Has it really been twenty years? It seems like just yesterday kids were rocking out to the original “Decade” soundtrack in the back seat of bus seventeen, eagerly awaiting to arrive at home to watch “Decade” over and over again until the tracking on the VHS player couldn’t take anymore. Ten years later, these same kids find themselves in the packed auditorium of PSU’s Boyd Hall 144, anxious to find out whether or not the film company that blew so many kids’ minds so long ago could possibly produce another film worthy of bearing the name “Decade” in it.
On Wed Oct 15, the PSU Boardin’ club, along with Lahout’s Snowboard Shop and Burton Snowboards, held a premier of Mack Dawg Production’s latest release, “Double Decade.” The crowd began to roll in around 8 p.m., with some spectators showing up fashionably late, and even a few stragglers making their way in at various points throughout the flick. It is always hard to estimate how large of a crowd a snowboard movie premier will draw, but with well over a hundred heads in attendance, any worries regarding the turnout were immediately extinguished.
To get things underway, audience members were challenged to a game of snowboard industry Trivial Pursuit, with prizes such as Burton helmets and Anon goggles being rewarded to those who were able to prove they know who’s “who” in the world of snowboarding. Congratulations to those who were able to answer even the most difficult questions asked. To those who failed, pick up a snowboard magazine and start studying up for next year’s premiers.
The tape started rolling just as all the Gravis energy drinks began to kick in, which yielded a heavy helping of commentary from the enthusiastic audience. As usual, Mack Dawg Productions proved why they have been the benchmark in the world of snowboard video production for 20 years, providing the highest level of filming, editing and riding in the industry, leaving the crowd in awe as heavy hitters like Eero Ettela, DCP and Andreas Wiig spun and corked in every which way imaginable. In between segments, short interviews with some of snowboarding’s most respected names were shown, giving insight into just how much things have progressed since the original “Decade” was filmed. These interviews kept the video fresh, assuring the audience that they were indeed watching a celebration of snowboarding rather than simply a monotonous series of bangers. Aside from a few minor soundtrack downfalls, when the first two songs in a video are by The Sounds and The Faint, it might be time to consider finding a new music supervisor, Mack Dawg did not disappoint. After 20 years of filmmaking, Mike McIntyre, Mack Dawg’s Producer, has developed a formula for success involving a large budget and immense dedication that ensures a top quality production.
After the video, the crowd seemed anxious to get the after party started. Sponsors threw out a bunch of product and let people get on their way. The PSU Boardin’ Club would like to extend a big thank you to Lahout’s and Burton for providing the movie and those who came out and proved that the spirit of snowboarding is alive and well on the PSU campus.