Review of Endless Summer, The

Introduction

Well, when this arrived in the post I though `ugh, a 1960`s surfing movie - how dull will this be`, happily I was to be proven wrong!

The Endless Summer is remarkable in that it is entertaining from start to finish, even for a non-surfing dude such as myself (I restrict myself to climbing movies) despite consisting almost entirely of people surfing.

The film is based around the exploits of two surfers as they spend a year following the summer across the world, surfing wherever it takes them and finding along the way, many new surfing places - and the `perfect wave`.

Filmed in 1964, before surfing was a truly global phenomenon and narrated by the filmmaker Bruce Brown, the naivety of the production is oddly charming and it reflects the ideals of the Sixties very well.

Video

Considering this is transferred from old film stock they`ve done pretty well. Dust and scratches are noticeable and the colour is that typical 1960`s washed-out look that you`d expect to see. It does add to the atmosphere though.

The menu is simple and clear and does its job.

Audio

The soundtrack has been cleaned up as well and is presented in Dolby Digital - but is mono unfortunately. Stereo would have been nice and something like this in 5.1 with the sounds all around you would really add to the enjoyment - but then if you only have a mono soundtrack to start with there`s not a lot you can do!

As it is, the sound is acceptable and again, has that typical compressed feel that makes you think instantly of the sixties!

Features

You can select the scene of your choice!

*cheer*

That`s all folks.

Conclusion

A strangely compelling surfing film.... I watched it thinking it`d be boring, it wasn`t.

The Endless Summer is a time-capsule from when surfing was a sport performed by nice, clean, wholesome people (i.e. before Sean Penn in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High") and as such should be watched by everyone once just to see how things once were. The cinematography is excellent, their enthusiasm for their own sport is obvious and infectious - you`ll be off, "hanging ten" before you know it.

I also reckon this is where the idea for some of the plot in Point Break comes from.....

Recommended as an excellent film and probably the best of the genre but not the best dvd around.