Orpheusproductions recently released their third film under the Focus title, 3Focus.  In this review we have stayed away from the ‘traditional’ review with all the PR hype to bring you an honest opinion on what we think is a great DVD.

The format of the film is nothing new; following the world cup (WC) circuit is pretty standard with a number of rival film makers each putting their own spin on the years WC DH season in time for a DVD release by Christmas.

But 3Focus is, it seems, an attempt to offer something a little more than the norm. 

It's fair to say that most riders loved the gritty and characterful portrayal of the race scene that Alex Rankin brought with the Earthed series of films. Over the last few seasons other film makers have attempted to achieve the same level of notoriety and success but with mixed results.

Moving Camera

So what does 3Focus bring? Well it's main visual success is with the use of different filming techniques such as boom, caddy and wire mounted cameras, this really brings something fresh to WC footage by allowing more of the action to be seen as well as the detail of the course. The film opens to some truly great riding at the Maribor WC to the sound of Sweet Child o' Mine, by Guns n' Roses, watching Hill, Gee and co glide over the undulating rooty track is like poetry to any race head.

The riding footage is obviously WC centred but with non race footage to break it up a little, the Yeti boys and Remi Thiron doing the best job of entertaining when not against the clock.

I've already made the point about the subject matter being the same as many others but it seems that 3Focus attempts to connect the viewer to the scene, something which may well set it apart.

I love the fact you get to see the spectacle of Barel at the top of Schladming deep in race prep, eyes shut, frantically re-enacting his every movement over the many whoops and turns the course had to offer. He looks like a tit, really, but that's the point; it's honest. Even when filling his chairlift with verbal diarrhea the chirpy and over chatty little French man is always a favourite.

Other highlights include Rachael's display of raw pride on the top spot of the podium at this years world champs and possibly the best insight into what it takes to win those precious rainbow stripes you'll ever get.  As if so simple - but previously unclear - Bryce tells of the moment when he realised what he had to do.. "..... and then I was just like; hang on a minute, all I've gotta do is do a fast run down this hill and then...um... hopfully get the rainbows". I love how matter of fact that is and wish it were so bloody simple.

Speaking of the World Champs, we've all see 'that crash' dozens of times and while it's pretty spectacular, especially given the context, it's what and how Hill felt about it that everyone wanted to know. So the close up shot of Sam Hill's face during the post race press conference at Livignio is a priceless insight into the torment and frustration he must have been feeling at the time. 

The Music, an essential part of any extreme sports DVD, is great throughout especially the track used for the world champs making me want to break out into a George Sampson esq body pop almost immediately. There was even the now obligatory remix of Wolfmother's 'Woman' to keep everyone happy. Thankfully unlike some other recent offerings the audio levels are just right; enabling dialogue to be heard over the music without the need to constantly adjust the volume.

Random highlights include Peaty head butting some tree padding, Blenkinsop riding like a stiff backed newbie, Adam Brayton creating some monster roost and Dan Atherton showing that he is anything but articulate (watch the credits).

While well produced the film doesn't feel like its on the same level as some of the freeride centred films when it comes to sexiness or visual wow. The intro to the Mount Saint Anne WC is brilliant, it's just a shame that the same level of thought and execution didn't go into the other on screen graphics.

Unfortunately there's also a lack of variation when it comes to track shots, although the camera techniques are often very good you're left wishing that you'd seen more of the tracks or at least a few less people riding each section and does let the film down a little.

3Focus doesn't attempt to over glamorise the sport nor create the illusion of a gladiatorial struggle. It's competing with a number of other DVDs all of which have followed a similar recipe, but then this isn't so surprising. The film is reasonably polished and visually pleasing but not exceptionally so. The footage is very good and considering we've often seen the event before that's a real compliment - some of these films can seem to be the same as another simply shot 3 ft to the left. What it does well is let you in to 55 mins of a scene we'd all love to be a part of, and does a great job of bringing you closer to seeing these untouchable riders for what they are - you and me, just faster! I was left itching to get out and ride and even began to consider racing again so can honestly say that 3Focus is well worth watching. Conversely with over an hour of extras it's sure to keep you interested long enough to fill any rainy afternoon.

Denham

Check out the trailer here.