DVD Review: Shawn Michaels: The Heartbreak Express Tour

rating: 3

1996 was the year in which Shawn Michaels became the man in the (former) World Wrestling Federation, both in the sense that he was pushed as the poster boy of the company for the first time and very much stole Bret Hart's thunder as the star who could steal the show on every night that he wrestled. This two hour DVD, part of the excellent Silvervision's attempt to revive long out of print back catalogue VHS titles on DVD and without the fuzzy WWF logos and commentators actually not bleeped out when they say the name of the former company, chronicles the year in which the Heartbreak Kid became fully established as a main event star as he defended his Royal Rumble in January, dethroned world champion Bret Hart in the famous Iron Man Match at Wrestlemania XII in late March and began a substantial reign that lasted all the way until the Surivor Series Pay Per View in November. STRENGTHS: Whilst it's a pretty well known fact amongst keen wrestling fans that Shawn's first world title reign flopped in regards to ratings and made a huge percentage of the male 18-35 demographic turn the channel over to WCW; this release is much more interested in focusing on the on screen magic that was evident in Shawn's increasingly exciting title defences and the development of the superstar's growing confidence, assurance and indeed flamboyance as an in ring performer. The obvious reason to own this package is for the thrilling highlights surrounding each of Shawn's Pay Per View title defences. It begins with the brilliant build-up of his boyhood Dream storyline as he trains to take on Bret and then key moments from their gripping Wrestlemania title clash. This bout has divided many critics and fans alike with half claiming it to be an enduring masterclass and others finding it dull and unmoving. I personally admire the bravery in decididng to go for sixty plus minutes without a pinfall because it showed how evenly matched the two competitors were and made the world title look like a million dollars in the process. It has to be said however that you could hear a pin drop in the crowd at times. Following this Shawn embraces the role of underdog champion as he is forced to defend his belt against a string of physically intmidating opponents, from his highly charged no holds-barred victory against Diesel at In Your House VII, to his matches with Davey Boy Smith, an amazing small man versus big man spectacle against Vader at Summerslam and one of the best matches of his career against Mankind at Mind Games. The latter scrap is a captivating tussle as Shawn goes overboard against the erratic and psychotic opponent with Mankind's resilience forcing the champion to become more and more aggressive as the match wears on. The two men had perfect chemistry and were it not for a lame disqualification this bout was probably bordering on the five stars region and is still a must watch for any self- respecting HBK fan. Whilst he developed as a more emotionally engaging performer during his second run in the noughties, this DVD is a solid reminder of just Shawn's unreal athleticism and burning charisma from the nineties as he pulls of complex high flying move after complex high flying move and manages to make it all look stylish and easy in the process. It also documents how skilled Shawn was in being able to have a string of memorable matches regardless of his multi-ranging opponents. WEAKNESSES: Given that the majority of these matches are already available (and in full) on the numerous other HBK compilations, this spoils the attempt at tracking the evolution of Shawn's progression to top star because we are given nothing in the way of Raw segments that helped to build to the title clashes at the time and also no mic work from the man himself. As such what could have easily existed as a must own historical document showing a key year in a wrestler's career instead feels rather flat and makes it difficult to become fully invested in the various matches. Host Michael Hayes talks between each of the highlights looking beyond ridiculous in his Shawn Michaels gear as he endures a rigurous weights session. Whislt the man is undeniably charismatic and vocally presents the package well, he also essentially cheapens what is supposed to be an important look at the defining year of a legendary wwe figure. For example listening to Hayes making a joke about playgirl before then being shown lengthy clips from one of Shawn's title defences isn't exactly the most rewarding build up for a key clash. VERDICT: The Heartbreak Express Tour is a recommended buy for nostalgic fans of a time when the WWF was a wrestling show on television as opposed to its current status as a television show featuring wrestling. It takes fans back to an era when one of the all time greatest superstars really stepped into his own as an in ring performer and when a singular world title made the concept of being the champion so much more vital and important. The journey of his various title defences is a worthy historical documentation and would also be a valuable purchase for newer fans of the product who've only seen the Shawn Michaels of the past five years. Whilst a highlight reel of a great title run is a fine concept for a wrestling DVD though this package unfortunately leaves one feeling rather unfulfilled. It would not have been hard to search through the archive in order to provide the confrontations and promos that led to the matches on the card and this addition would have not only given the Heartbreak Express Tour more depth but would have also been an interesting comparitive look-back at how the WWE planted rivalries fifteen years ago as opposed to the regular manner in which they do so today. A nice idea then but it had the potential to be more than just that. Hits From The Heartbreak Kid & Heartbreak Express Tour DVD (2 Discs) is out now to buy from Silvervision.