Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro's MURDERBALL is an inspiring documentary, which proves that physical limitations are no match for the human spirit. For the determined quadriplegic men who participate in the dangerous sport of "quad rugby," it's more than just a game: it's a chance to prove themselves in a much bigger way. With armored wheelchairs and enough macho energy to overcome any challenge, the players engage in a violently physical game. The charming but intimidating Mark Zupan was angry and suicidal after a car accident relegated him to a wheelchair. He regained his confidence and spirit by becoming both a player and the spokesman for quad rugby's Team USA. Zupan's militaresque rival, Joe Soares, is a former star for Team USA who headed north to coach Team Canada when he was cut from the US team in 2000. Concentrating on the buildup to the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, the film introduces other awe-striking figures--young men who have risen to the challenge of the game time and time again. As the days build to the inevitable showdown between Team USA and Team Canada, Rubin and Shapiro fill the screen with story after story, prodding the audience to swallow their own individual stereotypes and appreciate the efforts of these extraordinary men. The magic of MURDERBALL is that it never feels preachy. Rather, it entertains as much as it enlightens.

THEATRICAL RELEASE: JULY 8, 2005 (LIMITED)

DVD Features:

Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Featurette:
1. MTV JACKASS WITH ZUPAN
2. GREATEST HITS
3. KIDS QUESTION PERIOD
4. KEITH GETTING HIS CHAIR
5. Update On Players
6. LIFE ACCORDING TO ZUPAN
7. Charlie Rose Special
8. MURDERBALL: BEHIND THE GAME
9. CNN Exclusive LARRY KING LIVE
10. Sundance Footage

Dana Adam Shapiro: Director, MURDERBALL (2005)
Henry Alex Rubin: Director, MURDERBALL (2005)

Dana Adam Shapiro: Director, MURDERBALL (2005)
Jeffrey Mandel: 

Dana Adam Shapiro: Director, MURDERBALL (2005)

"[T]he ferocity of competition displayed in the film's full-body immersion in wheelchair rugby trumps any high-powered gamesmanship you'll find on reality television."
"It's original, outrageous and murderous fun."
"[With] an intriguing cast of characters, dramatic tension, accomplished cinematography, equal parts humor and pathos, and a spirited story of overcoming huge obstacles....MURDERBALL brilliantly captures the intensity of the little-known athletic competition."
"MURDERBALL is rarely downbeat or maudlin. Chiming with the maudlin bravado of many of the players, a forthright, straight-talking tone predominates."
"[T]he filmmaking is as strong as the subject matter, with an elegant structure."
5 stars out of 5 -- "It's full of dramatic moments and free from pious sermonising."