Review of WWE: D-Generation X

Introduction

Formed in 1997 as the WWE`s version of their competitor`s (WCW`s) New World Order group, D-Generation X has caused controversy both of in front of, and behind the camera. The group - whose current incarnation is Triple-H and Shawn Michaels - are known as always anti-establishment, and also provocative in their words and actions. Their catchphrase, for example, is unrepeatable here.

The group were named by Phil Mushnick, the New York Post sportswriter, who is known for his dislike of WWE chief Vince McMahon. Mushnick claimed that wrestling`s primarily young fans were all degenerates, going on to note that perhaps they should be called "D-Generation X". Soon after, Triple-H and Michaels adopted the name.

Inside the ring, D-X has been known for using bad language, making constant references to sex acts, and disrespecting anyone who stands in their way. Outside the ring, the group have at times been much-disliked by other wrestlers, who feel that they wield too much power, and who feel that their antics aren`t suitable for children, who make up much of the WWE viewership.

Although released to coincide with the D-X reunion of Triple-H and Michaels in 2006, this DVD is a re-release of a 1998 VHS tape, with bonus matches included for DVD.

Video

Video is presented in 4:3 fullscreen PAL and is of good quality for a DVD of this genre. It is a little soft for my liking - which is a legacy of its NTSC origins - and it is also a shade dark. However, these are only minor concerns, and will not cause detriment to your viewing.

Audio

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and is also of good quality. It isn`t perfect, and is a little low in treble, but it is fine for this type of program.

For international viewers, there is a German language track, and Dutch subtitles for the English track.

Features

If you are looking for any excuse to rid yourself of the 1998 VHS release, to buy the DVD, here it is. There are eight matches included here, mostly from the RAW television show, meaning that this the first time that they have been released commercially in this kind of quality.

The first two matches are from RAW in August 1997, as Shawn Michaels faced Mankind (Mick Foley) in a match which teased the formation of D-X. The following week, Michaels & Triple-H teamed up to face Mankind and The Undertaker (who would go on to face each other at King of the Ring 1998 in the infamous Hell in a Cell match) in a good match which featured some of the most vile chair shots I`ve ever seen.

Triple-H then went one-on-one with Bret Hart in a great TV match, before Michaels and Triple-H "fought" a farce match in which Michaels passed the European Championship belt to his ally.

Things took an upturn as Owen Hart sought revenge on Michaels for his involvement in "The Montreal Screwjob" (basically, Vince McMahon fired Bret Hart on live pay-per-view, unscripted and without Bret`s prior knowledge), before Michaels and The Undertaker squared off in a Coffin Match which is best known for being the match in which Michaels sustained a career-threatening back injury. Please note however that this latter match is incomplete, as the WWE have seen fit to remove the ending of the match. On the original pay-per-view, Michaels defeated The Undertaker (with help from Kane), but watching this version, you`d never know it.

In a match where Michaels (with injured back) was substituted for Savio Vega, Triple-H and The New Age Outlaws - with Vega - took on "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Cactus Jack, Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk) and Owen Hart in a no-disqualification brawl. This is another match best remembered for something that does occur within the match, but I`ll not spoil the surprise.

Things then went out on a flat note however, as Triple-H faced Owen Hart for the European Title in what really was another farce of a match, being that Hart - on TV, at least - was nursing an injury.

Overall, this is a very good set of extras, especially because of the amount of non pay-per-view material. For those who watched the show at the time, these are nice memories.

Conclusion

"D-Generation X: The DVD" is an interesting look back at what was a changing time for pro wrestling. With D-X in particular, the WWE was employing a Howard Stern-esque shock strategy, which did make for good television, albeit X-rated. The main feature here is basically a "best of" D-X, with clips of all their antics, such playing strip-poker on live TV and relieving themselves on their opponents motorcycles. It is a pity then, that it only lasts for 55 minutes.

One issue with this DVD is that it is simply a re-release (with a few matches thrown in) of the 1998 VHS. The main feature shows The New Age Outlaws, Chyna and "Ravishing" Rick Rude as members of D-X, though the Outlaws now work for the TNA Wrestling company, Chyna hasn`t been seen in the company since 2001, and Rude sadly passed away in 1999.

Furthermore, this DVD release is partially censored because of the WWE`s battle with the World Wildlife Fund. No DVD release can use the words "WWF" or use the WWF`s old "scratch" logo. Thus, there is some blurring of that logo (see the above Mike Tyson picture), and any references to "WWF" have the "F" muted.

Overall, "D-Generation X: The DVD" is a good release, but that is more because of the extra matches, than the main feature.

If you are, or were, a fan of D-X and their respective members, you are going to want to check this out. Fans of in-ring wrestling - rather than these high school-type japes - should look elsewhere.