The Endless Summer (1966)

[pro-bassoonist]

The Endless Summer Blu-ray

The Endless Summer Blu-ray Review




Bruce Brown's legendary documentary film The Endless Summer (1966) is set to be released on January 11.

Synopsis:

The crown jewel to ten years of Bruce Brown surfing documentaries. Brown follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave, and ends up finding quite a few in addition to some colorful local characters.

Pro-B

[McCrutchy]

Is this worth seeing even if you have no liking of, or point of reference for (i.e. cannot engage in), surfing?

[#Darren]

IMO this is not quite on the same level as On Any Sunday but still quite enjoyable. If you have seen On Any Sunday it has the same "feel". I think it can be enjoyed if you are/have surfed or not.

Probably not everybody's idea of great entertainment though.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

Is this worth seeing even if you have no liking of, or point of reference for (i.e. cannot engage in), surfing?

Actually, it is worth owning. It is basically the film that started it all and inspired countless documentaries on the subject. At a certain university, it was even part of the film curriculum and film students were expected to see it

Pro-B

[Arkadin]

anyone get this?
looks like it came out.

[blokhed]

Yeah, I'm very curious about the PQ. In my opinion, this is a fascinating doc for anyone, not just surfers. If you have any interest in seeing 60s era surfing and world traveling, check it out.

[PirateBooty]

Maybe it's time to upgrade my almost 30 year old VHS copy. Great film.

[Desk.]

I'm very pleased this film is getting a UK release, but it does once again prompt my recurring question... Where is Big Wednesday?

It's an absolute classic, and I'm stunned it still doesn't have a release.

Desk

[albabe]

FYI: Very Cool UPDATE!!!

I never picked up the Blu-Ray because there was a Special Edition DVD that was released at the same time - which was really odd - and I didn't wanna spend more for less. And I forgot about the poposed UK Special Edition Release - until a few weeks ago when I accidentally found that fairly new Import. It looks like it has all the Special Features as the Special Edition DVD. Just got it. Very Groovy!

https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Summe...dp/B0719TH7ND/

[Rasimov]

For anyone looking for this, you can still buy it directly from the distributor:

https://montereymedia.com/search?q=endless+summer

EDIT But it looks like they are now out of stock on the US blu-ray.

[albabe]

Originally Posted by Rasimov

For anyone looking for this, you can still buy it directly from the distributor:

https://montereymedia.com/search?q=endless+summer

That looks like the Old Version. It doesn't say it has all The Special Features of this one:


This is the one with all the Features:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719TH7ND/

[Rasimov]

Originally Posted by albabe

That looks like the Old Version. It doesn't say it has all The Special Features of this one:


This is the one with all the Features:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719TH7ND/

That's the UK import, but it should be region free for the main feature (no idea if it has PAL or 50i special features). The DVD with it is more than likely PAL if it matters.

[albabe]

Originally Posted by Rasimov

That's the UK import, but it should be region free for the main feature (no idea if it has PAL or 50i special features). The DVD with it is more than likely PAL if it matters.

I don't think there's a American Version with all the Extras...

And, Yep, just checked... It says "REGION FREE" on the back. Dunno about the PAL thing...

[growsinwater]

I wish part 2 would come out on Blu, I love that one as well!

[Bassaholic]

We need a 4K release of this.

[DaveF059]

The DVD was released before the BD. I have both.
I didn't see hardly any picture quality difference between the DVD and BD.

[bonerjams2003]

Really wish Criterion would release a 4K set of this and the sequels

[albabe]

Originally Posted by bonerjams2003

Really wish Criterion would release a 4K set of this and the sequels

I don't think a 4K would make Bruce's 16mm stuff look much better. I think the Blu-Ray sorta-kinda did, but I think 4K is a bit of a stretch.

But it would be awesome just to have a nice set of Bonus stuff, like the follow-up, Endless Summer II...

A few discs of Bonus Extras would be easy. Bruce had so much stuff. Shorts like Slippery When Wet from '58; Surf Crazy from '59; Barefoot Adventure and Surfin' Shorts from '60; Surfing Hollow Days, '61; Water-Logged, 62... and those are just his released early shorts.

I remember being in High School and watching him do his cool little presentation of 8mm and 16mm bits. He would put on a 45 of some sorta-semi-surfin' tune and play it while he narrated. I loved it<

[TremiRodomi]

Originally Posted by albabe

I don't think a 4K would make Bruce's 16mm stuff look much better. I think the Blu-Ray sorta-kinda did, but I think 4K is a bit of a stretch.

But it would be awesome just to have a nice set of Bonus stuff, like the follow-up, Endless Summer II...

A few discs of Bonus Extras would be easy. Bruce had so much stuff. Shorts like Slippery When Wet from '58; Surf Crazy from '59; Barefoot Adventure and Surfin' Shorts from '60; Surfing Hollow Days, '61; Water-Logged, 62... and those are just his released early shorts.

I remember being in High School and watching him do his cool little presentation of 8mm and 16mm bits. He would put on a 45 of some sorta-semi-surfin' tune and play it while he narrated. I loved it<

Yeah, 16mm film stock resolves to around 2K detail typically, and close enough to 4K on a good day.

https://filmthreat.com/interviews/th...r-bruce-brown/

This was shot on a 16mm Bolex camera so that doesn't help either. The Blu-Ray is probably as good as it gets, unless you want HDR.

[albabe]

Originally Posted by TremiRodomi

Yeah, 16mm film stock resolves to around 2K detail typically, and close enough to 4K on a good day.

https://filmthreat.com/interviews/th...r-bruce-brown/

This was shot on a 16mm Bolex camera so that doesn't help either. The Blu-Ray is probably as good as it gets, unless you want HDR.

I don't remember seeing what kind of Camera Bruce used. I wouldn't doubt it was the 16mm Wind-up Bolex. I think the speed is consistent for about 10 seconds... maybe...