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Warren Miller's Journey Through the Decades Box Set
Shout Factory // Unrated // September 28, 2004
List Price: $59.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Introduction
I started skiing when I was 5 years old. It began innocently enough in the mountains of North Carolina at a resort named Ski Beech. Admittedly, I used to actually hate the family ski trips, and for the first couple years I did everything I could to have a miserable time on them, in hopes that it would convince my Dad to stop dragging us out into the cold 4 or 5 times every winter. That was 1984.
I'll be going to Salt Lake City on business in two weeks. I've got my computer, my suit...and my skis.
People with this kind of love for the sport of skiing are the exact audience being targeted with Warren Miller: Journey Through the Decades. This 4 disc set is jam packed with some of the best footage ever filmed in Warren Miller's 7 decades as a skiing film maker. The title of the set is rather appropriate considering that two of the films are from the 80s, one from the 90s, and the last from the new millennium. A wide range of content, style, footage, and (as always) locations are offered up in all four of these films making them a truly international representation of the best that Warren has to offer.
Unlike many other sports film makers, Warren Miller (hereinafter, WM) films have a very personal touch inserted by the man himself in all of his films. This is most notable given the fact that he narrates all of his films. Warren adds a sense of humor that is unlike many serious film makers, and he doesn't hesitate to add in a dry quip here or there at the expense of the athletes he is shooting. You can also usually spot a segment or two in which Warren is seen slushing down the slopes himself, as he is not only a ski film maker, but also an avid skier himself. The mix of incredible footage, incredibly talented athletes, dry observations, and a never-ending list of locations are what make WM productions so very special.
The format for almost all WM films is to have a series of vignettes clumped together into a feature film length video. This being said it would be impossible for me to go over every aspect of every film in this collection, so instead I will just hit on a few of the highlights of each thereby leaving some of the viewing experience unknown and a surprise for you when you buy this set.
Steep and Deep
This was the first Warren Miller film I ever saw, and amazingly (although it was released in the mid-80s) the footage and dry wit of Miller still holds up today. This is actually a good film to place in the first slot of the set because it has a nice mix of pure skiing, comedic "slopeside" scenes, and a nice mix of other extreme sports footage. This film is also wrought with superstar appearances. The opening sequence features the "Godfather of extreme skiing" Scott Schmidt cascading down a precipitous grade on the side of a mountain at high speeds. Later in the film the Maher brothers (Scott and Phil) make a cameo, along with an entire segment dedicated to the Jimmy Huega (former Olympic champion) fund-raising efforts for multiple sclerosis. The film also highlights the kind of star power that Warren himself holds, as he is able to have a day of skiing with the (at the time) reigning queen of Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova.
Steep and Deep is arguably the best illustration of the real key to success for WM films. It is clearly displayed in this film that any productions headed up by Warren are aimed at focusing more on the skiing lifestyle than the actual physical act. For example, of the roughly 25 vignettes in this movie, only a handful is just pure skiing footage. Whether it's the heart-warming tale of Jimmy Huega and his fund raising efforts, or the hilarious slow-motion documentation of the "pond splash" in Winter Park, CO in which participants try to ski across a small pond of what is clearly sub-zero water, Miller shows his viewers that skiing is a lifestyle choice that consumes anyone who's ever put on the boards and slushed down the slopes.
Highlights:
- A montage of everyday skiers attempting to simply reach the mountain on what is an ice-glazed hill to the lifts. Notice the poor dog...it's worth a laugh.
- A look at the hair-brained skiers of Mt. Snow, Vermont where standing up while skiing is just too much effort.
- Similar to the ice slipping, a piece on the always overlooked job of the lifties at a beginner lift. Is it possible that so many people can fail miserably at getting off a chair lift?
- The Telemark (skiing downhill on nordic skis) Moguls Championship from Breckenridge, CO. A mixture of serious and recreational competitors make this an interesting competition.
- Boardsailing from Mt. Hood, OR. While the similarities to skiing are unmistakable, who else would think to put a summer sport in a skiing film?
- A touching piece on a small girl who tugs at the heartstrings of all who witness her drive to ski...when she is barely able to walk.
- Amazing skiing action footage from locations including: Sun Valley, ID; Sugar Bowl; Michigan; Wannick, New Zealand; Snowbird, UT; Nagano, Japan; and Jackson Hole, WY.
Special Features consist of:
'Birth of Extreme': Highlights Scott Schmidt and how he was the Godfather of extreme skiing.
'Jimmy Huega': Chronicles the life of Olympic skiing medalist who has Multiple Sclerosis.
'Quad-Quad': In depth look at pro ski jumping. (Nissan Big Air) Highlighted by Matt Chojnacki Quad Quad
'Big Wrecks': Self-explanatory.
Ski a la Carte
The date on the box of this selection says it was made and released in the 1980's, but I honestly have a hard time believing that to be the case. Ski a la Carte looks and feels like a retro film, all the way down to the authentic mustaches sported by many of the men filmed for the action shots. This offering gives the most evidence of its age, mainly in terms of the video quality, but also including the title sequencing, and the aforementioned appearance of the performers. The vignettes on display seemed to me to be a bit longer than most WM features, and therefore went a little more in depth with the story lines related to the stories. One rather interesting piece was on the sport of "snow skating" which, in essence, is what is now modern day snowboarding. This was, of course, before the snowboard was even really invented. Warren did not disappoint again in terms of star power, showing footage of races from Mammoth Mt. in California featuring the Maher brothers (Steve and Phil) who were arguably the first ski racing stars America ever had.
All critique aside, this film hits on all the standard WM cylinders; skiing footage from around the world (including France, Greece, and Israel?!) intertwined with more personal stories including the chronicling of the "3-track Ski Championships" for handicapped and amputated skiers. It is evident that at this point in Miller's career, he had yet to truly master the sardonic wit that would later define many of his films. With all that said, here is the rundown...
Highlights:
- Telemark contest from the slopes of Breckenridge, CO.
- The women of the Copper Mt. Racing team are given a chance to show their stuff.
- The World Freestyle Championships (both aerials and land tricks) sponsored by Midas are archived from Nordic Valley, UT.
- An inside look at ski jumping from one of the tallest ski jumps...in Michigan.
- Mt. Hermon, Israel is given what is likely it's first and only time on an American distributed film. The ineptitude of people who dwell in the desert trying to maneuver in snow is good for a few laughs.
- Still more amazing skiing action footage from locations including: Sun Valley, ID; Mammoth, CA; Squaw Valley, CA; Calgary; Kirkwood; and A-basin.
Special Features consist of:
'Challenged Athletes': Handicapped skiers.
'Outlaw Air': Freestyle skiers; mogul runs with big airs.
'Alternative Sports: A look at some of the alternative sports that WM films cover.
'Vail Ski Patrol': A day in the life (including a look at their 4-footed companions).
Endless Winter
As I was watching the third film in this set of four, I began to wonder about how these types of films are financed. I mean, you have to go to a variety of rather exotic locations. You have to get athletes (in most cases) to perform their craft, not to mention their need to eat and sleep. Then of course there are the cameramen who "make it all happen." Sounds pretty expensive in my opinion...so how do independent film-makers afford all of these things? Well, two minutes into Endless Winter it was clear who bankrolled that project. A footage heavy film by WM standards, this offering had about as many shots of a Nissan Pathfinder as it did of skiers. Not to say it distracted from the film itself, but it was a little said to see Miller sell out. Of course, I'm sure they waved a pretty hefty sum of money in his face, so I can't say that I blame the guy.
The draw of this film is undoubtedly the action footage. The globe is literally spanned, and it is to Miller's credit that so many locations are chosen, giving this film the most international film of any I've seen...which is a very high compliment. He still manages to mix in the usual traits of stars (AJ Kitt for example), comedy (an entire vignette is dedicated to the plight of two young snowboarders trying to gain entry into a "skiing only" man-made indoor hill in Tokyo...no action footage is ever gleaned), and of course a good 5 minute segment of idiots trying to get off the chair lift. The star of this film (aside from the vehicle) is the myriad of backdrops presented in very sharp color and contrast.
Highlights:
- Skiing with the "ladies" of Heavenly mountain in Lake Tahoe, CA.
- A big aerials contest held in Breckenridge, CO.
- The racing series entitled "Dash for Cash" held in Keystone, CO where the round-robin style tests both speed and endurance.
- And of course, the list of locations: Blue River, BC; Stowe, VT; Biskul, Austria; La Paz, Chile; Jackson Hole, WY; Vail, CO; and Valdez, AK.
Special Features consist of:
'Southern Hemisphere': Skiing locations in the Southern Hemisphere that you might not have known existed.
'Splits': What is a WM film without footage of people falling?...a fake!
'Weird Sports': A simple piece that tells a long story, as "alternative" sports are a medium Miller has supported for decades.
'Ski Kids': Pretty self-explanatory.
'Winterstick': Footage of early snowboarders riding what they called a "winterstick"...idiots.
Journey
It is obvious to me that none of the films are more aptly titled than Journey, and Miller is aware of that as well. This offering is Miller's most recent, and it begins with a shot of him in the sound booth preparing to do the audio for the film. His age is evident, yet his voice unmistakable, and as if on cue he opens the film with his usual wit before throwing it to some incredible skiing footage...as he has done so many times over the years. The footage is yet again the central focus of this film, showing an evolution on Miller's part away from some of his staple footage of skiing life and more towards the footage itself. Fear not though, as Miller still has the standard comedy and scenes from the world away from the slopes.
Never one to shy away from change, Miller has evolved with the sport and has not fought the introduction of the snowboard, the "shaped" ski, or the onslaught of terrain parks that have taken over so many resorts here in America. Several spots in this film address those very topics including a look at the new style of young skier who spends as much time in the terrain parks as on the blue and black runs at their local resort. As always, the star power is evident, and this time it is in the form of Tommy Moe and Bode Miller, both Olympians. The international feel is present as well with one segment following a trip of two extreme athletes through Marakesh, Africa as they ski, snowboard, and kayak all in one day. The impact of the local people is felt and well conveyed through the camera. Worth mentioning (and a 'must see'!!!) is footage of an aerial glider who takes to the sky as a parachutist would, but ultimately opens up his arms to reveal a Wile E. Coyote-esque webbing that allows him to sail close to the cliffs and steeps of a mountainous region. It is truly a site to behold.
Highlights:
- Glen Plake waxes poetic about how he has been able to do what he loves his whole life, and why his hair is 3 feet off his head.
- The Nissan Ride and Rails competition from Breckenridge, CO is shown.
- Barefoot water skiing in Montana, where it is (as you would imagine) a bit chilly.
- A retrospective of Craig Kelley, the unequivocal "Godfather of Snowboarding" who died doing what he loves.
- And who could forget the locations!: Chile; Chamanie, France; Cordova, AK; Copper Mt.;Valbruna, Italy; and The Canyons, UT.
Special Features consist of:
'Aspen- Back in the Day': Old footage of Aspen skiers.
'You Can Ski There?': A look at all the wild places WM Films have been...a list too long to attempt to recreate here.
'Winter Olympians': A look at the many Olympians that have appeared in his films, including the aforementioned Moe and Miller.
'Craig Kelly: The Godfather of Snowboarding': An Athlete Profile.
The special features also have 6 different athlete profiles which basically consist of an interview with the athlete where they discuss how they got into the sport, what it means to them, and what the future holds. Spot-lighted athletes include: Barrett Christy (Pro Snowboarder), Ben Dolenc (Pro Telemark Skier), Jessica Sobolowski (Pro Skier), Rob Kingwill (Pro Snowboarder), Seth Morrison (Pro Skier), Glen Plake (Pro Skier).
Video
Due to the time gap between the actual shooting of these 4 films, it should come as no surprise that the quality varies greatly. Also not surprisingly, you will find that the more recent films have a better overall look to them with sharper edges and more colorful hues than the older, more washed out films shot in the 80s.
The obvious aside though, the video quality is quite high for these films, which is of utmost importance for a sport like skiing. Being able to read depth and consistency of snow can make the difference between a standard sno-capped (and therefore white) backdrop, and one that is filled with a variety of different topographical intricacies. Miller's films set the standard in its ability to show depth through angle variety and just overall shot selection. For all intents and purposes, it is the video quality that makes or breaks this series, so while it is not exceptional, I am happy to report that it definitely is the top of the line for this genre.
Audio
The basic style for all four of these films is narration over pictures and often times music. Unfortunately, I found that in many instances, the music overshadowed the narration, making that particular audio track hard to hear. I fiddled with the audio settings on my TV to ensure that this wasn't user error (and I even watched the series on a different TV altogether) but the issue remained. This is a pretty major oversight on the part of the distributor (yes, I believe it was the re-release of the DVDs that is the issue, as earlier versions on VHS I've seen proved to balance out those tracks evenly) as Warren often makes comments in the middle of scenes and shots that you would not expect, and when you can't hear them it is a loss for the viewer.
I probably only noted that error because I have prior experience with many of Warren's films. The casual observer or first time viewer may not have noted it because the actual soundtracks to all of these films is very extensive and is usually in tune with the time period that the film was shot. Songs are selected tediously to match up with the type of action that is occurring on screen. A variety of music genres grace the screen in WM pictures, and this truly adds to the comfort level Warren tries to develop between film maker and viewer.
Extras
The "Easter Egg" format is in full effect here. Unfortunately, the eggs lead to the entire selection of "special features" in each disc. In other words, you can choose to watch the extras before viewing the DVD or during the DVD...but for the most part they are just simple expansions on the topic matter in the context of the film. The "Johnnie Walker" production teaser runs after every short feature, which is a little annoying...but whatever.
In any event, the features on Steep and Deep, Ski a la Carte, and Endless Winter are just extended segments with more detail of particular vignettes within those films. Nothing fancy here, just more interview coverage, skiing footage, and narration. It is worth noting that not all of these segment extensions are narrated by Warren, but instead are voiced-over by a different and (admittedly) less interesting character. Journey is the only film with an "extra" set of extras in the form of Athlete Profiles which chronicle some of the athletes featured in that particular film. These are short 4 or 5 minute conversations with the athlete including their background and how they got into the sport, etc. Included is a look at Glen Plake, arguably the best known freestyle skier in decades, most attributable to his multi-colored mohawk.
Conclusion
Simply put: This is a "must have" for any ski film fan. The addition of this box set to your collection will instantly vault you into "coolest guy on the block" status. I just hope you don't mind entertaining total strangers as they begin stopping on their way home when they peer in your window and see the incredible skiing footage contained within these 4 films. Seriously though, this is a very enjoyable box set that has great replay value, whether it's as you gear up for your next ski trip, or just to show off to some of your friends. Truly a necessary addition that comes highly recommended.
I started skiing when I was 5 years old. It began innocently enough in the mountains of North Carolina at a resort named Ski Beech. Admittedly, I used to actually hate the family ski trips, and for the first couple years I did everything I could to have a miserable time on them, in hopes that it would convince my Dad to stop dragging us out into the cold 4 or 5 times every winter. That was 1984.
I'll be going to Salt Lake City on business in two weeks. I've got my computer, my suit...and my skis.
People with this kind of love for the sport of skiing are the exact audience being targeted with Warren Miller: Journey Through the Decades. This 4 disc set is jam packed with some of the best footage ever filmed in Warren Miller's 7 decades as a skiing film maker. The title of the set is rather appropriate considering that two of the films are from the 80s, one from the 90s, and the last from the new millennium. A wide range of content, style, footage, and (as always) locations are offered up in all four of these films making them a truly international representation of the best that Warren has to offer.
Unlike many other sports film makers, Warren Miller (hereinafter, WM) films have a very personal touch inserted by the man himself in all of his films. This is most notable given the fact that he narrates all of his films. Warren adds a sense of humor that is unlike many serious film makers, and he doesn't hesitate to add in a dry quip here or there at the expense of the athletes he is shooting. You can also usually spot a segment or two in which Warren is seen slushing down the slopes himself, as he is not only a ski film maker, but also an avid skier himself. The mix of incredible footage, incredibly talented athletes, dry observations, and a never-ending list of locations are what make WM productions so very special.
The format for almost all WM films is to have a series of vignettes clumped together into a feature film length video. This being said it would be impossible for me to go over every aspect of every film in this collection, so instead I will just hit on a few of the highlights of each thereby leaving some of the viewing experience unknown and a surprise for you when you buy this set.
Steep and Deep
This was the first Warren Miller film I ever saw, and amazingly (although it was released in the mid-80s) the footage and dry wit of Miller still holds up today. This is actually a good film to place in the first slot of the set because it has a nice mix of pure skiing, comedic "slopeside" scenes, and a nice mix of other extreme sports footage. This film is also wrought with superstar appearances. The opening sequence features the "Godfather of extreme skiing" Scott Schmidt cascading down a precipitous grade on the side of a mountain at high speeds. Later in the film the Maher brothers (Scott and Phil) make a cameo, along with an entire segment dedicated to the Jimmy Huega (former Olympic champion) fund-raising efforts for multiple sclerosis. The film also highlights the kind of star power that Warren himself holds, as he is able to have a day of skiing with the (at the time) reigning queen of Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova.
Steep and Deep is arguably the best illustration of the real key to success for WM films. It is clearly displayed in this film that any productions headed up by Warren are aimed at focusing more on the skiing lifestyle than the actual physical act. For example, of the roughly 25 vignettes in this movie, only a handful is just pure skiing footage. Whether it's the heart-warming tale of Jimmy Huega and his fund raising efforts, or the hilarious slow-motion documentation of the "pond splash" in Winter Park, CO in which participants try to ski across a small pond of what is clearly sub-zero water, Miller shows his viewers that skiing is a lifestyle choice that consumes anyone who's ever put on the boards and slushed down the slopes.
Highlights:
- A montage of everyday skiers attempting to simply reach the mountain on what is an ice-glazed hill to the lifts. Notice the poor dog...it's worth a laugh.
- A look at the hair-brained skiers of Mt. Snow, Vermont where standing up while skiing is just too much effort.
- Similar to the ice slipping, a piece on the always overlooked job of the lifties at a beginner lift. Is it possible that so many people can fail miserably at getting off a chair lift?
- The Telemark (skiing downhill on nordic skis) Moguls Championship from Breckenridge, CO. A mixture of serious and recreational competitors make this an interesting competition.
- Boardsailing from Mt. Hood, OR. While the similarities to skiing are unmistakable, who else would think to put a summer sport in a skiing film?
- A touching piece on a small girl who tugs at the heartstrings of all who witness her drive to ski...when she is barely able to walk.
- Amazing skiing action footage from locations including: Sun Valley, ID; Sugar Bowl; Michigan; Wannick, New Zealand; Snowbird, UT; Nagano, Japan; and Jackson Hole, WY.
Special Features consist of:
'Birth of Extreme': Highlights Scott Schmidt and how he was the Godfather of extreme skiing.
'Jimmy Huega': Chronicles the life of Olympic skiing medalist who has Multiple Sclerosis.
'Quad-Quad': In depth look at pro ski jumping. (Nissan Big Air) Highlighted by Matt Chojnacki Quad Quad
'Big Wrecks': Self-explanatory.
Ski a la Carte
The date on the box of this selection says it was made and released in the 1980's, but I honestly have a hard time believing that to be the case. Ski a la Carte looks and feels like a retro film, all the way down to the authentic mustaches sported by many of the men filmed for the action shots. This offering gives the most evidence of its age, mainly in terms of the video quality, but also including the title sequencing, and the aforementioned appearance of the performers. The vignettes on display seemed to me to be a bit longer than most WM features, and therefore went a little more in depth with the story lines related to the stories. One rather interesting piece was on the sport of "snow skating" which, in essence, is what is now modern day snowboarding. This was, of course, before the snowboard was even really invented. Warren did not disappoint again in terms of star power, showing footage of races from Mammoth Mt. in California featuring the Maher brothers (Steve and Phil) who were arguably the first ski racing stars America ever had.
All critique aside, this film hits on all the standard WM cylinders; skiing footage from around the world (including France, Greece, and Israel?!) intertwined with more personal stories including the chronicling of the "3-track Ski Championships" for handicapped and amputated skiers. It is evident that at this point in Miller's career, he had yet to truly master the sardonic wit that would later define many of his films. With all that said, here is the rundown...
Highlights:
- Telemark contest from the slopes of Breckenridge, CO.
- The women of the Copper Mt. Racing team are given a chance to show their stuff.
- The World Freestyle Championships (both aerials and land tricks) sponsored by Midas are archived from Nordic Valley, UT.
- An inside look at ski jumping from one of the tallest ski jumps...in Michigan.
- Mt. Hermon, Israel is given what is likely it's first and only time on an American distributed film. The ineptitude of people who dwell in the desert trying to maneuver in snow is good for a few laughs.
- Still more amazing skiing action footage from locations including: Sun Valley, ID; Mammoth, CA; Squaw Valley, CA; Calgary; Kirkwood; and A-basin.
Special Features consist of:
'Challenged Athletes': Handicapped skiers.
'Outlaw Air': Freestyle skiers; mogul runs with big airs.
'Alternative Sports: A look at some of the alternative sports that WM films cover.
'Vail Ski Patrol': A day in the life (including a look at their 4-footed companions).
Endless Winter
As I was watching the third film in this set of four, I began to wonder about how these types of films are financed. I mean, you have to go to a variety of rather exotic locations. You have to get athletes (in most cases) to perform their craft, not to mention their need to eat and sleep. Then of course there are the cameramen who "make it all happen." Sounds pretty expensive in my opinion...so how do independent film-makers afford all of these things? Well, two minutes into Endless Winter it was clear who bankrolled that project. A footage heavy film by WM standards, this offering had about as many shots of a Nissan Pathfinder as it did of skiers. Not to say it distracted from the film itself, but it was a little said to see Miller sell out. Of course, I'm sure they waved a pretty hefty sum of money in his face, so I can't say that I blame the guy.
The draw of this film is undoubtedly the action footage. The globe is literally spanned, and it is to Miller's credit that so many locations are chosen, giving this film the most international film of any I've seen...which is a very high compliment. He still manages to mix in the usual traits of stars (AJ Kitt for example), comedy (an entire vignette is dedicated to the plight of two young snowboarders trying to gain entry into a "skiing only" man-made indoor hill in Tokyo...no action footage is ever gleaned), and of course a good 5 minute segment of idiots trying to get off the chair lift. The star of this film (aside from the vehicle) is the myriad of backdrops presented in very sharp color and contrast.
Highlights:
- Skiing with the "ladies" of Heavenly mountain in Lake Tahoe, CA.
- A big aerials contest held in Breckenridge, CO.
- The racing series entitled "Dash for Cash" held in Keystone, CO where the round-robin style tests both speed and endurance.
- And of course, the list of locations: Blue River, BC; Stowe, VT; Biskul, Austria; La Paz, Chile; Jackson Hole, WY; Vail, CO; and Valdez, AK.
Special Features consist of:
'Southern Hemisphere': Skiing locations in the Southern Hemisphere that you might not have known existed.
'Splits': What is a WM film without footage of people falling?...a fake!
'Weird Sports': A simple piece that tells a long story, as "alternative" sports are a medium Miller has supported for decades.
'Ski Kids': Pretty self-explanatory.
'Winterstick': Footage of early snowboarders riding what they called a "winterstick"...idiots.
Journey
It is obvious to me that none of the films are more aptly titled than Journey, and Miller is aware of that as well. This offering is Miller's most recent, and it begins with a shot of him in the sound booth preparing to do the audio for the film. His age is evident, yet his voice unmistakable, and as if on cue he opens the film with his usual wit before throwing it to some incredible skiing footage...as he has done so many times over the years. The footage is yet again the central focus of this film, showing an evolution on Miller's part away from some of his staple footage of skiing life and more towards the footage itself. Fear not though, as Miller still has the standard comedy and scenes from the world away from the slopes.
Never one to shy away from change, Miller has evolved with the sport and has not fought the introduction of the snowboard, the "shaped" ski, or the onslaught of terrain parks that have taken over so many resorts here in America. Several spots in this film address those very topics including a look at the new style of young skier who spends as much time in the terrain parks as on the blue and black runs at their local resort. As always, the star power is evident, and this time it is in the form of Tommy Moe and Bode Miller, both Olympians. The international feel is present as well with one segment following a trip of two extreme athletes through Marakesh, Africa as they ski, snowboard, and kayak all in one day. The impact of the local people is felt and well conveyed through the camera. Worth mentioning (and a 'must see'!!!) is footage of an aerial glider who takes to the sky as a parachutist would, but ultimately opens up his arms to reveal a Wile E. Coyote-esque webbing that allows him to sail close to the cliffs and steeps of a mountainous region. It is truly a site to behold.
Highlights:
- Glen Plake waxes poetic about how he has been able to do what he loves his whole life, and why his hair is 3 feet off his head.
- The Nissan Ride and Rails competition from Breckenridge, CO is shown.
- Barefoot water skiing in Montana, where it is (as you would imagine) a bit chilly.
- A retrospective of Craig Kelley, the unequivocal "Godfather of Snowboarding" who died doing what he loves.
- And who could forget the locations!: Chile; Chamanie, France; Cordova, AK; Copper Mt.;Valbruna, Italy; and The Canyons, UT.
Special Features consist of:
'Aspen- Back in the Day': Old footage of Aspen skiers.
'You Can Ski There?': A look at all the wild places WM Films have been...a list too long to attempt to recreate here.
'Winter Olympians': A look at the many Olympians that have appeared in his films, including the aforementioned Moe and Miller.
'Craig Kelly: The Godfather of Snowboarding': An Athlete Profile.
The special features also have 6 different athlete profiles which basically consist of an interview with the athlete where they discuss how they got into the sport, what it means to them, and what the future holds. Spot-lighted athletes include: Barrett Christy (Pro Snowboarder), Ben Dolenc (Pro Telemark Skier), Jessica Sobolowski (Pro Skier), Rob Kingwill (Pro Snowboarder), Seth Morrison (Pro Skier), Glen Plake (Pro Skier).
Video
Due to the time gap between the actual shooting of these 4 films, it should come as no surprise that the quality varies greatly. Also not surprisingly, you will find that the more recent films have a better overall look to them with sharper edges and more colorful hues than the older, more washed out films shot in the 80s.
The obvious aside though, the video quality is quite high for these films, which is of utmost importance for a sport like skiing. Being able to read depth and consistency of snow can make the difference between a standard sno-capped (and therefore white) backdrop, and one that is filled with a variety of different topographical intricacies. Miller's films set the standard in its ability to show depth through angle variety and just overall shot selection. For all intents and purposes, it is the video quality that makes or breaks this series, so while it is not exceptional, I am happy to report that it definitely is the top of the line for this genre.
Audio
The basic style for all four of these films is narration over pictures and often times music. Unfortunately, I found that in many instances, the music overshadowed the narration, making that particular audio track hard to hear. I fiddled with the audio settings on my TV to ensure that this wasn't user error (and I even watched the series on a different TV altogether) but the issue remained. This is a pretty major oversight on the part of the distributor (yes, I believe it was the re-release of the DVDs that is the issue, as earlier versions on VHS I've seen proved to balance out those tracks evenly) as Warren often makes comments in the middle of scenes and shots that you would not expect, and when you can't hear them it is a loss for the viewer.
I probably only noted that error because I have prior experience with many of Warren's films. The casual observer or first time viewer may not have noted it because the actual soundtracks to all of these films is very extensive and is usually in tune with the time period that the film was shot. Songs are selected tediously to match up with the type of action that is occurring on screen. A variety of music genres grace the screen in WM pictures, and this truly adds to the comfort level Warren tries to develop between film maker and viewer.
Extras
The "Easter Egg" format is in full effect here. Unfortunately, the eggs lead to the entire selection of "special features" in each disc. In other words, you can choose to watch the extras before viewing the DVD or during the DVD...but for the most part they are just simple expansions on the topic matter in the context of the film. The "Johnnie Walker" production teaser runs after every short feature, which is a little annoying...but whatever.
In any event, the features on Steep and Deep, Ski a la Carte, and Endless Winter are just extended segments with more detail of particular vignettes within those films. Nothing fancy here, just more interview coverage, skiing footage, and narration. It is worth noting that not all of these segment extensions are narrated by Warren, but instead are voiced-over by a different and (admittedly) less interesting character. Journey is the only film with an "extra" set of extras in the form of Athlete Profiles which chronicle some of the athletes featured in that particular film. These are short 4 or 5 minute conversations with the athlete including their background and how they got into the sport, etc. Included is a look at Glen Plake, arguably the best known freestyle skier in decades, most attributable to his multi-colored mohawk.
Conclusion
Simply put: This is a "must have" for any ski film fan. The addition of this box set to your collection will instantly vault you into "coolest guy on the block" status. I just hope you don't mind entertaining total strangers as they begin stopping on their way home when they peer in your window and see the incredible skiing footage contained within these 4 films. Seriously though, this is a very enjoyable box set that has great replay value, whether it's as you gear up for your next ski trip, or just to show off to some of your friends. Truly a necessary addition that comes highly recommended.
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