Watch Reformat the Planet

Reformat the Planet is a documentary film released in 2008. Directed by Paul Owens, the movie follows the New York City-based chiptune community and their passion for creating music using old video game consoles and computers. The documentary provides an insight into the history of chiptune music and how it relates to the modern electronic music scene.

The film begins by introducing the concept of chiptune music and how it has become a popular subculture in New York. The documentary then moves on to showcase the different musicians and artists who are a part of this community. The audience is introduced to individuals such as Joshua Davis, Christopher Burke, and Jeff Donaldson, who express their love for the music and the process of creating it.

Reformat the Planet takes the audience on a journey through the pulsating underground clubs of New York where these musicians gather to share their performances. We are taken behind the scenes of these performances and get a glimpse of the passion, excitement, and energy that goes into them.

The documentary explores the birthplace of chiptune music, Japan, and how it eventually spread across the world. It shows how the early video game consoles and computers, such as the Nintendo Gameboy and the Commodore 64, had a unique sound that artists were able to manipulate to create their own music. Through interviews with prominent members of the community, such as Nullsleep, Bit Shifter, and Glomag, the documentary delves into the intricacies of the music production process and how these artists use the limitations of the platforms they are working on to create unique sounds.

Reformat the Planet also discusses the struggles that the community faces in terms of recognition and acceptance in the mainstream music industry. The documentary highlights how chiptune music is often shunned by the mainstream music industry due to its unconventional sound and association with video game culture. However, through the efforts of passionate individuals, the community has been able to carve out a niche for itself in the music world, and their popularity continues to grow.

The film also touches upon how the community has evolved through the years. The documentary showcases how the modern-day chiptune scene is not restricted to just music and has expanded to include visual art and interactive installations. The documentary concludes by reflecting on the legacy of chiptune music and how it has influenced the modern electronic music scene.

Reformat the Planet offers a captivating look into the world of chiptune music and the passionate community that surrounds it. The documentary not only highlights the history of the genre but also explores the emotional and creative processes that go into producing this unique form of music. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in electronic music or video games and offers a detailed look into a fascinating aspect of modern culture.

Reformat the Planet is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.