Educational Media Reviews Online

Narrated by critic Walter Benjamin, this documentary takes us on a trip through urban landscapes and media facades in global cities, looking at public spaces on four continents in places like Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Las Vegas, and New York. Screens are now ubiquitous in our work spaces and daily lives even when we’re outdoors. This lyrical and timely documentary is about signs and screens. These electronic signs in public places are re-shaping our urban environments and intensifying commercialization. The film examines the messages of illuminated signs and looks at city life from a variety of perspectives. The interviews with lighting designers, advertising professionals, urban sociologists, and community activists are well done and add new perspectives to these signs and the reactions they get from ordinary citizens. These seamless, illuminated electronic surfaces are becoming the devices through which we frame our experiences. Age and cultural background play an important role in how individuals relate to this digital technology. In addition, the documentary examines some of the challenges and inherent risks for cities and citizens when transforming their environment for the 21st century; and explores this new screen culture as it unfolds in the global city.

The interview and video techniques and effects are interesting and add another dimension to this essay documentary. Editing of the most scenes was effective. This DVD is suitable for high school and college students as well as all adults. Libraries will want to provide for interested viewers of all ages as well as students, teachers, and researchers.