Product Description

A remarkable documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Helvetica, one of the most widely used typefaces of the 20th century. Featuring interviews with leading designers, the film explores the nature of urban design and its impact on our everyday lives. Intelligent and compelling, this is the breakthrough documentary hit of the year.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4373 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-26
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: German, English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 95 minutes

Synopsis
Independent documentary celebrating 50 years of Helvetica, one of the most ubiquitous sans-serif typefaces in modern print. HELVETICA looks at the font's evolution--from its Swiss origins to its current usage--examining the aesthetics of type and how it affects our everyday lives. Featuring interviews with some of the world's leading graphic and type designers, the film provides an invaluable insight for those interested in typography, graphic design, and global visual culture.

Customer Reviews

Die Neue Haas Grotesk
This is an intriguing documentary on typography, graphic design, and global visual culture. The origins and metamorphosis of the use of the type font and the people involved. We see its structure and the psychology behind the font. How it got its name. Soon we see it everywhere.

I have to admit I was more moved by the introduction of the film as they were using the lead type and setting up a proof press. I used the same equipment as a lad and always felt that something was missing when the technology changed and it was a less of hands on function.

Beside the font it is interesting to see how graphic design industry works. The people involved in it and the end results; presented by Gary Hustwit.

After waiting this documentary (which lends its self well to the Blu-ray treatment) you will want to "give them Helvetica."

Excellent
A fascinating perspective on a profession that we use every day but never think about. Seems so dull but is captivating.

Fantastic
Saw the shortened version on BBC 1 last night and loved it. Learning the story of the typeface and seeing how widely it's been used was fantastic. The interviews are brilliant. Buy this now...