Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

I just want to be a decent human being.

Until Michael Vick came along, there was another Mike associated with many most-hated-in-sports lists: Mike Tyson. However, Tyson is also one of the most interesting figures in sports history, if not the most interesting in boxing. While many accept a life in the ring, we're not all that sure what drives someone to bite someone's ear off and/or tattoo one's face.

Tyson might not fill in all of the blanks, but it's an interesting and sometimes awkward look at the life of one of the greatest boxers ever -- from the man himself. In 90 minutes, we get to relive some of his golden moments through footage, all while Iron Mike kicks back on his leopard-spotted couch pillows and waxes poetic (and even weeps) about his life and career.

Director James Toback (who directed Tyson briefly in Black and White) does his best to humanize Tyson, but he's almost as tough outside of the ring as he was in his heyday. Tyson talks about his sad upbringing, his rape conviction and stint in prison, and his time with Don King, who he calls a "wretched, slimey, reptilian motherf---er." Can't argue with him there, can you?

We want to be on Mike's side for some of the movie. After all, he was one of the greatest. He's also one of the weirdest. In fact, the part where Tyson talks about his fascination with women just doesn’t do the guy any favors; saying it’s creepy is being polite. Still, the guy paid his debt to society and has certainly mellowed over the years. Tyson allows him to show a side that we're not even sure that he's ever seen. Watching this hulking, aging man spar with his demons is downright sad, but still unbelievably fascinating.

The Picture

Tyson's 1.85:1 transfer is a bit of a mixed bag. The film features a lot of stock footage from fights and interviews in the '80s and '90s. These moments look slightly better than Evander Holyfield's ear, but they are fleeting -- and essential to the story. The rest, which is mainly a lot of close-ups on Tyson's sad face, is nothing short of stellar. All of his facial features show exceptional detail. Those eyes certainly speak volumes and his face tattoo? Well, we don't know what the heck that says, but it does look very good here.

The Sound

Again, when it comes to vintage footage, the sound is hard to spruce up. The Dolby TrueHD track doesn't help all that much, and those moments where we should hear the roar of the crowd are often drowned out by the film's soundtrack. However, this film is all about the dialogue, which is delivered well. That's a good thing, too, because despite Tyson’s lisp, you'll want to hang on every word.

The Extras

If Tyson is the main focus of the movie, director James Toback seems to be the star of the special features. "A Day with James Toback" starts out sort of interesting, but the guy's life is no 24. In 16 minutes, we hear him talk about what motivated him, why Tyson fascinates him, why he chose certain camera directions, and how he wanted to portray "the Mike Tyson who wants to reveal himself." Then, it sort of falls apart when he starts doing interviews, which includes TV/radio host Adam Corolla's podcast. "Iron Mike: Toback Talks Tyson" and "James Toback on The Big Picture Show" also intertwine footage of Mike and questions asked to Toback. Unfortunately, there are no outtakes or even bloopers, which would have been a nice touch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you love or hate the man himself, Tyson is a good movie. Perhaps his memory and career will be forever tainted by his escapades outside of the ring. However, this film allows Mike to strip off some of that iron and show a different side. Draw your own conclusions on whether you sympathize with the former champ, but Tyson does provide a first-hand peek at an extremely fascinating figure.

Product Details

• Actors: Mike Tyson
• Director: James Toback
• Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English), Stereo (English)
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, French
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: R
• Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: August 18, 2009
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• List Price: $39.95
• Extras:
  • Commentary with Director James Toback
  • A Day with James Toback
  • Iron Mike: Toback Talks Tyson
  • James Toback on The Big Picture Show
  • BD Live