud), the movie shines from beginning to end.

I saw this in the theater when it first came out and was very pleasantly surprised. It's a true story with a great message that still plays like Rocky with a brain -- exciting, funny, dramatic, well-acted, beautifully photographed. Unfortunately, not everyone will like it, though, because it brings back the days when drama meant dialogue, subtlety and intelligence, not explosions, predictable plots and computer-generated imagery. You have to watch and listen and have an appreciation of history. You can't watch this one and be distracted. Best to watch when you have time and can savor the moments, not when you have a room full of children, for instance. ... Read more

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The legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine blazed across tracks and into America's consciousness before meeting a tragic death in an auto accident at the age of 24.In this tribute to "Pre," narrated by writer Ken Kesey, a number of his contemporaries speak movingly of him as an athlete and a person.After setting high school running records in his native Oregon, Prefontaine went on to the University of Oregon, where as a freshman he began to dominate the American track scene and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was a distinctive character and archival films demonstrate the charisma and astounding confidence he brought to his sport.His race in the 5,000 meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics is shown in detail, with other runners in the race offering commentary on the gutsy performance of the 21-year-old.Pre didn't win a medal in the race, but as his sister puts it, the race "matured him" and made him determined to win gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics (which he wouldn't live to do).Though one of the world's best athletes, after college he was forced to survive on food stamps, and he became a spokesman for the plight of amateur athletes. This is a touching look at a brilliant athlete and a charming character who still inspires runners today. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Pre!
If you were a runner in the early '70s, Steve Prefontaine was your idol. Give Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers and even Lasse Viren their due, it was Pre who captured the essence of running as no other ever had or probably ever will. The guy had charisma - loads of it - and a style that grabbed you by the shorts and pulled you around the track with him. Was he America's greatest runner? Probably not, but who knows how good he could have been had his awesome potential not been snuffed. He may not have been the best, but he certainly inspired more runners than any of his contemporaries. The video provides comments and insights from family, friends and athletic rivals, and the footage from some of his races - particularly the 1972 Olympic 5000 meters - is an adrenaline-pumping reminisce of a spirit in American running we may never see again. This video allows the viewer to vicariously experience that fire and magic one more time.

Citius - Altius - Fortius
I purchased this video for my son who is a runner on his high school's track team. I didn't realize that the film would have such an impact on him, in that he has watched it three times already and has shared it with his teammates as well. Prefontaine has become an icon to these runners, an inspiration for them to take their running to the next level. My son is now planning to continue to compete in college: this fall on the XC team and on the track team in the spring.

Will get you through the last miles of a marathon
Once you watched this, just like Pre you'll never ever quit!

An Amazing Runner
As a high schooler who ran cross-country and track Pre was an inspiration. I learned about him around those times. I even cut out a picture of him in a magazine and put it over my bed as an inspiration before every track meet I competed in. This documentary must be real good!! It's a must for any track enthusiast, runner, or any Pre fans. He was an inspiration. If he had lived he probably would have been one of the greatest track coaches of all time like Bill Bowerman was. He's in my top 10 of one of the greatest track stars of all time! What A Runner!!! Thanks.

The Legend Lives On!
I remember watching Prefontaine doing his practice runs around the fields at North Bay Junior High School in Hauser, Oregon when I was a student there. I was aware of his achievements and was in awe of him. It was such a thrill to be able to watch him practice. His is a truly inspirational story. I went on to run long distance myself at his rival school in North Bend, OR. I would have given anything to have half his natural talent. I also watched him in the 1972 Olympics on television and still remember the emotions involved. I will always admire Prefontaine and wonder about the greatness that would have been. Someday Hollywood will do his story right. ... Read more

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After the national success of his 11-hour epic, The Civil War--the highest-rated miniseries in public-television history--many wondered if Ken Burns could capture the same energy and passion with smaller subjects. His reply, the 18-hour history of America's greatest sport, Baseball, not only quieted these worries, it also perhaps surpassed his prior achievement. Massive in scope (it covers more than 100 years), exhausting in detail, and filled with celebrities, journalists, politicians, historians, and the men who played the game, Burns's romantic love letter to the game achieves the impossible: even those who hate baseball can't help but become immersed in it. This is because Burns doesn't just detail the great players and the memorable plays and games; he also presents baseball as a cultural and social mirror, reflecting the beauty and hypocrisy of the nation that created it. Divided into nine innings, two hours each in length, the video examines complex social issues such as segregation, racial inequality (its section on Jackie Robinson, baseball's first African American player, should be required school viewing), labor battles between owners and players, politics, technology and gender conflicts, among others. Then, of course, there's fascinating footage and biographies on the players--troubled icons such as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, heroes such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, and tragic figures such as Pete Rose and Lou Gehrig--the men who, despite a rocky and often hypocritical history, constructed baseball's tradition and preserved its invincibility. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (93)

A DVD All Baseball Fans Should Own
Ken Burns did his usual outstanding job with this documentary. He tells the story of baseball, using a combination of still photos, videos, interviews and quotes quotes. The DVD includes a bonus disc, which includes several great interviews.

He hits all aspects of the game: The development of the game itself and the leagues, the labor history, the stars and great teams and personalities, the great moments in the history of the game, and so on. He also gives us a pretty good look at the old Negro leagues and we get to hear some of the great stories from those days before MLB was integrated.

The only bad thing I can say about this collection of dvds is that by the time it was over I was really sick of hearing different versions of "Take Me out to the Ballgame."

The great stories in this collection more than make up for that one drawback, however. He does more than just interview and quote the players, managers, umpires, owners and sports writers. He includes stories from fans. Doris Kearns Goodwin told about how she grew up rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, then after they moved away, she found herself in Boston, becoming a Red Sox fan, just in time to have her heart broken again.

All fans of baseball should see this collection.

this is a 'must see' for people who love baseball
THIS BEAUTIFUL AND METICULOULSY CRAFTED FILM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL, TRACES IT'S ROOTS IN AMERICA FROM THE 1830' TO THE 1990'S. ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN KEN BURN'S CIVIL WAR SERIES KNOWS HOW WELL THE AUTHOR COVERS HIS SUBJECT. THIS NINE TAPE SET LETS YOU SEE THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAS GAME. THROUGHT A COLLECTION OF STILL PHOTOGRAPHS AND EARLY MOTION PICTURES YOU CAN SEE THE LEGENDS THAT YOU HAVE ONLY HEARD OF IN BOOKS AND FROM YOUR OLDER RELATIVES. CAP ANSON AND 'HOME RUN BAKER COME TO LIFE, TY COBB AND HONUS WAGNER, AND GROVER CLEVELAND DISPLAY THEIR ATHELETIC PROWERESS ON JERKY SPOTTED FILM. THE NARRATIVE IMPECCABLY DONE BY JOHN CHANCELLOR AND A HOST OF WELL KNOWN FANS SUPPLIES YOU WITH A RUNNING COMMENTARY OF THE PLAYERS AND THEIR STORIES OF MOST OF THE HONORED MYTHS. THE STORY IS TOLD IN A CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER SEPARATED INTO ININGS, A TOTAL OF NINE. THEY ALSO COVER THE 1910'S AND THE BLACK SOX SCANDAL. THE 20'S AND THE 'BABE'. THE 30'S AND THE 'IRON HORSE'. ON INTO THE 40'S WITH 'JOLTIN JOE' DIMAGGIO AND TED WILLIAMS. THE WAR AND IT'S EFFECT ON THE GAME WITH THE BIRTH OF WOMEN IN PROFESSIONAL BALL. THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF JACKIE ROBINSON AND THE INTERGARATION OF THE 'NATIONAL PASSTIME'. INTO THE 50'S AND THE RISE OF NEW STARS LIKE MICKEY MANTLE,WILLIE MAYS,HANK AARON AND THE TRIALS OF THE BROOKLYN DODGERS. THE SERIES COVERS THE EFFORTS OF PLAYERS TO OVER THROW THE HATED RESERVE CLAUSE WHICH BOUND EVERY PLAYER TO ONE CLUB FOR HIS LIFETIME. EACH TAPE HIGHLIGHTS THE WORLD SERIES OF MOST OF THE YEARS. THE THROWING OF THE SERIES BY 6 SOX PLAYERS, THE PICTURE OF BABE RUTH CALLING HIS SHOT AGAINST THE PIRATES. THE MIRACLE CATCH BY MAYS IN '54' AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF AMERICA IN DIMAGGIO'S INCERDIBLE STRING OF 56 GAMES SAFELY HIT IN. IT ALSO HAS ITS SHARE OF ZANIES AND SHOWS SOME OF THE WARTS OF THIS GREAT GAME. THE CURSE ON THE BOSTON REDSOX BY BABE RUTH AND THE INCOMPRABLE SATCHELL PAGE. THE MIDGET HIRED BY BILL VECK AND THE EXPRESSIONS COINED BY THE LIKES OF CASEY STENGEL AND YOGI BERRA. THE LOVEABLE CRAZINESS OF BILL LEE. IT'S ALL HERE IN ABOUT 10 HOURS OF VIEWING WHICH WILL PASS IN FLASH LIKE THE PICTURES ON THE SCREEN. YOU MUST WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY IF YOU GREW UP IN AMERICA IN THE 40' AND 50'S LIKE I DID- TO RECALL THOSE WONDERFUL LOSE DAYS OF CHILDHOOD SPENT ON THE BASEBALL FIELD AND THOSE WHO WERE NOT FORTUNATE ENOUGH, TO SEE THE FABLED PLAYERS OF THE PAST.

View it as entertainment, not as history
Ken Burns is becoming well-known as much for what he leaves out of his documentaries as for what he tells you and how he tells it. One sees it somewhat in the Civil War documentary (unless of course you are a Lost Cause devotee, in which case you view that series as horribly biased and riddled with errors), and it is definitely (and troublingly) evident in his Jazz documentary, where 40 years of jazz is virtually glossed over in favor of an almost obsessive fixation on Louis Armstrong. In the case of "Baseball," Burns again leaves out huge chunks of the story, although the end result is nonetheless entertaining.

In the case of "Baseball," the unrelenting focus is on New York City, Babe Ruth & Jackie Robinson, and to be fair, there is no way you could discuss the subject of baseball without devoting a great deal of time to these subjects. However, the title of the documentary is "Baseball," not "The New York City, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson Story," and it is possible to watch this documentary at times and come to believe that nothing else was happening out side of New York most of the time.

I recall reading a Sports Illustrated article a few years ago that discussed the Philadelphia Athletics from 1929-1931, and made the case that that team was better than the famed "Murderer's Row" Yankees of 1926-1928, and possibly the best team in baseball history. The article's author crunched the numbers, compared the stats, and made a pretty compelling case. He then asked why so little attention has been paid to the A's over the years, and posited that because most of the nation's important papers and sportswriters were based in New York City; by default the majority of the great sportswriting was devoted to the Yankees, while relatively backwater Philadelphia languished in obscurity. It seems to be the same situation with Burns. While other incredibly dominant teams such as (in the early years) the Chicago Cubs, the A's, the Pittsburgh Pirates & the Detroit Tigers are given passing mention, they are quickly shoved on the back burner in favor of the Boston Red Sox & New York Giants. Then the Yankees & the Dodgers begin to coalesce, and it is all New York, all the time. One gets no feeling for how dominant the 1929-1931 A's (or the St. Louis Cardinals of the mid-1930's) were, because Burns continually focuses on Babe Ruth & the Negro Leagues.

When Burns gets to the 1950's he can be excused, because really it was a New York-dominated decade like no other. However, the other decades did in fact see a more competitive balance, and one would not get this impression from the documentary.

It would have been nice if Burns hadn't crammed the last quarter century of his story into one "inning." Are you telling me that the stories since 1970 aren't as compelling as the early years of baseball. I don't believe that Burns would have had to devote that much more time to the post-1970 era to make it feel less cursory and rushed. This is a somewhat annoying tendency of his that was more griveously evident when he made "Jazz."

Also, I get a little tired of the "poetry of baseball" school of thought. It isn't as though I am some knuckle-dragging troglodyte who gets all his news from sports radio; I am just as likely to go to the opera as to the ballpark. This baseball as metaphor for how the cosmos works gets on my nerves after a while (although I consider Roger Angell's comment "there's more Met than Yankee in all of us" to be priceless beyond description). It's not that baseball doesn't imbue our life with a little extra something special, it's just that some of these talking heads tend to get a little overwrought.

I enjoyed watching the documentary the first time, and I have watched it probably half a dozen times since over the years. By comparison, I have watched "The Civil War" about 15 times, I would guess. I was so disappointed with "Jazz" that I managed only a second viewing. In any case, "Baseball" is very entertaining, and that is what largely accounts for my 4-star rating I would only caution those who don't know their baseball history that this documentary omits a great deal of what is a very good story.

Costas at his best
You don't have to love baseball like I do to enjoy this documentary about Americas pastime. Although I got a little tired of Ken Burns style (I think it's unnecesary to quote someone and THEN state the name of the person being quoted, a Ken Burns trademark) the material is just too great and too American to be disliked. The best part? I was mesmerized by Bob Costas' description of events that took place in the BoSox clubhouse during their 9th inning collapse in game six of the 1986 World Series. When he recollects his "What do I do if they tie it?" remark to his producer it is fascinating, thrilling, and in the end, very sad. Just more proof that baseball is "designed to break your heart". Trust me on this one.

Great documentary but what's the deal?
Has anyone noticed that the times given for each "Inning" (i.e., disc) on the DVD is wildly inaccurate? Am I missing material or what? Almost every inning is under two hours according to my DVD player but the case usually indicates a time of 145 to 155 minutes or more. Are there hidden easter eggs on the disc or is PBS just wrong?
jr ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Let Jack teach you how to play golf his way.
I picked up this book as a 15 year old kid and its the only form of golf lesson I have ever had. My handicap got down to 7 witin 5 years and then I stopped playing. Ive now started again and im going to read this book again and this time with Jacks help im sure I will get down to 2 or 3. Im not saying it will work for everyone, but, I cant think of many other people I would rather have teach me to play golf.

Essential Full Swing Instruction Manual
still the single best instruction manual after all these years. (and not just because of the author!) for the first time, proper setup, feel and how to shape your shots is all laid out in one terrific easy to follow book. for example, did you know that after you have mastered one basic swing to hit the ball straight, how just a few simple pre-shot adjustments using the same swing will allow you to hit on command just about any type of shot you want?: the high fade, low penetrating draw, slice or hook (yes there are times when you intentionally want to hit these last 2!) will will become a standard part of your arsenal after reading this book. I was at a clinic being delivered by Jerry Pate once where he said "no one knew how to mechanically hit these shots until Jack Nicklaus taught us all in Golf My Way. before then, it was all done pretty much by feel." I agree with Jerry.

The one thing you won't find here is adequate instruction on the short game other than putting. since chipping and bunker play was never Jack's forte (why bother when you never miss a green!), this is not surprising.

A Classic
I recently restarted playing golf after a six year hiatus. I bought this book years ago and after skimming through some more recent books I can say that Jack's book is still the best for beginners learning fundementals. I would also recommend Tiger Wood's book which complements Jack's. Whereas Jack is heavy on explanations and swing theory, Tiger's is heavy on photographs (for those who really need pictures).

It helps, trust me
I ordered this video on here, it helped my game.
It explains,
The Grip, Aiming, Ball Position, The head, Foot Action, The Takeaway, The Backswing, The Downswing, The Follow Thru, Power.
Plus detailed slow motion swings.

I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Easy read
Jack has written a very simple book to read. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

The best fitness video I have ever purchased!!!
I purchased this workout video about six years ago, while I was still in high school. At the time I was part of the track team and averaging aout 4 miles of running everyday. Despite this, the video tape was a great addition to my work out. Now as a 20 something year old, I have come back to the tape and realized its full potential for someone who is always on the go and who also happens to be gym shy. Its a great video. The steps are easy to follow, and target all the right places on my body (butt, legs, thighs, arms).
Another thing I love about the video is the absolutely gorgeous scenery! The background scenery is so beautiful, and in addition to this, Elle picked out great upbeat music. I think the combination of good music and nice scenery adds to my workout. I hate workout tapes where the instructor has annoying music in the background, within a bland, blank environment. It makes doing the excercises even tougher under such circumstances.
I also liked Karen Voight alot. She is not annoying and perky like so many fitness instructors tend to be. In addition to this, I appreciated the fact that Elle, let Karen Voight take control. Elle McPherson doesnt try to pretend to be a fitness expert, she leaves this all up to Voight.
This video is great for anyone on the go like the average working woman, college student, etc. I've got my sister addicted to the video. Now she and her dorm mates all religiously work out to this video.
Overall, I have to give this video my highest rating. Great for all ages!!!!!!!! I just wish that they offered it on DVD.

The most fun workout video ever!
This is the one workout video I actually enjoy and look forward to! Consisting of 3 aerobic sections with upper body, abs and butt workouts in between, it's a great 60 minute workout that gets your heart rate up. The aerobic sections are fun, almost dancey and easy to follow, and Karen and Elle both look like they're having a great time! The toning exercises are varied and good too, as is the cool-down. And there's actually great music and different outdoor locations throughout the video, which keeps it interesting and enjoyable.

a classic to keep
I have approx. 30 exercise videos and this is one of the best. Although it is now 10 years old, the music and exercise attire are not too dated - I'll probably enjoy this one for years to come. Elle's demeanor is friendly and engaging, not offensive. For example her pointers about adjusting the exercises "if you have long arms and legs like mine" were welcome because I have long limbs too. I did get the impression that nobody told her when it was OK to speak so she sometimes sounded a little unsure or perhaps shy. Karen's instruction is, as always, top notch. It is clear that a great deal of effort was spent in designing this program. Well done. I'd like to see a follow-up video.

a workout you will never get sick of!
It is a fun filled, vibrant video which works out the whole body to music that is "evergreen", the Hawaiian scenes are superb. Okay, I know it annoyed me that Elle said that she "was born with good genes" and although most of us will never attain a body like Elle's, we can still be the best that we can be. I have many other exercise videos but this seems to be my favorite. I wish it could be re-recorded to come out on DVD.

Your Personal Best Workout
This workout was not much fun or challenge. If you are fairly fit you want even feel it working for you, and Elle is just plain annoying. If you want to see results and enjoy the workout try Cindy Crawford's Next Challange workout instead. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A MUST HAVE FOR JORDAN FANS
One Word: Bestsportsvideoever.

Awesome highlights from his early years. The dialogue from this video and the calls of the announcers will stick in your head. If you play basketball, Every time you touch a basketball you will try to immitate highlights from this video. If you are a Michael Jordan fan, you absolutely MUST have this video. If you aren't a Michael Jordan fan, you still should have it. Best sports video I have ever seen. If you are a Michael Jordan fan, you will not be able to take this tape out of your VCR.

AIR JORDAN'S BEST VIDEO BY FAR!!
This is easily the best NBA video around.I wasn't sure at first but when I watched Jordan's gravity defying dunks and shots it blew me away!It has got more spectacular highlights than any other NBA video I have ever seen.It starts off with Jordans childhood on the baseball field,then his brilliant college days,then to the best stuff...his early days in the NBA where he earned lots of awards.Made before he stunned the world by leading the Bulls to a double three-peat,this tape captures the glory days of both slam-dunk contests,his injury and how he came by it to become the best player ever,all his dunks,lay-ups and game winners,his success in the olympics in L.A,and his own commentary on what it was like to be such a star performer.There is also some footage of his greatness at golf aswell.Only one dissapointment,not enough footage of his All-Star games.I ordered this over-seas because Britain dosent sell NBA videos.Also great service from Amazon.Buy this if you are an NBA fan and want to witness the greatest player ever...AIR JORDAN!

THE BEST SPORTS VIDEO EVER !
This is the number one selling sports tape of all time.

I used to watch this tape everyday and I know the hold tape

by voice threw. This is not even my tape when I moved from

my old neighborhood I kept his Jordan tape from my friend.

Even if you don't like Jordan you will find youself captivated

by his work ethic abilities and achievements. This tape is

addicting you will find yourself watching it late at night for

no reason. This tape can also inspire you to workout or if

you want to get hype for a local church tournament.The piano

part at the very begining is also nice. MICHAEL JORDAN COME FLY

WITH ME THE BEST SPORTS VIDEO EVER .I hope they put this classic

on DVD!

The Best Jordan Video of All
I have seen almost all of the Michael Jordan videos yet Come Fly With me is special. This is the only video that captures the essence of Michael Jordan in his prime. Jordan was definitely most breath-taking to watch when he consistently went for the daring lay-ups and the spectacular dunks. This video was filmed before Jordan was a world icon and doesn't contain all the scrutiny and controversy that is present in such videos as Above & Beyond and Air Time. If you are all about the highlights, this is your video.

My favorite Michael Jordan video
I have a few Michael Jordan videos and "Come Fly With Me" is definitely my favorite. Just about the whole video is full of awesome highlights. "Come Fly With Me" starts out by telling of how Jordan grew up playing basketball and baseball, then it gets to the good stuff. It shows footage from some of his college games all the way to the 1988 All-Star Game and Slam Dunk Contest. It tells about his injury at the beginning of the 1986 season and how he rebounded from it and became an even better player. You'll also hear a lot of insight from Michael's parents and even see some highlights of him playing golf in the offseason.

If you're a Michael Jordan fan and you like seeing a lot of highlights that only Jordan himself could make, then you need to get "Come Fly With Me." It probably has more dunking and other gravity-defying highlights on it than any other Michael Jordan video out there. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Determination
A movie based on the life of Olympic runner Billy Mills. His love for running everywhere drew him into a dream to run in the Olympics. Billy's dream wrapped itself around the hearts of his people on the reservation which made him even more determined to run, and to win. There is a realistic difference in Billy's life on the reservation and his life in college which is not only shown starkly by the scenes, but also in Billy's thoughts, actions and reactions. I recommend this movie for people of all nationalities and ages.

Dreams Realized
This is the story of the legendary distance runner Billy Mills. Mills is the only American runner in the history of the Olympic games to win a Gold Medal at 10,000 meters. He ran an incredible race but more than that he led an incredible life. Robby Benson does a nice job playing Mr. Mills (who is a Lakota Indian). The final sequence on the track is very close to what actually happened in the race. A very, very inspirational movie about a very, very, very inspirational man.

poignancy, athleticism, cultural bias and victory
a thoughtful motion picture of personal trials and triumph. This film deserves a dvd release.

Running Brave
This is a great portrayel of Billy Mills. The details of the movie are not the best(such as the football lines in the Olympic stadium). Robby Benson studied Billy Mills as well as worked with Mills to get the character down pat. He also trained for and ran a marathon to actually learn how to run like Mills. The story does a great job through flashbacks of telling of Mills' life growing up. It is a very inspirational story that I show my cross country teams. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to be inspired.

Running Brave Indeed

Beautiful and highly inspirational true story of Billy Mills, an American Indian Sioux, who overcame great odds and poverty to become (to date) the only American to win the 10,000m Olympic Gold Medal.

Mills was orphaned at age twelve and due to his profound achievements, holds legendary status among the Native American Indian community in the United States. He is now 64.

... Read more

Reviews (15)

Let Jack teach you how to play golf his way.
I picked up this book as a 15 year old kid and its the only form of golf lesson I have ever had. My handicap got down to 7 witin 5 years and then I stopped playing. Ive now started again and im going to read this book again and this time with Jacks help im sure I will get down to 2 or 3. Im not saying it will work for everyone, but, I cant think of many other people I would rather have teach me to play golf.

Essential Full Swing Instruction Manual
still the single best instruction manual after all these years. (and not just because of the author!) for the first time, proper setup, feel and how to shape your shots is all laid out in one terrific easy to follow book. for example, did you know that after you have mastered one basic swing to hit the ball straight, how just a few simple pre-shot adjustments using the same swing will allow you to hit on command just about any type of shot you want?: the high fade, low penetrating draw, slice or hook (yes there are times when you intentionally want to hit these last 2!) will will become a standard part of your arsenal after reading this book. I was at a clinic being delivered by Jerry Pate once where he said "no one knew how to mechanically hit these shots until Jack Nicklaus taught us all in Golf My Way. before then, it was all done pretty much by feel." I agree with Jerry.

The one thing you won't find here is adequate instruction on the short game other than putting. since chipping and bunker play was never Jack's forte (why bother when you never miss a green!), this is not surprising.

A Classic
I recently restarted playing golf after a six year hiatus. I bought this book years ago and after skimming through some more recent books I can say that Jack's book is still the best for beginners learning fundementals. I would also recommend Tiger Wood's book which complements Jack's. Whereas Jack is heavy on explanations and swing theory, Tiger's is heavy on photographs (for those who really need pictures).

It helps, trust me
I ordered this video on here, it helped my game.
It explains,
The Grip, Aiming, Ball Position, The head, Foot Action, The Takeaway, The Backswing, The Downswing, The Follow Thru, Power.
Plus detailed slow motion swings.

I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Easy read
Jack has written a very simple book to read. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Today our world moves more quickly than ever, with greater responsibilities and expectations," says instructor Suzanne Deason. "When we experience stress, it's held in our muscles as tension." This 20-minute yoga practice, filmed at sunset on the beach at Maui, will help relax your mind and muscles--especially those of the neck, shoulders, and lower back, where tension accumulates--and let stress drift away. The yoga practice includes 4 minutes of gentle stretch, a 13-minute stress-relief workout that increases circulation and flexibility, and 3 minutes of deep relaxation to leave you calmed and balanced. You'll need a foam brick (or other object suitable for resting your forehead) and a strap or towel for some of the moves. Deason glides from one pose to another, her instruction clear and relaxed. This video is appropriate for all fitness levels and all ages--as long as you realize that you're not trying to match the suppleness of the instructor. Beautifully produced. --Joan Price ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Very simple, effective and to the point!
As a recent fan of the Living Yoga series, this tape has it's own unique edge. I have already tried Living Yoga's Lower Body for beginners, also with Suzanne Deason, and she's a yoga teacher I've come to really appreciate. She doesn't bombard the viewer with information, and she manages to gently guide you through a 20 minute yoga workout that really melts the stress away.

Filmed in Maui (most Living Yoga tapes are, the scenery of these tapes is always breathtaking), the gentle waves and gorgeous sunset in the background have a fantasic calming effect on the viewer. Of course the workout itself is well worth all five stars, it is worth mentionning that the scenery has a kind of subconscious meditative effect that really mellows you out.

She starts off with a 4 minute gentle stretch, which, although some people may find too fast and hard to keep up with, I had absolutely no problems keeping up. Besides, it's only 4 minutes and it's mostly arm movements while in mountain pose, so it's basically something the average person can easily keep up with. By the second or third try it shouldn't even be a problem.

Next is a 13 minute stress relief workout which, in my opinion, is not only a massive understatement, but seems to fly by in much less than 13 minutes. It requires the use of a block and a yoga strap (I use books and my old karate belt), and it's really very easy. The point of these exercises is NOT to add stress onto your body (she thouroughly explains all this in the beginning of the tape), but to just gently stretch and do what you can. If you've ever seen any of Suzanne Deason's other workouts, it's VERY clear that in this particular tape she's not working at maximum capacity; which essentially is the point. Who wants to work up a sweat and stretch all kinds of muscles to the max when you're stressed out anyway?

Finally, she finishes off with a 3 minute deep relaxation, which, by the end of it, you've pretty well forgotten what stressed you out so much in the first place. All in all, the whole reason I bought the tape to begin with. It works; I'm happy.

This tape is also really good for beginners, because the main focus is not on pushing yourself to the limits, but rather just going through the motions without placing any additional stress onto your body. If you aren't the lest bit flexible, and you want to get into yoga for some quiet time or maybe because you're just having 'one of those days' and you want a healthy alternative to heading to the pub for a few drinks, this is a great option. Some people may not find this tape challenging, but I suspect that would be the point to stress relief. It's not challenging, and when I'm stressed out, or something is bothering me, I don't care to take on an additional challenge, I just want to release tension. If you're anything like me in that respect, then this tape is a great investment!

Maui, Music, Moves - this tape has it all!
My husband and I have been doing this tape for almost two weeks and really enjoy it. Neither of us has any prior experience with yoga and we both needed something to soothe us at the end of a hectic day. Although I feel that some of the poses are difficult for beginners, particularly the forward bending dog and the triangle, many of the poses help us to stretch most of our limbs and relax, while being conscious of our breathing. It moves a little quicker than we like, but we do our best to keep up and of course we know that we don't possess the flexibility at this stage to master the poses as Suzanne does. All in all, we enjoy the tape and are trying to do it 3 times per week, or more often. For the price, if you would like to experience some of the benefits of yoga, buy it!

Stress relief? No way!
The movements are good in this video and they are great for a beginner, but the speed is unbelievable. It's like they crammed as much as they could into 20 minutes. The poses change so fast. At the beginning, I couldn't believe how fast she goes. The pace slows a little and by the end you are more relaxed, but only still recovering from the fast paced first half. Like I said, the movements are good and a nice program for beginners, but the pace is by no means a good one for stress relief. It should be called Yoga for those in a major rush. This series of videos is outstanding. I have never been disappointed in the past. I recommend looking in this same series, but another video.

Provides exactly what the title reflects
Something was about to give - I bought this video when I was working 40+ hours a week and commuting 2 hrs. in traffic everyday. I suffered shortness of breath and mental as well as physical fatigue. This video was great because I could just pop it in the vcr and spend twenty minutes doing stretches and poses that truly rejuvenate the whole body (especially targeting the neck and upper back).

I was a more pleasant and content person on the evenings that I did this video and it inspired me to learn more yoga and eventually become a certified teacher. Is it worth the money? Depends on if you really use it as a tool and if it is what you are looking for - an easy and convenient key to destressing after work or whenever. If you're looking for something longer, try Suzanne Deason's Pilates for weight loss. I am a Pilates instructor and it is the dvd that I recommend to my students. It's fantastic.

Stressful!
Instructor moves too fast for you to even focus on your breathing. Certainly not a stress reliever, and not for those looking for gentle/restorative yoga. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

The First Of The Sequels
WrestleMania 2
April 7, 1986
Nassua Coliseum Uniondale, New York
Rosment Horizon, Chicago, Illinois
Los Angeles Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California

Paul Orndorff V. Don Moraco
You would think that two former Intercontinental Championships facing each other would make a good match. Not in this case. Good Opening, but that was it. Match ended in a Double countout 1/2*

Intercontinenal Championship:
Randy Savage (Champion) V. George "The Animal" Steele
It was an ok match, but I think the storyline was great. Oh yeah, Savage wins by using the ropes. *** because of the storyline.

George Wells V. Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Face Pace to start off. Wells justs beats the crap out of Jake, then out of nowhere, Jake hits the DDT to win it. 1/4*

Boxing Match
Roddy Piper V. Mr. T
I really don't see why this is a classic. It's very long and very boring. T wins by DQ after Piper uses a wrestling move at a wrestling event. DUD

Women's Championship:
The Fabulous Moolah (Champion) V. Velvet McIntyre
This match was like only 59 seconds. Moolah retains the belt. 1/4*

20 Man Battle Royal
WWF V NFL
Andre wins by elimating the Hitman. Pretty good Battle Royal ***

WWF Tag Team Championship:
The Dream Team (Champions) V. The British Bulldogs
Great Match. Best on the card. Bulldogs win the Tag Titles in a classic. ****1/2

Adrian Adonis V. Uncle Elmer
Stupid match. Adonis sells everything and then wins with a elbow drop. 1/4* for Adonis selling alone

Tito Santana & JYD V. The Funk Brothers
Not that bad of a match. Second best on the card with the battle royal. The Funks win because of Jimmy Har's Megophone. ***

Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship:
Hulk Hogan (Champion) V. King Kong Bundy
Nothing really amazing happened. Hogan wins, of course, because Hogan doesn't job to anyone. Match was about * only because it is a Steel Cage Match and the only Steel Cage match at a WrestleMania.

Overall, not that good of a show. WrestleMania 1 was alot better. I only gave this event ** stars because of the Tag Team Championship Match and the Battle Royal.

The Premier Sporting Event of the Year!
The WWF wanted to somehow top the initial Wrestlemania so they tried something that was never tried before or since. Wrestlemania 2 was held in three different locations in one night. Each location had their own matches which would take place in succession with eachother. The Los Angeles Sports Arena, Chicago's Rosemont Horizon, and New York's Nassau Coliseum were the venues used for Wrestlemania 2. The main event was a steel cage match for the WWF Title between Champion-Hulk Hogan and Challenger-King Kong Bundy. There was also a 20-man over the top rope Battle Royale which included superstars from both the WWF and the NFL. Rowdy Roddy Piper takes on Mr. T in a boxing match. Lou Duva and Joe Frazier are the cornermen for the boxing match. Randy "Macho Man" Savage defends the WWF Intercontinental Title against George "The Animal" Steele. WWF Tag Team Champions-Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and Brutus Beefcake defend their belts against the British Bulldogs. Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff vs. The Magnificent Muraco. Hoss and Terry Funk vs. Tito Santana and the Junk Yard Dog. Corporal Kirchner vs. Nikolai Volkoff. Uncle Elmer vs. "Adorable" Adrian Adonis...

WM II. REVIEW!
For the second annual event, the WWF took its premier event to three different locations- New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Highlights of this event included a steel cage match between Hulk Hogan and King Kong Bundy, an NFL vs. WWF battle royal, a boxing match between Mr. T and Roddy Piper, and the interesting WM debut of the phenominal Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

Not exactly the best Wrestlemania but it is definetly worth checking out just for the sake of seeing some of your old favorites.

So this is what the world is coming to...
All in all, I found WrestleMania 2 to be a mixed bag. More than a few of the matches were fairly lame, especially the Adrian Adonis-Uncle Elmer battle. The Fabulous Moolah's one-minute pinfall of Velvet McIntyre for the women's title was pretty sad, too. But there were a few that were fairly good, such as the tussle between Ricky Steamboat and Hercules Hernandez. The boxing match between Roddy Piper and Mr. T was interesting to a degree, but there were a few moments where it looked more like an over-choreographed 'Rocky' sequel bout. And I didn't much care for Piper's body-slam of Mr. T that caused him to lose by disqualification. Talk about a cop-out ending...

The big battle royal between ten NFL stars and ten WWF stalwarts was a fairly entertaining affair, ending with an established legend (Andre the Giant) tossing a budding legend (Bret 'Hit Man' Hart) out of the ring for the victory. The most amusing moment in this battle royal was when the freshly-ejected William 'Refrigerator' Perry pulls Big John Studd out of the squared circle-- and out of contention-- with the ol' 'congratulatory handshake' ploy.

The Intercontinental Title match between 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and George 'The Animal' Steele wasn't all that good-a great deal of it involved the Macho man running around the outside of the ring and Steele chasing after him. Fortunately, it had a few funny moments that made up for the lack of real action, as 'The Animal' did his bite-open-the-turnbuckle-pad gimmick and 'fed' the pad stuffing to Savage at one point. Steele then gave Savage a second course: Miss Elizabeth's flower bouquet. He also tried to make a meal of the Macho Man's leg. Both men may not have put together a particularly good contest... but at least they were well-fed!

The tag-team title bout between the British Bulldogs and champions Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine & Brutus Beefcake was the best match of this event, with both sides scoring several near-pinfalls that kept me in suspense. But the contest itself was only half the fun; the other half was Ozzy Osbourne, with that infamous wild-eyed coked-to-the-gills look that he sported throughout most of the 80s, following the Bulldogs' manager Captain Lou Albano around on the sidelines during the whole affair. Pretty scary stuff, lemme tells ya...

The Funk Brothers' contest versus Junk Yard Dog and Tito Santana was a big surprise to me-and I'm not actually referring to the match itself. I'm talkin' bout the Funks' manager, Jimmy 'Mouth of the South' Hart, actually using his bullhorn for speaking through, rather than bludgeoning his charges' opponents with! Call me strange, but I don't ever recall Hart ever using that thing for anything BUT smacking 'faces in the head, except for this particular bout...

Finally, there's the main event: a steel cage championship match between Hulk Hogan and King Kong Bundy (managed by Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan, my all-time fave manager). Having been a big Bundy fan back in the day, it was quite nostalgic seeing him in action in what was probably his most famous WWF bout. Well, until that silly midget tag-team dealie the following year, anyway. Sadly, KKB came up short here. But before "doing the job", he did give the Hulkster a few good shots as well as a couple of those dreaded 'avalanches' before Hogan busted his bare melon open on the steel bars, and eventually made his triumphant exit from the cage.

Aside from the less-than-spectacular matches, the most annoying parts of WM2 were a couple moments where the mikes went on the fritz. The first time this happened was during the moment when the Wendy's "where's the beef?" lady tried to say her big tagline, but ended up looking like she merely mouthed the words. A similar problem occurred after the Hogan-Bundy cage match, when Tommy Lasorda was announcing the winner. Another thing that irked me was the pre-fight interviews and sideline commentary of Lord Alfred Hayes-his delivery leaves something to be desired. Fortunately, he made up for his lack of interviewing chops by doing a decent job as the play-by-play announcer for the L.A. matches. He wasn't quite as good as Gorilla Monsoon was when it came to exchanging remarks with heel-rooter Jesse 'Future-Governor-of-Minnesota' Ventura, though...

'Late

The BEST SPORTS EVENT EVER!
3 LOCATIONS! Los Angeles Sports Arena, Chicago's Rosemont Horizon, and New York's Nassau Coliseum. Broadcasted from 3 separate arena venues. April 7, 1986.

MAIN EVENT: Hulk Hogan against King Kong Bundy inside a STEEL CAGE!

Other highlights include the Rowdy Roddy Piper/Mr. T boxing match and the Randy Savage against George Steele grudge match. The Battle Royal was also awesome. GREAT EVENT! BUY IT NOW! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The Mega-Powers Explode!
WWF Wrestlemania 5 was the second event to take place in the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. The only Wrestlemania that would take place in the exact location as the year before. For the WWF Title, Champion-"Macho Man" Randy Savage goes against Challenger-Hulk Hogan. Jake "The Snake" Roberts takes on Andre the Giant with Big John Studd as the special guest referee. WWF Intercontinental Champion-the Ultimate Warrior defends his belt against Ravishing Rick Rude. Keep your eyes on Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. The WWF Tag Team Titles are on the line between Champions-Demolition and Challengers-the Powers of Pain with Mr. Fuji. Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake takes on "The Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase. Hacksaw Jim Duggan goes one on one with Bad News Brown. The Red Rooster takes on his former manager in Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. The Rockers vs. the Twin Towers. Hercules vs. King Haku. In tag team action, the Bushwackers take on the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers. The Blue Blazer, aka the late great Owen Hart, takes on Mr. Perfect. The Hart Foundation vs. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and the Honky Tonk Man. Rugged Ronnie Garvin vs. Dino Bravo. Strike Force wrestle their last match as a team against the Brain Busters. Plus a special Piper's Pit! Rowdy Roddy Piper interviews and humiliates both Morton Downey, Jr. and Brother Love. Also included is Run D.M.C. performing the Wrestlemania Rap.

The Mega Powers Explode!
WrestleMania V
April 2, 1989
Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino
Atlantic City, New Jersey

Hercules V. King Haku
Nothing really special. Hercules wins. *1/4

The Rockers V. The Twin Towers
Again, I can't explain why the Tag Team division is awesome. Great Match. Shawn Michaels first WrestleMania match ended in a lose as the Towers win. ***1/2

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake V. Ted DiBiase
ok match. Ended in a double Countout infront of Donald Trimp. *1/4

The Bushwhackers V. The Rougeau Brothers.
For some reaosn, the 'whackers win. 1/2*

The Blue Bazer V. Mr. Perfect
Pretty good match but short. Owen's first WrestleMania match. Perfect wins after the Perfectplex. ***

Handicap Match for the Tag Team Championship:
Demolition (Champions) V. Powers Of Pain & Mr. Fuji
First Tag Team Match at a WrestleMania that wasn't good. Demolition of course win. *

Ronnie Garvin V. Dino Bravo
Bravo wins with a side suplex. 3/4*

Strike Force V. The Brai