Evolution is a process of change and the natural selection
of the best changes. The film's "Evolution" logo portrays the back country
snowmobiler as the pinnacle of evolutionary achievement, and this latest 509
Film documents the evolving sport of backcountry snowmobiling in all its awe
inspiring glory. However, after viewing this latest 509 Film, the "Evolution"
title also aptly describes Tom Delanoy's achievement in snowmobile film making.
Snowmobile technology advancements combined with great athletes allow any back
country sledding video maker to feature ever improved sledding action, but only
a few make really good motion pictures. With 509 film's backcountry motion
picture "Evolution," Tom Delanoy has clearly set himself apart as one of the
elite few that can make a riveting and entertaining sledding motion picture.
The DVD starts with a great slide show of "cold shots"
behind the main menu. I think this is the first time that I've actually watched
the menu rather than just trying to find the "play" or "scene select" buttons. Of
course, I have to mention the "Extras" menu background, which is such a
fantastic picture that I leave it up as a background on my TV. You don't need
to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy this film. You can watch this film for the
scenery alone.
So as not to give the impression that all the great scenery
and videography leaves the adrenaline junkie dissatisfied, this film has all
adrenaline pumping excitement of any good backcountry sledding film, and you
need go no further than Evolution's opening scene. The opening scene shows a rider
side hilling, and as he clears the mountain crest a huge avalanche breaks
loose. The main theme of the movie from that opening thriller on is climbing,
and believe me Delanoy captures some huge ascents and gnarly chute climbs.
The movie chapters are organized by locations and riders. Revelstocke, Canada typifies the sledding action
throughout this film as you watch each rider one by one conquer the mountain,
or get conquered by the mountain. There is a good mix of rider victories and
merciless defeats as the mountain emerges victorious. The film features a guest
rider Brett Turcotte from Slednecks films going really big in the air on his
sled, and Matt Potratz does his really funky style of boondocking. I really
liked all the boondocking shots in this film, not only because they were cool
to watch, but most of the shots could pass for back country art that you would
hang on a cabin wall.
There was a big variety of sleds featured in this film,
including older sleds, new sleds, and heavily modified sleds. The film was shot
in full 1080i HD, so you'll definitely want to watch this DVD on a large screen
HD TV. The movie viewing options include blend of rock music and sledding
sounds, which blend is nicely done and really gets the adrenaline pumping as
you watch the action. Other viewing options are music only and then raw
sledding footage sounds.
This is great video that is appropriate viewing for all audiences.
www.509films.com
Riders: 5
Featured Sleds: 4
Scenery: 5
Cinematography: 5
Audio: 5
Bonus Footage: 4
DVD Overall Score: 4.7
Reviewed by Devin Hess