Cast
View AllPaul Lévesque
as Triple H (archive footage)
Mark Calaway
as The Undertaker (archive footage)
John Cena
as John Cena (archive footage)
Kurt Angle
as Kurt Angle (archive footage)
Eddie Guerrero
as Eddie Guerrero (archive footage)
Dave Bautista
as Batista (archive footage)
Vince McMahon
as Vince McMahon (archive footage)
Michael Coulthard
as Michael Cole (archive footage)
Eric Bischoff
as Eric Bischoff (archive footage)
Stephanie McMahon
as Stephanie McMahon (archive footage)
Brock Lesnar
as Brock Lesnar (archive footage)
Paul Wight
as Big Show (archive footage)
Randy Orton
as Randy Orton (archive footage)
Matthew Hardy
as Matt Hardy (archive footage)
Óscar Gutiérrez
as Rey Mysterio (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Kevin Dunn
- Vince McMahon
Producer
- Vince McMahon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Documentary/Action/History film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary, 1999-2009 distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Kevin Dunn brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary, 1999-2009 took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 540 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 579 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1302 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary, 1999-2009 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike TNA Wrestling: Christian Cage - The Instant Classic, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary, 1999-2009 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like TNA Best of the Bloodiest Brawls and MLW Blood & Thunder explore similar territory, WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary, 1999-2009 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 3, 2012
- Runtime: 9h