Step Into Liquid (2003/Lionsgate DVD)
Picture: A- Sound: B+ Extras: A Film: B+
Dana Brown’s Step Into Liquid (an essential 2003
follow up to the classic The Endless
Summer) is not a movie about surfing, but rather a movie about surfing as a
way of life. It would seem that to some
surfing is not just a passion, but rather a way in which they reach inside
themselves and find out who they are in the overall rhythm of the world. Without surfing they would be unfocused
individuals probably working for FedEx in the middle of Nebraska or something
like that.
The film has a nice angle
in which it deals with surf addicts and their reasoning’s for being so
passionate about how they spend their free time. Of course it wouldn’t be as effective if some
of the biggest names in the surfing world were not a part of this, which they
are giving credibility all around. I
suppose you could say that since a popular surf movie happens almost as
frequent as Haley’s Comet, that these people better take the opportunity when
it comes to be part of the surf movement via motion picture.
Everyone needs an escape
in their life, for some its golf, for others it’s a relaxing weekend skiing,
but then for some it’s hitting the waves.
I suppose for some it’s the local Cineplex or your own mini home
theater, which is exactly the way to experience Step Into Liquid with its appearance to DVD courtesy of Lionsgate,
though this set was an Artisan release at the time of the original posting of
this review.
This is a 2-Disc DVD Edition,
with the film being presented on both discs, disc one being a 5.1 Dolby Digital
mix and 1.85 X 1 anamorphic transfer, while disc two contains the film in High
Definition, also presented in a 1.85 X 1 anamorphic transfer with 5.1 Dolby
Digital sound. Disc Two contains the
Window’s Media High-Definition Video, which is only playable on DVD-ROM’s with
the correct system requirements.
Both transfers look
stunning with all the visuals one would expect from this type of movie. The High Definition version offers more
detail and better color contrast giving a more life-like feel. The 5.1 Dolby Digital is pretty standard
since it combines interview footage, music, and actual surfing footage mixed
together for some interesting sound design.
The mix on the High Definition version is identical to the one on Disc
One.
When it comes to certain
programs the making of material can become too trite, but documentaries like
this are always worth checking out how they were made. There are plenty of extended scenes, deleted
scenes, and behind the scenes presented on this disc to keep you entertained
for quite some time. This is almost like
an extension to the film, rather than just some junk pulled together. Not only that, but there are actual surf
lessons with Wingnut and Maureen and the making of a surfboard with Robert and
Sam August.
The goodies do not just
stop there! Those were most of the fun
features, but there are also extras that involve more of the production and
multiple angles plus music montages. By
far this is one packed DVD set, with a little bit for everyone in it! Disc Two also contains some other extras, but
is designed for DVD-ROM only. Even the
full Kelly Pro Skater video game is available to be played via Disc Two!!! When Artisan was designing this double set
they certainly knew how to stun fans by delivering everything they could to
make this film worth owning in all categories!
The quality and quantity of this edition far surpass my expectations!
Usually spectacular
programs like this are designed by IMAX, but this is a program that goes far
beyond what anyone might expect and not only that, this is from Dana Brown who
put things into motion many years ago with The
Endless Summer, but now returning with technology that is able to go beyond
what was done before, this film captures the spirit of surfing in a way unlike
anything up until this point!
Read more about the
Blu-ray version at the following link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7086/Step+Into+Liquid+(2003/Lionsgate
- Nate Goss
