Review of UFC: 5 & 6 - Return of the Beast / Clash of the Titans

Introduction

In this 2-disc DVD set of UFC 5 ("Return of the Beast") and UFC 6 ("Clash of the Titans"), you would be hard-pushed to find any two more contrasting cards. Undoubtedly, UFC 5 had taught event producers Semaphore Entertainment a vital lesson: for all the ability of ju-jitsu master Royce Gracie, the ground-based attack that he employed in his UFC 5 "Superfight" with Ken Shamrock was turning viewers away, and killing the UFC product from the inside. To counter this, UFC 6 referees were encouraged to break up stalemate situations to avoid boring time-limit draws. Secondly, an array of strikers (read: disciplined kickers & punchers) were drafted to the UFC in the hope that this would allow for more fast-paced, high-impact contests.

Held on 7th April 1995 and 14th July 1995 respectively, UFCs 5 & 6 were decisive moments in history not just for UFC, but for the sport of mixed martial arts. Semaphore`s strategy had paid dividends…

Video

Video on this release is presented in standard 4:3 non-anamorphic PAL. Whilst this is an acceptable transfer for a DVD of this genre, some viewers may be disappointed by the relatively soft image here. This is a legacy of the original telecast, which was not produced with the same wealth as one might expect from a WWE event.

Audio

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and is more than acceptable for a DVD of this genre. Although the commentary from Bruce Beck, Jeff Brown & Jeff Blatnick often lacks detail, at least they are well heard. Viewers paying close attention will often hear interesting comments coming from the fighter`s corner, often giving more insight into the bout than the aforementioned commentary.

Features

Unacceptably, there are no extras whatsoever within this set.

Conclusion

Some martial arts purists may tell you that, with more emphasis in UFC 6 on striking & brawling, some of the great art form of mixed martial arts was lost. In response, I would urge those people to attempt to watch UFC 5`s Gracie vs Shamrock bout without the aid of the fast-forward button. Yes, it was that bad. Certainly, what David "Tank" Abbott & Paul Varleans lack in grappling discipline, they make up for in fervour & excitement, and it is that which draws the crowds, and that which makes people buy DVDs.

There are several commendable performances on the UFC 5 card which, frankly, are lost in bile that was Gracie vs Shamrock. UFC 6, however, will leave you feeling much more fulfilled.