Andre the Giants first Coliseum tape back in the mid-80s was a horrible affair, full of slow-paced matches against hapless opponents. It was a real drag to endure. This 44 minute release from 1999 six years after Andres death is the polar opposite. Rather than a collection of plodding matches it is a VHS version of an A&E produced documentary first aired on The Biography Channel, focusing on Andre Roussimoff the man rather than Andre the Giant the legendary wrestler. Its a fascinating tale from start to finish, featuring anecdotes from his friends and a refreshing lack of typical wrestling hyperbole. It is both engrossing and upsetting, a documentary that helps you appreciate what everyday life was like for a man of Andres size. The only real complaint is the short run-time, because as soon as things wrap up you find yourself wanting to know more. It boggles the mind that in the DVD era WWE rereleased Andres horrible first VHS tape yet have never afforded this the same treatment. As a man who is venerated above all others by the WWE office and the boys in the back, it is almost impossible to explain why a full-career bio Andre the Giant DVD has never been produced by WWE. His legacy certainly deserves one.
The author of the highly acclaimed 'Titan' book series, James Dixon has been involved in the wrestling business for 25 years as a fan, wrestler, promoter, agent, and writer. James spent several years wrestling on the British independent circuit, but now prefers to write about the bumps and bruises rather than take any of them. His past in-ring experience does however give a uniquely more "insider" perspective on things, though he readily admits to still being a "mark" at heart.
James is the Chief Editor and writer at historyofwrestling.co.uk and is responsible for the best-selling titles Titan Sinking, Titan Shattered, and Titan Screwed, as well as the Complete WWF Video Guide series, and the Raw Files series.
