WWE Attitude Era Volume 2 DVD Review
The Attitude Era was a unique period in the WWE in that it was a massive success, but took place during a time in which home video or the WWE Network, weren't around to the extent they are now. Couple that with significantly less programming and little internet presence and highlight moments weren't repeated or seen nearly as much as now.
This is the second installment of the company's Attitude Era DVD's and is in the same format as the last one– alternating stories and matches or promos. While the first edition provided most of the famous (or infamous) moments in the era's history, this one looks to uncover some lost gems.
The DVD kicks off with Sunny, Marlena and Sable half naked at the 1997 Slammys which is certainly a feast for the eyes. An awesome forgotten moment was shown where Triple H withdrew Chyna from the "Miss Slammy" contest and cut a scathing promo on Sunny, saying "her best talents can't be shown on national TV, and I have a best friend that says she isn't very good at that, either." Wow. This was prior to DX forming, and another glimpse of the direction WWE was taking as it pertained to both promos and females.
The genesis of D-Generation X is on full display as a rare match between Shawn Michaels and Owen Hart is the first match on the collection. The New Age Outlaws also get a good amount of screen time as their Raw match with Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie is shown, as well as a DX vs. LOD & Owen Hart match. Of course, some of their exploits outside the ring are also shown.
WWE did a really good job of finding matches that haven't been played to death or talked about repeatedly. Stars like Ken Shamrock, D-Lo Brown and Al Snow aren't usually credited as heavy influences on the Attitude era, but their supporting roles are evident in this set. As someone who doesn't think the era itself has aged well in certain aspects, it was impressive to see the segments that had and blow most of today's show out of the water.
Even though I'd watched everything on this set multiple times all I could think about watching this was how very little of it would fly on TV (for WWE, anyway) today. Despite the fact that cable TV now pushes the envelope with shows like Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy, it wasn't in the late 1990's. Needless to say, WWE was a far cry from Family Matters and that contributed to its success.
The matches on the set aren't all just supporting players, so don't get that impression. There are some real headline matches on this DVD, too. Mankind vs. Kane, Austin vs. Kane, Triple H vs. Edge, Rock vs. Undertaker in a casket match, Jericho vs. Angle, and Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian are just a few of the almost three dozen matches included. Matches from Raw, Heat, Smackdown, Shotgun Saturday Night and PPV's are also on the set.
The present-day stories are few and far between on the first disc, as the focus is primarily on the archived footage. X-Pac shares the genesis of his ring name from the 1-2-3 Kid to Syxx to X-Pac. The only other present day look on disc one was Billy Gunn explaining his career change from the lower card to joining DX. Sunny also talks about how her feelings regarding the new risque direction of the WWE at the time.
As the second disc kicks of, the Godfather gives his wife full credit for his successful gimmick, and how it revitalized his career, as well as his love for country music. Edge also explains how joining the Brood was different than anything WWE had done, and how everyone on the roster hated getting the blood baths. The Rock makes fun of himself and Triple H, and how they would eat egg whites and go to the gym instead of partying.
On disc three Ron Simmons discusses how much he enjoyed working as a member of the APA and how the gimmick caused him trouble in bars on the road. Mark Henry talks about the concept of his "Sexual Chocolate" gimmick and why he doesn't regret it as well as his memories of Mae Young. Chris Jericho makes an appearance on the set as well, covering the topic of his iconic debut in the WWE. Gerald Brisco shows up to inform viewers about his notoriously weak stomach and how he would get ribbed about it backstage. Finally, Ron Simmons pops up again to talk about Trish Stratus' start in WWE and how officials wouldn't let Stratus ride on the road with the APA.
The Blu-Ray exclusives don't feature any brand new content, but instead seven matches and a few promos. The Triple H/Vince McMahon title match and Triple H/Chris Jericho Last Man Standing match are on there as well, but that's not important– Golga vs. Marc Mero is on the exclusives!
WWE made this an excellent purchase for both new and old fans alike. If you weren't around to enjoy the Attitude era at the time, you'll gain a great grasp on what the period was about. Even if you were around, this DVD is loaded full of matches and moments that time forgot, in addition to some classics as well. I'd originally hoped or an Attitude Era feature documentary when this series was announced. However with the debut of the Monday Night Wars and Rivalries series, it's been done to death. This is a highly recommended purchase, particularly if you need a break from the tamer mainstream wrestling shows of today.
Rating: 8.5/10