23 Feb Atlantis Vancouver Spyglass Review
In a BMX world of instant (or insta) gratification, dvds or non web based projects have become less and less existent. As much as everyone is entitled to their opinion on the subject, we at NE will always appreciate the physical aspect of a dvd project over anything else. Being able to easily watch a project/ time in people’s lives for years to come is worth a hell of alot more than any web based format. Atlantis seem to share that opinion as this is their second full length dvd since opening it’s doors in Vancouver in November 2014.
With a stacked team of Western shredders including: Carl Arnett, Matt Desson, Brad Hill, Wink Grant, Andrew Schubert, Owen Dawson, Jordan Hango and more, some of Western Canada’s biggest guns are behind Atlantis and have put in work for SPYGLASS. If you have any pre-conceived notions about what a shop dvd is, throw them out the door because this is an amazing Canadian BMX DVD, end of story.
Carl Arnett gets things started in typical Carl fashion. Full speed ahead pegless action with no shortage of variety or spot selection. The intro clip of the half cab which cost Carl a busted wrist is ridiculous.
Daddy Desson follows up Carl with a solid variety of Desson stuntin. Rails, whips, hangers, Desson continues to kill it and also at speed. His last clip is pretty unreal, amazing spot and perfect spot usage.
Brad Hill and Wink Grant split a part which is probably a personal fav just because they are both smooth cats and compliment each other very well. Wink has really come to be an underrated western Canadian rider with steez most of us can only dream of having. Bob also has a deep bag of tricks and eye for good spots which makes any of his footage a treat.
The mix section is also bangin, too many dudes to name but you’ll recognize them when you see them and they shred. Colind Fried’s clips are amazing. It’s also nice to see some Orlando clips in there, it’s always good to see the dude working his ass off to keep things running smoothly still getting out on his bike despite a busy schedule.
Next is Andrew Schubert who killed it on his bike and behind the lens. Schubert edited and filmed this video (Orlando filmed a bunch as well, “the backseat driver with an icey hand on Schubert’s shoulder”). Schubert’s entire part really varies and his last few clips prove he can also drop hammers.
Owen Dawson continues his annihilation of Canadian rails. No rail is safe. The kinked curved rail is unreal, among a bunch of other craziness.
Last but not least, Hango wraps it up in Hango fashion. Where to even begin with Hango, still one of the most under rate Canadian riders ever, this section is further proof. Name every color of Adidas Buzenitz Hango wears in his section and win a pair of Adidas shoes (feel free to email them your size with no mention that we told you to).
It’s hard not to give anything away in these types of things but I feel confident saying this DVD will easily be one of the best Canadian BMX dvds or BMX dvds in general for that matter this year. The riding is really good.
It should be noted this entire dvd was filmed with VX’s and VX footy never looked so good. Editing is absolutely on point as is filming throughout. The soundtrack is a breath of fresh air being a wide mix of genres which works incredibly well and suits each section/ rider very well.
Spyglass is a DVD that you watch for the first time and genuinely get really hyped to ride. It also makes you want to watch it over and over again as there’s a real good overall vibe throughout mixed with great riding and perfect filming/editing.
There’s a genuine feel to some of the best BMX dvds in which the collective group of friends are just having a good time and the clips come as a result. Nothing is forced or un-genuine, and Spyglass is exactly that. Do yourself a favour and snag a copy and support Canadian bmx/ dudes who’d rather ride bikes, cruise their city and have a couple beers after a day’s work than worry about youtube views.
http://www.atlantisvancouver.