Search - The Real: Rucker Park Legends on DVD

Don't expect Highlights!

Bargain Hunter | Modesto, USA | 05/31/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"As a straight forward, no frills documentary offering historical insight into the importance of Rucker Park and its namesake, I give this title 5 stars. However, this video is virtually devoid of highlights. If you are interested in hearing stories of how great these players were (without video proof), this is the video for you. I expected to see video footage. I didn't see one "helicopter" move, Ron Artest is shown talking to one of the legends (after he hangs up his cell phone), and Julius Erving is only shown in an interview, not in action. Again, if you are interested in hearing the recalled oral history of the park, you will simply adore this DVD. If you want some footage interlaced with the proclatmations of how great a player was, skip this title! Moreover, this title should not be in the category of sports documentary - it should STRICTLLY be listed as oral history. I once knew a guy who could jump from the free throw line, do 3 360's and dunk the ball with his elbow - believe it - although I can't seem to make this computer upload the video proof!"

Excellent Documentary

ZANZIBAR | Diaspora | 04/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary might very well be the best work ever done on inner city basketball. From former pro legends like Kareem Jabbar, Dr J, and Connie Hawkins to underground legends such as Earl (the Goat) Manigault & Joe (the Destroyer) Hammond.

I met "The Goat" in the late 70s when I was playing with the Bronx Gaucho's in the "Goat" tournament. The "Goat" was refing at the time. Meeting the Goat was like meeting royalty; like meeting the King of a Nation (honestly).

I remember seeing Joe play in a tournament where he hit 30ft bank shots all day and tapped dunked sitting on someones back. This documentary not only introduces the Holcombe Rucker story but it tells the story of the Harlem Rens and other basketball icons of the 1930s Harlem Renaissance. Interviews with Hammond, Hawthorne Wingo, Dr J, Kareem and the old timers were superb. I can't say enough about this DVD, it far exceeded my expectations. I know major cities like Chitown and LA also have an inner city underground lore, but N.Y.C. is the Mecca and this DVD represents this to the fullest. Many thanks to the producers and everyone that made this DVD possible. It will give all viewers an education on inner city basketball on the East Coast."

Unfortunately Boring and Unwatchable

Vini G. Diliddo | Gloucester, MA USA | 12/07/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I Love Hoops! Usually anything basketball satisfies me, but I expected SOME action here and there was none! Respect for the legends of the game and for the Ruckers history, but it's impossible to not sleep through this one."