Life Of Ryan – The Complete Series (MTV DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episodes: C+
Is it me
or does reality TV trivialize even the most interesting stories? Ryan Sheckler became a major skateboard star
at 17 years of age and in this time, three seasons of a reality TV show called Life Of Ryan (a pun on the sitcom
classic Life Of Riley, and MTV
should not deny it) were produced. The
formula of slick editing, formula of formula approaches and restaging of actual
conversations is more obvious than ever.
It can get melodramatic, but in this case, the subjects seem authentic
enough to survive that.
Young Mr.
Sheckler has to survive the unfortunate divorce of his parents, continue to be
a big brother to his siblings, have a life with friends and handle female
relationships that become increasingly difficult as he becomes more successful
and the motives of who wants to be with him becomes increasingly
suspicious. Then there is his skating,
which is impressive and he handles things like a gentlemen, which is a
plus. However, when all was said and
done, a serious documentary approach would have served all of this better and
painted a better portrait of these events.
Still, half a record is better than nothing and it will be interesting
to see how this holds up when his career and life is five years later in.
The 1.33
X 1 image is pretty consistent throughout with some aliasing errors at timers
and is shot on low def digital video.
Color is consistent and locations are a plus. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is location
audio with the staged parts noticeably clearer.
The later episodes are barely clearer than the early ones. Extras include 3 Music Videos, but sadly not
much more.
- Nicholas Sheffo
