Reformat the Planet

Reformat the Planet is a 2008 documentary that explores the rapidly growing subculture of creating and performing music using early video game hardware, such as the Nintendo Game Boy and the Atari. The film primarily focuses on the scene in and around New York City, where a core group of musicians, artists, and programmers are dedicated to pushing the possibilities of these distinctly retro sounds and visuals.

Directed by Paul Owens, the film features key figures in the chiptune scene, including Joshua Davis, Christopher Burke, and Jeff Donaldson. The documentary allows audiences to get a closer look into their lives and work processes as they strive to redefine music using unconventional tools, offering a unique perspective on this niche genre that subtly evokes nostalgia and familiarity while challenging established norms.

The film opens with the community preparing for the world's first comprehensive chiptunes festival, the Blip Festival, held annually in New York. The festival acts as a focal point for the global chiptune community, attracting performers and audiences from all over the world and placing New York as an epicenter for this thriving underground art form.

Joshua Davis, better known by his stage name Bit Shifter, is at the forefront of the movement, delivering powerful musical performances using nothing but a Game Boy. His work encapsulates the typical chiptune style, leaning heavily into driving, upbeat melodies, and complex harmonics, all layered over chaotic, fast-paced beats reminiscent of the video games of old.

Meanwhile, Christopher Burke, operating under the pseudonym Glomag, also works within the realm of chiptunes, though his sound leans more to the experimental side. His music has a darker, more philosophical bent, providing a stark contrast to Bit Shifter’s lighter, livelier compositions.

Equally important to the scene is Jeff Donaldson, known as noteNdo on stage. Aside from making music, Donaldson is a visual artist who uses hacked gaming consoles to create mesmerizing, psychedelic visuals tailored specifically to accompany chiptune performances. These visuals are an essential part of the chiptune experience, enhancing the immersive retro aesthetic that characterizes the genre.

Beyond these main characters, Reformat the Planet dives deep into the technicalities involved in making chiptune music. It showcases the hacking process where vintage game consoles are refashioned into adaptable, dynamic musical instruments. This creative repurposing of technology acts as a thread that binds the chiptune community together, reflecting a shared passion for innovation, nostalgia, and the joy of making something new out of the old.

This documentary not only investigates the present state of the chiptune scene but also examines its future. Despite its increasing popularity, this rapidly evolving art form is constantly facing new challenges, including issues related to recognition, sustainability, and commercial exploitation. With the community at a crossroads, the movie offers valuable insights into the transformative effects of rapidly evolving technologies on the distribution and creation of music.

Reformat the Planet simultaneously chronicles the history of the chiptune movement and proffers a peek into the exciting future of this burgeoning art form. While the documentary is undoubtedly a must-see for anyone interested in video games, electronic music, or the intersection of art and technology, its exploration of larger themes – individualism, community, innovation, and the transformative power of sound – makes it universally appealing.

Through compelling storytelling, in-depth interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film illustrates this largely internet-based trend, demonstrating the importance and impact of integrating digital technology with music. By deftly illustrating the intersection of nostalgia and artistic innovation, Reformat the Planet breaks down boundaries while keeping audiences bobbing their heads to the beat.

In conclusion, Reformat the Planet is a captivating exploration of a blossoming musical subculture that marries retro technology and contemporary innovation to form a high-energy, emotionally charged sound. The film pays tribute to those groundbreaking artists who dare to step outside traditional norms to deliver a body of work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and transformational. Whether you are a veteran player in the digital sound industry, a casual listener, or simply someone who cherishes the occasional video game, this film will offer you an intriguing insight into the world of chiptune music.