The infamous BE-MAG /Rollerblading magazine

When trying to think about the dvd productions that really impressed me and where I had the feeling that they had a huge impact on rolling I always need to think about Life-Plus, which was done by Drew Bachrach, Cory Casey, V and James Reetzke. These 4 videographers created something really unique and they realized what could be done with a DVD. Until then noone really completely used the DVD medium and they were the first ones to only release on DVD.

Not only were they on top of the game with the DVD, but they also had the only running video / dvd format to be seen in rolling. They did interviews, they made scene reports, a DVD was similar to a magazine. And this is what I really loved about the DVDs.

Props again to you for doing this project! And anyone who hasn’t seen a Life Plus DVD be sure to get one. You can see some shots of Drew Bachrach in his art space taken several years ago in downtown LA (shots by Michael Bayr)

2 comments on "Drew Bachrach, Life Plus"

Comment by Michael_B on November 04 at 14:23

i definitely think that drew has been a big influence for video makers these days and that this is the way that his legacy lives on. I know for sure that he was a big influence for be-mag and also for the Clip video magazine and also definitely for carl sturgess. so props again to drew for doing what you did, it was great work! You were just ahead of your time and it is sad to see that a project like this couldnt survive..

Comment by joeymc on November 04 at 14:20

I loved everything that drew bachrach had ever done. His VG section for Detroit, Under the Influence(one of the best videos ever), and of course the Life+ series. Anytime he had tricks in videos they were so different, and well executed. I was always hoping for a full length skating section from him, and another video project like under the influence.

Drew was a huge influence on me, and every modern video(and online edit) that we see today. The Life+ series especially gave a kick in the ass to rollerblading’s filming, editing, art, design etc…

He also got the the motherfuckin’ happy black jesus digital messiah to host the last few issues. It truly was “the best that rollerblading has to offer”.

I own all the issues and still watch them to this day. If anyone gets the chance to buy some old issues. Pick them up!

As everyone knows Life+ just couldn’t stay afloat with the state of the industry, and I have a lot of respect for Drew getting to issue 6. But his interview in Daily Bread was a two page spread that was basically saying “i’m giving up on my dreams”. Life+ and the rollerblading industry sucked the life right out of him. I always wished he would have made one more video after Life+ in the vein of Under The Influence. All I got was an article waving the white flag.

Drew Bachrach, Life Plus

2 comments on "Drew Bachrach, Life Plus"

Comment by Michael_B on November 04 at 14:23

Comment by joeymc on November 04 at 14:20

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