6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The stars of Raw and SmackDown, will compete at Hell in a Cell, and this Blu-ray will include all the matches from this spectacular event.
Starring: Mark Calaway, Glenn Jacobs, John Cena, Stephen Farrelly, Bryan DanielsonSport | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: LPCM 2.0
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
"Hell." The word conjures up a plethora of images, and almost none of them good. Satan's fiery lair of eternal damnation, the Navy SEALs' "Hell Week" of intense physical effort, and even a Johnny Depp film are all front-and-center when it comes to the old H-E-double-hockey-stick word that's not really a swear but that comes with enough negative baggage that most deem it unfit for the youngest ears. But beyond scorched flesh, tired muscles, and a mediocre film is another connotation that will be on the tip of every wrestling fan's tongue: "Hell in a Cell." The Hell in a Cell event -- in 2010 a relatively new event on the WWE's annual Pay-Per-View schedule but the match itself a staple of the sport for years prior -- takes its name from the main event (much like Royal Rumble) but features a handful of support matches en route to the showdown(s) inside the deadly steel cage that surrounds the ring. Not dissimilar from the WCW's War Games but certainly its own event with its own structure and its own storied history, Hell in a Cell has quickly become a staple on the pay schedule and one of the most entertaining events -- up there with the classic ladder match -- as one of professional wrestling's finest creations.
'Taker taking care of business.
Hell In A Cell 2010 arrives on Blu-ray with a basic WWE HD 1080i presentation framed in a 1.78:1 window. The image impresses a good deal on the surface and doesn't show too many deep warts below. Generally, the picture satisfies with stable, clean details and bright colors. The high definition clarity yields both excellent facial, clothing, and crowd textures and general image stability. Colors are cheery and even, from digital signage to wrestler attire, from handmade fan signs to rather deep blacks and accurate flesh tones. The image does suffer from some moderate-to-heavy blocking in some backgrounds, notably in lower light conditions -- particularly during the Kane-Undertaker match -- and across black backdrops. Nevertheless, the image looks rather good all around, not up to par with the most recent WWE Home Video Blu-ray releases but certainly a watchable and largely enjoyable presentation.
Hell In A Cell 2010 features a rather active and energetic Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. It's comprised of all the basic WWE audio elements, nothing more and nothing less. Most prominent is music, particularly the blasting wrestler entrance tunes that shower both the live audience and the home video viewer with blaring, clear, and precise notes. There's no shortage of precision spacing around the sound stage, playing widely and with full surround support. Some of the tunes blast louder than others; Daniel Bryan's Richard Wagner entrance music is notably deep, big, and robust. General production sound effects satisfy, though they sound a touch muddled at times. In-ring knocks, crashes, screams, and other sounds of chaos are nicely implemented and help position the listener near the front row. In-ring and backstage dialogue plays smoothly and clearly, ditto play-by-play and color commentary. This is a solid all-around track from WWE Home Video.
Hell In A Cell 2010 contains three bonuses that feature material from the week before the Pay-Per-View and one supplement from the event.
As usual, none of the fallout from the week following the PPV is included.
Hell In A Cell 2010 is not a definitive Pay-Per-View effort from WWE, but it's a solid, no-frills sort that's enjoyable and entertaining, sort of the professional wrestling equivalent of a Summer popcorn film. It doesn't stand apart and none of the matches are particularly noteworthy. It does boast a rather impressive cast of characters, from a young Daniel Bryan to John Cena, from Randy Orton to The Undertaker. It's worth watching and certainly a must for wrestling Blu-ray collections, but fans shouldn't expect to be dazzled by anything the event has to offer. WWE's Blu-ray release is rather standard, featuring adequate 1080i video, good 5.1 lossy audio, and a decent assortment of extras. Recommended to hardcore wrestling fans and WWE Blu-ray collectors. Other should start with something a little more juicy, like Falls Count Anywhere.
2010
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2-Disc Collector's Edition
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Wrestlemania 28
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