Review of UFC: 3 & 4

Introduction

Although the concept of inter-disciplinary fighting tournaments is one that was conceived way before the inaugural UFC, the concept hasn`t always been a success. Anyone brave enough may be tempted to track down pro wrestler Antonio Inoki`s "bout" with Muhammad Ali. But it isn`t recommended.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, therefore, deserves a lot of credit for organising, promoting and popularising the event to the point where, twelve years later, there have been over 50 UFC events.

The premise is this: fighters from disciplines such as boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, karate and ju-jitsu are locked - one on one - in a octagonal cage with the mission of defeating their opponent by making him submit, making his corner throw in the towel, or by forcing the referee to stop the match. Almost anything - except for eye gouging and biting - goes.

In this 2-disc set we have UFC 3 & 4, interesting in their own right to note the development from UFC 1 & 2, and to show how much mixed martial arts (MMA) has flourished as a sport since its UFC beginnings.

Video

Presented in 4:3 non-anamorphic PAL, the visuals on this DVD set are relatively disappointing. However, the problem lies not with the DVD transfer, but the quality of the source material. Having viewed an original recording of the event in the early 1990s, I am sorry to say that this is as good as the early UFC events are going to look. The production values of the original UFCs were a world away from what they are now, and anyone expecting WWE-esque lighting, pyrotechnics or even camera-work will be somewhat taken aback.

However, whilst the production values are average at best, this will not spectacularly hinder your enjoyment of the event. What it will do, however, is make you glad that UFC learned from their mistakes and soon brought their presentation up to 1990s standard.

Audio

Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, audio on this disc set is good, but nothing to write home about. There is little stereo separation in the track. Interestingly, on occasion we can hear each combatant`s corner give instructions as he competes. Such comments are infinitely more intriguing than the poor commentary; only words from martial arts expert Ben Perry save the day.

Features

Disappointingly, there are no extras contained on this DVD set, which is a tremendous shame considering that UFC is relatively new to the UK. A short documentary regarding the origins of MMA, or about any of the fighting disciplines would have been a start.

Conclusion

Although there were spurts of exciting action in UFCs 3 & 4, there was not enough to make this MMA fan want to go for a repeat viewing. Whilst the attacking style of Harold Howard & Keith Hackney was exciting, the more dominant combatants (Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn & Royce Gracie) were much more methodical. Whilst it is impossible to question in particular Gracie`s technique - or his status as one of the all-time MMA greats - his matches are often low-action, mat-based stalemates.

Also, with each event lasting almost 90 minutes, and yet each match lasting on average just over 2 minutes, it is fair to say that there isn`t as much action contained on the DVDs as one would hope. Post-match, we are shown several different replays highlighting the action, which often feels like we are watching the bout all over again with different commentary. Admittedly, this is the peril of live TV & non-scripted action, but even the fighter profiles are much too short to build any anticipation for their fight.

Overall, this is a reasonable DVD set which, if it intrigues you, will sadly only leave you wanting more.