Tipping Point DVD Review
The Tipping Point is Clay Porters latest and finest work to date…
Clay Porters work shows a steady progression and The Tipping Point showcases this more than anything he has released before. To all those out there that would rather download a DH DVD than buy one you are going to miss out on some cool packaging and shame on you. This DVD has the first ever carboard insert that I have ever seen which the disk sits in reminiscent of an egg box. Across from disk itself is a short photobook with some very solid shots in it. My favorite shot by far was the double page shot of Rachel Atherton sitting in the back of her van before a run. An innovative shot from the photographer.
Its all put together with a simple and solid design motif that works well with the minimal green contrasting with the colourless rider shots and use of lines. It was interesting to note that there are no special features on this DVD. Perhaps Porter did not want outtakes or any bonus material to detract from the main feature itself. I have always said that his films remind me a lot of the legendary No Fear Great Outdoors MX videos made by Troy Adamitis which Porters videos share a common style with and now also share the fact that there are no bonus features. Its no great loss not having 10 minutes of riders doing goofy outtakes.
I won’t break down each and every scene from the DVD but its edited and shot really well. It’s a must see for fans of any of these riders and the World Cup series. What makes this video a level higher than previous efforts is the human side of things. We get to see a few of the racers show emotions like we have never seen before. Watching Sam Hill talking about his defeat at the 2008 World Champs you get an inside look at the enigmatic Australian and can see just how badly he wants to win. The overall formula is still intact with various riders being interviewed as the DVD covers each race from the 2008 season interspersed with some footage of guys hitting up their local practice track. The husky eyed Fin Matti Lehikoinen takes 2 bails on this video that each ended in hospital time. It would have been cool to see some more of the ladies in this film (only Rachel Atherton gets some screen time) but once again I have to guess that Porter purely wanted to focus on the rollercoaster season in the mens class. Is this DVD worth buying? Yes. This is no lame local TV station coverage of the World Cup, this is Clay Porter doing some really solid work and creating a staple of Downhill MTB films.
Tags: tipping point
July 1st, 2009 at 8:18 am
Great video and awesome packaging / presentation. Cant wait to get a copy.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Where do we buy it and how much?
July 1st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Ramases is the ultimate bachelor!
I really enjoyed the film at the premier, will definitely order a hard copy!
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
We have ordered “Tipping Point” from the new SA DVD agent and hope to get them soon- will keep you updated with pricing and availability.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Good review! I’m glad to hear that creative and custom packaging is appreciated and sought after!
December 11th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
awesome vid. As was mentioned in the review, the stand out feature of just about all of Clay’s movies is the human aspect which has equal focus with the riding. But if anyone watched the premiere of MADE, one will hear Brendan Fairclough drop a comment about how MADE is more of his type of movie without the human emo’ness. Slaps to Clay? So whilst not everyone’s spin of a wheel, it sure is a great movie. Love the hi-res nature of the filming.
Good to see footage of Matti’s backbreaking fall. Horrible accident though. Classic case of rear wheel hitting a rock and the rider getting ejected.
If y’all in a hurry, some nice vids available for good prices via CRC. Otherwise, would be awesome to be able to source these and other similar vids locally. Props to Mike’s Bikes.