In Search of the Valley DVD
Review

In Search of the Valley DVD
Stage4

Price: $19.99

http://www.stage4.co.uk/film/

Besides writing and talking about the Macintosh and all things Apple, I have long been enamored with the story of Silicon Valley. I personally find it amazing what that small part of California has accomplished over the last few decades. It is an amazing story. So when I first heard of the documentary “In Search of the Valley”, I was intrigued.

The documentary, done by three film-making friends in England, documents their one-month trip to silicon valley. Once there, they endeavor to discover what it is about Silicon Valley that makes it what it is, looking at both history and some current events.

Along the way, they interview such luminaries as Steve Wozniak, Tim O’Reilly, John Warnock, Guy Kawasaki, Andy Hertzfeld, Marc Canter, and others. While being far too short and narrow of focus to showcase the true history of the Valley, the film nonetheless is both entertaining and informative.

For Apple fans, there is a lot to love on this DVD. In fact, had I not been a Mac fan myself, I probably would have resented so much of the documentary focusing on Apple Computer, even though much of the history of Silicon Valley starts and end with the company. Still, we get to see the famous HP garage, meet the up-and-coming new Valley legends (such as Craig Newmark, founder of Craiglist) and witness much Microsoft history. But as much as is included in the documentary, there is ten times as much left out.

If anything, what I most missed was time. The documentary runs about an hour in length, and at the end, I was left wanting more. Some would say that is the mark of a good film, be it an Hollywood action flick, or a documentary on Silicon Valley. For me, I felt as if director Steve O’Hear put just enough in the movie to make it entertaining and informative, without going overboard and trying to cover too much.

Like most DVD’s, there are extras included here as well. We are treated to some expanded interviews, and like the rest of the film, they are very entertaining.

I personally think that this documentary is worth every penny of the asking price. I was so impressed with the film, in fact, that I have asked the director to be a guest on our podcast after the Macworld Expo, and he has graciously accepted.

After my second viewing of the film, I was thankful for the technical aspects of the editing. The flow from one subject to the next was very well done, as was the voice-over, helping to move the story onward. Well done.

It is my hope, knowing how much more history there is to tell of, that the film crew will eventually return to Silicon Valley and once again entertain me for another hour. If not, I hope that perhaps another filmmaker will pick up where this film leaves off, and continues the story.

MyMac.com rating: 5 out of 5. I cannot recommend this highly enough. If you have even a passing interest in Apple Computer, HP, Microsoft, and what Silicon Valley is all about, this is the documentary for you. In closing, be sure to view the clip from the film below, and then go buy a copy of the film.