It's a great time to be an ATV enthusiast, as just about every aspect of this subculture is booming with choices. Options abound when it comes to everything from riding, play riding on video games or just watching other people ride. There are now multiple national caliber race series as well as television shows dedicated to covering said series (plus a plethora of other outdoor adventures). We actually have more sport-model choices than ever before (seven 450cc machines) and now five current heart-throbbing ATV video titles from which to choose. This year's crop of video releases are unlike any we've seen before. Sure, the titles have mostly remained the same, but the content is on a previously unreached level. Everything from film quality to content has improved by leaps and bounds. While some new titles wow you with fancy camera angles, others will grab you with the skill level of the riders. No matter what your discipline of riding is, there's something for everyone, from free riding and racing to the ever popular ATV freestyle.
This year's selection includes an extremely wide variety of approaches, from straight documentaries to full-on free-ride flicks. We gathered together National Born Killers by H-Bomb Films, The Fallout 3 by Akraix Entertainment presented by Studio 411, Refuel by Flobber Motion Video in association with H-Bomb Films, Huevos Ten by H-Bomb Films and Carpe Diem 4 by Premis Industries. Each filmmaker has taken a unique approach and no two videos are the same, even in the case of H-Bomb Films' two releases; both videos are completely distinct and share little similarity. Each niche is well represented this year, and each film does a superb job of not only defining itself, but also standing out.
#1
National Born Killers by H-Bomb Films
Running time: 88 minutes, plus bonus features
The long-awaited documentary by Wes Miller and the H-Bomb Films crew covers the 2006 GNC MX season in its entirety. Unlike any other film in the bunch, NBK is a true documentary. The film is devoid of antics, instead filled with a healthy dose of truth and a previously unseen candidness by the top pros in our sport. Packed with stand-out moments, the film follows the action of the grueling 14-round '06 MX season. From the second you hit play, you'll be blown away. The intro itself is enough to get you fired up, and the aerial Glen Helen footage offers a unique perspective to the historic track. Try as they may, though, the H-Bomb staff couldn't break away from its trademark artsy look. Bumped-up contrast and unique angles keep it visually pleasing, while interviews with up-and-comers like Pat Brown and Jason Dunkelberger keep the audio up to par. The Gatorback footage really captures the speeds that the current pros are reaching, and the Budds Creek shots of the ginormous step-up jump shows the heights. Surprisingly, the race footage is less entertaining than the interviews; hearing top pros spill their guts on the sacrifices they've made or their laundry list of injuries is what makes this film special. The hardest part to watch is by far the Jeremiah Jones footage; we won't spoil it for you, but bring some tissues. Overall, the H-Bomb release is pretty amazing, the film score/soundtrack is the perfect complement to a visually stunning experience.