Educational Media Reviews Online

Blue Vinyl is a disheartening expose of the dangers associated with all aspects of vinyl chloride production, specifically vinyl siding. This film shows another side to the mass marketing of all the benefits the industry touts about products created from vinyl chloride. One of the films producers, Judith Helfand, fulfills the role of narrator and tour guide. Judith and her family are real and honest, qualities that will endear them to the viewer.

The film poses the question of how something, like vinyl siding, that is made with so many synthetic chemicals can be good for you. What develops is a thoroughly researched and well-rounded presentation dealing with the many aspects of vinyl chloride production. The film starts by clearly stating why there is concern about the synthetic siding and the investigation unfolds crossing states and continents gleaning important and useful information. Throughout the film, Judith carries around a piece of blue vinyl siding, symbolizing the far reaching effects of vinyl chloride production. Judith deserves applause for not only finding out the harmful effects of the siding but for doing something about it.

Interviews with an environmental group touch on the effects on the environment. Heart wrenching interviews with people here and abroad show the very human costs of vinyl chloride production.

The film is interspersed with segments of well conceived and well executed animation that give it yet another dimension. Humor is interjected throughout the film and while the topic is anything but funny, it helps the viewer connect on a more personal level with the narrator. Video and sound quality are excellent and the choice of accompanying music is appropriate.

While seemingly a bit on the long side (at 96 minutes), the film nonetheless delivers to the viewer an informative piece dealing with a subject that touches all of us. The filmmakers have diffused the mysteries of chemistry into terms understandable to the average person.

After watching the film, the viewer leaves with a sense of having gotten to know this family who started out simply wanting to put siding on their house but end up charting a new course and setting an example for all of us to follow.

Blue Vinyl is highly recommended for upper level high school students, colleges and the general public. School media centers, college/university libraries and public libraries would benefit by having this video in their collections.

Awards:

• Documentary Award Winner for Excellence in Cinematography 2002 Sundance Festival
• First Prize Award for Best Documentary 2002 Bermuda International Film Festival

Read another EMRO review of Blue Vinyl..