Side by Side [Blu-ray]

The comparisons of filmmakers and the preference for film or digital, and the slow progression to digital filmmaking is interesting and makes for a pretty good film.

"Side by Side" examines the history of cinema, which has largely existed on film, and how the future of movies might change with the shift to digital cinematography. This is a documentary for anyone interested in filmmaking, cameras, or just people who love movies!Almost everyone now embraces the digital methods of editing, postproduction, and color timing. It's only in the image capture that some filmmakers still prefer film. And with good reason - there are qualities to film that have yet to be replicated in digital. "Side by Side" looks at the pros and cons of going digital. For example, one obvious pro is that it is far less expensive for both the studios and independent filmmakers to shoot digitally because fewer resources are used and the day runs more efficiently (no need to change film magazines every 10 minutes). But one major concern is the storage of digital movies - there have been over 80 digital file formats over the past few decades, and most of them are already obsolete. By contrast, under the proper conditions a film print can be preserved for over one hundred years.The documentary asks some of Hollywood's most respected and influential filmmakers to give their views on the film vs. digital debate. On one side, you have filmmakers like James Cameron ("Avatar") who are advocates of digital technology and want to continue to explore new tools that can be used to tell the story. On the other hand, there are filmmakers like Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight") who think that film is still the most reliable format and produces the highest quality image, and would like to see celluloid remain a viable option in the years to come.Other notable individuals interviewed include: George Lucas, Danny Boyle, David Fincher, Wally Pfister, Walter Murch, Lars von Trier, and Steven Soderbergh.Martin Scorsese ("Taxi Driver", "Hugo") says it best when he says it should be "up to the filmmaker" - he believes that both options should be available to directors and cinematographers (and as someone who has used both formats, his opinion is certainly valid). Unfortunately, it looks like everyone will be forced to go digital at some point. All the major camera companies have stopped development of film cameras, and are now in production on digital cameras. And movie theaters are converting to digital projection at a high rate.In my opinion, the "digital revolution" is very exciting and the technology is improving, but it would be a shame to see film completely disappear. Film has been such an important part of American culture over the last 100 years, and we should not be so quick to toss it aside.

It ultimately fails to deliver on the pretext of the "The Future of Digital Film" since it's really an analysis of the history and current state of film production. That aside, it's absolutely fascinating to hear from a dozen or so very big names about their thoughts on the subject of digital versus celluloid. I even thought Keanu Reeves was much better as an interviewer than I expected.The digital notables are there - James Cameron, George Lucas and Robert Rodriguez - to promote the digital revolution but actually all of them make some extremely insightful comments. Whatever you think of George Lucas, you have to admit that the man has the finger on the technology pulse in movies and his opinions are almost prophetic in this regard. When pressed about the 'unreality' of digital processing, James Cameron gave an awesome response along of the lines of "How was anything in the movies ever real? The raining downtown midnight New York scene was shot in daytime Burbank with a rain machine and 30 people in the background". Rodriguez, whom I was lucky enough to meet at RISE Austin this year, sees digital as an enabling tool - and this is from a man that shot a feature film for $15K so if you enjoy movies, you must listen to the guy.There's a good balance from film purists too, and I was surprised to see Chris Nolan in the celluloid camp. There are some valid criticisms of digital filming and processing but the documentary leans towards suggesting that the chemical method of the past is really coming to an end. Some of the newer professional movie cameras are shown and it's fascinating to hear the DPs talking about their pros and cons historically.This is definitely a big hit for film fans who love the technical stuff though not so much for the rest (my wife fell asleep). Personally I'd love to see more industry topics covered in this format since almost everything that's a DVD extra is basically:- Actors saying nice things about each other and the director- Green screen magic without showing any post-production whatsoever- Plugging the next installment or merchandiseAfter watching the whole thing, it's pretty clear that since sound and editing went digital years ago, the camera is going to follow the same path and you'll be telling your grand-kids about how actual film worked.

A couple of things to be sure of:This is a documentary. I don't know if this is the first that Keanu Reeves has conceived or presented but he does a great job of it.The other thing is that it is technical. If you aren't keen on technical, then forget this work.But there is a lot more to it.The intention of the doc is to examine the impact of digital film as it progressively takes centre stage (no pun intended) over photo-chemical (PC), that is, conventional film. This is done through hearing the opinions and experience of film makers - directors (mainly) but also an editor and an actor, not forgetting Keanu is an actor, though he tries to stay neutral throughout and mostly succeeds.There is also plenty more in that it also gives an idea of other aspects of film-making such as editing, lighting, special effects and, crucially, values. In summary it shows very well the art of film making in various ways.At the end one is left to make up one's own mind about whether digital or conventional film is superior. To my mind, it shows that both have their value and disadvantages, and in both respects there are extremes. There is a very good argument made that while digital filming opens the door to much that is difficult or impossible with PC and that is to be celebrated, there are serious questions over whether moving to digital is an unmitigated blessing. Issues of long-term effects on film-making cannot be ignored.In the two disc set - worth going for if you are buying this - there is the opportunity to see interviews with most of those taking part (though sadly not Christopher Nolan) in their entirety and unbroken, apart from separating the chapters within each, something which adds to the coherence of the interviews.I can imagine anyone seriously - or casually - interested in film will find this dvd essential viewing.One of the British contributors spoke of a smooth and unnoticed transition to digital in sound, ie music, from analogue. He isn't really accurate - the truth of digital music is that it loses something crucial and this is the life and soul of music. This is something unappreciated by many, either through lack of attention or through youth; a whole generation has grown up never having heard analogue music. Why has there been a resurgence of vinyl? It's because it has something very special that digital cannot capture.In the same way, some are exalting digital film excessively but in doing so are missing the point that analogue PC also has something unique that digital cannot and will never share.Lastly, if you are a Keanu Reeves fan (as I am) it's good to see him passionate and engaged about something and doing a great job.This is a video I have seen twice and been riveted each time. Simply because there is more to take in with each viewing, I have no doubt I will be seeing it many times more.

This film is a documentary about the film industry's options to remain with film or move to digital filming. Many big names in the world of filmmaking were interviewed by the measured and invested Keanu Reeves, who also narrates. Fascinating overview of the film making process, with simple graphics, and how film technology has evolved with many interesting behind the scenes clips and examples of the technologies described - many of the films Keanu's own, or chats with people he has worked with. For anyone interested in films or filmmaking this is essential viewing and is - in terms of cinema - an important historical piece of film.

If you're interested in film beyond the popcorn, enough to read the reviews, then this film will fascinate you. Keanu talks to directors, cinematographers, editors and designers about the process of film making, comparing film and digital processes. Sounds dry? Somehow it isn't. it's great to see and hear the people who are usually behind the cameras, and get to know some of that geeky technical stuff. I love the way Keanu's appearance keeps changing, as well. I guess he started making 47 Ronin at some point whilst he was also making this film, so we get the beard appearing and disappearing, and the hair at lots of different lengths. A film for those keenly interested in film. I was riveted.

For 18 years I worked as a cinema projectionist in Leicester,so I found this most interesting and enlightening.Definately a must-buy for anyone interested in the technical side of cinema.It gives the FOR and AGAINST views of notable cinema directors and also cinematographers.It shows that video still has not equalled the image quality shown by an original IMAX film,yet.

Quite interesting for anyone with an interest in the technical aspects of film making which I have but sadly I don't think I had the brains to take in so much detail.However if you want to listen to people that love cinema there is some pleasure to be had in seeing who favours digital over celluloid movie making.