The Ultimate Ali Collection
Film Reviewed by Kam Williams

The Ultimate Ali Collection
DVD Review by Kam Williams

Headline: Ali Career Revisited via Classic Bouts and More on 3-Disc DVD

Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 152 minutes
Studio: Genius Productions

Muhammad Ali was much more than ’The Greatest’ boxer of all time, he was also a defiant international icon who captivated the world by articulating the feelings of the oppressed underclasses. He was an unusual sports figure in his day, being an outspoken conscientious object willing to offer an opinion on civil rights and the Vietnam War (Ain't no Viet Cong ever called me ’nigger’). And while the government moved swiftly to strip him of his heavyweight crown, it was never able to shut him up or take away his dignity.

The Ultimate Ali Collection is a boxed set comprised of three

DVDs: Ali Rap, Ali’s Dozen, and Ali 65. Ali Rap, narrated by rapper Chuck D, revisits his career via tributes from an eclectic assortment of luminaries including Sly Stallone, Reverend Al Sharpton, Diane Sawyer and Ludacris.

Ali’s Dozen focuses on the pivotal round in 12 different fights which best help highlight Muhammad’s brilliance inside the ring, where he exhibited a guile and grace unmatched either before or since. This disc is also hosted by D, and features interviews with his opponents and eyewitnesses of these legendary bouts. Ali 65, narrated by Jeffrey Wright, is a celebration of the enduring icon’s 65th birthday, and takes a fond look back at his life with the help of many who knew him.

Augmented with The Thrilla in Manilla and The Rumble in the Jungle, adds up to the perfect present for any Ali fan.

DVD Extras: Interviews with Chuck D and Angelo Dundee, The Rumble in the Jungle (Ali vs. Foreman), The Thrilla in Manilla (Ali vs. Joe Frazier), Ali vs. Cleveland Williams, Ali vs. Ernie Terrell, Ali vs. Zora Folley, Ali vs. Jerry Quarry, deleted scenes timeline, 1960 Olympic Gold Medal Match, Cassius Clay vs. Ziggy Pietrzykowski of Poland, and a Chuck D music video entitled ’Ali Rap.’