Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession

A documentary on the Z Channel, one of the first pay cable stations in the US, and its programming chief, Jerry Harvey. Debuting in 1974, the LA-based channel's eclectic slate of movies became a prime example of the untapped power of cable television.
Back in the 1970s, when cable was in its infancy and home videotape was unknown, movie lover Jerry Harvey contacted his local cable company to complain about the horrible programming. In an odd twist, they hired him to be a programmer! Soon after this, the new Z Channel hired him to be their head programmer. Harvey went from being a complete unknown to becoming a cult-like hero to a small group of California subscribers (where the channel was shown). This is because he was very brave in his choices--often showing art films, unknown films, extended director's cuts (a first) and unappreciated films. It seems that his biggest fans were the film makers themselves, as he helped to give exposure to many films that would have otherwise gone into oblivion.
By the way, although this is a wonderful film, the film maker Ms. Cassavetes chose a lot of clips for the documentary that are NOT family-appropriate. While there's quite a bit of nudity, most of it isn't salacious and is from art films. However, some of the scenes are borderline pornographic and the scene of Rutger Hauer masturbating makes this a film you DON'T show your kids.
Extras:
* Commentary by director Xan Cassavetes and several members of the film crew.
* AFI Tribute to Z with panelists Oliver Stone and James Woods, among others. (3:42)
* Castaway’s Choice radio interview with Jerry Harvey. (26:13)
* Z Magazine Gallery – Photos and text selections from Z Channel’s programming guide. (11:36)
* On the Film Scene with Charles Champlin – An interview show on Z Channel. (1:53)
* 3 Women – Robert Altman talks about his dreams or whatever. (3:43)
* Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid – Learn how Jerry Harvey obtained Peckinpah’s preferred cut of the film. (5:37)
* Spetters – Paul Verhoeven discusses his controversial film and the songs of former US Attorney General John Ashcroft. (4:08)
* Touch of Evil – Jerry Harvey makes Orson Welles happy. (1:22)
* Peckinpah meets Fellini – Good times. (2:20)