Reviewed: Earthed - The Law Of Fives (Teaser Included)

Posted: Dec 6, 2007

Yesterday I got an early Christmas gift from Alex Rankin – a preview copy of his new movie “Earthed – The Law Of Fives”.

Just like the good old “Sprung” days, Alex delivers with a new installment that simply surpasses his previous chapters. I can finally take my E4 – Death Or Glory disc out of my DVD player and put it back into its jewel case! I now have a substitute.

Believe it or not I’ve already watched it 3 times and will probably watch again and again and again. Vigo, Champery, Mont Sainte Anne, Schladming, Fort William WC and Maribor – this DVD is jammed packed with some of the best WC footage you’ll ever have the pleasure of viewing. I can already hear people say “What's with all the Sam footage, is this a Sam Hill fanboy movie?” Wake up! There is no denying it, this was Sam Hill’s year. Current World Champion, World Cup overall winner, 3 World Cup wins out of 5 races and let’s be honest, he should have won in Champery.


I can’t even find the words to describe Sam’s riding and line choices. Watch this movie and tell me with a straight face that he’s not currently the most talented rider! Simply amazing! He makes it look easy and effortless. But there’s new and young competition coming up in the ranks: Bryceland, Cunningham and Blenkinsop to name a few. The Law Of Fives features two chapters with great riding footage of Bryceland and Cunningham doing what they do best – having fun, going fast and roosting corners!


In addition to all the great racing, this DVD includes footage of rider testing their skills on the Dirt 1:04 test track located near Monmouth, UK. Again, see why Sam Hill is the current world champion – not sure how he managed to make up so much time on such a short track. Running time for the main feature is over an hour long and as an added bonus, you get an extra hour of bonus footage! And I’m talking quality riding footage here, no boring filler.


The soundtrack selection was a love and hate relationship for me – some tracks I liked, some others I didn’t. Music is subjective though – so if you don’t like it, turn it down. If you do, crank it up!! Honestly the first time I watched the movie, I was in a state of trance and barely noticed there was music playing – ha! I like Alex's style though; he was telling me "I try to not conform to music stereotypes" which I think is refreshing.


At time the music track is a bit loud and you can barely hear when the riders are talking. Alex was telling me that some of the finish line interviews were captures by by Vanessa Quinn using his small camera with a crappy mic, but he thought the stuff she asked was worth listening to. But that shouldn’t deter you from getting a copy - if you do, then it's your lost!


Perfect stocking stuffer that will bring joy & happiness to any avid rider out there! If you live in winterland, it will make you want to book a ticket to Australia or New Zealand! Okay enough chippering – I need to go watch this movie again!


Big Thanks to Alex and Dirt Mountain Bike Magazine for the preview copy. Once again a new benchmark has been set!


Bikes are cool - get out and ride! Go FLAT out....

Earthed 5 will be available in the Pinkbike.com online store after the 17th of December!

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