Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Launched in 1974 in Los Angeles, "Z Channel" was one of the country's first pay cable stations. Its prominence was solidified in 1980 when maverick programmer Jerry Harvey took over as head of programming. Z's uniqueness was attributed to Harvey and his staff's determination, diverse taste and encyclopedic knowledge of cinema. Harvey's programming showcased a combination of classic, international, independent, and Hollywood films. Z was the first to develop programming innovations such as 'director's cuts' and uniquely themed on air festivals, while also airing many rare and never before seen exclusives and critically acclaimed films not in the mainstream.
The documentary chronicles Harvey's emergence as a brilliant programmer, but also explores Harvey's emotional and psychological descent, which eventually resulted in a shocking murder/suicide and the eventual demise of Z Channel itself.
Member Reviews
Z Channel - codfish
It's sad to think that with 500 channels on digital/satellite tv, not one channel can approach the degree of care, intelligence and intense curatorship that the people of LA could buy from a door-to-door pay tv salesman in 1974. This doc is worth seeing for the fascinating and sometimes obscure films discussed, and the sad story of its head programmer.
Meanwhile we're stuck with channels that start with lofty intentions but soon begin the long lazy slide of cheapo, bundle-packaged regurgitation.Remarkable history of a channel and a man obsessed - Dylanfly
Z Channel is the story of one man, Jerry Harvey, who's obssession with film drove Z Channel, and made this upstart cable company capable of out-dueling HBO. Harvey's story parallels that of Z Channel: strange, intense, socially maladroit, yet inspirational.
The biography of Harvey is compelling and the interviews are excellent. And the story of Z Channel is astonishing. Z Channel was of such importance as to influence Academy Awards, filmaking, and the reputation of people in the industry. In the face of Hollywood commercialism which cares little for art, this is a story about relentless passion, about integrity, and about the persistence of art within an industry of mass stupification.A great movie about movies . . . - The_Librarian
I really like this documentary. Before Zip and before video rentals the only option you had to see an obscure movie was on latenight tv or in a revival house. However with the rise of cable stations like HBO, Showtime, and a small channel out of LA called Z movies could be seen around the clock unedited and commercial free. Z is a fascinating documentary about a film geek and how he singlehandedly programmed a small cable film channel that gave HBO a run for its money. I enjoyed this movie as it was a great underdog story; provided clips for classic foreign, independent, and forgotten films; and had excellent rental ideas for my zip list. A great movie for any film geek or someone looking to be a film geek.
Member Reviews
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Z Channel - codfish
It's sad to think that with 500 channels on digital/satellite tv, not one channel can approach the degree of care, intelligence and intense curatorship that the people of LA could buy from a door-to-door pay tv salesman in 1974. This doc is worth seeing for ...Remarkable history of a channel and a man obsessed - Dylanfly
Z Channel is the story of one man, Jerry Harvey, who's obssession with film drove Z Channel, and made this upstart cable company capable of out-dueling HBO. Harvey's story parallels that of Z Channel: strange, intense, socially maladroit, yet inspirational. ...A great movie about movies . . . - The_Librarian
I really like this documentary. Before Zip and before video rentals the only option you had to see an obscure movie was on latenight tv or in a revival house. However with the rise of cable stations like HBO, Showtime, and a small channel out of LA called ...