drillman1ca Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Just got the movie and watched it right away last night. Here's my first impressions. Because I was part of that season with Bluecoats, it really affected me - I'm totally biased. It took me back to that summer. And seeing all the faces again! What I loved about this movie was the grittiness. It could have been all sappy and sweet as I'm sure the activity has been portrayed before. Working and touring with a DCI corps is really a tough journey. I think the film makers were successful in taking us on that journey. For example, I truly felt the claustrophobia that is tour life on the buses. I felt the tedium of all those long rehearsals along with the members. I could feel their frustration, their exhaustion and their determination. Sometimes just the expressions on their faces tell a story. The movie also managed to capture the humour and the bittersweet moments that are the reality of the activity and the Bluecoats. It really gets across the atmosphere, emotions and the mechanics of it all. It communicates the blood, sweat and the tears but also the joys and ultimate rewards. And they get into so many details that we, who participate in the activity, take for granted sometimes. Not knowing what day it is. All those nameless truck stops. The food line. Moments I loved: the Operations Director doing the food shopping in a grocery store. Luke Bauerlein speculating about the origins of the "Blooo!" cheer (some drunk guy from Ohio?). The Japanese trumpet player and her unique challenges. The frustrations of Alex Bender, the trumpet soloist. Those are just a few of the many. This movie was done with a lot of heart by an independent film company. Kudos to JEM Films! They got it. They came to understand what it’s all about, this drum corps thing. They captured the essence of what we do for a wider audience while bringing back some memories for those of us that have lived it. The Bluecoats should be proud of this movie - their story about the 2006 season. And really, it’s the story about every member who marches a DCI corps. The drum corps activity can also be proud of this movie. Gareth Skipp Quote
CharacterZero Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 I bought and watched this DVD yesterday. After I was done I had mixed feelings about it. I haven't marched yet ('09) but I definitely think it's something every fan needs to see. It does a really good job of describing the frustrations and intensity of summer rehearsals. It gives you great insight to the social aspects within the corps, especially bus life. And it definitely proves to people that Drum Corps isn't easy, it takes an athlete to do it. If someone is thinking about marching, but isn't sure if they can handle it, this movie will definitely help you decide. You get an overview of everything the corps goes through from spring training all the way to finals night. I can't stress to you how much I recommend it and that you should go and order this DVD right now. But I have a few complaints with the movie also. The course of events in the documentary seem jumbled and out of order. You get confused about what part of the season they're in and what they're doing at any given point. It doesn't give a good sense of "competition" at all, it only focuses on the life on tour. Another complaint is that I don't think this would be a good movie to explain what drum corps IS in it's entirety. You are never told of how precise the musicality of the group is. You don't get to see a lot of finished drill or full ensemble music. Hell, you don't even see more than 15 seconds of the show. It would have been a lot better if it showed the finals performance. But then I get to thinking and realize it could possibly be this way because the movie wanted to be a documentary on Drum Corps tour life, not on the whole activity. Quote
Keith Laubhan Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 I too have mixed feelings on Throw It Down... I felt the dream sequences were a little contrived and melodramatic. I too wished there was more performance footage, as well as more information on the competitive side of things. I also agree that the narrative was a little disjointed at times. That said, it featured some really engaging members that were easy to root for on their journey. It did do a good job of showcasing the struggle that is the tour, and it does give the viewer a pretty good look at what happens in the activity. I'm still waiting for the really good, all-encompassing, expertly produced masterpiece drum corps documentary, but there's still plenty to like in Throw It Down, as well as America's Core. Quote
The Brass Guy Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 My uncle is the producer of this movie and his brother the director. The movie really came a long way since the beginning and turned out really nice in my opinion. It really conveys the hardships not just the bluecoats endure but all drum corps. Quote
TerriTroop Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 I too wished there was more performance footage, as well as more information on the competitive side of things. I assume the issues with this in both Throw it Down and America's Core is again the synch licensing as well as DCI's rights to distribute and sell all DCI member corps' performances. I'm not absolutely certain about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. Quote
nukeme70 Posted January 7, 2009 Posted January 7, 2009 I really enjoyed the production, and was quite impressed with the customer service in getting the DVD to me - not only did I receive it about 3 days after ordering it (that is including the New Year holiday), but they slipped in a bag of popcorn with the movie! I agree with the other posters - the movie shows much of the behind the scenes of the drum corps season within the corps - there isn't much reference to interactions between other corps, but I don't think that was the focus of the production. I was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't a "making of", or other special features. I seem to remember back in '06 or '07, when the discussions first started about this film, that there were some clips going around showing the camera booms out on the field, with the director working with the staff to run a drill set repeatedly until it was just right. I think there were some other ones showing the cameraman getting clocked by a drill move, but I might be imagining that... It was good to see Gunther again...though when he was with us, he was safety orange... Quote
ohbaby Posted January 7, 2009 Posted January 7, 2009 I really enjoyed the production, and was quite impressed with the customer service in getting the DVD to me - not only did I receive it about 3 days after ordering it (that is including the New Year holiday), but they slipped in a bag of popcorn with the movie!I agree with the other posters - the movie shows much of the behind the scenes of the drum corps season within the corps - there isn't much reference to interactions between other corps, but I don't think that was the focus of the production. I was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't a "making of", or other special features. I seem to remember back in '06 or '07, when the discussions first started about this film, that there were some clips going around showing the camera booms out on the field, with the director working with the staff to run a drill set repeatedly until it was just right. I think there were some other ones showing the cameraman getting clocked by a drill move, but I might be imagining that... It was good to see Gunther again...though when he was with us, he was safety orange... I hope it finds it's way to Netflix. What great exposure for the activity it would be! Quote
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