7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A Hollywood agent finds himself in debt to a powerful bookie. To make a fast buck, he creates a team of exceptionally talented skateboarders and enters them in a downhill race. If they win, they will get $20,000.
Starring: Allen Garfield, Kathleen Lloyd, Leif Garrett, Tony Alva, Antony CarboneSport | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.84:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono (192 kbps)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
1978’s “Skateboard” (a.k.a. “Skateboard: The Movie”) is a production trying to capitalize on a trend. The world of skateboarding is explored here, with co-writer/director George Gage bringing viewers to Los Angeles, where the kids are showing off their moves on four wheels, while a desperate man with an enormous debt hopes to exploit such talent for his own financial gain. “Skateboard” is a quickie production, offering a threadbare plot and sketchily drawn characters, but it’s not meant to be much more than a showcase for the sport, captured here during its 1970s heyday, with subculture superstar Tony Alva claiming a supporting role. Skateboarding footage is key here, adding a sense of excitement and showmanship to the endeavor, which noticeably struggles with anything that isn’t about following sporting accomplishments. It’s not the most electric offering of drama, with Gage and co-writer Richard A. Wolf (the future king of television, Dick Wolf, making his professional debut) struggling to pour some foundation for a feature that’s best with pure physical activity.
The AVC encoded image (1.84:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Skateboard" is listed as a "2023 restoration of the film." It's a softer viewing experience, dealing with cinematographic achievements of the day, which limit fine detail. Frame information is softer, limiting an understanding of period fashion and skin surfaces, and frizzy hair of the 1970s is appreciable. Locations retain some dimension, exploring skate spots and challenge courses. Interiors are acceptable, visiting living spaces and demo spots. Colors are comfortably refreshed, with brighter primaries on uniforms and clothing choices, with hotter reds and yellows. Locations also preserve the golden Southern California experience. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy, with a chunkier quality. Source is in decent condition.
The 2.0 Dolby Digital mix offers noticeable age during the listening event. Dialogue exchanges are intelligible, dealing with performance abilities and enunciation, but mild technical limitations are present. Scoring cues are satisfactory without real sharpness, and soundtrack selections are also decent, with more pronounced instrumentation. Atmospherics are basic, exploring crowd sounds and street bustle.
"Skateboard" has its moments of fun, and it works to a showdown situation at the Burbank Downhill Invitational, giving Gage a Big Game finale that retains intended excitement, putting the L.A. Wheels to the ultimate test. This kind of sporting focus is largely missing from the rest of the endeavor, which could use a tighter understanding of team dynamics and Manny's arc of leadership. "Skateboard" is a little too slack when it comes to storytelling, unable to offer agreeable personality with the characters and give them more defined issues, but the skateboarding sequences are fascinating to watch. And as a time capsule for the 1970s, the picture is tough to beat, presenting a look at feral adolescence and open world skateboarding, going back to an era when the sport was developing, becoming a trend and a source of rebellion at the same time.
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