WWE NWO: The Revolution (FSM 87; Nov 12)

Information: - DVD Region: Region Two - Distributor: Silver Vision - Price: £29.99 - Other info: 410 mins - Release: Out now - Weblink: www.SilverVision.co.uk

Plucked from a period in wrestling history that continues to fascinate viewers, nWo: The Revolution arrives to remind us of the opposition, amidst all of the hype around the new WWE '13 video game. Unfortunately, it exudes that unpleasant aroma of "seen it all before".

The documentary itself a reasonable attempt to delve into certain aspects of the New World Order's history. Given that numerous key players were unavailable for comment, WWE should be commended for attempting to cobble together what they could. New insight from Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, and most surprisingly Lex Luger is certainly welcome. The production team should also be applauded for allowing Billy Kidman, Cody Rhodes, and Michael McGillicutty an opportunity to pop up, discussing the period from the perspective of youngsters in-and-around the business. Rhodes' admission to spitting on a picture of his father after he joined the nWo is notably honest, and one of several charming moments. In another nice touch, the documentary makes no attempt to disguise the flop that was the WWE incarnation of the group.

On the downside, a lot of this has been discussed repeatedly on other releases. Booker T cites the beginning of the end for WCW as being the dishing out of creative control to Nash, Hogan, and others, and while he's backed up by Big Show's comments, it would've been nice to hear fresh opinions on this matter. Indeed, the limit of just over one hour for the main feature ensures that there is only so much context and perspective that can be provided here. Additionally, it does feel rather thrown together at times, and although some of the classic footage is nice to see, it doesn't always flow. The documentary comes across as a highlight reel rather than the true, in-depth story.

The extras on offer will provide the main attraction for most fanatics, however. The main debuts are included in their entirety, as are two discs of matches. These include several key bouts, such as the 1996 Bash At The Beach main event, tag team efforts with Jay Leno and Dennis Rodman, and of course, the notorious WCW title match between Nash and Goldberg.

SHOCKER AT STARRCADE
The infamous December 1997 scrap between Sting and Hogan, though, is marred by an ending that served only to surprise, and includes shenanigans aplenty. Likewise, another Hogan bout, opposite Randy Savage, is tolerable only for the fantastic selling of the latter. Taken out of an already convoluted context, the procession of run-ins here reaches ludicrous levels.

That, essentially, is the major problem with the line-up; a huge number of the angles in nWo history were executed for the sake of a shock, and make little sense thrown together in ramshackle fashion. For example, one bout here has Sting sporting nWo Wolfpack colours in a singles match with The Giant, who is clad in nWo gear. The two were still tag champions when this bout occurred. Madness reached something of a nadir at the 1998 Fall Brawl, in the abysmal War Games abomination, also included here.

Randy Savage's Texas Death Match with Diamond Dallas Page does impress, however, remaining an absorbing entry in their series. Keen viewers will especially enjoy the enthusiasm of one person in the crowd, who makes himself known as the grapplers brawl through the arena.

Those who viewed WCW during this period for the remarkable selection of talent in their mid-card will likely find this release unsatisfying. The plethora of dodgy finishes and multiple-person skirmishes is a little grating, and these bouts do not stand the test of time.

Nonetheless, enthusiasts of the nWo will find much to admire within this snazzy package, and will certainly appreciate the chance to revisit some of grappling's biggest stars, during a most unpredictable period.