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Searching For Kanye West
Kanye West has been a pop icon, as much for his outspoken views on culture and politics as his music. The BBC's Ben Zand is an unabashed fan of Ye, both for his musical prowess and his larger-than-life personality. Zand crossed the Atlantic in search of Ye, talking to friends, family, and business partners to find out what made Ye the person he is today.
Jay Myself: Photography, the Bank, and Me
Photographer and artist Jay Maisel sold his New York City home in February of 2015 — and even for New York, it was a home unlike any other. Called The Bank, Maisel's house was a six-story, 35,000 square foot building he lived in for 48 years and housed a lifetime of photography and art. When the time came to move, it seemed like a nearly impossible task, requiring a small army of people and vehicles to make it happen. more than just the story of moving, Jay Myself: Photography, the Bank, and Me is the story of one of the best American photographers and his philosophy on art and life.
The World of UPA
In a three-part essay, The Royal Ocean Film Society examines UPA — the animation rebels that took the talking animals and singing bullsh*t out of cartoons. The first installment starts at the beginning and how a fallout with Disney eventually led to their edgy style. The final two parts will be released later this year.
Netflix vs the World
There was a time when the $8 billion Blockbuster behemoth looked like it couldn't be toppled — and then came Netflix. Starting with rentals by mail, then streaming, and now a full-fledged production house, Netflix is one of the darling disruptors of the digital age. Netflix vs the World looks at the 20-year history of the company and how it changed not just content delivery, but the makeup of the entertainment industry itself.
They Shall Not Grow Old
Using original 100-year-old footage of World War I, Peter Jackson is giving soldiers the cinematic tribute they deserve. The film has pulled over 600 hours of BBC archival interviews and clips from the Imperial War Museums' archives and remastered it using today's state-of-the-art restoration, colorization, and 3D technologies to give an authentic look at The Great War from the perspective of the British soldiers. The documentary will be in select theaters December 17th and 27th.
LOFT: The Jetman Story
Yves Rossy invented the Jetman in 1996, a pair of wings powered by four small kerosene-burning jet engines. The former military pilot, airline pilot, and aviation enthusiast has made his Jetman jetpack his life's work and has performed amazing feats to prove it works. In its latest revision, Rossy's Jetman is closer than ever to his dream of a self-contained autonomous flight system, and he and two other brave pilots show off his work in the air above the fjords of Norway.
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StockX G-Shock Watches
In celebrating 35 years of G-Shock Casio has released a myriad of special limited edition watches that won't go unnoticed. They've taken classic references like the GMW 5000 and GA 700 and dressed them in gold and steel accents with the full metal and Glacier Gold collections. These are true limited editions selling over retail in most cases. These are future collectibles for anyone that loves G-Shock, but always thought they were a bit too subtle. Find your favorite on StockX, who carry each of these anniversary models, along with all the regular G-Shocks you know and love.
Presented by StockX.
Duo Cocktail Glass
Made to accommodate drinks both hot and cold, the Duo Glass is a versatile addition to your home bar. It's designed to perfectly hold a two-inch ice ball — the mold for which is included in the package — and the glass itself has subtle 1 oz. indicators blown into the mold, making proper cocktail preparation a cinch. Hand-blown from borosilicate glass, the 10 oz vessel has a double-walled design that helps retain the temperature of your drink and eliminates condensation rings on your furniture. Available in single ($24), double ($48), or 4-packs ($78), all of which contain an ice mold for each glass included.
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The Truth About Killer Robots
Once the domain of science fiction and large manufacturing operations, robots have become cheap and dexterous enough to do everything from making food to sorting packages in warehouses. With things like autonomous vehicles and drones just over the horizon, millions of humans could be out of a job. Far from the sci-fi trope of haywire machines rebelling against their creators, this is the way robots might kill large swaths of humans — by taking their livelihoods. The Truth About Killer Robots premieres November 26, 2018, on HBO.
Our Planet
Netflix is about to give the BBC a run for its money — or gorgeous, multi-part nature documentaries. Sir David Attenborough has signed on as the narrator for the streaming company's Our Planet, a stunning look at planet Earth and the environments and wildlife that sustain us all. The series will premiere in April of 2019.
The Price of Everything
The 20th century saw the rise of art as an investment opportunity, with prices from master artists going in the tens of millions or more. The appetite for art seems insatiable and the supply of money to spend on it limitless. The Price of Everything goes deep into the contemporary art world, talking to artists, auctioneers, and critics — showing that no matter what it is, everything has a price and is for sale. The documentary is available now from HBO.
The Reality Behind Filming Free Solo
Free Solo is a documentary following Alex Honnold's 2017 ascent up El Capitan without the use of any ropes or safety equipment. The feat would be historic but also dangerous. In this mini-doc, filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin reflect on capturing the monumental event but also the ethics behind filming the risky and possibly fatal climb.
Tricky Dick and The Man In Black
In 1970, President Richard Milhouse Nixon invited Johnny Cash to perform at the White House. Nixon wanted Cash to play as a publicity attempt to reach Midwest voters in the face of social unrest and the deeply unpopular war in Vietnam. While Cash was as patriotic as you could be, his views on what it meant to love your country were changing — and caused him to take a deep look at himself and what he believed in. Part of Netflix's ReMastered series, "Track 2" looks an important moment in Cash's life on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Shut Up and Dribble
There are plenty of documentaries that highlight great teams and scorers, but Shut Up and Dribble is more about what players are doing off the court. The three-part special explores how NBA icons have used their notoriety to bring about social change and voice their own political issues. Produced by LeBron James and narrated by Jemele Hill, the series will premiere on Showtime November 3, 2018.
The Lost Empire Strikes Back Documentary
Michel Parbot's The Empire Strikes Back documentary has been somewhat of a Star Wars urban legend. His behind-the-scenes footage was believed to have been lost — until now. Almost 40 years an auction sale later, the entire film has surfaced and it was worth the wait. The video offers nearly a full hour of on-set clips, interviews, and some of the vintage special effects work that brought the movie to life.
A Head Full Of Dreams
Love them or hate them, Coldplay has earned their place in music history. The British band rose to fame with their single "Yellow" and have been selling out arenas ever since. In this documentary, director Mat Whitecross goes back to the very start at the University College London where a brace-faced Chris Martin met up with Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion and follows their entire 20-year career. The film will be in theaters for one day on November 14th and then will stream on Amazon Prime starting November 16, 2018.
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Old Spice Beard Oil
It's beard season and Old Spice is here to tame those man manes with their new Beard Oil. The argan oil-based conditioner can take care of wild hairs and unruly fly-aways, turning scruff into a soft, luxurious beard worthy of congrats. Its subtle citrus scent will leave it smelling as good as it looks.
Presented by Old Spice.
Allbirds Wool Runners
Designed with simplicity and serious comfort in mind, Allbirds Wool Runners are woven from sustainably sourced New Zealand merino wool and ready for the holiday season. This makes them breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking so your feet remain comfortable on the coldest winter days. The shoe is free from the usual logos and details, resulting in a clean, minimalist design that is slightly more formal than your average sneaker. They'll not only be your go-to footwear this winter, but are a perfect holiday gift for the style-conscious person on your wishlist.
Presented by Allbirds.
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Making a Murderer / Season 2
Along with The Jinx and Serial, Making a Murderer jumpstarted the true crime genre. The docuseries followed Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey as they underwent the investigation and trial for the murder of Teresa Halbach. Now, nearly three years after its initial release, Netflix is releasing the highly anticipated follow-up. The additional ten episodes will catch up with the pair to document the aftermath that followed their convictions. Season 2 is set to air October 19, 2018.
Dynasties
For four years, Sir David Attenborough traveled across the globe to document the world's five greatest dynasties. Rather than showcasing royal families, these are the clans that rule the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, their legacies are all in danger. The five-part series will follow their fight for survival when it premieres on BBC Earth in 2019.
Super Sherpa
Born in the small village of Thame, Nepal, Apa Sherpa has lived in the shadows of Mount Everest his whole life. He began working as a porter for mountaineering groups at 12 and until May 2018, he held the record for the most ascents of the iconic mountain, reaching its summit 21 times. After retiring from Everest, the mountaineer and his family moved to Utah but he hasn't forgotten about the people he left behind. Through the Apa Sherpa Foundation, he continues to work to help improve the education and futures of the children of Nepal.
Silent Sam
Sam is 27 years old, in a popular punk band, a practicing Buddhist — and mute for the majority of the time. Two operations on his vocal chords have been largely unsuccessful, and Sam is on vocal rest to help with the pain of his condition. Despite this, Sam is a conversationalist, using notes and gestures to communicate with the people around him.
They'll Love Me When I'm Dead
One of the greatest directors in the history of film, Orson Welles faced a struggle in the last decade of his life. Welles wanted to return to Hollywood, and pinned his hopes on a radical film that would be the perfect bookend to his career, a film that would pick up where his classic Citizen Kane left off. Directed by Academy Award winner 20 Feet From Stardom's Morgan Neville, They'll Love Me When I'm Dead is a look at Welles' last years, told by the people that were there.
Forging $35,000 Scissors
Fifth generation scissor maker and Master blacksmith Yasuhiro Hirakawa has been honing his craft for the last 50 years. Using ancient methods, he's the last traditional scissor maker left in Japan. HIs pieces are used for anything from food to crafting Bonsai and can take over a week to create — four times longer than a knife — giving his tools a price tag of up to $35,000.
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What's My Name
The Greatest of All Time. From Louisville, Kentucky, to the pinnacle of sports, Muhammad Ali was one of the most inspiring and polarizing figures in American history. From his success in the boxing ring to his stance on politics and racial injustice, Ali left no question as to where he stood and had no regrets about his place in public life. HBO's two-part documentary on the Champ, What's My Name, is coming early in 2019.
The Bill Murray Stories
From crashing weddings to tending your local bar, Bill Murray has a knack for showing up at random events. The actor's habit of unexpected meet-and-greets has spawned somewhat of an urban legend leaving a slew of fans with a story to tell. In this documentary, director Tommy Avallone has compiled those tall tales along with interviews and never-before-seen footage to try to find the root of these strange-yet-magical encounters. The film will be in select theaters and on-demand October 26, 2018.
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Free Solo
On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold made history. The rock climber became the first person to make a free solo ascent of El Capitan. He climbed the 3,200-foot granite monster in just under four hours and he did it all without a rope. The incredible feat and the days of preparation leading up to it were documented by fellow climber Jimmy Chin and will be shown in select theaters this fall.
The Decline of Hong Kong's Iconic Neon Glow
The neon signs that illuminate the streets of Hong Kong are as iconic as any landmark in the city. At the hands of craftsmen like Master Wu, the vibrant cityscape has been featured in films like Blade Runner and Chungking Express. Sadly, the rise of LEDs has brought the end of an era as Hong Kong's signature glow slowly begins to fade.
NASA at 60: How it Began
On July 29, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was founded by an act of Congress during the Eisenhower administration. In a unique move, NASA was established as a civilian agency outside of military control and was tasked with exploring space as a human, not military, endeavor. In this short documentary, NASA shows how it all began, from explosions on the launchpad to reaching out to the stars.
I Am Paul Walker
To most of us, he was the face of the Face and Furious franchise. But to his friends, family, and castmates, Paul Walker was much more. Paramount Network goes behind the camera to showcase the life of legacy of the actor, father, and humanitarian for their "I Am" series. Featuring vintage recordings, movie clips, and interviews with the people that knew him best, the documentary will air August 11, 2018.
Bad Reputation
Before Joan Jett had a number one hit with "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and became a staple of MTV's first wave, she put her dues in leading The Runaways. During the halcyon days of 70s punk, Joan Jett was out to shatter glass ceilings and make her mark in the boys club of the hard rock scene. It wasn't easy, but she made it — and changed music forever. Bad Reputation comes the theaters and streaming services September 28, 2018.
The Search for Castle Rock
Castle Rock, the mythical town that is the epicenter of so much of Stephen King's work, has elements of many real small towns throughout the United States. From a bustling main street to places that are whispered to have haunting connections, Castle Rock feels like home. In this short documentary, Hulu looks at the real-life places and events that inspired King's fictional town.
