Going into the film, I was expecting to see another rehash of the same arcade documentaries I had already seen. Instead, I got a very pleasant surprise. The film made me feel like I was really getting to know the people that contributed. The cast of characters was interesting, and always entertaining. I'm certainly no expert on gaming, but I came out of the film knowing a lot more than I did when it started. I love it when a film does that! For any of the generation of the 80s, or anyone who spent many a quarter in the arcade, film maker Dave Danzara has created a must-see film. Already have it in DVD, and waiting for the BluRay to enjoy the film even more. Go forth and watch The Video Craze!
3 Reviews
Where were you in '82?
Orrimarrko18 September 2013
Where was I in 1982? The sights and sounds of the arcade are a fond memory for many people who grew up in the 1980's. I use the term 'grew up' loosely, as it's pretty subjective. For those who were young in the early 1980's,the arcade was the place to be. The physical environment which made up the arcade was overwhelming to the senses. It was a place to gather, to socialize, to relax, to compete, and to enjoy. When the arcades disappeared and gave way to the home console, that social avenue also vanished. The arcade wasn't just about playing video games; playing them at home cannot compare. Fast forward to the 1990's and beyond - those who want to continue playing the games of the 1980's arcade are able to do so in an environment that safely allows for kids of this generation to enjoy...at home. Dave Danzara's documentary, The Video Craze, passionately explores the arcade collecting community, and their desire to sustain the joys of the 1980's social arcade experience by bringing the games home. There have been other films which explore arcade gaming or even collecting for home use, but The Video Craze manages to do more than that. The film is completely entertaining, with excellent use of candid interviews, intermittent humor, a well-organized time line, and a fantastically appropriate soundtrack featuring music from Rosso Corsa Records and Tonite Records. The overall feel is nostalgic and light-hearted, absolutely positive and fun - everything you'd expect when documenting a subject about classic arcade gaming. If you remember the arcade culture of the early 1980's or simply enjoy a fun documentary which is well directed, entertaining with great music, then The Video Craze should be on your 'must see' list. Game on!
Fantastic Film
hotfrb3 December 2013
This movie rocks! Plain and simple this film nailed what it was like for so many of us back in the 80's. The interviews with home collectors fused with arcade shop owners was very well put together. It is interesting to see where arcades are going and this film does a great job of showing that direction. I can not say enough good things about it. Fantastic film. Favorite quotes: "once you have a piece of your childhood its hard to let it go" and " i am 28 with the mind of a 14 year old and the body of your uncle" Bringing in Walter Day was a nice touch. Listening to his comments and perspective on the arcade seen made me feel like the dream of going to meet your friends at the arcade will never die. Weather its arcade gaming at the house or going to a "barcade" the social interaction can be enjoyed by everyone. Long live the arcade!!!!!
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