As a fan of video game movies, I wanted to create a thread where once a month I'd select a movie to watch and invite you all to do the same so we can discuss it. The beauty of video game related movies is that there's all kinds of facets to check out. And over the months I plan to showcase variety. Whether it's a movie based on a game, a movie about games, a documentary, anime or connected in some other way I hope some of you guys get in on the good, bad and amazingly ugly flicks that are part of our hobby. And speaking of which, I hope some of you stick it out and sit through some of the "bad" movies that may be selected. You might find that they can be a lot more fun than you think if viewed with the right eyes or with the right friends. Feel free to use this thread to make all sorts of comments, observations, etc regarding the current film. Perhaps use it to plan a time for some of you to stream the pick at the same time while chatting on IRC.
Previous Movies:
Once Upon Atari
2003, 120 Minutes, Unrated
Trailer:
This month's Together Retro title is Pitfall, so it seemed fitting that we watch a documentary about the golden era of Atari.
Once Upon Atari is a documentary by Howard Scott Warshaw. Who better to walk us through such a story? This is the man who created the 2600 games Yar's Revenge and E.T. - the ying and yang of game design on the VCS.
The documentary was originally released as four half-hour episodes and then later edited together into this full length release. The story of Atari is told through interviews with various game designers and employees.
The cast includes HSW, Nolan Bushnell, Todd Frye, Larry Kaplan, and many others.
Perhaps the film will encourage you to pull out some other 2600 games along with Pitfall this month...
Once Upon Atari is available on DVD. It's also up for digital sale through GOG.
