The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
(Click here)
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: Abdullah the Butcher, Jerry Lawler, Mark Lewin, Ric Flair, SunshineBrand: UNI DIST CORP (MUSIC)
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 360 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-12-11
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: World Wrestling
DVD Reviews of The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
DVD Review: "World Class will always be remembered for the highs and the lows, the joys and the sadness"---Gary Hart
Summary: 5 Stars
After watching the excellent World Class documentary "Heroes of World Class," I checked out "The Triumph and Tragedy" and rate both of them five stars. Although "Triumph" isn't as long as "Heroes" (it's about an hour and fifty minutes), it covers some issues that were not addressed in "Heroes" and offers vintage promos and additional interview clips as extras. "Heroes" has more perspectives from the creators and non-wrestlers of World Class like Mickey Grant, Marc Lowrance, and David Manning while "Triumph" has more interviews with wrestlers like Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin, Buddy Roberts, Bill Irwin, Jerry Lawler, Verne Gagne, and Triple H. I recommend both documentaries for World Class fans.
"Triumph" begins with a brief history of Dallas wrestling as told by Skandor Akbar, Dusty Rhodes, and Bill Mercer. Kevin discusses the career of his father Fritz. An interesting point is both Fritz and Kerry were capable but unable to compete in the Olympics because of marriage for the former and the boycott for the latter. "Triumph" seems to flow better than "Heroes." Clips are shown of Iceman King Parsons, Sunshine vs. Precious, Chris Adams, Kamala, The Missing Link, Bruiser Brody, and the Freebirds vs. the Von Erichs. Neither DVDs make mention (except a commentary on the bonus "Heroes" DVD) of Brian Adias. Why is that?
The tragedies are told in a different way on "Triumph" compared to "Heroes." Bill Irwin was in Japan with David Von Erich and may have been the last man to see David alive when he left him at his hotel room. He gives convincing insight on what he believes caused David's death. Mike Von Erich's toxic shock syndrome and suicide, Chris's suicide, and Kerry's motorcycle accident is discussed in more detail on this DVD than in "Heroes." Kerry's suicide is told a little differently here, too (no mention of Kevin trying to warn his father). More details on Gino Hernandez's "overdose" are on "Heroes," but there is information on Gino's paranoia on this disc. Clips of Chris Adams's "blindness" is found here (it is completely ignored on "Heroes"). The Lance Von Erich experiment is also discussed more here.
"Triumph" covers, briefly, the demise of World Class and the change to the USWA which wasn't discussed at all on "Heroes." Strangely, the murders of Adams and Bruiser Brody are not discussed at all. The drug issue is covered here more as well with Triple H mentioning that the Von Erich story is an anti-drug public service announcement. "Triumph" is a little more critical than "Heroes" of some of the decisions and actions of the Von Erichs. Fritz did not want to hear about the drug problem in his wrestling organization. Kerry's lack of reliability is mentioned (though not detailed). Two different perspectives on Fritz's "heart attack" are given by Gary Hart and Kevin.
The extras are excellent. I like the Gino Hernandez promos ("What you see is what you get and what you don't see is better yet") and the full-length Freebird video "Badstreet." The most revealing extra is a story Kevin gives about suffering a serious concussion and his father insisting he wrestle in Japan in place of an AWOL Lance even though doctors were warning him a single blow to the head could kill him. Gary Hart describes a terrible plane crash he survived. Jimmy Garvin gives a couple revealing stories on the pain wrestlers suffered to perform their craft. Other extras include Tea with Chris Adams, 1983 Iceman promo, Freebirds 1983 interview (Michael Hayes was hilarious), Freebirds at home in 1984, Adams and Hernandez at the Guy Laney Lincoln car dealership, Jimmy Garvin as David's valet for a day, Sunshine gets an assistant, 1987 Kerry's Korner where Kerry talks about his fondness for photography. Interview segments: Hayes on Kabuki, Kevin on Sunshine, watching Fritz wrestle, showing Bobo Brazil a move that backfired, and being a survivor, and Bill Irwin tells a story about Fritz's generosity.
The second disc has twelve matches. The first is an old black & white "Texas Rasslin'" match between Duke Keomuka and Ricky Starr. I would have liked to see a match with Jack Adkisson before he became Fritz. These are the other matches: Fritz retirement match with King Kong Bundy, Ric Flair and Kerry steel cage match June 1982, May 1983 Parsons/Kevin/David vs. Freebirds with alternate commentary by Todd Grisham and Kevin, and Hair vs. Hair (Iceman vs, Buddy Roberts). There are three matches from the David Von Erich Memorial on May 1984: Kevin/Fritz/Mike vs. the Freebirds, Adams & Sunshine vs. Garvin & Precious, Kabuki vs. Kamala. The remaining matches are the Fantastics vs. the Midnight Express at the second David Von Erich Memorial, July 1985 match between Adams and Kevin with alternate commentary by Todd Grisham and Kevin, October 1986 Bruiser Brody & Missing Link vs. One Man Gang & Rick Rude, and October 1986 steel cage match with Brody vs. Abdullah the Butcher. It seems like a decent variety of matches, but I would've liked to see a Gino Hernandez bout included on this disc. Still, for the price, it offers a lot of wrestling action and an excellent documentary.
DVD Review: Nice Attempt at a Great Story
Summary: 3 Stars
After watching and enjoying Heroes of World Class I thought it couldn't hurt to order this video. Heroes of World Class was obviously made with a lower budget but in my opinion was the better, more heartfelt of the two videos.
There were little things about this particular video that didn't make sense. Freebirds Jimmy Garvin and Buddy Rogers sat next to Michael Hayes without introduction for quite a while. It is almost impossible to figure out who these gentlemen are after several years away from the spot light. Also in the segment dedicated to Garvin there was no time allotted for his accounts of the storyline.
It bothered me to hear accounts from WCCW from HHH, Shawn Michael's and Jim Ross. I understand wrestlers can wrestle for years as virtual unknowns before being famous. But there were no documentation what so ever of any of these guys in WCCW. Their accounts were useless and didn't make sense to me. Instead I would have preferred to hear from actual members of the WCCW family.
I figured in the WWE DVD version there would be mention of Kerry's' foot coming off at ringside during a match; if indeed the story is true. During this video it's acknowledged that indeed Kerry's' foot was amputated but throughout the rest of the video you see him wrestling. I think to someone who was not as familiar with the story could easily be confused. I'm aware there is only so much time for the video but I figured they could have substituted a few Freebird stories.
Also, both videos say that Mike Von Erich wrote a note to his family, drank several beers and was found in a sleeping bag. But neither video says how while under the influence of drugs, beer and depression her actually drowned himself. The reason he wasn't found for several days had something to do with him having floated down the river.
This is a very tragic story and I wish it didn't have to be told. This video was a bit disappointing because when we buy videos such as this we think we're being told the whole story and I wish this had told a little bit more of the truth.
DVD Review: when wrestling broke thru
Summary: 4 Stars
I had never seen WCCW in it's day as I lived in WWF(E) country. I'd heard of the Von Erichs and the Freebirds and always wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I'm afraid I used to dismiss non-WWF product as "cheap." Boy was I short sighted. Too bad I can't relive this days as they happened (nor with the NWA or AWA) as seeing a fued unfold is just as much fun as a great match. Anyway, you get the story of WCCW with all the fun they had but also the tragedies that dogged them. They celebrate the many top guns of the promotion and include old time matches and interviews. Current fans will recognize some of the faces and hopefully will not get bored by the matches which are slower compared to today's styles. I was hoping for more, we never saw Gino Hernadez in action and the claim that Brody/Abdullah had proto-hardcore matches wasn't in evidence by the one match that had on here. I hope future releases might get to more of the WCCW talent and use more of their vault. I find it odd the Von Erichs are memorialized but no mention is made of the deaths of Bruiser Brody or Chris Adams. These were part of the WCCW "curse" even if they happened after the promotion was gone (just like the deaths of Chris & Kerry Von Erich). DVD Review: Could have been better.
Summary: 3 Stars
Don't get me wrong,I enjoyed this collection,and I think it's worth owning for anyone who was a fan of World Class.However,sometimes the match selection (or lack there of)by WWE really baffles me.How can you have a DVD about World Class without including a single match with Gino Hernandez,and the one that really gets me,how in the hell could you not include Kerry Von Erich's world title victory over Ric Flair in Texas Stadium??? That was probably the single greatest moment in World Class and Von Erich history,yet it's not on this DVD.DVD Review: A World-Class Tribute to a Small Wrestling Company
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD set truly captures the organization from the Lone Star State in terrific fashion, and really gives an insight into the behind the scenes struggles with the WCCW. Stars such as the Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, David, Mike and patriarch Fritz), Iceman King Parsons, The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy and Buddy Jack Roberts), "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin and Sunshine (later Precious), "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Gary Hart, King Kong Bundy (with hair!), The Great Kabuki, Kamala, Bruiser Brody, Abdullah the Butcher and even Ric Flair are all profiled. Stars interviewed for this special to discuss their memories are Dusty Rhodes, Dory Funk Jr., Triple HHH, Mick Foley, Kevin Von Erich, Bill Mercer, Shawn Michaels, Gary Hart, Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin and Buddy Roberts. Disc 1 has all these individuals being interviewed on their impressions of WCCW, and Disc 2 has some tremendous matches with the individuals I mentioned. This is a terrific look at the history of the WCCW, and I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Description of The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
Collects some of the greatest matches in WCCW history, reliving electrifying moments for a generation of old-school fans and introducing new fans to the adrenaline-filled excitement of World Class Championship Wrestling. Catch the exploits of the Von Erich brothers and their rivals the Freebirds. See where NWA stars of the era - Bruiser Brody, Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler , Abdullah the Butcher - began their epic careers, and how local heroes Gino Hernandez, Mark Lewin, Tim Brooks and more paved the way for today's Superstars. Even the Ultimate Warrior got his start here as the Dingo Warrior.General DVDs
DVD Video
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics
- Comedy
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama
- Educational
- Fitness & Yoga
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror
- Kids & Family
- Military & War
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports
- Television
- Westerns
Bestsellers in General DVDs
WWE: The Best of Smackdown - 10th Anniversary 1999-2009Genius; Release date: 2009-09-15; DVD
Best price: $17.34
Price in other shops:
WWE: Hulk Hogan's Unreleased Collector's SeriesUNI DIST CORP (MUSIC); Release date: 2009-11-17; DVD
Best price: $19.00
Price in other shops:
The New York Yankees 2009 World Series Collector's EditionASC; Release date: 2009-12-15; DVD
Best price: $49.99
Price in other shops:
Baseball - A Film By Ken BurnsTeam Marketing; Release date: 2004-09-28; DVD
Best price: $50.98
Price in other shops:
Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short GameASC; Release date: 2009-04-07; DVD
Best price: $11.99
Price in other shops:
Forever StrongForever; Release date: 2009-05-26; DVD
Best price: $14.25
Price in other shops:
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Power Squad Bod! - Body Slimming YogaNFL; Release date: 2009-10-06; DVD
Best price: $10.98
Price in other shops:
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Power Squad Bod! - Calorie Blasting DanceNFL; Release date: 2009-10-06; DVD
Best price: $11.49
Price in other shops:
2009 World Series HighlightsUni; Release date: 2009-11-24; DVD
Best price: $12.09
Price in other shops:
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Power Squad Bod! - Hard Body Boot CampNFL; Release date: 2009-10-06; DVD
Best price: $10.80
Price in other shops:
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
20 Years Too Soon - Superstar Billy Graham (WWE)UNI DIST CORP (MUSIC); Release date: 2006-01-17; DVD
Best price: $7.53
Price in other shops:
Brian Pillman: Loose CannonUNI DIST CORP (MUSIC); Release date: 2006-09-26; DVD
Best price: $4.75
Price in other shops:
WWE - Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper StoryUNI DIST CORP (MUSIC); Release date: 2006-11-14; DVD
Best price: $13.49
Price in other shops:
The Rise and Fall of ECWRelease date: 2004-11-16; DVD
Best price: $9.94
Price in other shops:
WWE: Nature Boy Ric Flair - The Definitive CollectionWELLSPRING/GENIUS; Release date: 2008-07-08; DVD
Best price: $18.97
Price in other shops:
WWE Legends: Jake "The Snake" Roberts - Pick Your PoisonRelease date: 2005-11-01; DVD
Best price: $6.96
Price in other shops:
Road Warriors: The Life and Death of the Most Dominant Tag-Team in Wrestling HistoryRelease date: 2005-06-14; DVD
Best price: $11.21
Price in other shops:
WWE Starrcade: The Essential CollectionGenius; Release date: 2009-01-13; DVD
Best price: $19.86
Price in other shops:
Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen (2 Discs)WELLSPRING/GENIUS; Release date: 2007-04-10; DVD
Best price: $16.43
Price in other shops:
Heroes of World Class Wrestling (Director's Cut)Image Entertainment; Release date: 2006-12-26; DVD
Best price: $13.91
Price in other shops: