Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

WWE: Hell in a Cell 2010 Blu-ray Movie Review

Not a heavenly PPV.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman April 7, 2014

"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.

2010's Hell in a Cell, from Dallas, Texas, features a full card overflowing with talent and packed with several solid match-ups and high-energy battles inside the ring and, notably, under the weight and confines of the deadly steel cage. The nearly three-hour event opens with a fun three-way battle between several of the WWE's most recognizable names and faces in Daniel Bryan, John Morrison, and The Miz. The event also features Edge in one of his final Pay-Per-View matches before his 2011 retirement, an entertaining stipulations match between John Cena and Wade Barrett, and a Divas championship match between Michelle McCool vs. Natalya. The two Hell in a Cell matches highlight the event, however, though with varying result. The Orton-Sheamus contest proves entertaining and invigorating, a clash of two exceptionally skilled wrestlers who may not take full advantage of the environment but who do get in their licks and create a fair bit of havoc in the process. The Undertaker-Kane clash feels tame in comparison, a rather low-energy battle that seems to bank more on stature and stage presence than either violence or finesse. In the middle, as always, is Paul Bearer in strict character form and bringing nothing but added girth to the proceedings.

Hell In A Cell 2010 pushes straight through the Pay-Per-View event, picking up at the beginning of the main show and ending just moments after the final bell in the Undertaker-Kane matchup. The event moves rather quickly even considering the hefty runtime and never resorts to excess fluff to extend the event beyond what's necessary. The obligatory between-matches backstage interviews and highlight packages meant to set the stage for the various battles to come are present but never overly lengthy. The main focus is the wrestling, and fans will enjoy a good number of quality matches, even as the PPV ends on a rather dour note. Neither of the Hell in a Cell matches do much to really stir the imagination, get the blood flowing, or find a place in the history books beyond a few obligatory facts and figures. The Orton-Sheamus match satisfies but never goes above and beyond the call and of duty, while the Undertaker-Kane match fizzles in comparison, particularly next to The Undertaker's career-defining Hell in a Cell match with Mankind from 1998's King of the Ring.

Hell In A Cell 2010 is comprised of the following matches and moments:

• Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the United States Championship: Daniel Bryan vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz.
• Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship: Randy Orton vs. Sheamus.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Moment: Josh Matthews Interviews the NXT Season 3 Diva Rookies.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Moment: Alberto Del Rio Addresses the WWE Universe.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Event Match: Edge vs. Jack Swagger.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Moment: The Nexus Conspiring Backstage.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Event Stipulations Match: John Cena vs. Wade Barrett. If John Cena Wins, the Nexus Must Be Disbanded. If Wade Barrett Wins, John Cena Must Join The Nexus.
• Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Moment: Josh Matthews Interviews Paul Bearer.
• Unified Divas Championship Match: Michelle McCool vs. Natalya.
• Hell in a Cell Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Kane vs. Undertaker.

WWE: Hell in a Cell 2010 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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.

WWE: Hell in a Cell 2010 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

WWE: Hell in a Cell 2010 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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.

• Home Video Exclusive (HD, 3:11): Aftermath of the Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho Match. Monday Night RAW -- September 27, 2010.
• Home Video Exclusive (HD, 1:13): Josh Matthews Interviews John Cena After His Match. Hell in a Cell -- October 3, 2010.
• Monday Night RAW (HD, 1:25:26): The show's September 27, 2010 broadcast. The piece includes the option to jump directly to the following matches and moments: Daniel Bryan & John Morrison vs. The Miz & Alex Riley, Divas Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Divas Championship: Eve vs. Maryse vs. Gail Kim vs. Jillian vs. Natalya vs. Alicia Fox vs. Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella vs. Tamina vs. Melina, Ted DiBiase & Maryse in the Locker Room, Sheamus Challenges Any RAW Superstar to a Match, The Great Khali vs. Sheamus, The Cutting Edge, John Cena vs. Edge, Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel, WWE Tag Team Championship Match: "Dashing" Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. The Hart Dynasty, John Cena & R-Truth in the Locker Room, and Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho.

WWE: Hell in a Cell 2010 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.