This epic documentary spotlights the pop culture milestones of 1982, including notable motion pictures, T.V. shows, music, and video games of that seminal year.
The Blu-ray™ release of “1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!” immediately caught my attention with its substantial runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes. I soon discovered that this documentary miniseries originated on The C.W. as a four-part exploration of 1982’s film culture. The extensive length only heightened my enthusiasm, given that 1982 was undoubtedly a landmark year for cinema and movie enthusiasts alike.
At ten years old, I was already an avid young filmmaker in 1982. This remarkable year saw the release of iconic films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “First Blood,” “Rocky III,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “Poltergeist,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “The Secret of NIMH,” “Tron,” and many others. Notably, John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” initially underperformed but later gained cult classic status. Due to Ireland’s strict rating system, I had to wait until these films arrived on VHS, but I still felt the palpable excitement from older friends who experienced them in theaters.
“1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!” comprehensively looks at the year’s major blockbusters and smaller, influential titles. The documentary features insightful commentary from filmmakers and critics about the movies that inspired them during this formative period. A particularly revealing segment showcases how few people remember that “Gandhi” won the Best Picture Oscar in 1982, with many believing “E.T.” was the more deserving recipient.
The documentary delves into the phenomenon of “The Summer of Spielberg,” with the back-to-back releases of “E.T.” and “Poltergeist,” the latter of which he wrote and produced. It also explores the longstanding controversy over the actual director of “Poltergeist,” Spielberg or credited director Tobe Hooper. The film includes interviews with Nicholas Meyer (“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”), Ron Howard and Henry Winkler (“Night Shift”), and many other actors and filmmakers intimately connected to 1982’s cinematic landscape.
Viewers are taken on a journey to an era when fandom was nascent, with candid interviews featuring a who’s who of talent from both in front of and behind the camera. Participants include Paul Schrader, John Sayles, Amy Heckerling, William Shatner, Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, Keith David, Cameron Crowe, Michael Deeley, Lisa Henson, Dean Devlin, Bruce Campbell, Dee Wallace, Felicia Day, Susan Seidelman, Roger Corman, Barry Bostwick, Marc Singer, Bryan Fuller, Leonard Maltin, and Mike Medavoy, among others.
“1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!” is a loving tribute to the unparalleled magic of 1982, a year that shaped generations of movie lovers. Having lived through this incredible time, I feel profound gratitude for the experiences that shaped my passion for film. The documentary is a must-see for anyone who cherishes the memory of 1982’s cinematic wonders or seeks to understand their lasting impact on popular culture.
Now available on Blu-ray™
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