Cert: 18

Length: 120mins (VHS) 300mins (DVD)

After last weeks reviews of the new UFC compilations this week, I was able to watch what was hyped as one of the biggest events in UFC history. So I was really looking forward to getting my pen and paper out to review this one especially with the card which included, Newton, Hughes and Liddell topped off by one of the biggest fights ever Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz for the UFC Light-Heavyweight title.

The event took place last year in the states so for those unlike me who have already witnessed it we can now see how the live event to home video release transfer went. For those like me who are have not seen the event, we get to end the months of anticipation by finally having the chance to see the long awaited action.

Highs and Lows

The major highpoint of this release which I consider the most important aspect of the DVD/VHS, was the card for the event itself. One of the first times I have seen all my favourite fighters on the same card. Coupled to this with UFC trying to make this event the biggest ever, every fighter was up for it and trying to raise their game as at the time the widespread publicity for the event was huge.

UFC had done a brilliant job with this event as it was treated like the WWE treat Wrestlemania. Everything from the celebrity host Joe from Fear Factor, to extra fireworks to celebrities in the crowd (included Bradshaw from WWE) and the impressive presentation. The main event was hyped like a Mike Tyson boxing fight with lots of interviews and video packages running up to the main event featuring Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz.

This release I feel will be a big one for UFC video as it will appeal to cross over fans from the world of Wrestling with Ken Shamrock being a huge name in the WWE in the late nineties. So they will want to see how his return to UFC went and what he has been up to since leaving the WWE. Added to this during the event it was announced that former WCW Wrestler Tank Abbott was to come back to the UFC where he started so lots for wrestling fans to be interested in. I think these factors will hook the wrestling fan but after they watch it they will be very impressed with the UFC action they see and I feel it may convert many fans.

The creation of a UFC home video is very hard and varies from event to event. Like with UFC 36 for instance you can have all your matches finish with early knockouts or submissions though at the other end of the scale you could have all the matches going the distance. I like to see a good mix which was what UFC 40 had to offer there was a lot of good varied fighting going on which wasn’t over in the blink of an eye but you also had good knockouts and submissions.

The Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz fight after watching I feel will go down in history I won’t spoil it for those of you that don’t know what happened but it was truly a history making moment in the UFC which is always good to own on video. Like I say though there is also a very strong under card to keep you very entertained could Matt Hughes make another successful defence of his title? Could Carlos Newton get back to winning ways? And could anyone stop the Liddell rampage? All of these important questions were answered at UFC 40.

On the low side perhaps I feel the UFC could of gone a little more Hollywood although this I feel is what UFC are trying to escape. There were many celebrities in the crowd I would of liked to see them interviewed on their thoughts and one thing I would love to see on UFC events is backstage footage of the fighters before and after the fight especially with the Ortiz/Shamrock match being so important.

DVD Extras

Overall

I think this is the best release by UFC so far and I feel this is the closest to perfection they will get but maybe future releases will prove me wrong. Again I would personally splash a few extra pounds for the DVD version as again they have done a fantastic job with the extras. Whichever version you get though there is more than enough to keep you entertained.

Points: 9 / 10

Adam Sibley

Buy It:

UK: £24.99 (DVD)