Winter Equinox (1976)

Much more than a ski film, a total sensual adventure set against the action of an international competition in America's newest and fastest-growing daredevil sport, Freestyle Skiing or "Hot Dogging." Not for the average or even experienced skier, Freestyle Skiing was born of the same adventurous spirit that wrought wing-walking, skydiving and hang-gliding. It was developed in the early 1970's by a handful of gypsy skiers who had somehow come to find downhill racing, the giant slalom and long-distance jump too tame. These brash, young athletes began to develop what might be termed stunt skiing, attempting what only a few Europeans had ever tried before - "The Aerials:" a head-over-skis revolution off a ramp (for which the penalty for error is almost certain permanent disability); "The Moguls:" shooting virtually impossible terrain at breakneck speed; "The Ballet:" simply doing on skis what one would expect to find on ice or the ballet stage. Winter Equinox captures the skiers performing in this triad of events, watching them as they defy gravity, and everything else, living a reckless, rockin' lifestyle - on and off the slopes. The first flip on skis was recorded in 1970 and "freestyle" has progressed slowly to its present exciting state. the recent addition of music to the sport has enabled the competitors to create moods and tell stories during the course of their runs, thus creating more than just a mind blowing visual effect for spectators. The original music score for Winter Equinox, directed by Dennis Dragon, utilizes the talents of several composers to compile a composition which not only will be thrilling to skiers, but equally as thrilling to all music lovers. The selections depict a musical myriad of moods running the gamut of "easy listening" to "Stone Funk" to "Super disco". As Winter Equinox is a joyful exhilarating movie that sends your spirits soaring, equally so is the music contained within. Even if you've never put on a pair of skis you will surely find the music electrifying.