Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		2.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		3.5

WWE: Brock Lesnar - Here Comes the Pain! Blu-ray Movie Review

Here comes the Blu-ray!

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 6, 2012

Brock Lesnar is a bonafide monster.

'Here Comes the Pain!' is a 2003 WWE standard definition home video release repurposed on Blu-ray with new interview clips and career moments packed into a lengthy supplemental content section that spreads across two discs. The main program runs a brisk 61 minutes, offering a basic overview of Lesnar's early life on the high school and collegiate wrestling circuit and delving into an assortment of WWE career highlights, including his memorable matches with Superstars The Rock, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, and Big Show. Fans might be disappointed that a new Documentary has not been crafted to include more recent highlights and a deeper personal story, but such short clips do appear -- in high definition -- in the "extras" section of the release. The 2003 Documentary is a bit disappointing, but fans will want to buy for the exhaustive collection of classic Lesnar matches and moments from his early career.

Bring it.

Dubbed "the next big thing" and considered "an educated monster," Brock Lesnar burst onto the WWE scene and dominated the sports entertainment landscape from the outset. From humble beginnings in the small town of Webster, South Dakota to the bright lights of the WWE's biggest events against its most ferocious competitors, Lesnar seized every opportunity to better self and dominate in every endeavor. A skinny but determined kid grew into a competent wrestler who matured into a ripped body that granted him both strength and agility, a rare combination that made him a prize for the collegiate level. Lesner signed with the University of Minnesota and won an NCAA wrestling championship and was soon on the path towards WWE stardom. His entrance did not go unnoticed, and it will never be forgotten by those who stood in the way of his hulking physique, cat-like agility, brute strength, and F5 finisher. Here Comes the Pain! follows Lesnar's whirlwind domination of the WWE, including his King of the Ring victory, defeat of The Rock at 2002's SummerSlam, his feud with The Undertaker and their unforgettable Hell in a Cell confrontation, and his battles with John Cena, Kurt Angle, and Big Show, culminating with a classic "stretcher match" against the 500-pound behemoth.

Here Comes the Pain! isn't a high-quality retrospective like those more recently released by the WWE; it doesn't capture the imagination or draw such a vivid and intimate portrait as do those films chronicling the lives and careers of Steve Austin, The Rock, and CM Punk. That's not because Lesnar is a lesser or uninteresting personality. On the contrary, there's a unique individual here worthy of deeper examination, a man who epitomizes strength, an unmatched dedication to self, and a role model for all of those who place higher value on others' opinions and allow the world to knock them down rather than stand up to it, face it head-on, and go all-in to prove one's own worth and dominance in any endeavor. In truth, the newly minted brief interview clips with Lesnar that appear in this release's supplemental content (see below) do a better job of shaping the man than does this rather generic video. There's no depth to it, only a rapid-fire look-see into Lesnar's life with only scant information on his youth and upbringing before hitting a highlight reel of his aggressive first foray into professional wrestling. The film does have value for those who know next to nothing about Lesnar, but it fails to capture that same magic of the WWE's best videos that focus on the human interest stories and through those weave together the tales of dominant wrestling careers. Here Comes the Pain! features figures such as Brooklyn Brawler, Paul Heyman, Rey Mysterio, Gerry Brisco, Booker T, John Cena, Big Show, Kurt Angle, and Lesnar's mother and father sharing a few thoughts, but brevity is the name of the game here. Fans will have to wait for a proper retrospective, one that needs to be made for a man whose story of self-worth and unparalleled focus needs to be known.

WWE: Brock Lesnar - Here Comes the Pain! Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain! features standard definition content upscaled to high definition. The image retains its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, placing vertical "black bars" on either side of the 1.78:1 display. As expected, the results are largely unremarkable. Considering that the material was shot in standard definition, however, there's not much of a point in knocking its natural appearance. Generally, the SD footage looks fine, offering fair definition, sturdy colors, and not too much in the way of excess noise, jaggies, false colors, or other eyesores. Such things do appear in some quantity, particularly in the processed-for-style shots, but the regular old wrestling footage offers passable visuals. This isn't an showstopper of a transfer, but it looks as it was shot, which is all one can really want.

WWE: Brock Lesnar - Here Comes the Pain! Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain! features the WWE-standard Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and much like the video, it's rather unremarkable but effective at a base level. Musical elements do drift into the rears, but generally the information remains dominant across the front portions of the soundstage. Musical clarity is sufficient, but it does often have a slightly harsh edge about it. Much the same may be said of dialogue; the spoken word comes through clearly and intelligibly, but there's a minor underlying mushiness to it. Bass is rather tiny but firm as it accompanies music, and the "No Mercy" theme song plays with great energy in the lead-up to the Hell in a Cell match. This track suffices considering the material, but it won't be a go-to soundtrack even by WWE standards.

WWE: Brock Lesnar - Here Comes the Pain! Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain! contains a large assortment of Lesnar moments and matches from early in his career. Also scattered across the two discs are new interview clips with the superstar.

Disc One:

• Career Moment (HD, 1:59): Brock Lesnar Makes His WWE Debut. RAW -- March 18, 2002.
• Career Match (HD, 6:39): "The Next Big Thing" Takes on the Hardy Boyz. RAW -- April 8, 2002.
• Career Moment (HD, 5:25): Brock Lesnar Returns to WWE. RAW -- April 2, 2012.
• Coming Back (HD, 0:51): Lesnar discusses his return to the WWE and goal to be the "top guy" in sports entertainment.
• Career Match (HD, 8:12): Brock Lesnar vs. Leviathan. Ohio Valley Wrestling -- July 28, 2001.
• The Journey (HD, 1:12): Lesnar discusses his athletic pedigree and dominance.
• OVW Southern Tag Team Championship Match (HD, 6:15): Rico Constantino & Prototype vs. The Minnesota Stretching Crew. Ohio Valley Wrestling -- November 10, 2001.
• Superstar? (HD, 1:07): Lesnar states that he isn't a "superstar" but rather himself.
• Career Match (HD, 9:47): Jeff Hardy vs. Brock Lesnar. Backlash -- April 21, 2012.
• Wrecking Machine (HD, 0:56): Lesnar discusses what he brings to the WWE: "pure, ruthless aggression."
• King of the Ring Finals (HD, 9:04): Rob Van Dam vs. Brock Lesnar. King of the Ring -- June 23, 2002.
• Who I Am (HD, 1:33): Lesnar speaks on the pride he has in his name.
• Career Match (HD, 15:17): Rob Van Dam & Ric Flair vs. Undertaker & Brock Lesnar. RAW -- July 15, 2002.
• Hard Work (HD, 1:34): Lesnar discusses the mental and physical work he's put in, and continues to put in, to achieve success. He also speaks on his determination to prove doubters wrong.
• #1 Contender Match for the WWE Undisputed Championship (HD, 14:04): Hulk Hogan vs. Brock Lesnar. SmackDown -- August 8, 2002.
• Opportunities (HD, 0:42): Lesnar speaks on the importance of seizing the moment, taking advantage of opportunities, and the rewards that follow with success.
• WWE Undisputed Championship Match (HD, 17:56): The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar. SummerSlam -- August 25, 2002.
• Carrying Myself (HD, 1:09): Lesnar speaks on the importance of focus and going about his business in all circumstances.
• Career Match (HD, 7:43): Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton. SmackDown -- September 5, 2002.
• Focus (HD, 0:45): Lesnar discusses the importance of singular focus on a goal in his success.
• WWE Undisputed Championship Match (HD, 24:56): Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker. Unforgiven -- September 22, 2002.
• New Challenges (HD, 0:57): Lesnar shares the reasons behind his first departure from the WWE.
• Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship (HD, 32:50): Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. No Mercy -- October 20, 2002.
• No Friends (HD, 0:26): Brock Lesnar shares more about his singular focus on self and career.
• Royal Rumble Match (HD, 11:30): Brock Lesnar participates in one of the WWE's premiere events. Royal Rumble -- January 19, 2003. Note that this is not the entire match but picks up seconds before Brock's entrance at number 29.
• Happiness (HD, 1:06): Lesnar shares what it is that makes him happy in life.
• Career Match (HD, 10:40): Brock Lesnar vs. Team Angle. SmackDown -- February 27, 2003.

Disc Two:

• No Pain (HD, 0:30): Lesner states that he does not know the sensation of pain. "I let other people feel pain. I ain't got time for it."
• WWE Championship Match (HD, 27:07): Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle. WrestleMania XIX -- March 30, 2003.
• Fight For It! (HD, 0:48): Brock remembers his younger days and the constant struggles of his youth and how it shaped his life.
• WWE Championship Match (HD, 19:13): Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena. Backlash -- April 27, 2003.
• Being the Best (HD, 0:36): Lesnar discusses what drives him.
• 60-Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship (HD, 1:04:20): Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar. SmackDown -- September 18, 2003.
• Fine-Tuned (HD, 0:31): Lesnar shares the disciplines he's added to his repertoire.
• Career Match (HD, 14:31): Rey Mysterio vs. Brock Lesnar. SmackDown -- December 11, 2003.
• Chaos (HD, 1:00): Lesnar discusses his purpose in life.
• WWE Championship Match (HD, 12:08): Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show. SmackDown -- June 12, 2003.
• Reckless Abandonment (HD, 0:26): Lesnar offers another insight into how he lives his life.
• Interpromotional Match (HD, 20:46): Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar. WrestleMania XX -- March 14, 2004.
• Pride (HD, 0:19): Lesnar takes pride in every achievement in his life.

Disc Two Blu-ray Exclusives:

• Current Goals (HD, 0:53): Lesnar discusses what he wants from his second tour of duty with the WWE.
• Career Match (HD, 14:25): Brock Lesnar vs. Ric Flair. RAW -- July 1, 2002.
• No Fear (HD, 0:49): Lesnar discuses the armor he's built around himself.
• No Disqualification Triple Threat Match for the WWE Undisputed Championship (HD, 21:37): The Rock vs. Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar. Global Warning -- August 10, 2002.
• My World (HD, 0:47): Lesnar speaks on the world of projected fear in which he lives.
• Career Match (HD, 17:55): Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle & Mr. America vs. Big Show, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin. SmackDown -- June 26, 2003.
• Strictly Business (HD, 0:42): Lesnar discusses his place in the WWE business and the realism he brings to the company.
• Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship (HD, 21:28): Brock Lensar vs. Kurt Angle vs. Big Show. Vengeance -- July 27, 2003.
• Next Chapter (HD, 0:51): Lesnar discusses the importance of the here-and-now.
• Extreme Rules Match (HD, 22:32): John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. Extreme Rules -- April 29, 2012.

WWE: Brock Lesnar - Here Comes the Pain! Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain! is a somewhat disappointing release. The main program rushes through Lesnar's life and early career like his signature F5, leaving behind pieces of a story but not a deep, intimate, focused portrait of a man. It will serve newcomers well enough but longtime Lesnar fans will either already know the basics behind his background and the stories of his greatest matches or own the previous 2003 DVD release. Lesnar is deserving of a proper retrospective somewhere down the line that more fully chronicles what's included here as well as his transition to the UFC and return to the WWE. On the plus side, the bonus materials are necessary additions to any Blu-ray collection. It's a goldmine of Lesnar brilliance in the square ring, though fans will be disappointed that it's not quite as thorough as it might have been (of particular note is the absence of the entire 2003 Royal Rumble match). As it is, the main feature offers fair video and audio. Buy it for the extras.