7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Looking back on a year packed with explosive mixed martial arts action, this collection of memorable Ultimate Fighting Championship matches rounds up the best bouts of 2008 and stacks them together in one convenient package. From mettle-tested world champions defending their reputations to title-hungry rookies on the rise, these are the most exciting and entertaining battles the UFC has to offer.
Starring: Mike GoldbergSport | 100% |
Martial arts | 61% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 2.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The increasing popularity of UFC has had a profound impact on the sport of mixed martial arts. I began watching UFC back when it was a tournament that brought together some of the greatest fighters from various schools of martial arts, and had them battle through one opponent after another within the same night. It made for grueling entertainment, as the no-rules bouts often led to bloodied opponents and the occasional broken bone. Above all, it was spectacular to watch men beat fighters twice their size through sheer skill (that’s right, I’m referring to the Gracie family) and prove that fighting involves a great deal of finesse rather than strength. But alas, those days are over, and in their place we now have rules, padded gloves, and a weight-class system meant to even the playing field. I’m not saying the UFC has lost its charm, I’m simply saying it’s a new beast, requiring the learning of multiple fighting disciplines to become as well-rounded as possible. Whether you prefer the old UFC or the new UFC, there’s still something to be said for inviting over a big group of buddies, stocking the fridge with beer, and kicking back to watch your favorite fighter defend his belt.
I'd hate to run into Silva down a dark alley...
Presented in 1080i utilizing the VC-1 codec (at an average bitrate of 35Mbps) UFC: Best of 2008 looks surprisingly good on Blu-ray. Simply put, nothing elevates the enjoyment of a sporting exhibition like high-defintion. Having suffered through years of watching old UFC tournaments on VHS, followed by years of buying UFC events on highly compressed pay-per-view, this is finally the way MMA was meant to be viewed. Every drop of sweat or blood is clearly visible on the face of the fighters and I was impressed with how easy it was to read the fine lettering of the sponsor names on the shorts of the opponents. Colors are completely natural, and accurately reflect the hues digitally captured with various high-definition cameras placed around the ring. I only have two minor complaints about the video quality of the feature. First, I noticed a slight bit of aliasing from time to time on the Bud Light sign in the middle of the ring (nothing terribly distracting, and won't deter the overall viewing experience). Second, though it's not the fault of the transfer, there are occasional shots that appear out of focus immediately when the fight switches to a new camera angle. Since this is a source issue, it can't be helped, but it's still worth mentioning if your considering picking up this Blu-ray set.
Note: taking screen captures of 1080i material containing fast movement has an unfortunate tendency to create blurring or blocking that doesn't accurately portray the viewing experience. I've done my best to include shots that demonstrate the visual clarity, but there may still be some shots that contain some nasty blocking or blurring in certain areas of the screen (where movement is present).
The only audio offering on the disc is a measly English Dolby Digital 2.0 track. I keep hoping UFC will eventually catch up with other sports with the use of audio equipment that puts you square in the middle of the action. Football has implemented this in recent years, and I doubt it would take much to place some decent audio equipment over or around the octagon. As it stands, you can make out some faint sounds from within the octagon that are picked up in the background of the announcer's microphones. I've never been a big fan of the commentary by Joe Rogan or Mike Goldberg, but I've grown accustomed to their constant chatter throughout the fights and the audio track reproduces the dialogue with sufficient clarity. Overall, this is an entirely unremarkable audio experience, but it mirrors the quality most fans have grown accustomed to on pay-per-view cable.
Top Five Knockouts (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 3:37 min): There are three knockouts presented in this supplement that aren't included in the main feature, making this an inclusion that's well worth your time.
Top Five Submissions (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 4:26 min): Considering the lack of submission finishes in the main feature, I was excited to see three finishes not included as "best-of" fights, but still given the credit they deserve as extras on the disc.
Behind The Scenes (1080i, Dolby Digital 2.0, 31:34 min): This lengthy featurette includes interviews with fighters, coaches, and other prominent figures in the world of mixed martial arts. The majority of the discussions analyze the strengths and weaknesses of several UFC fighters, and offer a brief background on the fights featured on the disc. If you're an avid UFC fan, you'll find a lot to like in this extra.
Lastly, there's a brief commercial for the UFC: Ultimate Comebacks Blu-ray (presented in 1080i).
If you're a UFC fan, don't hesitate in picking up this disc. I'd seen the majority of the fights included on the discs, but found a great deal of entertainment value in watching the fights for a second time (especially in high-definition). Nothing can replace the adrenaline-fueled experience of watching a given fight for the first time, but a second viewing allows you to appreciate the fight on different level, by focusing on the strategy and mistakes of each fighter. Considering the quality of the video presentation and the budget price of this set, I'm recommending this release to anyone with even a faint interest in the sport of mixed martial arts.
2009
1993-2009
Mir vs. Lesnar
2009
2009
1990
15th Anniversary Edition | Director's Cut | Includes Theatrical Cut DVD
1999
1982
1985
1979
2006
2006
Remastered
1976
2008
2011
2017
35th Anniversary Limited Edition
1989
2010
2012
2005
2011