08/09 : Alterna Action : Knockout

This year's film is a solid collection of footage, crisp and clean footage that pops with color and life. The cinematography is a real treat, with follow cams and cable shots set up even in backcountry settings. The advance in outerwear color has been evident in a few of the films this year, but the quality of Alterna's filming really helps the colors shine, allowing the riders to standout even on overcast days, and creating a somewhat surreal look in some of the shots.

Knockout showcases some fantastic riding, Dufficy and Toots back-to-back sections are well matched and both throw down some incredible shots, it's fun to have the Duff back in frame. Nakai's section stands out as one of the best rider parts, not just of Knockout, but of the season. The visual quality of the footage mixed with the level of Nakai's riding left me pretty speechless. The creative angles and zip-line footage only helps to cement it at the top.

The soundtrack is well matched to the footage (bonus points for Ratatat), and helps keep the energy up and the feeling light and poppy. The editing takes advantage of slow-motion and rewind and fast-forward effects, but doesn't overdo it like so many videos this year. There is some great time-elapse photography mixed in as well. There are some great extras, extended footage of pulling a snowmobile out of a lake, and a ton of extra snowboard footy, which help extend the life of the vide oto about an hour