The scene shifts to a TV news-style ticker, an old Windows desktop, and then to rider introduction cards reminiscent of retro games. This is the beginning of "Walt's Mixtape," released by SuperUnknown 23. The editing is done by Walter Wood, who was active in halfpipe around 2010 and participated in the X Games multiple times. After retiring, he now works as an editor, behind the scenes of video production
The video makes extensive use of effects and samples fragments of anime. The entire screen is permeated with a post-Vaporwave internet-style collage feel.
Vaporwave is an internet-born form of expression that re-edits memories of old PC screens, televisions, games, anime, and advertisements with excessive effects and distorted soundscapes. The background music is also arranged in a way that transcends genres, and the disparate elements of video and music are layered together without any sense of incongruity. The DJ-like editing sensibility of the internet generation, which mixes materials regardless of their origin and weaves them into a single flow, is clearly conveyed.
However, the skating footage itself does not deviate from the conventions of action sports video. The landing is shown until it is clear that the trick was successfully landed. There are some shots that omit the landing, but these are limited to simple tricks that are almost certainly successfully landed, or to shots that show the grab or rotation axis in slow motion
Behind the excessively decorative effects, the slip itself is presented honestly. That's why the effects and samples layered on top don't just serve as decoration, but function as part of the overall expression of the work
SuperUnknown was originally a project that discovered the next generation of talent through a contest format for independently produced videos. In 23, FilmerUnknown, a contest for filmmakers, was revived, and it changed to a multifaceted format featuring recaps by multiple filmmakers. Among the works in 23 that allowed us to see the same session from different perspectives, 'Walt's Mixtape' is a work that particularly showcases the individuality of the editor
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of incorporating retro-futuristic motifs into action sports videos, not just skiing videos.
However, it is quite rare to find a work that goes beyond simply borrowing images and fully embraces Vaporwave-like techniques such as extensive use of sampling and effects, while still remaining within the context of action sports videos.
With Walter, a long-time rider, serving as editor, this is a rare work that successfully combines editorial freedom with reliable skiing footage within the same video.