Project-Blu 'Riding Giants' Review, by Jack Hunt

RIDING GIANTS

By: Jack Hunt, 1.5.2010

The Movie Itself:
Director, Stacy Peralta scores big with the ultra-cool surf documentary titled ‘Riding Giants’, that details a past and present surfing culture from the point of view of one of its most extreme derivatives, big wave surfing. Pioneered by Greg Knoll and Laird Hamilton, the idea of surfing the world’s most dangerous waves came about through the integration of modern equipment and old school balls. Through jet-ski’s, surfers were able to gain enough speed to counteract the force held within the wave, therefore enabling them to catch the wave. Whereas in the past, the ride was often cut-short on the momentum built and often caused the surfer to crash or dive into the wave rather than actually ride it out.

‘Riding Giants’ is a documentary delivered in detailed fashion through the eyes of those who live the sport. And in live, I do mean in the literal state. Surfing is a way of life. A complete story, that never fails in focus on the story, which is the origins of surfing and the progression to big wave surfing. The study begins with the innovators of the 1940’s and continues to the blatant style of the fearless 50’s. To the developments of the 60’s and 70’s, as footage of the big waves draw hundreds to the shores of Hawaii and Tahiti. Just to make sure everyone understands how sick those times were and the extent people went to surf in the proper element. Big waves often form miles off the coast and during a time before motored crafts took surfers out beyond the break, they often had to paddle for miles before ever hitting the first wave. I don’t even I can walk a mile anymore, let alone paddle like 5. The 1990’s was a time of reflection, as surfing lost one of its biggest players in the tragic death of big wave surfer Mark Foo, who was lost off the coast of Hawaii in 1994. In 2000, through the brainstorm of integrating tow-in surfing, Laird Hamilton went on one of the sickest runs in the history of the sport. With giant waves measuring close to 40 feet, Hamilton braved the feared sets of the surfer’s paradise of Tahiti. The film features a virtual cornucopia of surfing pioneers, legends and current stars, although the real star is the huge waves and the draw they have on the said individuals who dare to risk their lives and surf them.

Fresh off the success of the award winning documentary titled 'Dogtown and Z-Boys', (recently reviewed here at Project: Blu by Iggy) Stacy Peralta went on to focus on the detailed study we find in ‘Riding Giants’. The organization of the film is backed by some creative filming and editing, where the scenes are stacked on top of each other to create an illusion of depth. This gives the film a certain style that was previously not seen in lesser films on the subject. Previous documentaries of the sport often focused on the waves themselves and were short on character. In ‘Riding Giants’, the waves almost take a backseat to the individuals who make up the culture. The ones who devote their body and minds to the passion that drives the sport, adding a more personal element to why we should care so much about what they are actually doing; which is taking a piece of fiberglass, in cases some wood, and daring violent currents and rifts to take their lives. All for that rush of adrenalin, that is often simulated, but never duplicated.

August 1998 – Hurricane Bonnie was tracking off the coast of New Jersey. I decided to surf one of the biggest late season storms to hit the coast in the decade. It produced rough waves and extreme rip currents, resulting in hundreds of water rescues. Gnarly Charley Brown’s are everywhere, getting worked by the crushing force of the break and pretending that they can surf the biggest waves to hit Jersey in a lifetime. The police just closed the beach, but I decide to be a bouy and paddle out for just one more wave. It didn’t take long for a fierce set to roll in and I caught the last of it. I was on my board for all of two seconds before the force of the wave ripped me off and through me around like a very wet and very used trash bag. When I hit the shore, after what felt like a ride to hell and back, I looked up at my prized ‘Al Merrick’ board and it was split in half. Everything was alright though, I’m pretty sure my head took most of the punishment.

This film is detailed in effect, intelligent and all around impressive. The passion of those that fuel the sport is on full display and the document beautifully showcases surfing and all the factors that are involved with the success of it. I really couldn’t respect this well crafted documentary anymore than if I actually made it myself, because that’s what it feels like. It was made for me and I am alive in it.
Rating: 10/10

The Presentation:
‘Riding Giants’ debuts on Blu-ray with a fevered 1080p~AVC MPEG-4 transfer to mixed results. The combination of vintage footage along with modern takes makes for stark contrasts in the film. The heavy grain laden stock footage of the 1950’s to say the late 90’s is like a palette for all that is bad film. Not to say that it’s not breath taking in its intent and appeal, just that the blending is off and the transition between shifts of time-period is often troubling. The modern footage looks strong. Don’t get me wrong there is plenty of it, but the past is important to this film and Sony could have taken some more time to develop the transitions and the transfer.

Honestly, I’ve never seen a Blu-ray disc that attempts to combine so much vintage footage and even in considering the quality of the footage is poor on most accounts, the film looks decent overall. The older footage is grainy, distorted and extremely dirty. When combined with the modern footage, the difference is extremely noticeable and is basically like night and day. Having the documentary on Blu-ray is sure to have most fans totally stoked with the idea. Mostly presented through daylight exteriors on location, the water is wet, cool and stifling. Clarity is fine, but often dulled. Colors are plush and natural. Skin tones are freshly bronzed. The transfer is detailed and strong, succeeding more often than it fails. I actually thought I drowned a couple of times watching it.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is impressive on all accounts. The exciting lossless audio delivers, as surrounds are fully engaged. Wave’s crash with thunderous intent and the ambience is alive. This is an impressive sounding BD on most accounts. Dialogue is clear and effective and the action bumps through regular intervals.
Rating: 8/10 (video 6/10, audio 9/10)

The Extras:
Director and Editor’s Commentary: With Director Stacy Peralta and principle editor Paul Crowder.
Writer and Surfers’ Commentary: With Sam George, Greg Knoll, Jeff Clark and Laird Hamilton.
Making of Riding Giants: Background information about the fulfillment of the Documentary. Inspired by Greg Knoll and Laird Hamilton, Stacy Peralta set out to create the ultimate big wave surfing story and succeeded with passion. (28 min SD)
Fuel TV’s Blue Carpet Special: Cast and Crew talking about the ‘Fuel TV’, television premiere of’ Riding Giants’. (20 min SD)
Deleted Scenes: Five clips that didn’t make the cut. With original intro and ending.
Previews: For several new Blu-ray releases from FOX.
BD Live: Enabled for increased viewing pleasure.

Rating: 5/10

Overall:
‘Riding Giants’ on Blu-ray is about what you expect. A well-crafted story told through history, great locations and tremendous cinematography. The documentary is gripping and the picture never really lets you go. The Blu-ray transfer is somewhat disappointing, but earns big bonus points by the difficulties of the transaction and the vast integration of classic footage. Fans of the sport will definitely enjoy this one. So grab a 6pack, call up the old surf crew and hit up the store and go get yourself something pretty with it. A BD copy of ‘Riding Giants’ will do just fine.
Rating: 7/10