I have to say that I absolutely loved 'From Bedrooms to Billions' – it's marvellous! I discovered it on Netflix and watching it bought back so many great childhood memories – a truly wonderful 2.5hr's of time-travelled viewing with Pong and Dizzy =)I'm no film critic or games industry professional but as someone who enjoys documentaries, in my opinion, it is not only the best documentary in the gaming genre but probably the best narrative/account of an industry/market development 'end-to-end, or at least from beginning to the present day' – I can't think of another documentary that captures/frames an industrial/business movement/growth in as concise or interesting way.I think it's recommended viewing for anyone interested in technology or business, let alone gaming.It has earned a place in my select DVD collection, amongst acclaimed viewing like The Wire and Fight Club, and true greats like Carl Sagan's Cosmos and Black Sky (the brilliant documentary about Burt Rutan's development of SpaceShipOne, now known as Virgin Galactic).From Bedrooms To Billions is one I'll certainly show, discuss and leave to my grandchildren =)
... View MoreThis is an excellent documentary film featuring many of the pioneers from the UK computer games industry, which started at the end of the 1970s. The film contains interviews with people filmed in the present day reflecting back on their careers, many of whom are still in the games industry. I recognised many of the personalities featured but for some I knew the game but not the person behind it, so it was good to put faces and names to the games that I loved playing and to hear how the games came about.I found the film fascinating because it gives insight into what went on behind the scenes at these companies and how they were started on a shoestring but became incredibly successful, with each one having a different story to tell. As a child growing up I typed in computer listings into my ZX Spectrum and Amiga and played many of the games featured, so this film was of great interest to me. I'd recommend this film to anyone interested in the history of the UK games industry or who remembers playing games on early computers as this is a really well put together production. The Special Edition is worth getting for the extended interviews.
... View MoreIf you're reading this, you're a kindred spirit. A fan of classic games, and game history. A passionate soul, and as such will not need too much in the way of description. Just simply know if you are of that ilk, this Documentary is one of the best of the topic of gaming history, and just unmatched in terms of the UK industry. It just covers just about all you would want it to and all you can reasonably expect it to unless it was to become a TV series. From the games to the people behind them, to those magazines you loved of the time, it's superbly done. There are slight omissions there, but very few and to bring those up would be very nit picky indeed. It is just a stunning labour of love. And opt for the special edition, and you will get another disc featuring interviews and extended interviews with many of those on the first disc, covering some of those old favourites like Elite and Sentinel. There aren't many Documentaries that cover the UK market, although there are a couple that do the US one quite well. This well and truly fixes that, and goes on to be probably the best one ever done in my opinion. I was so close to giving this 10/10. If you have a passion for this subject you have to have this. Enough said.
... View MoreThis for me has to be one of the greatest, well made documentaries I've ever seen. For the best part of 2·5 hours I was glued to the TV. There are some great interviews with key people from the birth of the games industry in the UK, combined with game footage and a great soundtrack. For a retro gamer like me it took me back to my childhood and great memories. However, you don't need to be a gamer to enjoy this, it is simply an excellent documentary. Check out the bonus disc too, some extended interviews and insights not in the main film! The highlight for me was seeing the great Matthew Smith, most famous as the man behind Manic Miner.
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