Billabong Odyssey
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Movie Reviews of Billabong Odyssey
Movie Review: good fun for surfers and non-surfers alike
Summary: 3 Stars
A few years ago, some of the top surfers in the world banded together and took off on a global search for that "perfect wave." They called their expedition The Billabong Odyssey, and this documentary chronicles both the group's formation and its first major forays into the roiling waters off the coasts of France, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.
"The Billabong Odyssey" is more than just a series of breathtaking stunts being performed on awe-inspiring waves; it is an informative piece of filmmaking that instructs those of us who wouldn't know a surf board from an emery board on the fine points of the sport. Through voiceover narration by many of the men on the team, we learn about how the sport has changed and evolved over the years, most notably since the advent of towing vehicles which makes it possible for riders to go out to monster waves that previous generations of paddling surfers could only look off into the distance and dream about reaching. We are informed as to how monster waves form, where they are most likely to occur, and what kinds of dangers they pose for those brave (or foolish) enough to venture into them. We also see just how far technology will advance the sport in the years to come as innovative fans come up with more and more sophisticated equipment and accoutrements to make conquering that ultimate wave a viable possibility. In addition, the film reveals a great deal about the psychology of the sport, affording us glimpses into the mindset of people who are willing to risk life and limb in pursuit of that ultimate thrill.
Of course, the main attraction of a film like "The Billabong Odyssey" is its phenomenal, you-are-there views of some of the world's greatest waves and the men who attempt to conquer them. The filmmakers plunge us right into the thick of the action, allowing us to ride along with the members of the team, as they wipe out or fulfill their ultimate challenge - only to head right back into the surf to do it all over again.
The film feels a little disjointed at times, losing some of its focus `round about the midway point. The Odyssey members tend to get lost in the crowd and we miss that sense of camaraderie and group cohesiveness the movie provides us with at the beginning. Still, in terms of its visuals and the insight it offers into the sport, "The Billabong Odyssey" provides a first-rate arm chair adventure for both the water-logged and the landlubbers among us.
Movie Review: One Viewing Was Enough
Summary: 3 Stars
I've been surfing for 48 years. I started out at Malibu in 1960 at the ripe old age of thirteen years. So, I feel I have enough experience to make an objective opinion.
I found Billabong Odysesey to be a pretty good movie, but not great. Having seen Stepping into Liquid and Riding Giants. These are two of the greatest surfing movies to come out since Endless Summer in 1964. The movie was somewhat muddled and there was no real "hook" that messmerized me, to the point where I became stoked. It just sort of moved along showing the same kind of waves over and over.
Since the movie risked the reputation of Billabong, by using it's name in the title, I expected much more. Instead, it was an average movie at best and I've only watched it once. I've watched Stepping into Liquid, Riding Giants and Endless Summer countless times. In fact, on Christmas Day, I had my family over for dinner and I played Riding Giants after dinner. My grandmother, father, mother, younger siblings, nieces and nephews were all glued to the tube. It was unreal. Everyone of them loved it and the movie created a wonderful atmosphere, in which we all bonded and made Christmas a truly festive occasion.
I wish I could say the same for Billabong Odyssey. I think the average surfer would like the movie, but a non-surfer would have a hard time following it.
Movie Review: Needs Widescreen Version
Summary: 3 Stars
The reviews so far here are right on the money.Excellent movie definatly worth the price on DVD.The only negative thing I have to say here is that IT IS NOT ON DVD IN A WIDESCREEN VERSION. Very sadly only in a standard format which very much lessens the viewing experience. Especially because this film has such excellent potography, without a widescreen version ALOT IS MISSED.I would give this great movie a 5 star rating, but the bad choice the producers made to transfer to DVD of a smaller standard format, I only will give THE DVD a 3.The picture quality is great, the sound is fine, there is no extra features (not needed anyways),but with no widescreen version available for this cinema-photographic movie, the standard format just doesn't do it any justice.Movie Review: Watch out for this crap version!
Summary: 3 Stars
Unfortunately, I did not check the aspect ratio of this DVD before I ordered and was severely disappointed to see it is a butchered 33:1 version. I NEVER knowingly buy these "full screen" abominations. Checking at the IMDb website verified this was originally an 1.85:1 movie. With the expansive vistas of ocean surf shown in this movie, it is criminal chopping it up like this; there oughta' be a law! The movie itself was ok; "Step Into Liquid" is superior.
Movie Review: Lotsa talk, little surf
Summary: 3 Stars
I got this flick hoping to extend the high i got off Step Into Liquid and Thicker Than Water. Instead I got a snoozefest of personal interviews and pro surfer bios.
Don't get me wrong, the big wave footage featured on the dvd is breathtaking, to say the least - there just isn't enough of it on this disc to get me anywhere near stoked.
I watched this once and dumped it in the pile for my next garage sale.