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Video Reviews (update
10.05.04)
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed in the video review section
are strictly those of the author and do not represent the
opinion of Ride Skateboards.
 Thrasher
- Rocket Science- Although Thrasher
may make a solid magazine, let's face it, their videos have
fallen distinctly short of groundbreaking. Rocket Science
follows a similar format, seeing as there is a fair bit of
solid skating, but you can find better in other videos. This
video features a fair bit of Sacramento footage, a Consolidated
tour, a slam section that will undoubtedly make you cringe,
several individual parts, and a bonus feature that covers
the Wallenberg showdown pretty thoroughly. Underdog Jeremy
Reeves' footage is definitely worth checking out. Omar Salazar
is easily one of favorite ams, and although the footage crossover
from 411 #55 was a bit suspect, his segment is probably my
favorite segment of the video. My only serious complaint about
this video is the pulling of Ernie Torres' footage (who, on
a side note, I met recently and found to be really nice guy).
It appears that Ernie's ender spot was replaced by Silas Baxter
Neal who, despite the fact that you have never heard of him,
has some seriously good footage. Perfect kickflip shiftys
and an "after black hammer" back Smith should keep you psyched,
even if the music is 50% distortion. Once again, while this
video may not change your life, I don't see why it shouldn't
be worth $16. Apparently, not every skateboard company is
out to rob us blind on their video prices.
Digital - Sane
- I was a first introduced to Digital around two years ago
(Billy Marks and Paul Machnau blew my mind) and, surprisingly,
I have not been let down since (despite a part from an underage
fellow who's name rhymes with Keckler). This release (number
11) is perhaps my favorite to date. Joey Brezinski claims
first part and if you've seen his footage in Who?, then you
know he has perhaps the best manuals in the business (no exaggeration).
Even though Flip was too stupid to put Alex Chalmer's footage
in Really Sorry, Weiss apparently dropped some green and it
wound up in this video.and it's very good. Underground boys
Kurtis Colamonico and Casey Rigney have very impressive parts.
In light of his soured reputation, I figured that Jason Jones'
career was about over. Well, he's apparently been filming,
and has come up with some top-notch footage. I haven't been
so into him in the past, but I was feeling this part, and
that's not to mention that he skates to Karma Police. I haven't
seen much of Jayme Fortune in a while. He's always been a
decent skater, but nothing particularly to speak of. Take
his part in Opinion for example, yeah he had some good stuff,
but it was nothing memorable. Well, he's obviously been skating
incessantly since and his new part is nothing short of incredible.
Jayme Fortune does tricks I've never seen, much less even
thought of. Go buy yourself a copy of this video, I'd do the
same if I had any money.
Vicious Cycle - Right
of the bat, let me say that I have only watched this video
once, and I did so over a month ago, so I may be a bit shaky
on the details. Vicious Cycle is an independent project featuring
Zered Bassett and his homies. As you most likely know, Zered
Bassett is ridiculously good. I sometimes wonder if there
are any tricks that the kid can't do. However, the most noteworthy
part in this video definitely falls in the hands of Harold
Hunter. I've seen lifestyle photos of Hunter for years and
always thought that it would be fun to actually see some footage.
Well, guess what, I take all of that back. We probably have
several kids come into the shop every day who could out skate
him. Harold, you have my vote for number 1 gimmick pro in
the industry. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but this is absolutely
ridiculous. If you're thinking about picking up a copy of
the video, don't, because you can download it for free at
www.officialnewyork.com.
Sugar Sports - Landing
Primo First off, I love the name
of this video. I think that it's darn hilarious. I was also
pleased to see that it's only priced at $15. Yeah, I know,
you're probably thinking, "Who is Sugar Sports and why should
I care?" Sugar Sports is a board company run by a fellow named
Marko Jazbinsek, who also rides for Grind King and Autobahn.
The video features Marko, along with five other skaters who
you have probably never heard of: Pablo Favella, Chris Blazek,
Ricky Fox, and Billy Roper (if you have heard of any of them,
then you have probably heard of this guy). Landing Primo has
the feel of a local video; however, the skating is more than
likely far superior to anything being done where either of
us lives. Would you like an example? How about Ricky Fox doing
nollie big spin heelflips to backside noseblunts? Granted,
the video is by no means phenomenal, but it is very good.
If you're interested in some solid skating, a video that's
easy on your pocket book, and supporting the little guys,
then go pick up a copy.
411VM #65 This
is a strange one. Not only is this issue good for a 411, but
it's solid by industry standards as well. When you don't expect
much, as 411 has trained us to do, your expectations can only
be exceeded. This is a good video. Chris Pastras and Jason
Lee host the issue, providing the foundations for what is
unofficially "The Stereo Issue." The two mildly aged pro skaters
put on various alter egos; which is amusing and shows that
they were having a good time making the video. The highlight
of the video is undoubtably Clint Peterson's Rookie segment.
I knew that the man was smooth, but this is unreal. There
are also bits of footage from Jason Lee, who doesn't seem
to have lost a step in his style. This video is a worthwhile
purchase, honest to God. Well done, 411.
Emerica - Kids in Emerica
The case to this here DVD proudly blares something
to the effect of "Just another crappy tour video? Hell no!"
This is a rather strange proclamation, considering that 80%
of the video is demo footage. That's not to say that the demo
footage is not good, these gentlemen can obviously put on
a good show. However, it does seem rather silly to market
the video as something that it is not. Many of you will be
psyched on the video's closing montage, which features the
usual homozygous slew of handrail/stair footage. The bonus
section features a fair bit of street footage left off from
the feature, which is always nice. Kids in Emerica is a video
with 20 minutes, multiple demos, a million frontside flips
(a la Andrew Reynolds), the biggest frontside bluntslide I
have ever seen, and a price tag that reads $12.50. Although
it's nothing incredible, I would vote that it's worth the
asking price.
Pit Crew - Where I'm From
- Pit Crew is a shop from Maryland
that has long balanced a roster of big guns and unknowns.
The most recognizable names in this video include: Bobby Worrest,
Pat Smith, Jake Rupp, and Sean Mullendore. To be frank, "Where
I'm From" is a shop video through and through. By this I mean
that the skating is mediocre, the editing standard, and the
spots are repetitive (PULASKI!). However, I would not feel
that the video had been reported justly were I to leave out
a few stand-out segments. Pat Smith rolls out the red carpet
with the opening piece. I haven't seen much of the fellow
since his drop from the Label roster (aside from a brief part
in 411). The man is definitely still on top of his skating
and attacking obstacles from a different perspective. While
Patrick sets the pace of the video, it is Bobby Worrest who
is crowned with the "last part". Bobby's footage is good,
very good; however, I remain convinced that what's here is
only the surface of his abilities. Watch the man's feet. Even
when he ollies, it's easy to tell he's got his board perfectly
under command (another great example of this, even though
I'm not particularly a fan, would be Bryan Herman). That's
not to mention that his best footage is probably being hoarded
by Gonz for the Krooked video. In conclusion, the new Pit
Crew video is long as a result of the extensive team list,
fairly predictable (although, as I mentioned, there are a
few gems), and not quite worth the asking price...but once
again, it is a shop video.
Transworld - Subtleties
- After the fallout resulting in The Skateboard Mag, I wasn't
entirely confident that Transworld would pull through on this
one. However, TWS does still employ local man Jon Holland
and the video wastes no time breaking into signature Transworld
mode. I suppose that my Pat Duffy "comeback" expectations
were a bit high and although his segment is decent, my hopes
of seeing massive backside Smiths were in vain. Although,
it should be noted that Duffy's filming was interrupted by
a broken arm, so the lack of footage is to a degree understandable.
I'm not sure if I can excuse the last trick though, which
was a massive gap ollie that was already used several years
ago in a Think promo (Free At Last). The exact same footage
was used here and I can only assume that we're supposed to
devour it as something new. Kyle Leeper, although plagued
by a slightly odd style, possesses a ridiculous amount of
control over his 7 ply. I'm talking about some seriously bizarre
P.J. Ladd type tricks. Stefan Janoski closes the video and
is as precise and stylish as ever. It seems that he has traded
in his go-to nollie frontside flip for the switch nosegrind
180, which he is a bit too good at. Remember his Etnies ad?
The one with the stupidly big switch flip over the double
set? Well, that's in here as well. Well done Transworld, I've
already bought my copy.
Static 2 - I was excited
about this one for quite some time. First of all, the website
is awesome (static2video.com). Second, I own the first video
(yes, it is indeed called "Static") and was psyched to see
what else Josh Stewart had to offer. Finally, and this was
the primary reason, is that most of the featured skaters live
under the shield of obscurity and on the rare occasion that
I do come across coverage, it is inevitably creative. My favorite
segments go to Paul Shier, Kenny Reed, Ricky Oyola (holy crap,
was that last trick even possible?), Rich Adler (although
everyone in the Philly Four piece kills it), and Bobby Puleo
(style, yes indeed). Here and there the video runs a bit long
and the music is akward at times. Nevertheless, Static 2 is
a much needed break from the cookie cutter handrail videos.
Well done Josh, the innovation displayed in this DVD is inspiring.
This video is worth every penny and then some.
Volcom - Chicagof -
As a general rule, I believe that skate videos should focus
upon the skateboarding. In light of this, segways often slow
down the pace and affect of the video. I'm sure that plenty
of folks would love to jump at this opportunity, wave their
hippie flags, and claim that these videos are "artistic."
Well, that's wonderful, but I don't feel like paying $25 to
see another time sequence of pigeons and a skyline. I want
to see skateboarding. Although it is unmistakeably reminiscent
of their advertising campaign, this video has too much in-between
nonsense for me. That is, of course, not to mention the music,
much of which arouses the desire to stab myself in the chest.
For the sake of pointing fingers, what in the world is that
jibberish accompanying the pool section? Even Brian Kelly
could stand it. To Volcom's credit, they do have a roster
of A-listers. So, despite the oddities and the short supply
of footage, what's there is on point. Darrell and Busenitz
pull through particularly well. Dustin Dollin also has a part,
which is fun. I was disappointed with the Rowley coverage.
Let's be frank here, when I see Rowley's name on a video I
want to see some of the ferocity I'm used to. I feel safe
in saying that many people would probably agree with that.
Rowley's footage is limited to a mini-ramp; and yes, I know
that what he has here is incredible, but it wasn't what I
was hoping for. His five foot transition segment would have
fit beautifully into DVD bonus footage. However, I'm not confident
that it did the job in closing the video. Although this review
is primarily negative, the video itself is not a bad buy,
just keep in mind that there are much better buys to be made.
Why
Wesley likes to Review Videos?
VIDEO REVIEW ARCHIVES
Krux - Blown Out
411VM #64
The
Firm - Can't Stop Limited Edition
Carolina
Love
411VM - Tampa Pro 2004
Anti-Hero
- Tent City
Sk8Mafia Skateboards/Sushi
Wheels Promo
5boro - Word of Mouth
Thrasher
- Beers, Bowls, and Barneys
Satori
- In Search of Roots and Culture
411VM
#63
Thrasher
- King of the Road
Foundation
- That's Life
Cliché
- Bon Appetit
Foundation
- European Tour Video
Bootleg
- Side B
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