Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.5

Tyson Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov May 13, 2009

Powerful and exceptionally moving, James Toback’s “Tyson” (2008) is a film that will undoubtedly change your perception about one of the greatest athletes of our time – former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Yet to be released on Blu-ray in North America, “Tyson” has received a lovely treatment courtesy of UK-based distributors Revolver Entertainment. However, even though this is a Region-Free disc, some Region-A PS3s have been unable to access the main feature due to a short commercial, encoded in 1080/50, that appears before it.

I want to tell you about my past

James Toback’s Tyson offers an intriguing look at the history of one of the greatest athletes of our time – former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. The film is structured as a collage of flashbacks where Tyson recalls key events from his past. Some of the highlights in it include archival extracts from his notorious fights with Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. Tyson premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2008.

Most of you, who have seen Tyson only on the boxing ring, where he used to literally destroy his opponents, will be surprised by director Toback’s latest film. Back in 1999, he invited the famous boxer to appear in his chic and sexy Black and White, a project that received plenty of attention for its impromptu collision between Tyson and then-recovering drug addict Robert Downey Jr. Now, ten years later, the two have reunited in Tyson, a documentary feature that is neither chic nor sexy.

Over the course of approximately ninety minutes, director Toback gives us an opportunity to see and hear how a man, who once had the world at his feet, collapsed under the pressure of success. Using simple words, at times choking with tears, Tyson delivers a moving confession in front of Toback’s static camera - he talks about those he loved and those he detested as well as those he admired and those he feared.

During the first half of the film, the former heavyweight boxing champion focuses primarily on his relationship with Cus d’Amato, the man who taught him the value of self-discipline and responsibility. He also talks about how he managed to survive in the crime-ridden neighborhoods of New York City.

Desiree Washington’s accusations of rape occupy a major place in the film as well. As admitted by Tyson, they marked the beginning of the end of his professional career. He also talks about his decision to convert to Islam and the dramatic impact it had on his life.

During the second half of the film, Tyson mentions the many people who took advantage of him while he was generating millions of dollars from his high-profile fights. He addresses Don King a number of times as well as some of his associates.

Tyson also explains why he lost to Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. Some of his confessions are indeed incredibly moving and offering plenty of food for thought to those of us who were unaware of the dramatic events taking place in his life at the time. As expected, Tyson does not sound apologetic; he simply tells us why his career collapsed.

Director Toback ends his film with archival footage from Tyson’s last fight with Kevin McBride from June 11, 2005. After he is defeated, the former heavyweight boxing champion looks at the camera and calmly announces: I am sorry I let everybody down. I don’t have this in my heart anymore. Indeed, these are sad but true words, uttered by a broken man who has come to terms with his past.

Tyson Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (with varying OAR for the archival footage), encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, James Toback's Tyson arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of UK-based distributors Revolver Entertainment.

The original content for this fascinating documentary looks solid – contrast is impeccable, detail terrific and clarity fantastic. As expected, the color-scheme is also very convincing. Tyson spends a great deal of time in front of the camera (in what, I assume, is his apartment) where he recalls his past – this is the part of the film that looks very strong. Obviously, the archival footage James Toback has incorporated into Tyson varies a lot. A lot of the early Tyson fights for example look very dated and there are numerous issues with them. Again, this has everything to do with the original source and absolutely nothing to do with Blu-ray transfer (please see the captures we have provided). To sum it all up, for a documentary, Tyson looks exceptionally pleasing. (Note: Even though this disc is marketed as Region-B "locked", it is in fact Region-Free. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location. Also, there is a small preview on the disc that has been encoded in 1080/50, which could be problematic for certain Region-A players. I personally was able to skip it, get to the main menu and access the film easily).

Tyson Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. I opted for the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the English LPCM 2.0 track for the purpose of this review.

Tyson is a dialog-driven feature and as such the difference in quality between the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and the English LPCM 2.0 track is insignificant. With a few small exceptions, the rear channels are practically inactive. The bass is also nearly identical on both tracks. The actual dialog is crisp, clean and crystal clear (though, I must note that, occasionally, Tyson could be rather difficult to fully understand; he tends to mumble a lot). There are no disturbing pops, cracks, or hissings that I could detect either.

As far as the archival footage is concerned, all that I could say is that the overwhelming majority of it is very easy to follow. There are no disturbing audio distortions to report and I am certain that you will have an easy time following what is being said. For the record, Revolver Entertainment have not provided optional English subtitles for the main feature (an English HOH track isn't supplied either).

Tyson Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

In addition to a gallery of trailers for other Revolver Entertainment releases (City Rats, The Wackness, and JCVD), on this Blu-ray you will find an interview with Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith. The British commentator focuses on Tyson's persona, boxing style as well as his impact on professional boxing in general. He also talks about the role Cus d'Amato, Tyson's mentor and trainer, had on the former heavyweight champion. (Note: All of the extras are in standard-def PAL. Therefore, unless you have Blu-ray player that automatically converts PAL-NTSC, you will not be able to access the above mentioned supplemental features with your Region-A PS3/SA).

Tyson Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A knockout of a film! Tyson's confessions in front of the camera are captivating and fascinatingly controversial. Yes, he was a monster, on and off the boxing ring, but, as this documentary shows us, he is also a human being – deeply hurt, disillusioned and fearful. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of UK-based distributors Revolver Entertainment, is of very good quality. I strongly encourage you to at least find a way to see this film folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.