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Helvetica - Awesome Full-Length Film About Typography watch!

video.google.com — Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. A must-see for anyone interested in design.

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  • badwithcomputer, on 01/24/2008, -2/+101This makes Times New Roman look like Wingdings
    • DesignerScott, on 01/24/2008, -25/+2you're an idiot!
      The two most used typefaces are Times and Helvetica. There is no contrasting them.
    • ssn697, on 01/24/2008, -1/+7Your comment is Greeked to me...

      /missing the days when typefaces were part of my biz, and I could be a geek about it...
    • etandrib, on 01/24/2008, -2/+7It also makes M$ look like the greedy bastards they really are.
      • irgeorge, on 01/24/2008, -1/+10You can fault Microsoft on a lot of things, but their contributions to digital typography are still quite vast. In some respects they're done more than Apple. They've commissioned numerous excellent typefaces (Verdana, Georgia, Cambria etc.) as well as developed some revolutionary screen reading technologies (Clearview). Even as a Mac user I'm very impressed by Microsoft's work...
        • spyrochaete, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Gotta love all the new Office 2007/Vista typefaces as well. Calibri, Consolas, Cambria, you never get tired of looking at them. Functional and lovely.

          Here's a really fascinating discussion of the then-upcoming Vista typeface family with the Microsoft Cleartype Team. If you enjoyed Helvetica you'll find this equally as candid and entertaining. http://channel9.msdn.com/showpost.aspx?postid=1467 ...
          • irgeorge, on 01/24/2008, -1/+1I use Consolas as my Terminal font in OS X, the new Office C' fonts really are excellent. Interesting video, by the way.
    • ajchavar, on 01/24/2008, -1/+6Back door sluts 9!? that makes makes crotch capers 3 look like naughty nurses 2!
    • Flashtone, on 01/24/2008, -0/+5I find it ironic that google video makes all the font in the video look like crap.
      • gregdigg, on 01/24/2008, -1/+8That's not ironic, it's completely expected.
    • phpchris, on 01/24/2008, -0/+7I like saying Wingdings :D
    • Dvski, on 01/25/2008, -2/+1wingdings is far better than times new roman ever will or could be.
  • allaboutdatiki, on 01/24/2008, -3/+13Whoooo ... dugg for the metal type ... I gotta sit back and watch this in its entirety t'night ... thanks MrBabyMan!
    • oldhick, on 01/24/2008, -0/+14But I thought MrBabyMan was done with Digg??? Welcome back, didn't stay away very long did you?
      • MrBabyMan, on 01/24/2008, -8/+4Our concerns were voiced last night in a conversation with Jay Adelson & Kevin Rose. The main concern we had, a lack of open dialog between Digg users & Digg administration, is going to be addressed by Digg. You can read about it here: http://www.techipedia.com/2008/kevin-rose-and-jay- ...
        • oldhick, on 01/24/2008, -0/+14I was kidding. You did a bit too much whining for my taste. I was hoping Kevin and co would hold their ground. Oh well.
      • unicronband, on 01/24/2008, -0/+5Damn. And I though us peon diggers might have a chance at getting a front page story in for once. So it goes...
  • cobr@, on 01/24/2008, -17/+6Times is a sarif font, its not in the same category. more like ariel and or univers, or akzidenz, frutiger is the modern morph of helvetica. if you want to compare sarif's then you should compare times with Sabon or Caslon
    • abid786, on 01/24/2008, -13/+5Correct. Helvetica is very much like Arial.
      • amadeusdemarzi, on 01/24/2008, -1/+32Arial is actually a ripoff of Helvetica, designed so people could avoid the licensing costs of using Helvetica.
    • DarkSamus, on 01/24/2008, -0/+11serif is sans a
    • UGM2099, on 01/24/2008, -1/+6For someone talking about typography you sure don't make use it very well.
    • ophello, on 01/29/2008, -0/+1if you want to sound like an idiot, misspell "serif"
  • kingkool68, on 01/24/2008, -11/+3Anyone have a download link preferably MP4?
    • abid786, on 01/24/2008, -5/+2http://keepvid.com/ Enjoy.

      Convert to MP4 for viewing on iPod through SUPER.
    • adroit, on 01/24/2008, -1/+33Im not really down with free online distribution of this film because the filmmakers deserve money for this wonderful documentary.

      Support them and go rent it.
    • jstohler, on 01/24/2008, -2/+2Don't worry about it -- it's a very average documentary that should have been half the length. FYI, it's part of the Netflix Watch Instantly catalog.
    • thenet411, on 01/24/2008, -0/+3It's also available via NetFlix Instant.
    • vbrtrmn, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Download the FLV from Google Video and convert it using ffmpeg.
  • adroit, on 01/24/2008, -0/+20This is a great movie for anyone who likes Design whatsoever. It will make you look at typefaces a little different.
  • littlewing82, on 01/24/2008, -1/+36Typeface is so important.... just look at how much of a difference it made in American Psycho...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoIvd3zzu4Y
    "Eggshell with Romalian type..."
  • XHashmeerX, on 01/24/2008, -0/+6Good to hear people like it. I was debating watching this on NetFlix Instant Watch. Thought I may be bored of watching a video about fonts for an hour and half, even though I'm a web-designer. I'll make a point to watch it now.
    • parasight, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2I was lucky enough to see this when it was shown in Cologne, Germany, with the director on location for a Q&A and all. Everyone (or most of us, at least) really loved it, going by the reactions. Well worth watching, if only to see with what passion people can dedicate their lives to a subject that most might find boring and dry. Not boring at all!
    • mojaam, on 01/24/2008, -1/+1I actually did tried to watch it when it came on Netflix InstaWatch but my roommate and myself were bored to death. I might have to try again seeing that there are people that watched it.
  • trammell, on 01/24/2008, -0/+10This is an amazing film! I was at the premiere and the interviews with David Carson alone are worth buying the DVD.
    • jazic, on 01/24/2008, -1/+0Worth arm-wrestling over?!
      • trammell, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2Worth breaking your wrist and having to explain that you did so arm-wrestling over a font.
    • ophello, on 01/29/2008, -0/+1david carson is a douche
  • Jonjonjonny, on 01/24/2008, -0/+14After watching this you realise how often Helvetica is used. Brilliant doc.
  • ekboost, on 01/24/2008, -0/+27I'm all for free videos online but definitely go out and buy the movie if you like it. The people who put it together deserve it.
    • cgomez, on 01/24/2008, -0/+3Semi-related: if you like the music used in the documentary, go to eMusic and download "El Ten Eleven". It really added to the film.
  • crumvacker, on 01/24/2008, -4/+15Is it legal to have this online? Shouldn't the filmmakers be compensated in some way for this usage? If Google is paying them, then never mind the comment, but this looks like sheer piracy...
    • whiteninja, on 01/24/2008, -0/+10Welcome to the Internet! Enjoy your stay.
    • Tollboi, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1If you have Netflix you can view it through watch it now. It does not cost you extra and it is legal, and the film makers must see some compensation from that.
  • rdolishny, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4This was totally sold out at HotDocs in Toronto last year. I've been waiting to support it in some other way. I'll check it out tonight and hopefully buy the DVD later.
  • brianbennett, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4I rented this movie on the recommendation of someone who had the rare opportunity to see this filim in a theater. Although I don't have any great interest in design, I still found the movie quite interesting.
  • dustinmacdonald, on 01/24/2008, -1/+41Or you could, you know, support independent film makers and buy the DVD: http://helveticafilm.com/
  • hellogoodbye, on 01/24/2008, -3/+16The film is great, but it's copyrighted. If you want to see it, buy it; it's definitely worth it. Just don't disrespect the director and everyone who put in so much work just so it could be uploaded to Google video.
    • Firehed, on 01/24/2008, -1/+4It never seems to bother us when it's a major motion picture....
  • galactus, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2I've wanted to see this for a while. A friend of mine saw it at SXSW and got me a couple of buttons from the movie
  • xmuskrat, on 01/24/2008, -3/+2Made my netflix to be sold on netflix. They make a good profit off of renting that movie.
    • irgeorge, on 01/24/2008, -1/+1Made by Netflix!? What are you talking about...
  • Brian48216, on 01/24/2008, -1/+9Awesome find.
    I feel like the new digg algorithm is working already!
  • solidus430, on 01/24/2008, -0/+16As a Graphic Designer and Typographer, I was thrilled when this movie came out. It is definitely a fun and interesting film, especially for people with appreciation of design and type. I would hope that one doesn't need to specialize in the design field to enjoy this, but I think at least some degree of interest will help. Regardless, I strongly suggest people check this out if they haven't seen it.

    On a side note, I thought it was kind of interesting to see Spiekermann rip on Helvetica. I love many of the typefaces he's designed and it's kind of good to get his perspective, particularly since he goes against popular opinion.
    • monospaced, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4Spiekermann rips on Helvetica because he's bitter that Meta didn't become its final demise.
      • solidus430, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Of course. And I don't blame him. Meta is a beautiful font, although I think he was a bit overzealous in thinking it would trump Helvetica. Silly Spiekermann.
  • NachoPirate, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2Oddly fascinating.

    I like it.
  • ardellin, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2I think it's also getting around among independent/smaller theaters. Saw it in Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago.
  • Hockey13, on 01/24/2008, -0/+8This is strange. I know someone who is all about this film. They actually won a contest at the opening of this documentary for things baked in the form of Helvetica by making this cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTUGhsNk6bk

    I figured it was in the dark recesses of the internet, but here it is on the front page of Digg.
  • Zalo81, on 01/24/2008, -1/+5Everyone in the world needs to see this movie.
    • Flashtone, on 01/24/2008, -0/+6Or at least those who use Comic Sans!
  • ileftfark, on 01/24/2008, -3/+12Helvetica pwns Arial.
  • bunkka, on 01/24/2008, -1/+4can't wait for my typography class to start
  • KillerLettuce, on 01/24/2008, -1/+2How old is this movie? There was a screening of it at my school (which is an art school) a few months ago, now I'm wondering if it was a pre-screening.
    • toekneebullard, on 01/24/2008, -0/+6It came out on DVD maybe a month ago.
  • clemenza, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2I highly recommend this film...even if you are not a designer you may find it fascinating how pervasive Helvetica is in your life. (It's been out quite awile tho... why is this only getting Dugg now?)
  • redhotkurt, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1This is a really well made documentary (I Netflixed it last week). It's an independent film from a small production company, so please buy/rent it if you can. These guys deserve the money. Also --- as a side note, it's a must-see for first year graphic designers. Any design professors out there? Show this to your students!
  • Surefoot, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4It's been available on Netflix for awhile on "Watch now" or "Browse Instantly" or whatever they are calling their streaming service now.
  • MyBacchanalia, on 01/24/2008, -0/+11Awesome. Fonts are so wicked and an art form of their own. ***** you, Comic Sans!
  • Sererena, on 01/24/2008, -0/+5Am I a total graphic design nerd for going "Ohhhhh!" when I saw that it was a /full-length/ film about typography...?
    • waxdart, on 01/24/2008, -1/+6No... you'd be a total design nerd if you'd seen this movie 3 months ago when it came out on DVD. Or 8 months before that, when it was touring design schools.
      • ohhoe, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4It was in theaters too, not just design schools. The independent theaters.


        No need to try and sound all high and mighty, that doesn't make you a total design nerd, that makes you an *****.
  • Sparebear75, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1http://wireandtwine.com/store/products/subtraction ...

    This shirt would seem fitting to wear to the movie.
    • mkameli, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Hah, totally. This was on Khoi's blog a while ago in baby blue and pink, methinks.
  • bosssmiley, on 01/24/2008, -0/+4Saw this on (IIRC) BBC3 a while back. One of those really clever documentaries that makes you sound like a nut when you try to explain about it.
    • irgeorge, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2The BBC3 version was a slightly edited down version.
    • MightyLime, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Ah, that's where I've seen it! I was sure it had been on TV in the UK. Probably BBC4 over 3 though, right?
      • bosssmiley, on 01/25/2008, -0/+1Sorry. Could not brain, had the dumb. You're right - BBC*4*
  • bobotron, on 01/24/2008, -2/+2Fantastic movie. Saw it a few months ago, with my nerd friends
  • joshbradley, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2This documentary is extremely well-done and very interesting. Great if you are looking for a little design inspiration.
  • sOopahvi, on 01/24/2008, -2/+0i'm a graphic designer and i love fonts but i found this movie to be rather boring. seems i am the only one.
  • Flashbak74, on 01/24/2008, -0/+0I just wish they'd called it Homerton. Back in the good old days, all my fonts had different names : Homerton, Corpus, Trinity... Acorn, how we miss thee!
  • ajchavar, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1i saw this movie at SND boston this year! great flick, i have nothing against watching it for free, but if you want to keep it, please buy it! these guys deserve the money.
  • toekneebullard, on 01/24/2008, -1/+2Anyone know of a good free font with a similar look to Helvetica?
    • irgeorge, on 01/24/2008, -2/+5Arial. I kid you not. Actually Arial isn't all bad, certainly MUCH better on screen than Helvetica. Huge amount of effort went into hinting for screen readability etc.
      • spyrochaete, on 01/24/2008, -2/+3Thank you for bringing up this very important point. Helvetica is designed for print, Arial is designed for screens. Few people realize how difficult and hypocritical it is to draft print designs on a computer screen.
      • toekneebullard, on 01/28/2008, -0/+1Thanks irgreorge. I have always use Arial as a replacement, but still kinda felt like it wasn't quite as striking as Helvetica on print.
  • Flashtone, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2H e l v e t i c a Period
  • ohhoe, on 01/24/2008, -0/+3I love the fact that they show both sides of design, the people who love Helvetica and the people who hate it. The DVD even came with little 1" buttons, one said I Love Helvetica, and the other said I Hate Helvetica.
  • troxell, on 01/24/2008, -0/+2this was screened at my school and also had a lecture with massimo vignelli

    it was awesome
    • ohhoe, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1That's awesome, where do you go? We get David Carson at my school all the time, we're blocks away from Pentagram and the NYC offices of AIGA :D
  • mkameli, on 01/24/2008, -0/+3Really great film. It's worth getting a DVD of just so you can look at the awesome cinematography at full res.
  • plingboot, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1For those like me that saw ths one BBC 1 a few months ago ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/imagine/article/helvetica.sht ... its worth watching this original as it's a much longer.


  • peejah, on 01/24/2008, -3/+2"Lazy Helvetica", when a designer can't settle on a font he/she just chooses Helvetica.
    • nubatron, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Rubbish... after all these years, selecting Helvetica is never the easy option as its so hard to make work without looking the same as every other time its been used. Picking a 'cool' face because its free on the latest mag cover disk is so much easier! Helvetica - still one of my all time favourites...
      • statc, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Umm i think that's a quote from the film...
      • peejah, on 01/26/2008, -0/+1no, one of my professors coined that in class....I'm sure it's origin comes from somewhere else....but that professor scared everyone away from using helvetica....
  • leonwehttam, on 01/24/2008, -1/+1For those on Netflix, you can watch it on thier Instant Viewing :D
  • MofugginPaulrus, on 01/24/2008, -11/+1WHO CARES
    • samuelcotterall, on 01/24/2008, -0/+5That's kinda the point of the typeface - it's neutral, unoffensive.

      Although Helvetica was probibly the typeface on your lunch menu, train timetable and magazine you, like 99% of people, don't give it a second thought. But for us in the design industry it's an interesting documentary about Helvetica's impact.
  • vacax, on 01/24/2008, -1/+1I actually watched this on Netflix last night. 2/5.
  • JohnnyRad, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1if you're a designer, this film needs to be in your film library.
  • fatwreck, on 01/24/2008, -0/+1Anybody else check this out when he swung through calgary with the film? It was great! Q&A session and everything!
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