X

2004
R
Soraya Releases
2 h 2 m

2004
R
Soraya Releases
2 h 2 m

Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession

Summary This documentary chronicles Jerry Harvey's emergence as a brilliant programmer at Z Channel, one of the country's first pay cable stations. It also explores Harvey's emotional and psychological descent, which eventually resulted in a shocking murder/suicide and the eventual demise of Z Channel itself. (IFCTV)

Directed By: Xan Cassavetes

2004
R
Soraya Releases
2 h 2 m

2004
R
Soraya Releases
2 h 2 m

Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 4 Critic Reviews

85

User Score Available after 4 ratings

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My Score

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Summary This documentary chronicles Jerry Harvey's emergence as a brilliant programmer at Z Channel, one of the country's first pay cable stations. It also explores Harvey's emotional and psychological descent, which eventually resulted in a shocking murder/suicide and the eventual demise of Z Channel itself. (IFCTV)

Directed By: Xan Cassavetes

Top Cast

Jerry Harvey

Self - Program Director, Z Channel

Chuck Ross

Self - Z's Top Door-to-Door Salesman

Timothy Ryerson

Self - Future Z Asst. Programmer

Bob Strock

Self - Z Marketing Executive

Quentin Tarantino

Self - Filmmaker

Edwin Michaelove

Self - Founding Z Programmer

F.X. Feeney

Self - Film Critic

Jerry Pam

Self - Z Producer

C.L. Batten

Self - English Professor, UCLA

Douglas Venturelli

Self - Friend

Kevin Thomas

Self - Film Critic

Robert Altman

Self - Filmmaker

Don Hyde

Self - Friend of Peckinpah & Jerry Harvey

James B. Harris

Self - Filmmaker

Doreen Ringer Ross

Self - Longtime Girlfriend

Vera Anderson

Self - First Wife

Bill Mechanic

Self - Former Programmer, Select TV

Jonathan Turell

Self - Janus Films, Criterion Collection

Ned Nalle

Self - Film Executive, Universal

Henry Jaglom

Self - Filmmaker

View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Universal Acclaim Based on 4 Critic Reviews

100% Positive
4 Reviews

0% Mixed
0 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Universal Acclaim Based on 4 Critic Reviews

100% Positive
4 Reviews

0% Mixed
0 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Christian Science Monitor

Riveting documentary about the early California cable outlet and its ingenious programmer, Jerry Harvey, whose unsettled life and tragic death provide a dramatic framework for the account.

By David Sterritt FULL REVIEW

Los Angeles Times

Cassavetes' riveting film not only re-creates the glory days of the Z Channel through a generous offering of film clips and interviews, but also presents a clear-eyed portrait of its creative driving force, Jerry Harvey, and the tragic circumstances of his death.

A marvelous tribute to a heady age.

By Ella Taylor FULL REVIEW

Had that window been opened just a bit more, Z Channel would be a remarkable film. As is, it's thoughtful and arresting.

User Reviews

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Details

Production Company Fresh Produce Films, Independent Film Channel (IFC), Maja Films

Release Date Oct 15, 2004

Duration 2 h 2 m

Rating R

Genres

View All Details

Awards

National Board of Review, USA

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

Cannes Film Festival

• 1 Nomination

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