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{{short description|2014 documentary film}}

{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Atari: Game Over
| name = Atari: Game Over
| image =
| image = Atari Game Over.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| director = [[Zak Penn]]
| director = [[Zak Penn]]
| producer = [[Simon Chinn]]<br>Jonathan Chinn<ref name="auto1">{{cite web | url=http://news.xbox.com/2013/12/ent-xes-lightbox | title=Xbox Entertainment Studios to Debut Documentary Series Exclusively on Xbox in 2014 | date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>
| producer = <!-- or: | producers = -->
| writer = <!-- or: | writers = -->
| writer = <!-- or: | writers = -->
| starring = Zak Penn, [[Howard Scott Warshaw]], [[Ernest Cline]], [[George R. R. Martin]], [[Nolan Bushnell]]
| starring = Zak Penn<br>[[Howard Scott Warshaw]]<br>[[Ernest Cline]]<br>[[George R. R. Martin]]<br>[[Nolan Bushnell]]
| music = [[Stephen Endelman]]
| music = [[Stephen Endelman]]
| cinematography = Eric Zimmerman
| cinematography = Eric Zimmerman
| editing = Andrew Seklir
| editing = Andrew Seklir
| studio = [[Xbox Entertainment Studios]]<br>Grainey Pictures<br>Fuel Entertainment<br>[[Simon Chinn|Lightbox]]<ref name="auto1"/>
| studio = <!-- or: | production companies = -->
| distributor = <!-- or: | distributors = -->
| distributor = [[Xbox Live]]
| released = {{Film date|2014|11|20}}
| released = {{Film date|2014|11|20}}
| runtime = 66 minutes
| runtime = 66 minutes
| country =
| country = United States
| language =
| language = English
| budget =
| budget =
| gross = <!--(please use condensed and rounded values, e.g. "£11.6 million" not "£11,586,221")-->
| gross = <!--(please use condensed and rounded values, e.g. "£11.6 million" not "£11,586,221")-->
}}
}}
'''''Atari: Game Over''''' is a 2014 documentary film directed by [[Zak Penn]] about the [[North American video game crash of 1983]], using the [[Atari video game burial]] excavation as a starting point.
'''''Atari: Game Over''''' is a 2014 documentary film directed by [[Zak Penn]]. It is about the [[Atari video game burial]] excavation. The film was released in 2014 by [[Microsoft]] on [[Xbox Live]].


==Cast==
==Cast==
Line 28: Line 30:
* [[George R. R. Martin]]
* [[George R. R. Martin]]
* [[Nolan Bushnell]]
* [[Nolan Bushnell]]
* [[Seamus Blackley]]


==Development==
==Development==


The documentary was first announced on 19 December 2013.<ref>Yin-Poole, Wendy, "Documentary about burial of E.T. game to debut exclusively on Xbox" (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-19-xbox-one-and-360-to-get-documentary-about-burial-of-et-video-game) [[Eurogamer]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
The documentary was first announced on December 19, 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-one-and-360-to-get-documentary-about-burial-of-et-video-game|title=Documentary about burial of E.T. game to debut exclusively on Xbox|newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=December 19, 2013}}</ref>


For the documentary, the filmmakers excavated the landfill site in [[Alamogordo]], [[New Mexico]], where many [[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)|E.T.]] game cartridges were buried. The excavation dig took several months of preparation, and was finally carried out on April 26, 2014. Although the digging had only been planned to go as deep as 18 feet, it actually went to 30 feet. Around 1,300 of the approximately 700,000 games buried were unearthed.<ref>Mamiit, Aaron, 2 June 2014, "700 of failed 'E.T.' Atari games found in New Mexico will be sold: Report" (http://www.techtimes.com/articles/7844/20140602/700-of-failed-e-t-atari-games-found-in-new-mexico-will-be-sold-report.htm). Tech Times. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
For the documentary, the filmmakers excavated the landfill site in [[Alamogordo]], [[New Mexico]], where many ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)|E.T.]]'' game cartridges were buried. The excavation dig took several months of preparation, and was finally carried out on April 26, 2014. Although the digging had only been planned to go as deep as 18 feet, it actually went to 30 feet. Around 1,300 of the approximately 700,000 games buried were unearthed.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/7844/20140602/700-of-failed-e-t-atari-games-found-in-new-mexico-will-be-sold-report.htm|title=700 of failed 'E.T.' Atari games found in New Mexico will be sold: Report &#124; Tech Times}}</ref>


The dig lasted for approximately three hours. Only a small amount of games could be recovered, because the local authority of Alamogordo only allowed the dig to last for one day, and ordered the site to be closed by April 27.<ref>28 April 2014"Desert dig uncovers huge Atari games dump" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27187609) [[BBC News]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
The dig lasted for approximately three hours. Only a small number of games could be recovered, because the local authority of Alamogordo only allowed the dig to last for one day, and ordered the site to be closed by April 27.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27187609|title=Desert dig uncovers huge Atari games dump|work=BBC News |date=April 28, 2014}}</ref>


700 of the 1,300 games unearthed during the excavation will be sold by the Alamogordo City Commission, and 100 will be given to the film's development companies, Lightbox and Fuel Entertainment. Alamogordo mayor Susie Galea now hopes to turn the dig site into a tourist attraction.<ref>Mamiit, Aaron, 2 June 2014, "700 of failed 'E.T.' Atari games found in New Mexico will be sold: Report" (http://www.techtimes.com/articles/7844/20140602/700-of-failed-e-t-atari-games-found-in-new-mexico-will-be-sold-report.htm). Tech Times. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
700 of the 1,300 games unearthed during the excavation will be sold by the Alamogordo City Commission, and 100 will be given to the film's development companies, Lightbox and Fuel Entertainment. Alamogordo mayor Susie Galea now hopes to turn the dig site into a tourist attraction.<ref name="auto"/>


The remaining 500 games were given to the [[Smithsonian Institution]] in Washington, DC and local [[New Mexico]] museums to be displayed.<ref>MAHARDY, Mike, 2 JUN 2014 "UNEARTHED ATARI GAMES TO BE CURATED AT SMITHSONIAN AND VARIOUS MUSEUMS" (http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/06/02/unearthed-atari-games-to-be-curated-at-smithsonian-and-various-museums) [[IGN]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
The remaining 500 games were given to the [[Smithsonian Institution]] in Washington, DC and local [[New Mexico]] museums to be displayed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/02/unearthed-atari-games-to-be-curated-at-smithsonian-and-various-museums|title=Unearthed Atari Games to be Curated at Smithsonian and Various Museums|first=Mike|last=Mahardy|date=June 2, 2014|website=IGN}}</ref>


⚫
The film was released by [[Microsoft]] via its [[Xbox Video]] store on November 20, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/xbox-documentary-atari-lost-e-t-game-debuts-for-free-1201361397/|title=Xbox Documentary on Atari's Lost 'E.T.' Games Debuts for Free|first=Marc|last=Graser|date=November 20, 2014}}</ref> In April 2015, it was made available on [[Netflix]] and had a broadcast on [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 6, 2015|title=Film explores Atari's rise, fall, dumping of 'ET' videogame|url=https://www.military.com/off-duty/games/2015/04/06/film-explores-ataris-rise-fall-dumping-of-et-videogame.html/amp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406094853/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/technologyinvesting/film-explores-ataris-rise-fall-dumping-of-et-videogame/ar-AAamQoa|archive-date=April 6, 2015|website=[[MSN]]}}</ref>
⚫
Geekwire criticised the way that the film oversimplified Atari's downfall, but awarded it an overall positive review, saying "It’s still a great story, and definitely worth watching."<ref>BISHOP , Todd, "Movie Review: ‘Atari: Game Over’ digs up a great story in a mass grave of game cartridges" (http://www.geekwire.com/2014/atari-movie-review/). Geek Wire. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>

The film was released by [[Microsoft]] via its [[Xbox Video]] store on November 20, 2014.<ref> Graser, Marc.
⚫
[http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/xbox-documentary-atari-lost-e-t-game-debuts-for-free-1201361397/ "Xbox Documentary on Atari’s Lost ‘E.T.’ Games Debuts for Free"]. (November 20, 2014) ''Variety''. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref> On April 2015, it was made available on [[Netflix]] and had a broadcast on [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime]].<ref>[http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/technologyinvesting/film-explores-ataris-rise-fall-dumping-of-et-videogame/ar-AAamQoa Film explores Atari's rise, fall, dumping of 'ET' videogame], [[MSN]]</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
⚫
The film received mostly positive reviews.


[[The A.V. Club]] awarded it a score of C+, saying "Warshaw deserves recognition for pushing the limits of early '80s technology, but the exhumation of his final work makes a garbage mountain out of a molehill."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/atari-game-over-is-a-nostalgic-excavation-of-video-gam-1798183466|title=Atari: Game Over is a nostalgic excavation of video-game history|date=April 16, 2015|website=The A.V. Club}}</ref>
⚫
It received mostly positive reviews.


[[The A.V. Club]] awarded it a score of C+, saying "Warshaw deserves recognition for pushing the limits of early ’80s technology, but the exhumation of his final work makes a garbage mountain out of a molehill."<ref>Von Doviak, Scott, April 16, 2015 "Atari: Game Over is a nostalgic excavation of video-game history" (http://www.avclub.com/review/atari-game-over-nostalgic-excavation-video-game-hi-217925) The AV Club. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
[[IGN]] awarded it a score of 7.1 out of 10, saying "Short, funny and to the point, ''Atari: Game Over'' tells the story of ''E.T.'' the game with heart and wit."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/25/atari-game-over-review|title=Atari: Game Over Review|first=Adam|last=DiLeo|date=November 25, 2014|website=IGN}}</ref>


[[IGN]] awarded it a score of 7.1 out of 10, saying "Short, funny and to the point, Atari: Game Over tells the story of E.T. the game with heart and wit."<ref>DILEO, Adam, 24 NOV 2014, "ATARI: GAME OVER REVIEW" (http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/11/25/atari-game-over-review) [[IGN]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
[[Eurogamer]] called it "one of the best films about gaming this year and should be seen by anyone with an interest in the medium's early wild west years."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/atari-game-over-review|title=Atari: Game Over review|newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=December 1, 2014}}</ref>


⚫
Headlines and Global News said "There are certainly worse ways to spend an hour, so if you want to absorb an intriguing slice of video game antiquity, check out ''Atari: Game Over''."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hngn.com/articles/49619/20141115/exclusive-review-atari-game-over-is-little-light-on-facts-but-still-an-enjoyable-stroll-down-memory-lane.htm|title=EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: 'Atari: Game Over' Is a Little Light on Facts But Still an Enjoyable Stroll Down Memory Lane &#124; HNGN - Headlines & Global News}}</ref>
[[Eurogamer]] called it "one of the best films about gaming this year and should be seen by anyone with an interest in the medium's early wild west years."<ref>Whitehead, Dan, 01/12/2014, "Atari: Game Over review" (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-01-atari-game-over-review) [[Eurogamer]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>


⚫
[[GeekWire]] criticized the way that the film oversimplified Atari's downfall, but awarded it an overall positive review, saying "It's still a great story, and definitely worth watching."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2014/atari-movie-review/|title=Movie Review: 'Atari: Game Over' digs up a great story in a mass grave of game cartridges – GeekWire}}</ref>
⚫
Headlines and Global News said "There are certainly worse ways to spend an hour, so if you want to absorb an intriguing slice of video game antiquity, check out "Atari: Game Over.""<ref>Nov 15, 2014, "EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: 'Atari: Game Over' Is a Little Light on Facts But Still an Enjoyable Stroll Down Memory Lane" (http://www.hngn.com/articles/49619/20141115/exclusive-review-atari-game-over-is-little-light-on-facts-but-still-an-enjoyable-stroll-down-memory-lane.htm) Headlines and Global News. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>


[[PC World]] awarded it a positive review, saying "the gaming industry deserves more warm, inclusive documentaries like this."<ref>Dingman, Hayden, Nov 17, 2014, "Atari: Game Over film review: Unearthing the El Dorado of video games" (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2848716/atari-game-over-film-review-unearthing-the-el-dorado-of-video-games.html) [[PC World]]. Accessed 20 May 2016.</ref>
[[PC World]] awarded it a positive review, saying "the gaming industry deserves more warm, inclusive documentaries like this."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/436437/atari-game-over-film-review-unearthing-the-el-dorado-of-video-games.html|title=Atari: Game Over film review: Unearthing the El Dorado of video games|website=PCWorld}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Zak Penn}}
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[[Category:English-language films]]
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[[Category:2014 films]]
[[Category:2014 films]]
[[Category:2010s documentary films]]
[[Category:2014 documentary films]]
[[Category:American documentary films]]
[[Category:American documentary films]]
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[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:Documentary films about video games]]
[[Category:Documentary films about video games]]
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[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Zak Penn]]
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[[Category:2010s American films]]
[[Category:English-language documentary films]]

Latest revision as of 03:35, 4 September 2024

Atari: Game Over
Directed byZak Penn
Produced bySimon Chinn
Jonathan Chinn[1]
StarringZak Penn
Howard Scott Warshaw
Ernest Cline
George R. R. Martin
Nolan Bushnell
CinematographyEric Zimmerman
Edited byAndrew Seklir
Music byStephen Endelman
Production
companies
Xbox Entertainment Studios
Grainey Pictures
Fuel Entertainment
Lightbox[1]
Distributed byXbox Live
Release date
  • November 20, 2014 (2014-11-20)
Running time
66 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Atari: Game Over is a 2014 documentary film directed by Zak Penn. It is about the Atari video game burial excavation. The film was released in 2014 by Microsoft on Xbox Live.

Cast

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The documentary was first announced on December 19, 2013.[2]

For the documentary, the filmmakers excavated the landfill site in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where many E.T. game cartridges were buried. The excavation dig took several months of preparation, and was finally carried out on April 26, 2014. Although the digging had only been planned to go as deep as 18 feet, it actually went to 30 feet. Around 1,300 of the approximately 700,000 games buried were unearthed.[3]

The dig lasted for approximately three hours. Only a small number of games could be recovered, because the local authority of Alamogordo only allowed the dig to last for one day, and ordered the site to be closed by April 27.[4]

700 of the 1,300 games unearthed during the excavation will be sold by the Alamogordo City Commission, and 100 will be given to the film's development companies, Lightbox and Fuel Entertainment. Alamogordo mayor Susie Galea now hopes to turn the dig site into a tourist attraction.[3]

The remaining 500 games were given to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and local New Mexico museums to be displayed.[5]

The film was released by Microsoft via its Xbox Video store on November 20, 2014.[6] In April 2015, it was made available on Netflix and had a broadcast on Showtime.[7]

Reception

[edit]

The film received mostly positive reviews.

The A.V. Club awarded it a score of C+, saying "Warshaw deserves recognition for pushing the limits of early '80s technology, but the exhumation of his final work makes a garbage mountain out of a molehill."[8]

IGN awarded it a score of 7.1 out of 10, saying "Short, funny and to the point, Atari: Game Over tells the story of E.T. the game with heart and wit."[9]

Eurogamer called it "one of the best films about gaming this year and should be seen by anyone with an interest in the medium's early wild west years."[10]

Headlines and Global News said "There are certainly worse ways to spend an hour, so if you want to absorb an intriguing slice of video game antiquity, check out Atari: Game Over."[11]

GeekWire criticized the way that the film oversimplified Atari's downfall, but awarded it an overall positive review, saying "It's still a great story, and definitely worth watching."[12]

PC World awarded it a positive review, saying "the gaming industry deserves more warm, inclusive documentaries like this."[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Xbox Entertainment Studios to Debut Documentary Series Exclusively on Xbox in 2014". 19 December 2013.
  2. ^ "Documentary about burial of E.T. game to debut exclusively on Xbox". Eurogamer.net. December 19, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "700 of failed 'E.T.' Atari games found in New Mexico will be sold: Report | Tech Times".
  4. ^ "Desert dig uncovers huge Atari games dump". BBC News. April 28, 2014.
  5. ^ Mahardy, Mike (June 2, 2014). "Unearthed Atari Games to be Curated at Smithsonian and Various Museums". IGN.
  6. ^ Graser, Marc (November 20, 2014). "Xbox Documentary on Atari's Lost 'E.T.' Games Debuts for Free".
  7. ^ "Film explores Atari's rise, fall, dumping of 'ET' videogame". MSN. April 6, 2015. Archived from the original on April 6, 2015.
  8. ^ "Atari: Game Over is a nostalgic excavation of video-game history". The A.V. Club. April 16, 2015.
  9. ^ DiLeo, Adam (November 25, 2014). "Atari: Game Over Review". IGN.
  10. ^ "Atari: Game Over review". Eurogamer.net. December 1, 2014.
  11. ^ "EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: 'Atari: Game Over' Is a Little Light on Facts But Still an Enjoyable Stroll Down Memory Lane | HNGN - Headlines & Global News".
  12. ^ "Movie Review: 'Atari: Game Over' digs up a great story in a mass grave of game cartridges – GeekWire".
  13. ^ "Atari: Game Over film review: Unearthing the El Dorado of video games". PCWorld.
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