Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19392 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-05-21
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Running time: 46 minutes

Amazon.com essential video
The greatest basketball player of all time gets an appropriate clip reel in this 45-minute documentary, which was originally released in the IMAX format. While you can't simulate IMAX's 80-foot-high screen in your living room, you can still get the thrills and awe-inspiring footage of this tribute to one man's talent and endurance. Much of the original footage was shot during the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. With great behind-the-scenes footage and terrific game material, the film gets close to Jordan in practice and on the court. And the film includes a number of greatest hits, including his commercials and most memorable dunks. Still, while there are intriguing interviews with everyone from former Bulls coach Phil Jackson to professional Jordan hanger-on Bob Greene, this film seems a little self-serving at times (Jordan's company coproduced it). Also, some key voices from that team are conspicuously absent, including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Ron Harper. In the end, however, it's all about the highlights--and Jordan's career (and his NBA finale) was one long one. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews

Do you have a big TV?
I mean, a really REALLY big TV? If the answer is no, then you probably shouldn't get this DVD/VHS. Make no mistake: MJ to the Max is an IMAX movie, and you'll be very disappointed when you see it at home. About half of the movie has these really annoying picture-in-picture shots, which take up maybe 25% of the screen, and made me feel like I was watching streaming videos on the web. I'm sure this "technique" worked fine on a 80-foot-high screen, but it definitely doesn't on a regular TV.

In terms of the content, the movie also disappoints. It's nothing more than a rehash of ESPN highlights, except that it is shot at awkward angles and further away from the action. Again, this may have worked on a huge IMAX screen, but certainly not on a regular TV. The movie also fails to provide any in-depth behind-the-scenes material.

My 2 cents: Save your money unless 1) you are a die-hard MJ fan, and/or 2) you have a really really REALLY big TV.

Jordan's the man, but this film is weak
I wanted to see this at IMAX, but didn't get to. I'm very happy about that now. I bought the dvd and I gotta say it's pretty weak stuff. Nothing new, same old stuff you heard and saw a million times in the latter part of Jordan's career. In short, this film is a dud. It's like reading a Sports Illustrated for kids that's just a "get you up to speed" type of thing. Lots of praise, no controversy. Where's the gambling, Isiah Thomas hating guy who gave his teammates hell? This movie is all sweet and no bitter and it makes for very boring material. If you want to see a real Jordan video, watch Playground or Airtime (which are said to be coming out on a dvd called "Michael Jordan's Ultimate dvd"). If you want some real insight into the real Jordan, read "The Jordan Rules." But don't buy this Hallmark card movie. Besides, those of us who remember Jordan back in the 80s and early 90s can tell you that he was much more exciting then. Even when he wasn't winning championships, he was more entertaining than this whole Lakers squad is now. But "Jordan to the Max" is nothing to get excited about.

Sensational
This is, in my opinion, the finest video/documentary on Michael Jordan. It is head and shoulders above all of the dunk'o'rama highlight fodder which fills all of the other Jordan videos.

The production values are top notch. The colours are vivid and the sound is crisp. The voiceover commentary is provided by Laurence Fishburne and sets the tone well. Because the movie was filmed using IMAX technology it has a wide view of the on-court action which allows the viewer to take in everything which is happening. The DVD extras are more of an afterthought and do not really bring much to the mix.

As I alluded to before, this film focuses more on Jordan's leadership and his burning desire to win, which is a refreshing change.

Jordan is one of my favourite athletes. It is nice to finally see a production which actually pays him and his abilities the respect he deserves. I highly recommend this film, even more so to those people who never saw him play prior to his comeback with the Wizards, as they will see him when he was at the absolute pinnicle of human skill and ability.