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 FLASHBACK DVD Video Review
by Christopher Curran
July 14th, 2007
Flashback is the latest offering from producers Sebastien Doerr and freestyle sensation Andre Paskowski. This highly entertaining film showcases the incredible talents of multiple World Freestyle Champion Ricardo Campello and his close friends.
More than just a visual freestyle feast, this entertaining film begins with a mock-head injury sustained by Ricardo during a sailing session. Resting in bed with a concussion and some memory loss, Ricardo is visited by each of his best friends. With the encouraging help of his friends, he mentally steps back in time gradually remembering epic sessions, world cup events, good times and childhood events.
Flashes of images and footage come back to him and he slowly regains his memory. In the process, we are treated to some high quality video and entertaining behind the scenes footage of Ricardo and friends.
It’s clear that Sebastien Doerr and Andre Paskowski were allowed fairly free reign with their filming of Ricardo and we get a pretty up close and personal look at the freestyle champ, some of it flattering and some of it, well, just watch the video!
The water footage is very well filmed and allows for some great viewing angles to really see how these top-level riders rip waves apart or spin a freestyle move. Overall the video quality is excellent and combines many different types of shots for a well-balanced visual feel, rather than shooting mostly from the beach with a long lens. In my opinion it’s this style of shooting that really engages a viewer and makes a video watch able many times over.
Flashback is really a celebration of the talents of Ricardo Campello and a glimpse into the future of not only freestyle but also wavesailing. Ricardo will be one to watch in the wave discilpline as he adds his explosive ability and creative maneuvers to the mix. In the interviews section, Jason Polakow, Bjorn Dunkerbeck, and many of Ricardo’s friends give candid insights into the flamboyant character that is Ricardo Campello.
It’s clear that the young Venezuelan/Brazilian pro isn’t loved equally well by everyone on the tour, but those that take the time to get to know him are rewarded with his adventurous energy and mischievous spirit. In fact, there are many clips of Ricardo demonstrating this frenetic energy on and off the water.
Part of the charm of this video is the fact that Ricardo is portrayed just the way he is, not just as a polished super-kid. There’s ample adolescent screwing around in the form of rental car jumps and burnouts as well as hotel-room hi-jinx. A good measure of beach culture bikini chickas is included to balance out the male-dominated aspect of the tour. It’s pretty clear these guys are having a good time on tour.
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