Billabong Odyssey

Rating:
Summary: good fun for surfers and non-surfers alike
Review:

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.

Rating:
Summary: Sucks you in fast
Review: As it says in the editorial review, this movie has one of the best opening sequences ever in any film. What I love about it is that in about 5 minutes you fully understand what the implications of big wave riding are. At that point, you are totally sucked in. When I have showed it to friends who have no interest in surfing, they can't help but want to watch the rest once they see the opening. Also, the quality of the shots throughout the film is top-notch. I have enjoyed the Endless Summer films and Step into Liquid, but they don't have me wanting to watch a second time. Odyssey does.

Rating:
Summary: This movie is totally sick dudes!!
Review: Awesome footage of some of the biggest waves I've ever seen, the best locations world wide its a good length about 1 hour 25 min. A must have for all surfing enthusiasts or anyone who can appreciate what it takes to conquer a big wave and survive.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome, the few, the brave, the crazy!
Review: Awesome movie about the few men in the world who dare riding a giant wave, just for the sake of. Or not so. Don't look for a reason, for logic, for explanations: Just look at it. Be amazed by what man can do when they decide to focus, practice and raise to the top (literally!). Giant wave surfing is the closest thing to a brutal death and at the same time - or for that reason? - is the closest thing to the the spirit, to God.
Buy this DVD, you won't believe it...

Rating:
Summary: MONSTER WAVE ACTION
Review: BILLABONG ODYSSEY (Warner Home Video) deserves a widescreen version to better capture the jaw-dropping, eye-popping, heart-pounding big wave surfing action. Billabong is Aussie slang for "pond," but the only irony here is the Zen-like comments from the men who ride these monstrous, churning, liquid mountains. Cool locations include Tahiti, Hawaii, France, Spain, the "Cortez Bank" and Australia. Fantastic big wave cinematography. One or two rides alone are worth the price of the disc. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: not bad, but seen better
Review: decent flick. the surfing is wicked but there isn't that much of it. but when you consider the $hit those guys are doing, you gotta respect it. anyways, i was wondering, do they have surf in edmonton or mississauga? Zunaid Kahn, maybe before giving a poor review and considering yourself a wired surf enthusiast, you should perhaps try surfing. i'd like to see you try getting into the lineup at san onofre

Rating:
Summary: Wow!!!
Review: Hands down the biggest waves I have ever seen! The movie was entertaining. Plus all my favorite guys! Brad Gerlach, I love you!

Rating:
Summary: Do You Know What BIG Means?
Review: I watched this movie when it was playing in NYC, and I was first in line to get the DVD. This will truly blow your mind, whether on the large screen or on your home TV. More than just amazing footage, the Odyssey takes you on a trip to the heart and soul of some of the world's greatest surfers. Ken Bradshaw is the MAN.

Rating:
Summary: boring
Review: If you're a stoked surfer looking for a thrill, this is "NOT" the video for you. However, if you want a training video on big wave surfing, go ahead. A better video for the stoke would be the classic Endless summer 2. Much more of a better buy. Billabong goes out of their way with a whole lot of explainations in Odyssey about tow-in surfing, training on watercrafts, and then they get to the surfing. I fell asleep throughout the 2/3 of it. I had to skip through half of it to get to the surfing. Nice documentary for Discovery Channel, not for the wired surf enthusiast. So,

Rating:
Summary: One word, three syllables: MINDBOGGLING
Review: One of the best movies I have ever seen, regardless of genre or scripted v. unscripted. The sheer visceral thrill of seeing these surfers tackle the biggest (this movie redefines big) waves in the world with zero fear is not only unspeakably entertaining, it's inspiring. It's clear that both the surfers and the filmmakers pushed themselves to the limit to produce this amazing work. Five stars.