Review of WWE: Viva Las Divas

Introduction

Here at DVD Reviewer, I`m extremely grateful that someone else has decided upon the phrase "Special Interest" as a means of describing this disc, because I would still be struggling with that one. A synopsis is easier: this is a behind the scenes look at a sports-related still photography shoot. Easy for me to say! What is less difficult to ascertain however, is that the WWE Divas DVDs (of which Viva Las Divas is the 6th incarnation) are successful, which should ensure that we have plenty of further opportunities to define the genre.

On this occasion, the photo shoot is taking place in Mexico, a new experience for many of the women involved. What we get on this disc, then, is a combination of each Diva telling us about her experiences in Mexico, about what it is like to work with the other Divas, and about the picturesque surroundings, to mention but a few topics. As well, of course, as "making love to the camera", as it is humorously suggested at one point.

Hosted by The Coach in his always-the-fall-guy role, there isn`t much more to tell you about this DVD`s main feature. The DVD cover is the giveaway: each girl in a bikini is pretty much what you are going to get on the disc, too.

Video

The DVD is presented in 4:3 non-anamorphic PAL, and is more than acceptable for a DVD of this genre. As with most WWE DVDs, this transfer is only slightly better than one would expect from a digital television broadcast.

Audio

Similarly, the DVD`s audio track - in this case a Dolby Digital 2.0 track - is basically what you would expect from a regular stereo track from digital television. There is very little left/right seperation, however.

Features

This DVD is somewhat of a rare case in that the extras actually outlast the main feature by several minutes. There are a couple of moments of humour, such as The Rock`s tale of what happened when Diva Lilian Garcia worked in a sperm bank. Some will even find black humour in the "wedding ceremony" of Lita to Kane. However, much of the rest of the extras are appalling. Pillow fights, bikini contests and Hallow`een costume events are no more than a cheap thrill for the predominant 18-34 male audience watching in the arena or at home. This is not to mention the "match" featuring Dawn Marie & Torrie Wilson taking on the Fabulous Moolah & Mae Young, the latter two of whom are both 81 years old.

Conclusion

Although of course there is always going to be appeal for well-toned babes in the aforementioned 18-34 male demographic, it is still difficult - if undeniable - to understand the success of these WWE Diva releases. Viva Las Divas plays out like a film version of a men`s magazine: pose for the camera & maybe offer generic answers to a couple of basic questions for the article. To be fair, the main feature is quite short at 74 minutes, which is probably short enough to keep your attention if you are a Divas fan. Still, with the extras under particular scrutiny, to many this DVD will play out like an excuse for near-nudity from exploited model-wannabes.

Pillow fights indeed!