Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating Look at DJs/Turntablists
Review: A fascinating look at DJs/turntablists as well as the hip-hop culture in general. "Scratch" is a fast-paced and often hilarious film filled with awesome music that will get your body moving. The DJs interviewed (Qbert, DJ Premier, DJ Shadow and Mix Master Mike just to name a few) seem to take themselves (and their art) a little too seriously at times, but they are all very articulate, interesting, funny and amazingly talented at what they do. The movie is also very informative, and even if you are not a fan of the genre, you'll definitely learn to appreciate their artistry and realize that scratching is more than just playing around with a turntable and records.
Rating:
Summary: ZIGA-ZIGA
Review: ANYONE WHO LOVES MUSIC SHOULD OWN THIS DVD !!! THE DEDICATION OF THESE DJ'S IS INCREDIBLE.... GREAT LIFE LESSON... THE SECTION ON THE DVD WITH PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR IS AN EXPERIENCE IN ITS SELF... THE DJ'S SCRATCHING LESSON IS THE BEST....
Rating:
Summary: best film without sheila e or the fat boys?? - SCRATCH
Review: Doug Pray has done an excellent job capturing the essence of the scratch dj movement. Starting with the birth of the scratch and showing many of the influential figures in the development of the culture, this documentary is entertaing, as well as informative. I can recommend this for anyone who has even the slightest interest in the genre - they will gain much insight into the oft-misunderstood hip hop/ scratch dj culture. For a dj who is already involved and knowlegeable in the culture (such as myself), this film should provide as an entertaing photo album of sorts, not to mention.. the best tool to help your family, friends, or significant other understand what the heck you've been doing all these years! (it worked for me) With the slight exception of a few key figures overlooked (djs- jazzy jeff, cash money, aladdin) this is quite possibly the finest hip-hop documentary ever!! also recommended - keepin' time by B+
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Movie
Review: Even if you're not into hiphop, this is a fun, informative, and very direct peek into the world of DJ's through the eyes of it's originators and innovators. One of the most striking elements of this movie is the noticable difference in self-image of DJ's and MC's (rappers). All of the ego-tripping and bogus lingo that seems to be the CO2 that rappers exhale is absent. The people who sound street are from it. Those that aren't, don't. Some amazing interview clips, especially Mix Master Mike, QBert, and DJ Shadow. Shadow's section in particular gives some well articulated notions about the nature of using other people's records (often obscure) within a DJ's set. If you don't think "turntablism" is a valid musical expression, you will after this movie.
The only complaints I have about this movie is its lack of female DJ's (the movie has one, and she learned from her boyfriend and works with him) even though there are thousands, and the lack of representation of DJ culture beyond hiphop (the use of DJs with Portishead and other downtempo groups). They do have a quick segment on Japanese DJ Krush who creates beautiful grooves using slow hiphop rhythms with traditional Japanese music, but I would have liked to have seen more Ninja Tune artists, but that's just personal bias.
All in all, this is an amazing history of the scratch through the voices of those who lived and are living it. It's amazing that almost all of these people, like myself, had a life-changing moment when they first heard the scratching in Herbie Hancock's "Rocket."
Rating: 
Summary: Good but i feel the 3 star guy
Review: I am not a hater as the one reviewer so eloquently put it! but i think what the one reviewer who gave it only 3 stars.. feels that the early Black pioneers of that era were left out, which if not for them, this scratch DVD would not exist. but you know that's how it goes..the same happened to techno and house music, but overall the DVD is entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: awe-some documentary, great for the fans too
Review: I cannot say enough about this film. It's a great documentary, and a fabulous look at the history and rise of the turntablists. Definitely one for the collection. If you love hip-hop or electronica, buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Essential viewing for the Hip-Hop generation...
Review: I first saw this in the theater with virtually no prior knowledge about it's contents. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed. This DVD is a must have for anyone with even a passing interest in DJ culture. A history lesson awaits. This is an excellent product, outlining the evolution of the DJ- from the birth of the break (Kool Herc) to the modern madness of the turntablist. This is an excellent, well-constructed and very entertaining film. Even if you are not into Hip-Hop, chances are you will enjoy this documentary. If you are, I'm sure you have already seen this, if not, BUY IT NOW! This is in my top three all-time documentaries, with 'Dogtown' and 'Freshest Kids'. This is essential viewing for all hipsters.
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat average if not insulting on certain levels....
Review: I have a love affair with vinyl and have loved techno music for years. I appreciated hip-hop and the 'scratch' technique so prevalent in hip-hop, especially the old school stuff. So I bought this primarily for its vinyl content. Can't scratch with CDs y'know.
I was pleasantly surprised. I knew a little about the roots of what is now called 'turntablism' but was not so clear on its distinction from hip-hop and its connection to techno. I certainly know now. The connection is minimal. Two totally different art forms. This movie goes all the way back to the beginning of the scratching technique which would ultimately become the signature sound of hip-hop.
Some of the big names are here - Qbert, Mix Master Mike (of Beastie Boys fame) and DJ Shadow stand out for me - discussing its origins and rise. Ultimately, however, allegiance is paid to the originals: Afrika Bambaata, for example. All pay allegiance to Grandmaster D.X.T. on Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit', the song that catapulted the mix technique into the mainstream.
You'll catch the rise of 'battling' and see them in their basements, kitchens, clubs and studios manipulating vinly in more ways than you can imagine. There is some spectacular music in this film and watching these individuals work their turntables is just unbelievable. They clearly mark what they do as distinct from today's hip-hop. While DJs are still important in hip-hop and rap, what these turntablists due is actually considered a separate genre of music. Who knew?
I think that is what stood out the most in this film. These guys know the best breaks in the songs and how to take these breaks and make them come to life in ways even the original artists would have to appreciate, resurrecting many songs and the vinyl on which it was recorded from the dead.
The extras are also great. The lessons from DJ Z-Trip reveal just how intimately he (and the others) knows and loves the music. I even learned there is a way to score this music on paper! It's got a tablature all its own.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable
Review: I have a love affair with vinyl and have loved techno music for years. I appreciated hip-hop and the 'scratch' technique so prevalent in hip-hop, especially the old school stuff. So I bought this primarily for its vinyl content. Can't scratch with CDs y'know.I was pleasantly surprised. I knew a little about the roots of what is now called 'turntablism' but was not so clear on its distinction from hip-hop and its connection to techno. I certainly know now. The movie goes all the way back to the beginning of the scratching technique. Some of the big names are here - Qbert, Mix Master Mike (of Beastie Boys fame) and DJ Shadow stand out for me - discussing its origins and rise. Apparently turntables outsell guitars in the UK. I did not realize how popular this genre had become and how intricate its language. It is a genuine art form that risks selling out. There is some spectacular music in this film and watching these individuals work their turntables is just unbelievable. These are not guys just ripping off beats just to rap to. That is what much of hip-hop has become and this is frowned upon by the turntablists in the film. They clearly mark what they do as distinct from today's hip-hop. I think that is what stood out the most in this film. These guys love the music. They know this music in ways that few do. They know the best breaks in the songs and how to take these breaks and make them come to life in ways even the original artists would have to appreciate. They use this music to express their love and appreciation of it, resurrecting many songs and the vinyl on which it was recorded from the dead. It was very moving. Yet they do it out of love and to have fun. While they may take their craft too seriously at times, they are genuinely having fun. Competitions are intense but the comraderie in the development of this art form is incredible. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly moved by this film. Go for the DVD with its extras. The lessons from DJ Z-Trip reveal just how intimately he (and the others) knows and loves the music. You'll never listen to music the same way again.
Rating:
Summary: Just as Expected
Review: I heard a lot of people who are actually into the culture (like me) are disappointed by the film. Yes it omits alot of the really great DJs of the past and present, but what did you expect from a movie geared to the uninitiated? On the commentary track, the director and producer both say "if you want more of the history you should definitely check out WILD STYLE and...John Carluccio's BATTLESOUNDS." What their really saying is, "look if you're a part of this movement, we're sorry this movie is for old people who don't get it, go back to the movies that truly represent your culture." I hold nothing against Doug Pray for making this movie, I think that for an outsider, he got as close as anyone could without getting the old, mostly white people completely lost. If that had happened, the film would have never been released--period.
I was really happy to see MOST of the legends on real film (and not shotty video like all my other DJ tapes) but yes, it is still inferior to Battlesounds. Maybe when that DVD is released (I heard it should happen soon) we can direct all who enjoyed this movie to the authentic piece. Until then, IF YOU STEP UP YOU GET HURT!! (that was dope)
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