Video
Games: The Movie (2014/Anchor Bay DVD)
Picture:
B Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: B
Video
Games: The Movie is a 101 minute look at the videogame industry
and its evolution from conception to today; a hefty task for sure.
The
film starts with a brief synopsis on the origin of games before
bouncing around to different topics on the industry. Some topics
discussed are the origins of gaming, the future, gaming competitions,
politics, graphic evolution, pioneers of the industry, and generally
how videogames have impacted culture.
The
film is beautifully put together with a host of celebrities, game
industry leaders, and pioneers putting in their two cents (or is it a
quarter?). Video Games: The Movie truly exemplifies how far
gaming has come over the past 40 years and it is not going away. The
creator of Metal Gear Solid compares videogames to music,
film, and art; have all of those mediums changed drastically over
time? Yes, but aren't going anywhere, instead evolving, improving
and adapting to the needs of people of the time.
I
do feel the documentary attempted to cover too much at once. That is
to say they did a sweeping overview of the last 40 years; acting as a
passion piece, without much depth or detail. Anyone who is a
longtime gamer or collector will find everything presented here very
baseline knowledge. Video Games: The Movie more so focuses on
interviewees exclaiming how much they LOVE gaming; which is great and
admirable, but far from exploring the depths of the gaming world.
If
we were to call this 'Video Games: The Movie - Part
One,' I would say bravo! This would open up the availability to
explore very specific parts of the industry in subsequent films;
giving Atari, then Nintendo, then Sega their own documentaries, which
could lead up to an exploration of the console wars of the early
1990's. Sadly, I don't think that is what will happen here. Until
then I will continue to pray for 'Marvel Universe' treatment of the
videogame industry.
The
technical features of this DVD are what you would expect for a run of
the mill documentary; passable and clean, but nothing over the top.
The picture is presented in a 1.78 X 1 anamorphic widescreen that is
clear with solid colors/contrast. There is no dirt/debris and the
videogame clips look excellent, better than most have seen ever them
(in terms of the Atari/8 Bit material). The sound is a lossy Dolby
Digital 5.1 surround mix that is clean and crisp with solid dialogue
track, but quality tends to waver according to setting/time of
interview. Sound comes mostly from the front, but surrounds kick
into gear for game music tracks; which (due to nostalgia or
otherwise) gave me chills.
Extras
are sparse and weak only including a funny clip montage of Sean Astin
(Goonies), being Sean Astin [i.e., weird]. Extras also
include a Why We Love Videogames featurette, which is another
interview segment with actors and others in the game industry; which
feels simply like a cut film segment due to time.
A
good documentary with a lot of heart and passion; though I would
consider this for the entry level gamer or those just looking to hear
the basics of the game industry. Consider this EASY MODE.
-
Michael P. Dougherty II
