As I previously mentioned in my Onsight DVD review/preview, there are a wealth of climbing DVDs out this Christmas. Call It What You Want may not be one that you have heard much about up until its recent release date. So I thought I would fill you in.

Introduction
This is the debut climbing film from Steep Media, a new enterprise set up by Dave and Neil Gill. The film centres on Lakes based climber George Ullrich, over the course of a year home and abroad. The climbing is pretty much all focussed on George, but an emphasis on the film lies in the opinions of climbers, and what they get out of climbing. Whilst George Ullrich may not seem to be at ease with the camera when on the ground, his talent certainly shines through on the rock faces.

Film Opening
The climbing starts in the Peak with an ascent of Masters Edge. The film introduces George who is probably not that well known, but is definitely a climber to keep your eye on. The film also gives an insight into how he ticks and approaches his climbing. You get the impression that he just loves rock climbing and works hard to fund his next trip abroad. Whilst not overseas he utilizes his time climbing some of the Lakeland's hardest routes.

Lake District
On his home turf George focuses on three "big numbered routes" routes. We see George climb smoothly on Torture Board E7 6c at Reecastle, Impact Day E9 6c and a not so smooth E7 onsight attempt of De Quincy. The film picks out well the characteristics of the routes, especially Impact Day, and George's climbing style, whilst exploring his attitude towards routes.

California
There are two parts to this section, both include first ascents. In the popular Needles area is a new route called Pulp Friction which joins two established routes via some thin seam climbing. Personally, I thought this section was one of the weaker parts as it didn't seem to have as much punch as some of the other sections.

Then there is a stark contrast as the film takes us to the Buttermilks where a handful of problems are shown in film and through high quality stills. Out of all the sections in the film this probably gives the best insight into George’s lifestyle on the road, while managing to showcase the filming quality with impressive locations and scenery - all very pleasing on the eye. Many of the problems filmed are from a distance; in a way focusing on the climbing movement rather than the specifics of a problem. The Buttermilks section culminates by focusing on a large unclimbed face on one of the huge blocks, and whilst gear could be taken it is essentially a solo.

Bachar-Yerian
On of the main features in Call It What You Want is the Route The Bachar-Yerian. This route has a lot of history to it. It climbs the Mendlicott Dome in Tuolumme Meadows and is essentially quite featureless apart from its sporadic granite knobs over its 150m. It's history stems not merely from the fact that it is a world class route, but from the way it was established - sparking much controversy. It was climbed by John Bachar who was belayed by Dave Yerian in 1981. At the time bolts existed but there were strong ethics that meant that bolts could only be placed in stances, i.e. where you were able to hand drill the bolt without relying on gear to hold you on. On the Bachar-Yerian the bolts were placed whilst John sat on hooks. But bear in mind that there are only 9 bolts on the whole climb. To this day the route still retains a reputation for tricky route finding with large run-outs.

History over. Back to the film. We gather that George has already climbed the route onsight using the bolts. This film captures him trying the route using only natural placements, due to the nature of the rock this requires tying slings around the granite knobs...

Mallorca
The DVD concludes with a short section in Mallorca on the popular Deep Water Soloing cliffs above the Med. There are quite a few sections of different Deep Water Soloing. It's all quite relaxed and rounds off the film nicely into the finishing credits.

Discussed Aspects
Interspersed between the climbing footage are some recognisable names from the climbing scene, giving their views on our sport. These topics include Risk, Surviving, Style and Ethics, and the Internet & Media. As these sections are quite short and spread out across the film they provide a very good way of breaking up the climbing but without too much talking

Extras
There are a mix of extras on the DVD, some are short and random. Others are pretty much self contained shorts, such as John Bachars story about the run-up to and ascent of the Bachar-Yerian. This is definitely worth watching along with some extra climbing footage of Dawes Rides a Shovelhead E8 6c in the Lakes, and in the Buttermilks, a solo of the highball Footprints E6/V9.

Conclusion
A very good entry to climbing films by Steep Media, they have produced a really well balanced film with a good mix of routes, personalities and thought provoking discussion. It has a definate human touch and George Ullrich characteristics have been put across well to the viewer. Considering it is a small scale production they have put together a successful package with the multiple camera angles which are expected in a modern climbing film. There are also selections of still photography and time-lapse photography which greatly adds to the character of the film. Call It What You Want looks good and sounds good, the music is very fitting, and is pretty mellow, which goes along with Georges controlled climbing style.

Hopefully this DVD doesn’t get overlooked, with the more mainstream title currently available, as this DVD can certainly stand up to the rest.

Photos courtesy of Steep Media

Buy the DVD here