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Scratch (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 46
Fresh: 43
Rotten:3
Average Rating: 7.3/10
Consensus: Whether you know anything about turntablism or not, Scratch makes for fun and informative viewing.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Feb 15, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: Director Doug Pray (HYPE!) pays tribute to the innovative art of deejaying in the electrifying documentary SCRATCH. Featuring the most legendary figures in the deejay scene, Pray's film is at once... Director Doug Pray (HYPE!) pays tribute to the innovative art of deejaying in the electrifying documentary SCRATCH. Featuring the most legendary figures in the deejay scene, Pray's film is at once a deeply insightful historical document and a highly entertaining glimpse into the world of underground hip-hop. Modern luminaries such as DJ Shadow, MixMasterMike (of the Beastie Boys), DJ Qbert, Rob Swift, and DJ Swamp are interviewed alongside living legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, and Grand Mixer DXT, in order to paint a broad, comprehensive picture of how deejaying has evolved over the years. The title, SCRATCH, refers to a technique that was initially used to keep one particular section of a song running endlessly as other songs are played simultaneously. Deejaying (and scratching) has now become a worldwide phenomenon and lucrative profession which can be attributed to DJ Qbert, whose masterful stylings enabled deejays to step out from behind the shadow of rappers and into a spotlight of their very own. Seamlessly cutting between interviews and actual footage filmed at several high-profile deejaying contests including Skratchcon 2000 and the DMC U.S. Finals, Pray's film is a must-see for both seasoned fans and the uninitiated, a celebration of one of the late-20th Century's most thrilling, original musical movements. [More]
Starring: Mixmaster Mike, DJ Shadow, Afrika Bambaataa, Jurassic 5
Starring: Mixmaster Mike, DJ Shadow, Afrika Bambaataa, Jurassic 5
Director: Doug Pray
Director: Doug Pray
Producer: Brad Blondheim, Ernest Meza
Studio: Palm Pictures
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Reviews for Scratch
See Scratch for the history, see Scratch for the music, see Scratch for a lesson in scratching, but, most of all, see it for the passion.
Even as it pays earnest homage to turntablists and beat jugglers, old schoolers and current innovators, Scratch is great fun, full of the kind of energy it's documenting.
Pray's subjects can wander off into arcane Dennis Miller-esque rants, but he manages to hit the high points and most of the major personalities.
You don't need to be a hip-hop fan to appreciate Scratch, and that's the mark of a documentary that works.
Those moviegoers who would automatically bypass a hip-hop documentary should give “Scratch” a second look.
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