This week we are going waaay back. Like, 1997 back. Did you know that before Josh Lowell started the now world famous powerhouse of Big Up Productions, he produced a film just called “Big Up”? Yep, this is where it all started.

Now, let me admit that even though I live in northern Maryland, I’ve never made the hike to The Gunks, so I have little idea how many of these are classics. The film opens with a 3 minute highlight reel, satiating your need for climbing before launching into a history of bouldering at The Gunks. The tone is set here, and its obvious Ivan feels on the outside compared to other user-groups. From there, this film is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. V6 first ascents. An actual V0. Actual spotting. Someone attempting a V8 first ascent in 5.10 Spires – like, what?  Like other films, there is the obligatory blooperfall compilation, and sends as hard as V9.

There is so very much spotting in this film, and that makes me happy. In one scene, no less than 4 people spot one climber. Other times its distracting as the spots cross over the safety line and into the full on dab territory.  Other minor nitpicks include odd closeups – not just the fingers on the hold, but the hand and forearm, where I’m not even sure the climber is off the ground.  By far my least favorite part of the film are Ivan Greene’s voiceovers.  I’ve never met the man, but his self-promoted image, the accusations of chipping, and second hand stories from folks I trust are enough for me to be wary.

That said, something about this video feels very…. real. Its not the super polished, overproduced video we get these days. It feels very much like when my friends and I go climbing. The success, the failure, the moderates, the innane conversation and joking between burns. Without this film we might not have other classics like Free Hueco, Rampage, and all that came after. And for that reason alone, I’m glad I have this genesis in my library.

Verdict:  Borrow It -Because lets be honest, you can’t buy it.  How did I even got a copy?  I bought it from American Ninja Warrior star Geoff Britton.  Not even kidding.

Filmed By: Josh Lowell (Big Up!)

The Who:
Ivan Greene, Obe Carrion, Marc Russo, Josh Lowell, Brett Lowell, Nina Lopez, Russ Clune, Al Diamond, Vic Kadyan, Aaron Lennox, Brian Dellet, Vittoria Daddi, Whitney Hoose, Brent Salamone, Rebecca Berry, Tony Sartin

The Where & What:
The Gunks, NY
-Mad Lion – V6 FA
-The Meaning of Life – V5
-Beer and Pretzels – V1
-Lightning Blade – V1
-The Gill Egg – V4
-The Illustrious Buddha – V9
-Mentos – V4
-The Thrundler – V5
-Dwarf Toss – V8 FA
-Freakbook – V5
-Spew Harder – V3
-Silence – V9 FA
-The Comeback – V9 FA
-Boxcar Arete – V8
-Lotsa Motza – V2 FA
-Sicker than Average – V8 FA
-The Terrordome – V8 FA
-Tiger Style – V6
-The Classic – V5
-Khadejha – V6

Reviewer: Justin Meserve