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Once Upon Atari
🎬 Movie

Once Upon Atari

2003 · 120 min Documentary
5.9 / 10 · TMDB

In the late 70s and early 80s, ET phoned home on Atari 2600 and became the video game that New Media magazine later described as having toppled a billion dollar industry. We know the industry rose again as a pale, commercial version of its old self, but… did you ever wonder what it was like back in the wild days when the titans of gaming clashed, not on Wall Street, but inside the minds of designers? Want to learn first hand how the barren valley south of The Bay gave birth to cult celebrity that died as quickly as it was born? Take the ride with the folks who made it happen. Walk on walls, smoke the evil weed, and plunge head first into the uncharted (undocumented) world that was game production back in the bad old days.

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

Once Upon Atari has mixed reviews with a rating of 5.9/10. Good for a relaxed evening without high expectations.

Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.

A 2003 film from an era before CGI overload, with real performances that still hit hard. Best for: genre fans and those open to something unconventional.

— MovieFinder Editorial

🎭 Cast

👤

Larry Anderson Jr.

Interviewee

👤

Marlin Bates, IV

Interviewee

👤

Nolan Bushnell

Interviewee

👤

Jerome Domurat

Interviewee

👤

Clint Dyer

Interviewee

👤

Tod Frye

Interviewee

👤

Rob Fulop

Interviewee

👤

Jim Huether

Interviewee

👤

Larry Kaplan

Interviewee

👤

George Kiss

Interviewee

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