WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie Review

High speed foot massage.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 21, 2014

There's something to be said about "saving the best for last." While Over the Limit goes through the basic WWE Pay-Per-View cadence, it's at the end when the program really takes off. John Cena and The Miz square off in a classic "I Quit" match that's decidedly one-sided, with a beat-down for the ages matched only by a determination to go on even through unimaginable pain (well, as much pain as there is to be felt in the WWE). Granted, there's no real surprise how it's going to end -- these things almost always twist back around in the final moments -- but it's a classic wrestling moment in which all is bleak for the hero before a second chance and a second wind aid him in a comeback fit for a nation.

Wade Barrett: nothing without his posse.

Big rivalries, old scores, classic confrontations, and a rather unique footsie battle give shape to Over the Limit 2011, an entertaining but somewhat nondescript pay extravaganza from the WWE. Held at Seattle's KeyArena (former home of the Seattle SuperSonics) on May 22, 2011, the event pitted Superstar John Cena against the flamboyant Miz in the main event in an "I Quit" match with the WWE title on the line. Earlier match highlights, with belts on the line, include an Intercontinental title match between Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson, a Tag Team match featuring a lot of tonnage on one side -- Kane and Big Show -- against Mason Ryan and the more diminutive but nevertheless dangerous CM Punk on the other. The World Heavyweight Championship title was on the line in a clash between Randy Orton and Christian, while Kelly Kelly would battle Brie Bella for a shot at the Diva's Championship belt. Perhaps the most unique event of the night was a "Kiss My Foot" match between broadcasters Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler that doesn't end well for the loser. Don't eat before the match.

spoilers follow

Over the Limit 2011 works best in brief moments, when the unexpected breaks up the tedium of well-designed and strongly executed but otherwise mostly mundane professional wrestling events. There's not much here fans haven't seen before, with the only real differences being the faces involved in the mayhem. For as exciting as the final clash between The Miz and John Cena may be, there's a flatness to Cena's performance that's not a result of his "beat down" but instead a feel that, dramatically, anyway, he's not fully involved in the process, even at the beginning when he offers a monotone "no" in answer to The Miz's offer to let him off the hook before a single punch is thrown. The end comes far too easily, too, when Cena suddenly becomes a superhero and The Miz, in classic wimpy villain fashion, becomes a sniveling nothing on Michael Cole's level when the tables are turned for a matter of moments, in contrast to Cena's stalwartness under much more significant duress. None of the rest of the matches are particularly noteworthy; there are generally good performances mixed with the usual interruptions and inclusions of additional wrestlers not on the card, per se, including a surprise entry from none other than Bret Hart, whose own "foot" match with Jerry Lawler is included in this disc's supplemental features. As for that match itself, needless to say it ends with one of the most disturbing, dare say disgusting displays in the history of the WWE.

The following matches comprise Over the Limit 2011:

• Over the Limit Match: Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth.
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Wade Barrett vs. Ezekiel Jackson.
• Over the Limit Match: Sin Cara vs. Chavo Guerrero.
• WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Big Show and Kane vs. CM Punk and Mason Ryan.
• Divas Championship Match: Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly.
• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Randy Orton vs. Christian.
• Kiss My Foot Match: Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Michael Cole.
• "I Quit" Match for the WWE Championship: John Cena vs. The Miz.

WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Over the Limit 2011 features a standard WWE 1080i, 1.78:1-framed Blu-ray presentation. The image splashes the screen with a nice variety of color. Fan signs and attire are constants in terms of color variation, as are wrestler outfits, event graphics surrounding the stadium (and, of course, on the Titantron), and the Over the Limit-themed ring apron. Details are nice, too. Clarity is excellent, and the image's stability allows viewers to see with some precision and basic definition all the way to the arena's rafters. Wrestler skin textures and sweat are readily evident, ditto attire. Handmade sign legibility is excellent. Graphics are fairly sharp and clean around the edges. The transfer offers deep blacks and natural skin tones. The HD video source is a little flat, but understandably so. Light compression issues are the only real issue here. Overall, a basic but enjoyable effort from WWE.

WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Much like the video, Over the Limit 2011's Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is standard fare for WWE Home Video. Opening narration isn't particularly aggressive. It's not shallow or muddy, just not very attention-grabbing. Fortunately, in-ring and backstage wrestler dialogue, as well as ringside commentary, play clearly enough from the middle. There are a few good reverberating elements during some backstage interviews that are pumped through stadium speakers. There's some healthy musical surround presence and some nice stage-filling notes, both in terms of overlaid music and ring entrance tunes alike. There's some fair crowd ambience that spreads well and immerses the listener into the arena, notable in both audience cheers and jeers alike. Slams and crashes and other sounds of wrestling action are sufficiently produced.

WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Over the Limit 2011 contains the following supplements:

Home Video Exclusive:

• Over the Limit Moment: Todd Grisham Interviews John Cena. Over the Limit -- May 22, 2011.

Blu-ray Exclusives:

• Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto del Rio vs. The Miz. Monday Night RAW -- May 9, 2011.
• Divas Match: Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly. Monday Night RAW -- May 16, 2011.
• RAW Moment: Jerry Lawler & Michael Cole Contract Signing. Monday Night RAW -- May 16, 2011.
• I Quit Match: John Cena vs. Jack Swagger. Monday Night RAW -- May 16, 2011.
• RAW Moment: R-Truth Knows the Truth. Monday Night RAW -- May 23, 2011.
• Kiss My Foot Match: Bret Hart vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler. King of the Ring -- June 25, 1995.

WWE: Over the Limit 2011 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Over the Limit 2011 is an enjoyable Pay-Per-View, even if it's more or less formula and not particularly relevant today beyond the general ebb and flow of the WWE. Superstars aplenty appear, though the event is undoubtedly highlighted by a silly and gross "Kiss My Foot" match between an ex-wrestler-turned-commentator and another commentator. It's fun little ginned up antics that add some spice (save for the end) but otherwise take time and attention away from other wrestlers, both those appearing in the event and those left on the sidelines. WWE Home Video's Blu-ray release of Over the Limit 2011 delivers enjoyable video and audio in addition to several bonus matches, including a few from the weeks leading up to the event. Recommended to WWE fans.