Watch The Power of Glove

The Power of Glove is a fascinating documentary that explores the story behind one of the most iconic accessories in video game history: the Power Glove. Directed by Andrew Austin and Adam Ward, the film takes us back to the late 1980s, when Nintendo ruled the video game world and everything seemed possible. The Power Glove was a device that allowed players to control their games using gestures and movements, rather than buttons and joysticks. It was hailed as a revolutionary invention that would bring gaming to a new level of immersion and interactivity. However, the reality was quite different. The Power Glove turned out to be a flawed and frustrating product that failed to live up to its hype. But despite its limitations and shortcomings, the Power Glove became a cult object that still fascinates gamers, collectors and retro enthusiasts to this day.

The Power of Glove mixes interviews with key figures involved in the creation and marketing of the Power Glove, as well as archival footage and animations that capture the spirit of the era. Among the interviewees, we find Jaron Lanier, the virtual reality pioneer who came up with the initial idea for the Glove; Vince Bitetti, the engineer who built the prototype; and Fred Savage, the child star who featured the Glove in the movie The Wizard. But the heart of the documentary belongs to the "Glove guys", a group of passionate hackers and modders who have breathed new life into the device, turning it into an instrument of artistic expression and social commentary.

Through these interviews and images, The Power of Glove paints a vivid portrait of a time when technology was changing rapidly, and when video games were still seen as a novelty and a source of controversy. The film captures the excitement and optimism of the period, but also the challenges and setbacks that came with it. We see how the Power Glove was born out of a desire to create something truly innovative and inspiring, but how it also reflected the limitations and prejudices of the industry and the culture that produced it.

One of the strengths of The Power of Glove is its ability to balance nostalgia and criticism. While the film celebrates the passion and creativity of the Glove enthusiasts, it also acknowledges the problems and shortcomings of the product. We hear from gamers who were disappointed by the Glove's poor performance, and from critics who saw it as a gimmick or a marketing ploy. We see how the Glove failed to live up to the expectations of its creators and its users, and how it became a symbol of technological hubris and consumerist excess.

However, the film also shows how the Glove has endured as a cultural artifact and a source of inspiration. We see how the Glove guys have turned the device into a canvas for their art projects, using it to create music, animation, and interactive installations. We see how the Glove has become a meme and a reference in pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music videos. We see how the Glove has become a way for people to express their individuality and creativity, and to connect with others who share their passion.

Overall, The Power of Glove is a compelling documentary that offers a unique look into the history and legacy of the Power Glove. It's a film that will appeal to gamers, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural trends and movements of the 80s and 90s. The film is well-crafted, with a lively pace and a clear structure, and it manages to convey both the excitement and the complexity of its subject matter. Whether you're a fan of the Glove or a skeptic, you'll find something to appreciate and learn from in this film.

The Power of Glove is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.