Flow
Winner of the X Dance festivals best film, Flow is possibly the surf movie of the year. The story of Al Merrick and Channel Island Surf Boards is an epic. Al has been pivotal in the development of many of the world’s greatest surfers and this is the story from pre Curren to Slater all the way to Reynolds, a must see packed with extras.
Oct/Nov 160
|
 |
Making HeadlinesThis is a suprisingly good little movie. Don’t expect anything groundbreaking though as you’ve seen the format a hundred times already. Making Headlines scores with some very sick surfing from the worlds best surfers at the worlds best waves, The Box is especially sick, if you want to get amped for a surf this is for you.
Oct/Nov 160
|
 |
Performing Monkeys
The long awaited British and Irish movie has finally touched down. Featuring everyone who is anyone in British and Irish surfing and filmed mostly in the British Isles it’s a must see for anyone in the our fair Isles. It is very performance orientated but with such a variety of spots in every country even the most soulful of surfer will get something out of it.
Oct/Nov 160
|
 |
Chapter
This movie is incredible, Dane Reynolds takes surfing up a notch and then off the dial. There is no filler, it’s slickly edited, has a cool soundtrack and will blow your mind. Dane himself helped edit it to make sure only the best clips got used and with a modest commentry from the ripper this is probably the performance movie of the year.
Oct/Nov 160 |
 |
Pipeline masters
Another great documentary from the makers of Dogtown and Riding Giants. Pipeline Masters is the definitive history of the most famous wave in the world from pioneering first sessions all the way to the modern day. Every contest is documented with interviews and blow by blow accounts of the best encounters, a good movie.
Oct/Nov 160
|
 |
Images from the road
‘From butchers to builders’ is the opening narration of Images From The Road, which encapsulates what true surfing is about and who takes part. It ain’t all Johnny Hotrods sponsored to the knackers with Stepford Wives girlfriends. Take your board, chuck it in the back of the van, pop on some mellow tunes and find your spot. ‘Images’ pays homage to surf movies of the past and a feeling of kicking back and cruising along the coast with a camera and a full tank of gas. Surfers such as Joel Parkinson, Gary Elkerton and Mick Fanning are amongst some of the riders that are captured along the coast of Australia. A nice little production which gives you itchy feet and the urge to sack off work, hit the road and keep rolling.
Sept 159
|
 |
Storm Riders
An all time 80s classic for any surf connoisseur, Storm Riders is brought to you by David Lourie, Jack McCoy and Dick Hoole and spans five continents. From the opening credits, as The Doors play you in, you know you’re in for a mac daddy treat. Filthy pits and lay back barrels greet you around every corner and you can do nothing but stare in amazement at MR’s (Mark Richards) silver wetsuit (stick that in your pipe and smoke it Slater). See seriously big Bells fire its tits off, Shaun Thompson getting shacked off his melon at J-Bay and Gerry Lopez kicking butt at G-land, while managing to enjoying the klacker fest. Combine all this with the smallest, tightest boardshorts known to mankind, a sprinkle of topless 80s chicks and you’re in for a winner baby.......So go on, the 80s weren’t that bad, dip in and enjoy riding the storm.
Sept 159
|
 |
Miles to Surf
‘Miles to Surf’ spans the wide historical and spiritual journey which covers the many facets of surfing, and what it means to those people. From the originators of the Hawaiin sport, to riding the wake of tankers for over 4 miles in Texas, to lone river surfing, this film has it all. The tidal bore surfing expedition by Gary Linden in 2003 to Porroroca, Brazil is not to be missed, not only to see them tackle the waves, but also deal with river crocs and piranhas. Cruise with Elijah Mack, president of the river surfing association to deepest Zambia as he gets laid back pits in the craziest places. A great little production that shows you don’t have to have the beach on your doorstep to get amongst it.
Sept 159
|
 |
Ultimate Sessions
Another line-up of retro sessions brought to you by OP for all you hot doggers out there to enjoy, whilst sat on your bean bags with a hooker-pipe full of that wacky backy malarkey. Ultimate Sessions brings some of the all time classic surf sections on one DVD. Jeff Hackman from Hal Jepsen’s (R.I.P) Cosmic Children, the all time Classic Morning Of The Earth featuring some early sick footage of Uluwato and a soundtrack straight outta hippieville man. There’s footage of Tom Curren, who avoided visiting South Africa during the appartete, visiting J-Bay in 1992 and fine tuning it like a long lost friend. The DVD finishes on a section from modern classic September Sessions featuring the strumming of Jack Johnson. So if you’re not rich and wish to have a piece of each pie then this is the puppy for you.
Sept 159 |
 |
Destination Point
This film directed by Josh Power really is a class production. There’s footage of Mexico, Hawaii, and Indo but a large amount of it is filmed in California. Flea, Peter Mel and the crew take on a recent monster swell that hit Mavericks, while Slater, Fanning, Ratboy and Curren amongst others, take apart Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara and some secrets as well. WCT new boy Bobby Martinez freesurfing at home is a real treat to watch and a mention has to be given to the underrated Pete Mussio who has all the tricks and surfs with real style. It is difficult however, to pick out any particular highlights as Destination really is such a high quality film. This movie will remind you exactly how sick the set-ups in America really are.
Aug 158 |
 |
Groms - Class of 2006
The standout aspect of this DVD has got to be watching Bethany Hamilton. To get back out there and shred on a shortboard after her much reported shark attack, makes the Mitchell brothers look like total pussies. The footage is mainly shot in Hawaii but don’t expect to see anywhere too heavy. You can’t fault the talent of these young whippersnappers and Clay Marzo, Ezekiel Lau, Alana Blanchard, Granger Larsen and friends will no doubt be gracing the pages of surfing mags worldwide over the coming years. Unfortunately the snippets of the groms talking is extremely irritating and skipping those bits would definitely be recommended on the third or fourth viewing. An inspiration to all groms, but approach this film with care if you are over the age of 15 and find teenagers in general irritating!
Aug 158 |
 |
Shades of Bali
The cover of Shades of Bali gives it the look of a laid back flick - more lifestyle than action, but never judge a DVD by its cover. There’s no doubt this film has ‘soul’ but there’s nothing chilled out about the endless footage of Bali’s reefs firing on all cylinders. Videographer Pete Matthews has been documenting the surfing, surfers and landscape of Bali for five years. The film focuses on local legend Rizal Tanjung and his crew, with plenty of footage of visiting pros like Jamie O’Brien, Taj, Mikala Jones and Dave Rastovich. The action is interspersed with commentary from all these guys giving you a really good idea of what surfing in Bali is all about. Buy it, especially if you are thinking of visiting.
Aug 158 |
 |
The Hub
This film is certainly one for longboarders and focuses mainly around the area of Noosa Heads in Queensland, Australia. From the off, this film is totally mellow with quality footage of surfing and gentle guitar music to get you in the mood. It concentrates on the many personalities who surf this area, people such as Ashley Lloyd, Jacob Stuth and Jimy Newitt who make a regular pilgrimage to this spot. The surfing on display is what you’d expect from the longdongers as they cruise through the sections making it all look so easy. But it’s not all Noosa. The super long lefts at Raglan make you just want to go surfing and there’s also footage from Malibu and Hawaii. Definitely not one for those who like their action fast and furious, but if you fancy a mellow trip and you are a longboarder, then this is up your street!
Aug 158
|
 |
Sacre Bleu
Brought to you by O’Neill and described as a surfing adventure, this film documents a girls’ surfing odyssey as they take in such wave rich destinations as Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico and Indo. Primarily featuring Rochelle Ballard and Melanie Bartels, as well as a host of other women who rip, the film captures the essence of what it takes to push the boundaries of women’s surfing. Some of the action in Sacre Bleu is top drawer and it’s good to see the girls really let fly. My biggest gripe about this film is that for the money (£17) the film only lasts 23 minutes, making it an expensive purchase for what you get. Still, it’s well put together and the action is good but maybe the price needs looking at.
July 157
|
 |
Puerto Rico Underground 4
What more can be said about the Mexican Pipeline that is Puerto Escondido. Well enough I assume, otherwise they wouldn’t have brought out this fourth installment in the Puerto Underground series. Featuring on this DVD you’ll see some of the best surfers (Brad Gerlach, Rob Machado) in the world tackle this beast as well as heading down the coast to find other world class waves. Some of the footage in this film is sick as it’s shot from land, sea and air and the film manages to capture the feel of surfing down this way. And there’s a stack of DVD extras such as longboarding and advice on how to cross the Mexican border. Definitely one to watch!
July 157 |
 |
|
Separate Volume
Twisted tunes including the Beasties, Clash, Rolling Stones, (how they paid for those royalties I will never know?) Murder City Devils and the Kings Of Leon make this feature kick mofo ass even if you listen to the soundtrack alone…..Nathan Fletcher is a nutter, Chris Ward is off the Richter, proving why he is considered one of the best surfers in the world plus there’s Dustin Barca, Brian Conley, and the rest of the Oakley team including some bonkers footage of Shane Beschen. This is definitely worthy of the pre-surf-pump DVD collection…..Insane water footage and premo cutting room production have turned this into a bad ass DVD. Oakley have pulled the rabbit out of the bag and its 80ft high and dressed as a Mexican wrestler, watch it and own it!
July 157 |
 |
Drive Thru South Africa
The quality of the films in the Drive Thru series has been consistently high and the South Africa leg is no different. Rookies Noodles and Losness join the usual reprobates: Pat O, Benji Weatherley and Donovan Frankenrieter in this adventure, all under the watchful eye of legend Pottz. Durban beachies, classic J-Bay and a sharky secret spot are the order of the day, with ostrich riding and the usual arsing about in between. The beating Pottz takes when he falls from his ostrich is particularly memorable along with the race to get to the beach when a fin is spotted in the line-up. Buy this film and the whole Drive Thru series. In fact, can I have them all in a boxset please mummy?
June 156 |
 |
Letting Go - Kelly Slater
As Carly Simon once sung ‘Nobody Does It Better’ and this seems to be the case when referring to old golden boards himself, the man just won’t go down. Experience one of the most exciting years in pro surf history following Kelly through the epic waves of the dream tour. This DVD documents every peak and trough as he pursues his long awaited seventh world title eagerly hunted by Andy Irons. Sit back and say “how the f*** did he make that? And get the low-down on the supposed ‘rivalry’ with AI through in-depth interviews with Slater. This DVD is packed with extras and overall this is a very polished production. A must have purchase of surfing’s true master who is still sat proudly on his throne. Could he make it eight this year?
June 156
|
 |
Log From the makers of From This Day Forward, The Cast and Arise comes Log, a Travis Karian Film starring amongst others Noah Shimubukuru, Dino Miranda, Kanoa Dahlin, Bonga Perkins, Mikey Detemple, Rocky McKinnon, Joel Tudor and many more. Travis Karian takes you on a fun-filled journey through the full spectrum of waves. Locations include: Hawaii, New Zealand, Mexico and Costa Rica. The combined footage of heaving Pipeline, tropical Costa Rica, along with ride-along camera work at San Onofre and Huntington Beach paint a playful picture that captures the essence of where today’s surfers have taken the ancient art of wave riding.
June 156 |
 |
Creepy Fingers
If you like Volcom movies then this little beauty won’t disappoint. Stylish, edgy and in an art house style with a pumping soundtrack and of course the whole of the Volcom team ripping, it’s a sure fire keeper. It’s hard to encapsulate the film in a short space like this but it’s awesomely shot with cutting edge surfing, interesting interviews and lots of snails. Ozzie Wright’s section is sick although The ‘Goons of Doom’ are an acquired taste. The other sections flit from Tahiti to Indo to Cali to Hawaii with some Oz and NZ chucked in for good measure. The whole movie culminates with a mental Bruce section and at a total of 40 minutes plus, this movie is an absolute gem. On top of all that you get a bonus soundtrack CD.
May 155 |
 |
The Dream Tour
Matt Gye is a master filmmaker, responsible for Taj Burrow’s signature films, he certainly knows how to weave frames of celluloid together. Now couple that with the most exciting WCT year we’ve had and you have all the ingredients for a sweet little movie, and this happily delivers. The film is simply put together and features each contest as it happened. The early rounds are put to music and mixed up which is good, and then the important heats and finals are shown wave by wave. There’s also some insightful sound bites which add to the general atmosphere and it’s just downright interesting to see the whole tour event by event. If you’re interested in the ‘CT and want to see stacks of sick surfing, then get this movie, you will not be disappointed.
May 155 |
 |
Get in the Van
I love it when a movie drops on your lap that you don’t really know much about but turns out to be a belter. Already nominated for best underground film of the year in the States, Get In The Van is refreshing in both content and editing. The movie is primarily shot with East Coast Americans, up around New York, Maine and up into Nova Scotia. There are heaps of waves you’ve never seen with good surfers and an excellent soundtrack and some of the winter swells shot in deep snow are sick with Hossegor style barrels unloading in 3 degree water. Perhaps the coolest sections are those shot in Ireland. There is a bit of British interest in there as well with Ian Battrick getting a filthy little barrel in Puerto. The DVD isn’t available in the UK but can be purchased through their myspace site, www.myspace/getinthevan.com.
May 155 |
 |
January 10
January 10 is a documentary about the world of big wave riding. Featuring an all star cast of elite watermen and a plot that explores the world they call home. A look into the beginnings of this sport reveals a spiritual connection everyone who witnesses can attest to. It’s an interesting film although it doesn’t really break too much fresh ground history wise though. January 10, 2004 marked the day that not just one or two teams of surfers, but at least twenty, two man teams of dedicated watermen joined forces to ride what previously went unridden. If you’re into the tow thing then without a doubt it is worth a look if not look away or watch Enders!
May 155 |
 |
Sol Sirens
Sol Sirens is a Surf Film with good intentions - a group of surf girls, some professional, some amateur, travel around the world looking for waves. Unfortunately, filmmaker Ashley Carney has produced a movie that is neither an informative travel guide nor inspirational surf movie, with too much focus on lifestyle and the girls’ philosophy and not enough surfing. The girls visit some of the world’s most beautiful spots but too much time is spent listening to Carney’s ‘all American girl’ ramblings. In the limited surfing that does appear, there is some great footage of longboarders such as Kassia Meador and Belen Connelly but this plays a supporting role to an unnecessary amount of annoying chat.
May 155 |
 |
All Aboard the Crazy Train
Any film which stars Laird is definitely going to have one thing: big waves and this great DVD has tons of them. The story of this film is quite simple; it captures Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and Darrick Doerner charging massive waves at Peahi on Maui during the winters of 2004 and 2005 when it got big, really big!
Beautifully shot and as interesting as surf films get, this shows the trio not just towing into big surf but attempting stand-up paddling into 12ft+ waves as well as showing us how far they’ve come with their hydrofoil fins which appears as if they’re floating on water. So if you’re after a surf film which you’ll view again and again then this is great but it’s well expensive so shop around.
Mar 153
|
 |
Fair Bits
The much hyped DVD from the minds of the film-makers at Bong and the ever innovative Taj Burrow. First off it isn’t a whole film but a collection of individually produced shorts from directors like the Malloys and Taylor Steele and starring everyone from Taj to AI to Kelly to Ben Stiller. Some of the shorts are better than others; the wavepool gear of Taj, Parko and Trent Munro destroying the artificial surf in Malaysia is cool, and Kelly and Taj getting towed in on bits of furniture is amusing. But the real gems are the short film featuring Ben Stiller as a beer swilling local dealing out abuse at his local beach and the final section of Taj doing tow-ats in WA filmed from the chopper. The last section makes the film.
Mar 153
|
 |
Passion Pop
Another film from Bong and this is a must see for anyone who is in the slightest bit interested in progressive surfing. Introduced by Wade Goodall (inventor of the Passion Pop) it’s a surfer by surfer look at the Bong international team. The opening section of Jordy Smith, one of SA’s hottest rising stars is insane, the kid punts and charges all over the place. Other sections focus on fast rising Aussies such as Laurie Towner and James Wood plus action from Occy. However there is a noticeable absence of Parko but that’s because his signature vid Free as a Dog is about to hit the streets. The film reaches a climax with ballistic sections from AI and Taj doing exactly what you’d expect, a cool soundtrack makes this a must own.May 153 |
 |
Curren, Trial to Title
Tom Curren is without doubt one of the biggest surfing heroes produced by the sport. Now deemed the old man of the sea, he is still in many ways, style and grace personified. Curren is a living legend whose career has spanned from the early 80s to the present day. This DVD covers his domination of the 80s to him bowing out and re-emerging after taking stock of life and continuing to dominate as the enigma who he has become. Gaining three world titles, Curren has etched his way into the rich fabric of surfing’s history. This is a great production covering a true legend who let his surfing do the talking and the bullshit do the walking......big up the Tom, long may you rule.
Jan/Feb 152 |
 |
Teahupoo 9/11 and Sunday Bloody Sunday
More Chopes madness, all filmed and directed by the creator of Blackwater and Maydayz, Tim Bonython who is once again on hand for the latest installment of the Teahupoo story. This time the film is produced as two movies about two swells which were a week apart and again raised the bar in Chopes performance. It’s slickly produced, well filmed and full of serious action in fact exactly what you’d expect from Mr Bonython. The rider interviews and voiceovers are as always very interesting and informative and both movies are cool little shorts. However, if you’re getting tired with Teahupoo then you’re going to snooze off during this one I think.
Jan/Feb 152 |
 |
Paradox
Oakily dokily so now that bad boy winter is well and truly here, this throws up a number of options to all you wet water warriors but snowboarding could well be the puppy for you. Paradox has insane filming, bitching airs and a crazy ass mofo soundtrack. There are more varials and positions than a Texan whorehouse and more powder than a weekend with Pablo el Escobar. With some seriously mental helicopter footage and untracked Russian terrain, what more could you want in life! There’s loads of twisted moves by Mads Jonsson and some hardcore skating by Fredrick Austbo which make this production a whole can of whoop ass...so get praying for the snow to dump.
Jan/Feb 152 |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
DVD Reviews 2007 
