Life Cycles DVD Review

It may have taken what seemed like many “Life Cycles” for the actual release of the dvd with the same name to appear on the shelves of stores. Supported by Shimano, Scott and Pinkbike there was much hype and many, many delays for this film but believe you me if you enjoy breathtaking cinematography “Life Cycles” by Ryan Gibb and Dereck Frankowski was well worth the wait. Some may remember Frankowski as a photographer from the NZ Drop In series, if you do go check out his site and you will get an instant understanding why quite literally every shot in this dvd could be a framed picture on your wall at home.
Shot in Ultra HD with a movie run time of 45 minutes plus bonus footage there is plenty of mind-blowing riding to get you stoked. It is, however, far more understated than your average metal band huck or race fest. Life Cycles shows the adventure that is mountain biking with feature riders Graham Agassiz, Matt Hunter, Cam McCaul, Thomas Vanderham, Bandon Semenuck and more. A nice touch is the real focus on the trails over a variety of seasons and riding while the eclectic soundtrack is also a nice balance with the ecological message that resounds through the film via Graham Tracey’s (at times somewhat cheesy) narration.
I really enjoyed the extraordinary shots Gibb and Fankowski have bought to the screen. There are many amazing sequences, which you will have to watch more than once to really appreciate the skill of the rider, however Brandon Semenuck’s "Wheat Field" attack looks incredible, while the final sequence of Vanderham leaves you wondering how someone can ride that much speed and style at night.

It is definitely one for the mountain bikers Xmas stocking

RRP: $49.90 and worth every cent!

Thanks to Adrian "Virgil" Armstrong for this review - the cheques in the mail!