Helvetica - GeneralCatalog.Info

Price: $19.99 List Price: $24.98
Sales Rank: 3953 in DVD

Average Customer Review: (based on 26 reviews)
Publisher : Plexifilm
Format : Dolby,DVD-Video,Widescreen,NTSC
Label : Plexifilm
Creator : Luke Geissbuhler
Actor : David Carson,Erik Spiekermann,Matthew Carter,Massimo Vignelli,Wim Crouwel
Director : Gary Hustwit
EAN : 0082354004224
Binding : DVD
Number Of Discs : 1
Release Date : 2007-11-20
Manufacturer : Plexifilm
Number Of Items : 1
UPC : 082354004224
Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1
Audience Rating : NR (Not Rated)
Region Code : 1
Running Time : 80
Studio : Plexifilm
Theatrical Release Date : 2007

Editorial Reviews for Helvetica:

• Description
  
Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

Customer reviews for Helvetica:

• I have seen it over 6 times... (2008-10-29)
  
OK I did not mean to see it 6+ times but, I actually saw it on the "big screen" when it was shown at a conference. Then, two weeks later, at another conference on a really big screen. Both with design oriented audiences but one in the U.S. and one in Europe. It was interesting to see what the two audiences found funny, or not.
Then, I rented the Netflix DVD, mainly to see the additional interviews but, that DVD did not have them for some reason. After that, it was me showing it to my design students in class.
The first time I saw it, it was fun. The second time, I saw more of the structure (brilliant work there). After that, I focused more on details and how it all interweaves.
I don't know how you could have made a better picture on this subject and kept people intrigued about it. I think the director might have to do a recut of it in a few years and remove the references to the Iraq War. These segments are not aging as well as the rest of the movie which, in some respects, will be timeless. Like Helvetica?


• Boring, even for a movie about a typeface (2008-09-07)
  
I have a high tolerance for slow documentaries, but this one was pretty dull. There were some interesting bits; talking heads that got really passionate about art and design, stories about the old days of typesetting, etc. But too much of the film was pretentious filler.


• Kept me awake! (2008-08-26)
  
I was surprised to find this so interesting. It was very well done and held my attention completely.


• Great DVD on history of typefaces- especially Helvetica (2008-07-24)
  
Saw some clips form this on YouTube and decided to buy it - if you are into graphic design and marketing, this is fascinating. The authors do a very good job with the documentary style. In addition to the main program (about 90 minutes), there are supplemental outtakes with the designers who were interviewed (bonus material.) Add this DVD to your collection of you want a sold reference on how type design affects us every day - in everything we see.


• Yes, a doc on a font. How can you resist? (2008-06-30)
  
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RHIQ4P44KGMT