Muhammad Ali: The Greatest

Starring:Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, Angelo Dundee, Jack Nilon, Chris Dundee, Finlay Campbell, James X, Malcolm X, Jersey Joe Walcott, Jimmy Braddock, Floyd Patterson, Norman Mailer, Stepin Fetchit, Sam X, George Foreman, Don King, Mobutu Sese Seko, Joe Frazier, John Daly, Paul McCartney
Director: William Klein
Studio: PASSPORT VIDEO
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
There is perhaps no person in the world who is more famous than Muhammad Ali. His picture hangs in the Smithsonian institution in Washington D.C. as well as on the walls of mud huts in underdeveloped countries that have never seen a boxing match.

This is the story of a man who changed the face of sports, and political action and popular culture in the twentieth century; and, who has gone on to become one of the great humanitarians of all time.

Amazon.com

Before Muhammad Ali, plenty of African American heavyweights boxed, but few did for the game (or for blacks) what Ali did. Ali was bold, outrageous, and controversial. His antics outside of the ring showed an often-hilarious flair for self-promotion, and his conversion to Islam and decision to avoid the Vietnam War only fueled the storm of controversy that surrounded him. The thing about Ali, though, was that he was good enough to get by with it; after all, it's hard to argue with success. In the ring, he showed a sheer prowess and technique that few before or since could approach (the bonus CD-ROM discusses the similarities and contrasts between Ali and the great Joe Louis). Outside the ring, Ali had a sharp mind, good looks, and the strength of his own convictions going for him. This DVD contains footage of Ali's 1964 fight in which he slaughtered Sonny Liston, the 1974 bout where his technique got the better of George Foreman and his fearsome punching power, and the brutal 1975 fight against Joe Frazier (all fights are shown in their entirety). There have been few heavyweight boxers who can compare favorably to Muhammad Ali, and this DVD should be in the collection of all those who consider themselves fans of the sport. --Jerry Renshaw

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Muhammad Ali!.......2006-12-14

This is a great bargain! You get three of Muhammad Ali's most justly celebrated fights (Ali-Liston I, Ali-Foreman, and Ali-Frazier III), plus one hour long documentary of Ali on one DVD.

You see Cassius Clay/Ali's huge heart in surviving Liston's furious fifth round assault, then coming back to whitewash Sonny in round six. You also see Ali's resiliency and toughness in outlasting and outfighting the heavily favored George Foreman.

Finally, you see Ali against Joe Frazier in the Thrilla in Manila with Don Dunphy and Ken Norton calling the fight.

The Ali documentary was filmed in the early 1980's, so you don't get the revisionist history and reflection associated with the longer lapse of time.

This Ali DVD must be the greatest. Highly recommended.

I AGREE WITH A VIEWER!.......2006-03-18

I don't understand why they don't release the career's of (boxing bigist names Ali included). There are websites on the Internet that claim to sell career sets for just about every fighter you can think of. The Problem is that what they are offering are burned (Homemade) DVD'S. These sites claim that the DVDS are high quality but, these DVDS freeze and the audio doesn't go along with the picture. There are TV ads in them LOL. That is Anti-piracey (sp) and it is highly illgal. Last but notleast they charge too much. Like I said I don't see why the studio's can't produce sets legally like they do EVERYTHING ELSE. They produce wreasliing, Baseball, Baseketball and Football DVDS. They release all these sports programs on DVD but Boxing gets overlooked. I DONT'T GET IT!!!

This is the DVD to buy.......2004-07-06

"Muhammad Ali, the greatest collection"

THIS IS THE DVD TO BUY

This has lots of boxing.
The whole fight with original microphone.
a) 1964 Clay vs Liston [THE WHOLE FIGHT]
b) 1974 Ali vs Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" [THE WHOLE FIGHT]
c) 1975 Ali vs Frazier "Thilla in Manila" [THE WHOLE FIGHT]

Just highlights of some fights: [JUST THE HIGHLIGHTS]
a) 1960 Olympics Z. Pietrzykowski of Poland
b) 1960 Turnney Hunsinger
c) 1962 Archie Moore
d) 1964 Sonny Liston
e) 1965 Sonny Liston rematch
f) 1966 Cleveland Williams
g) 1967 Zorra Folley
h) trouble with the draft board
i) 1970 Occar Bonavena
j) 1971 Joe Frazier
k) 1973 Ken Norton
l) 1973 Ken Norton rematch
m) 1974 Joe Frazier rematch
n) 1974 George Foreman [Rumble in the Jungle]
o) 1975 Joe Frazier [Thrilla in Manilla]
p) 1978 Leon Spinks
q) 1978 Leon Spinks rematch
r) 1980 Larry Holmes

Memories of the golden era of heavyweight boxing.......2004-02-23

A truly tremendous compilation of Muhammad Ali's best fights. You will get the entire fights along with walk-ins, as well as pre- and after fight hoopla. The best thing is that the fights are shown with the original broadcasting commentary, so the excitement really makes you feel like actually being there back in the seventies. The only drawback of this DVD is the 60 min HBO documentary focusing on the entire career of Ali, where they show only short fight flicks with mixed over studio sounds and studio commentary. In my opinion, the overall quality of the DVD would have been better without the documentary. Sometimes, less is more!

Great DVD value for all fight fans.......2003-08-07

Considering you're getting three full fights, PLUS a one hour biography, PLUS a reference CD-ROM, this is a great value. Perfect for all boxing fans, casual or serious. The "Rumble in the Jungle" fight happens to be my fave.

Average customer rating:

the REEL Ali
I thought I was renting a documentary
Chip Mcalister
Perfect for the hard-core Ali fan
More compelling than ALI with Will Smith

The Greatest
Starring: Muhammad Ali , Ernest Borgnine , Sally Bondi , Richard Gullage , and Arthur Adams
Director: Tom Gries , and Monte Hellman
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
A.K.A. Cassius Clay
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Muhammad Ali: The Greatest

ASIN: B00005NKSJ
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Description

The incredible career of perhaps the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, is dramatized in this exciting film starring Ali himself. Fresh from his gold medal victory at the Olympic Games, 18-year-old Cassius Clay is ready to seek the heavyweight championship. Under the masterful guidance of trainer Angelo Dundee (Ernest Borgnine). Clay snatches the title from Sonny Liston. Soon afterward, Clay converts to the Islam religion and changes his name to Muhammad Ali. When he is suddenly classified 1A by the Draft Board that earlier rejected him, Ali refuses the draft on religious grounds. His hard-won title is taken from him. Winning a three-and-a-half year long court battle. Ali returns to the ring for what have been some of the greatest fights of all time.

Customer Reviews:

the REEL Ali.......2006-07-28

After listening to the audio book Sound & Fury from Blackstone Audio, this bio pix of Ali is a wonderful self promotion.

This 1977 movie had a great cast of actors. Such names as James Earl Jones as Malcolm X, Lloyd Haynes as Herbert Mohamad, Ernest Borgnine as Dundee, John Marley as Ferdy, Roger Mosby as Sonny Liston in minor roles. There are also cameos from Robert Duval, Paul Winfield, Ben Johnson, and David Huddleston. All this creative talent playing against Ali. Ali isnt acting, he is being himself...but himself works.

They skip over his religious beliefs in this film to focus on his career.

Lets be honest, the film isnt a great film..its music is wonderful. The film is minor in scope and its major starred cast.

This movie is for real boxing fans who love films like Rocky, The champ and Digsstown, this is great to add to the DVD film library

Bennet Pomerantz, AUDIOWORLD

I thought I was renting a documentary.......2003-03-30

Expecting to see a documentary of the great man I was rather surprised when I realised this is in fact a film starring Ali himself detailing what he sees as the key points in his life.

As the three stars indicates this film is a mixed bag. Ali does a solid job of portraying himself and the ever brilliant Ernest Borgnine does a good job as Angelo Dundee. The storyline is somewhat disjointed and seeing an old Ali replaying his youthful antics is only a limited success.

There are points in the film where Ali is acting like a prize ..., whether he intentional meant to show this or whether he still didn't realise considering it was still only 1977 when this was made I am not sure.

Like the life of Muhammad Ali himself there are some areas of the film which age very well whilst others already seem rather embarressing and will only get worse as time goes on.

Ali's risking prison by refusing to be inducted into the military is a great example of a principled stand, something that will never be diminished.

However the three stages of Ali's interest in women is an example of the rather dated attitudes of the day. First we have Ali with the white hooker, thankfully saved ...by the calling of Malcolm X. The not so subtle message of this encounter equating white women as basically [easy] who are there to tempt the black man from the righteous path is racist nonsense. Ali is then saved by the perverted ideology of the Nation of Islam as spoken by Malcolm X (bizzarely played by James Earl Jones) and their "blue eyed devil" hate filled speaches. Next he moves to a transitional stage where he is with a black woman who is swiftly got rid of once she dares to dress provocatively and heaven forbid is willing to talk, even flirt with the devil white man. Finally Ali gets the perfect girl, your classic submissive and virginal young black muslim girl who needs her parents permission to go on a date.

The scenes where Ali encounters racism is no more or less convincing than the usual Hollywood stuff. Ali looks all noble whilst some small time actor is paid to stand there and call him "boy" and generally give him grief.

All in all this is probably only going to be enjoyed by the Ali fan. As someone who is a huge fan of the man despite recognising his many shortcomings I found it interesting. Someone with a limited knowledge would perhaps be better off with the modern day Wil Smith epic.

ps. I noticed they didnt include Ali getting pole-axed by 'enrys Hammer (Henry Cooper) in London. Where only the quick thinking of Angelo Dundee ripping Ali's glove and thus stopping the fight for five minutes and allowing Ali to recover prevented him from losing. ;)

Chip Mcalister.......2002-11-17

Chip was excellent in this movie and I know what happened to him. I ran into him in San Clamente, Ca and ate lunch with him. He seems to be doing very well. Good actor and good guy. 11/16/02

Perfect for the hard-core Ali fan.......2002-07-12

To sum it up, "The Greatest" is not a very well made movie. There are a few very taltented actors in it, but overall the movie lacks that certain special somthing that a movie needs to be good. Most of the scenes are dull, long and drawn out. And i don't believe that Muhammad Ali was the perfect choice to play Muhammad Ali, he really is not a good actor. But I did enjoy the movie, because I am a huge Muhammad Ali Fan. Many that ive heard have tried to compare this movie and the recently released "Ali" on DVD. But you can't really compare the two movies. "The Greatest", even though it's not a very good movie, its does portray what happened in Muhammad Ali's life very well. But the movie "Ali" does not portray his life, It just portray's Muhammad Ali himself, not his life. So I would say that this movie is a must for those who want to know more about Ali. Then after wards, rent or buy "Ali" to understand Ali's mind. when you do that, you'll have a great understanding of what kind of person, what kind of things he had to go through, and a much higher respect for "The Greatest."

More compelling than ALI with Will Smith.......2002-01-05

The day after I paid to see the film ALI, starring Will Smith, THE GREATEST, starring Muhammad Ali (playing himself), showed up on cable television. I had high hopes for ALI and low expectations for THE GREATEST.

The better picture? THE GREATEST. That's not saying much (if you saw ALI), but if nothing else THE GREATEST is worth a look for Muhammad Ali's charming performance. THE GREATEST offers several compelling scenes, even if they don't add up to a coherent film, all anchored by the ever-watchable Ali.

Description

There is perhaps no person in the world who is more famous than Muhammad Ali. His picture hangs in the Smithsonian institution in Washington D.C. as well as on the walls of mud huts in underdeveloped countries that have never seen a boxing match.

Customer Reviews:

Muhammad Ali: the greatest.......2005-12-14

I was disappointed in this movie poor poor quality. skipped. its a shame because he is an was a great man.(i didnt see it before i gave feedback). passport did a poor transfer to dvd. there are better dvd`s out there.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Introduction to Muhammad Ali!
I AGREE WITH A VIEWER!
This is the DVD to buy
Memories of the golden era of heavyweight boxing
Great DVD value for all fight fans

Muhammad Ali - The Greatest Collection
Starring: Muhammad Ali , George Foreman , and Joe Frazier
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

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History | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

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45 Fantastic Fights of the Century
When We Were Kings
The Superfight - Marciano vs. Ali
Champions Forever: World Heavyweight Champs!
Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World

ASIN: 078311589X
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Muhammad Ali!.......2006-12-14

I AGREE WITH A VIEWER!.......2006-03-18

This is the DVD to buy.......2004-07-06

"Muhammad Ali, the greatest collection"

THIS IS THE DVD TO BUY

Memories of the golden era of heavyweight boxing.......2004-02-23

Great DVD value for all fight fans.......2003-08-07

Average customer rating:

Genuine, valuable time capsule
a Must have
Far Greater Passion than Will Smith's "Version" of the Ali

Muhammad Ali: The Greatest (Sub)
Starring: Muhammad Ali , Sonny Liston , Angelo Dundee , Jack Nilon , and Chris Dundee
Director: William Klein
Manufacturer: Facets
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
When We Were Kings
Muhammad Ali (Skill, Brains & Guts/In His Own Words)
A.K.A. Cassius Clay
The Greatest

ASIN: B00006LPD3
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Customer Reviews:

Genuine, valuable time capsule.......2004-11-07

William Klein presents more of just a collection of footage than a narrated over-blown documentary, the early days (right before the first Liston fight) then at the second Liston fight, then in 1974 in Africa, aned I like it that way. We're able to see raw footage, most never seen before, including video of the Beatles hamming it up with Ali (before now I've seen only photographs. Klein also takes us into a Harlem high school class where kids are discussing Ali, we meet the millionaire men who guided Ali's early career, and so much more which serves as a genuine, valuable time capsule.

Also here on film is Ali doing hismost peculiar bit: while in Africa, training, sometimes he'd pretend the sparring partner was Foreman, and that he was in the big fight, losing! He'd even go so far as to fall down twice, and be counted out! Then he'd get up and say 'just kidding'....Wow.. The man was SO CONFIDENT he would even tempt fate!

a Must have.......2004-09-20

Muhammad Ali always Moved me as a fighter&just the way the Brother spoke His mind.this Film was very direct&took clips over His Career mixed in with where He was.when it comes to Muhammad Ali you always watch if it's a Film or if it's a Book you read it. he is the Greatest.

Far Greater Passion than Will Smith's "Version" of the Ali.......2003-05-11

I respect Will Smith's moving, and brilliant portrayal of Muhammad Ali. Mr. Smith's performance and efforts truly warranted him receiving the oscar nomination which came from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts.

Having said that-and surprisingly enough since the director was Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Manhunter, Last of the Mohicans, Heat-and I can stop right there-those titles speak for themselves!)and Will Smith has a strong supporting cast-the movie lacked passion, zeal, and emotion. It ended up being a clearly staged movie, trying to cram an epic into a long film. The result was mixed at best, lacking in soul and spirit of the very man it sought to portray.

Usually its very difficult to have a person portray themself-and Muhammad Ali is not in the same league of acting as Will Smith. Nor does the movie, "The Greatest" have the immense supporting cast-though Ernest Borginine (Angelo Dundee) and others are noteworthy. However, the key to "The Greatest" is that the real people play themselves-they are just being themselves. The fights aren't staged-but are actual footage of the fights. The news conferences are the real drama, and the interactions with Ali are both real clips and recreations. Will Smith is a very funny actor-and it surprised me that the humor of Ali (and I mean the kind of humor that makes you laugh till it hurts)did not come out.

Seeing Muhammad Ali cracking jokes and seeing his humor is poignant-and an awesome experience. Seeing the real Bundini, its awesome. Now, I'm not saying the performances-in the acting since, or that the plot, in the Hollywood sense is strong. What I am saying is something that Bundini says in a clip from "When We Were Kings." To paraphrase, 'Muhammad Ali's life ain't no dang Hollywood movie...he's a real man, with challenges and obstacles to overcome, and unlike some script, we don't always feel good everyday, we gotta work hard at this thing to get it right, we gotta push ourselves to be the Champion for the People, and to not lose by taking it easy even when we want too.'

Product Description

Double feature: Muhammed Ali The Greatest and Ali & the Fighters. Show 1 is a biography of an enduring hero; Show 2 features a direct look at the 1979 film on the life of Ali plus rare footage of legendary fighters.

Average customer rating:

Duped

Muhammad Ali & Fighters: The Greatest
Starring: Muhammad Ali , Sonny Liston , Angelo Dundee , Jack Nilon , and Chris Dundee
Director: William Klein
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

African American Heritage | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Muhammad Ali: The Greatest (Sub)

ASIN: B00006I03V
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Description

There is perhaps no one in the world whose face is better known than Muhammad Ali's. His legacy is unmatched in the world of sports. This program tells that story, from his ups and downs in and out of the ring, to his ultimate resurrection as a great humanitarian. No stone is left unturned in this, the definitive biography of one of the world's most enduring and endearing heroes.

B&W/Color
Running Time: 55 min.

Customer Reviews:

Duped.......2003-07-15

This is NOT the Wiilliam Klein film, contrary to what is written above.

Average customer rating:

Muhammad Ali-the Greatest
Starring: Muhammad Ali-the Greatest
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

the REEL Ali
I thought I was renting a documentary
Chip Mcalister
Perfect for the hard-core Ali fan
More compelling than ALI with Will Smith

The Greatest [Region 2]
Starring: Muhammad Ali , Ernest Borgnine , Sally Bondi , Richard Gullage , and Arthur Adams
Director: Tom Gries , and Monte Hellman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
A.K.A. Cassius Clay
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Muhammad Ali: The Greatest

ASIN: B00005UPLF

Customer Reviews:

the REEL Ali.......2006-07-28

I thought I was renting a documentary.......2003-03-30

Expecting to see a documentary of the great man I was rather surprised when I realised this is in fact a film starring Ali himself detailing what he sees as the key points in his life.

Like the life of Muhammad Ali himself there are some areas of the film which age very well whilst others already seem rather embarressing and will only get worse as time goes on.

Ali's risking prison by refusing to be inducted into the military is a great example of a principled stand, something that will never be diminished.

Chip Mcalister.......2002-11-17

Chip was excellent in this movie and I know what happened to him. I ran into him in San Clamente, Ca and ate lunch with him. He seems to be doing very well. Good actor and good guy. 11/16/02

Perfect for the hard-core Ali fan.......2002-07-12

More compelling than ALI with Will Smith.......2002-01-05

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