Tag: documentary

Sergio (2009)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Here’s a sad but informative doc about the life and death of UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello. I was skeptical of the importance of this man at first, but it becomes clear quickly that he was trying to make the world a better place. Sergio was murdered in a bombing in Iraq, and the filmmakers do not shy away from the disturbing details. Netflix produced a dramatization of this story, it did not get good reviews, so I am going to stick with this very good documentary.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Arteholic (2014)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I love Udo Kier. I also love contemporary art, but not as much as Udo. This is a really funny and informative documentary. The academic art world has changed quite a bit since this was filmed but you can still get a lot out of it. Be prepared to roll your eyes a few times though.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-qiang (2016)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

Here’s a solid overview of one of the more high-profile Chinese visual artists. Guo-qiang is known mostly for his epic firework performances. The movie also covers the artist tackling a major project that challenges him on every level. Sky Ladder is an absorbing documentary that I wish had a slightly longer run time. You won’t hear me say that very often.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Samsara (2011)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a collection of awe-inspiring footage shot in 25 countries, over five years, with no dialog. You’ll see everything from man-made and natural wonders to some of the worst places on earth. You also get a wide variety of beautiful creative expression and grim human stupidity. Watch this one big. No phone. No tablet. No laptop. BIG. Samsara is a visual learning experience.

FYI – If you enjoy this film, you should really check out the pioneer of this kind of documentary, Koyaanisqatsi (1982). Also, the people behind Samsara made a very similar film in 1992 called Baraka that’s nearly as good.

Available on Blu-ray from MPI.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Holy Hell (2016)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The story of an an ’80s New Age cult where the dark truth about their leader gradually reveals itself. This isn’t Jonestown level crazy, but it’s pretty damned compelling. Psychedelic VHS footage abounds! The film takes a while to get to the nitty gritty, but it’s worth the investment of time. I recommend you mute the godawful song at the end.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine (2017)

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Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

I felt the the need to lighten the mood a bit. Back in the ‘90 a friend brought over a VHS tape produced by Big Brother magazine. It included my introduction to Johnny Knoxville, in which the future movie star shot himself in the chest with a bulletproof vest on. They never showed that bit on the MTV.

This documentary has a lot of the same raunchy craziness as Jackass. It is also an interesting perspective on the history of the skateboarding days of the early ‘90s thru to the early ‘00s. If you’re not easily offended, Dumb is a lot of fun.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Becoming Bond (2017)

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Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

This is a very entertaining Hulu original documentary on George Lazenby. It’s a funny look at his becoming James Bond for one film in spite of having zero acting experience. This is NOT a PG rated Bond film, so watch it without the kids around.

FYI – In case you think Lazenby is a one-hit wonder, check out the excellent giallo Who Saw Her Die? It’s available on Blu-ray from Arrow or streaming rental from YouTube or Apple TV.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema please consider donating any amount via Paypal using this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

LA 92 (2017)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

“The most destructive civil disturbance in American history” and this documentary makes that excruciatingly clear. I didn’t watch this for a while because I got it confused with Let It Fall (another very good documentary on this subject). What makes LA 92 exceptional is that the filmmakers just let archival footage and audio tell the story. There is no narration, and thankfully no obnoxious animation. Yes, this is a disturbing experience. It is also perfectly made and essential viewing.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

The Seven Five (2014)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a riveting documentary about an outrageously corrupt cop in NYC from ‘82 to ‘92. The Seven Five is one of the best docs I’ve seen in recent years. A word of warning, it does get pretty graphic at times.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Out of Print (2014)

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Streaming on Freevee | imdb | trailer

Sorry, this movie is is no longer streaming on any of my usual services. However it is available on Freevee, Plex, and Kanopy (+Tubi in SD) as of 1.6.23.

I bet you’ve noticed I keep mentioning my love for seeing revival film screenings. This documentary will give you a good idea why. It’s focused on the New Beverly Cinema in LA, but talks about revival theaters in general as well. When I visited Los Angeles a couple of years back I got to see A Boy and His Dog there and it was really a special experience. I suggest if you’re ever in that neck of the woods you make time for a night at New Beverly. Between you and me, they won’t give you a hard time if you bring your own booze. Just be discreet. Well, more discreet than me. I was cracking beers like a total jerk. Don’t do that. Thanks New Bev for not kicking me out!

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema please consider donating any amount via Paypal using this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.