Scratch DVD Review
SCRATCH is a feature-length film/ DVD that explores the world of the hip-hop
DJ. From the birth of hip-hop, when pioneering DJ's began extending breaks
on their party records (which helped inspire break dancing and rap), to
the invention of scratching and "beat-juggling" vinyl, to its
recent explosion as a musical movement called "turntablism,"
it's a story of unknown underdogs and serious virtuosos who are radically
changing the way we hear, play and create music.
The film features some of the world's best DJ's, whether they're famous
for solo scratching, competing in international DJ battles, playing for
rap artists, or just rocking parties with the most insane records ever
dug up. Check out dynamic performances and interviews with DJ's Q-bert,
Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys) Rob Swift and the X-ecutioners,
Cut Chemist & NuMark (of Jurassic 5), DJ Craze, The Bullet Proof Space
Travelers, Babu (of Dilated Peoples), DJ Krush, DJ Premier (Gang Starr),
and others, along with "old-school" innovators like Afrika Bambaataa
and Grand Wizard Theodore (who is widely acknowledged as having invented
the idea of scratching vinyl in the first place).
SCRATCH had it's world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and was
nominated for a 2002 Independent Spirit Award by the IFP. From February
through July, 2002, it played in movie theaters throughout the United
States, and the DVD is now available in video and music stores.A Live
Tour of DJs and performers from the film is now touring the world, plus
a Bill Laswell-produced Soundtrack was released by Transparent Music.
SCRATCH is distributed by Palm Pictures in North America and by Intermedia
Films internationally, (including Canada, France, UK, and Japan).
SCRATCH was produced by Brad Blondheim and Ernest Meza, directed and edited
by Doug Pray , executive produced by Allen & Albert Hughes, and it
was shot in 16mm film by director of photography Robert Bennett. For the
record, this is not a movie about radio deejays, wedding DJ's, or techno/house/rave
DJ's (who've been well-documented in several recent films), it's about
vinyl-scratching hip-hop DJ's who do it live.
This is a MUST SEE for all rap/hip-hop fans. And believe me, you will
be taken aback by the skill of Mix Master Mike and Q-Bert. I was quite
surprised that Jam Master Jay wasn�t featured in this movie but nether
the less it�s a SUPERB movie and its definitely worth purchasing.
Author: Martyn Todd (Beastly Boy)