Jack Johnson - September Sessions [DVD]

Yeah, I know I'm behind the times, and yeah, I haven't seen a 'real' surf movie in a while (Blue Crush doesn't count) but I just had to write this review for this outstanding Jack Johnson flick. Everyone knows the Johnson story so I won't repeat the unnecessary.This movie was absolutely amazing and perhaps the best surf movie I've ever seen. The soundtrack is mix of laid back soulful grooves, the surfing is flawless, the dialogue is true, and [most importantly] the cinematography is sublime. Slater's surfing is in another dimension and the contortionistic curves that he pulls off are unbelievable. Several of his tube rides were perhaps some of the longest I've seen. I loved how he was trying so many different stances and methods to surfing the waves - he had the place completely wired and is toying with these Mentawai Island waves at several points during the movie. When Slater is an old man people will look back at this video for proof that he was the best surfer in the modern era and realize how much his surfing alone progressed the entire sport. Rob Machado's graceful and fluid lines, and honest comments about life on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) Pro Tour made me view him in a completely different light. I have a newfound respect for this guy. And then there is Luke Egan and the comment about him surfing with 90s style back in the 80s was dead-on; the guy was so ahead of his time when he first came on the International scene.I only wish the movie was a little longer than 28 minutes but the bonus coverage kinda made up for it. This is a must have for any surfer. Dialogue commentary from Jack Johnson and Kelly Slater are a nice plus as well as 'The Making of September Sessions'. I liked the movie so much that I picked up the soundtrack as well. Feel the stoke and pick it up today.

I recently bought 10 surfing videos to get through my 8 months in Iowa before I can go back to Mazatlan. I think I did well on some of them in no small part to Surfer Magazine's list and Amazon reviews. My favorites are September Sessions and Thicker Than Water; a tossup, really. Buy them both and save the shipping. I've about decided that any film involving Jack Johnson and/or the Malloys is a no-brainer; get it. What you have is some of the best surfers in the world on a Menatwais boat trip, free from the pressures of contests, getting some of the best waves in the world and YOU, are invited along. These are guys who seem to get along well having a whole lot of fun. Brad Gerlach is a stitch - just non-stop funny and yeah, he surf for good brah. You can see a younger version of Kelly Slater and Shane Dorian with hair, Slater spitting some water out at the camera looking like a young Marlon Brandon and, of course, surfing insanely well; Dorian snapping his backside hacks with a robot-like precision; Rob Machado just so fluid and stylish, seemingly able to turn on the afterburner whenever he wants some more speed. But, hey, I'm not trying to critique the surfers it's just that you can't help but get into it. A massive plus for me is the extremely well-chosen music. I've become a fan of Jack Johnson's music as well as his cinematography. He's difficult to categorize but I think of what Michael Franks might have done if he'd been surfing in Hawai'i instead of chilling out in Rio back in the day. Another thing I like is the bonus commentary from Kelly, Jack, Brad, and Rob. I could watch this for days. As an added feel-good, the filmmakers are donating all proceeds from the sale of the film to SurfAid, a truly worthwhile organization helping the residents of Sumatra and the Mentawais with medical aid.

The September Sessions by Jack Johnson is the best surf video I have ever come by. Its so relaxing and showcases some of the best surfers in the world just enjoying themselves. I would recommend everyone in the world watching this at least once a week for stress relief. Only sad thing is, its too short. Clocking in under an hour for the main edit is a bummer. But, the extras help extend that a lot. Overall, amazing product. Its a shame there arnt more like this one. Jack needs to get back into doing surf videos.

As an (ex-)surfer who has been landlocked for the past 12 years I look for my beach fix anywhere I can get it. This movie is sweet, the waves are PERFECT, and the music is not bad. It is what it says it is - SURFING - no story, no plot, just pure, clean fun. The movie is short (about 30 minutes), but also has additional "rights" and "lefts" footage in the bonus materials. I work long hours and I'm usually asleep before I can finish a long movie. This is just long enough to take my mind off the day and still have a few minutes to see my wife before I pass out. Highly recommended.

September Sessions is a great film produced by Jack Johnson and Kelly Slater about their surfing trip to Sumatra. If you like the way Jack plays his music then you should enjoy this dvd. It displays surfing in a very artistic way with great tunes and a mellow feel. I snowboard and wakeboard however I'm not a huge surfer and I found this movie to be awesome. It's great for putting on and just chilling to, wishing you could escape to a tropical paradise and surf. The soundtrack is great too. Pick this one up if you want a kik back relaxing video made by a great songwriter/film maker. Can't go wrong with this one.

glad to have a fresh copy. a good friend gave me my first copy as a gift. i lent it out many times, and eventually, passed it along to a family with kids. i like the minimal commentary and artistic editing of film/music. its short too! 20mins or so..plus extras.

I expected to this to be a little longer. Not sure how long it is, but it isn't that long. It is a bunch of high profile pros surfing the Mentawais.I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. It is a pretty good video and has a good sound track. But it lacks diversity in surf spots and seems too short. The bonus features aren't that great either.If you are obsessed with watching big-name pros surf I would get it.

Acceptable DVD. Boring soundtrack. Too much hype.Too much stereotyped .Good quality but unlikely that an average surfer will really surf such perfection in such remoteness, it is not exactly in Kuta and decent healthcare in case of trouble is a milion miles away.

Liked by gift recipient

It's good. Good waves and good music. Only about 40 minutes long and there's no narrating. I guess I just prefer surf documentaries over the wave after wave with music. Still, good though!

i bought this to add to the rest of my jack johnson stuff! and now all i wanna do is surf it wasnt what i expected and even though its short i could watch it all day forever on repeat if you just wana sit and chill its a great thing to watch!

good stuff