The Learning Curve
The disc contains the main feature, which runs for just over 40 mins, and also extras including a slideshow and a bonus footage section. There may even be something else in there somewhere...
Duplicated and distributed nationwide by Power Distribution, search out a copy at your local skateshop today for just £5.
Trailers for the DVD can be viewed on The Learning Curve blog page.
All of the parts are now up in the video archive page on this site.
Blog
The TLC blog page was set up to chart the progress of "The Learning Curve" from conception through to release. Featuring many clickable links, video clips and even the option to subscribe to podcasts, step inside to see what's happening.
Click here to enter the blog page.
Sidewalk Magazine Review, issue 126, March 2007
Denizens of the sidewalkmag.com forum will know all about this as Mr Hamilton has embarked on a reign of terror as far as the promoting this excellent London scene video goes - podcasts, constant updates, a DVD related blog: you could show half the PR agencies in London how to do their jobs properly mate, get on it!
The Learning Curve is the latest in the current crop of indy DVDs showcasing the multitude of talent in amongst the mass of humans that we call London; some of the faces on here are already known, some are not.
Who's on it?
Chris Peacock, Mike Sutcliffe, James "Mumrah" Edson, Leo "Roast" Rhodes, Paul "mega neck" Rimmer, Fred Albrow, Finn Andres, Carl Magalit, Chris Ault and more.
Highlights?
The man behind this DVD is as OG as it gets and has been involved in many of the more noteworthy independent British skate vids produced over the last decade, so it's good to see him pick up the gauntlet and release a full-length feature of his own.
Chris Peacock's up first with lots of pop, lots of broken boards and a huge backside flip over the bump to bar in Holborn (I think). Mike "SA Mike" Sutcliffe follows Chris with his red-wine relaxed style and a truly ludicrous fs air at Bloblands. Sheffield's answer to ODB, James Edson, comes correct with high-speed backside lipslides and proper varial heels as standard. Nice image scarf Mumrah! OG Mount Hawk alumni Leo Rhodes and Paul Rimmer both have some quality footage as do new faces Finn Andres, Fred Albrow and Carl Magalit, who all impressed. The last section goes to Londoner and forum nerd Chris Ault and it's good, mixing Southbank ledge lines up with Rom pool action - nice one baby head.
On top of the sections there are also two excellent friends montages featuring the likes of Jak Pietryga, Dave Davies, Ben Jobe, Mark Channer, Rory Milanes, Brady, Fos, Lucien Clarke, Boots and loads more.
Overall?
This is a quality release featuring faces new and old from within the immigrant and indigenous London scene, with an excellent soundtrack and a generally high level of production. If you dig independent scene videos you'll love it, in fact my only minor gripe here is that Phraeza managed to use two tracks from Viewfinder 2 in succession but hey, who am I, Simon Cowell?
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Review by Ben Powell, editor Sidewalk MagazineIf you're privy to internet forums and UK magazines, you couldn't have missed the relentless plugging that's been going on for an independent video project entitled The Learning Curve.
The man behind the viewfinder is a chap named Phraeza, and he huddles together some of the Thames Valley's finest skateboarders under the Jahlada banner to represent proper. The line-up includes Chris Peacock, James Edson, Paul Rimmer, Mike Sutcliffe, Leo Rhodes, Fred Albrow, Finn Andres, Carl Magalit, Chris Ault and a good handful of friends and guests that include Louie Barletta amongst others.
The show opens to Chris Peacock who opens the doors onto London's endless array of spots. For those who don't know, London is teeming with spots, but most of the best ones are off the beaten track, so it takes dedicated individuals like Chris to find them and enjoy them. In any case, Chris starts The Learning Curve off nicely with a part that opts for the simple but solid approach. Chris also boasts a mean backside flip.
Mike Sutcliffe rides in next and proliferates loads of South African steez on his choice of spots. Mike takes it all in his stride as he pops over massive dustbins, threads the needle down multiple flights of stairs and just cruises around smoother than a pair of Velcro cycling shorts.
The next couple of riders, James Edson and Leo Rhodes, are definite alumni of the Class of 94 back when Lockwood schoolyard and the LA Courthouse were the Sants and Macba of another generation. Today’s brainwashed yoot might find these two a little rusty on the picture perfect style standard that dominates many a contemporary release nowadays, but those in the know will appreciate the Souls of Mischief t-shirt and dangling belt more than any switch tre. Good to see some sick skating from a couple of South England's workers and lurkers.
Paul Rimmer deserves your attention because he's consistent and open to skate anything. This part seems pretty testosterone fuelled, but in a good way, not a gay way. Clean pop and flick have Paul laughing his way around ledges and banks alike, and that we like.
The trio that is Fred Albrow, Finn Andres and Carl Magalit embody the modern day mould for skateboarding. There's flair and fine-tuning, much like there is emotional cool and city swagger. That's a lot of superlative description to basically say that these three are safe as houses and a good look for future street skating. I must admit that I preferred Carl's approach solely on his more eager stance to get the job done.
The Learning Curve ends with one of the Thames Valley's finest graduates, Chris Ault. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Chris skates fast and hard. Not in a ragdoll way, but more of a Mike Ruszcyk way. Pop a block here, rip a rail there, tear into a transition and drive into a downhill. That's Chris' skating for you. This is a well-deserved last part for a small tyke that's taking no prisoners.
Overall, Phraeza and co. can be proud of what's been achieved with The Learning Curve. To represent the London scene is no easy task, but this signed and sealed documentation definitely covers a lot of the groundwork. I can imagine if this DVD spreads it's wings beyond the M25, then the capital can expect a whole new flock of faces coming down to skate some of those wicked spots.
Visit http://jahladathelearningcurve.blogspot.com for podcasts and more.
This DVD is in skater owned shops for £5 right now, go pick it up.
Ralph L-D 14.02.07