Watch Bottled Up: The Battle Over Dublin Dr. Pepper

Bottled Up: The Battle Over Dublin Dr. Pepper is a 2013 documentary film centered around the conflict between the Dublin Dr. Pepper bottling plant and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. The film examines the history of the beloved Texas soda and its ties to Dublin, Texas, as well as the community's deep affection for the drink. The film begins by tracing the roots of Dublin Dr. Pepper, which was first bottled in the small town of Dublin in the late 19th century. From there, the documentary jumps forward to the 1990s, when the drink's popularity began to surge as a result of a combination of nostalgia and savvy marketing.

It's at this point that the film turns its attention to the conflict at the heart of the story. In the early 2000s, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group decided to stop its distribution agreement with the Dublin bottling plant. This effectively prevented the plant from selling its signature drink beyond a small radius around Dublin.

The motives behind the decision are complex and multifaceted, but the film suggests that one of the major factors was the growing popularity of the drink. As more people became aware of the unique taste and history of Dublin Dr. Pepper, it began to encroach on the sales of other Dr. Pepper products.

The documentary interviews a range of individuals on both sides of the conflict. Representatives from the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group are given time to explain their position, while employees and fans of the Dublin plant discuss their frustration with the decision and what it means for their community.

The film also delves into the legal battle that ensued between the two sides. The Dublin bottling plant attempted to maintain its right to sell its version of Dr. Pepper by arguing that it had a long-standing agreement with the company. However, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group countered that the agreement was only verbal and didn't hold up in court.

Throughout the film, the viewer is given intimate glimpses into the lives of those affected by the conflict. We see the pride of the Dublin community in their signature drink, as well as the heartbreak of the plant's employees as their jobs are threatened by the decision.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the way it brings the history and culture of Dublin, Texas to life. The town is portrayed as a quintessential slice of Americana, with a deep connection to its past and a sense of community that is maintained even in the face of adversity.

Danny Balis serves as the film's narrator and provides a thoughtful and engaging voice throughout. His musical background also adds a unique element to the proceedings, as he performs several songs inspired by the story.

Overall, Bottled Up: The Battle Over Dublin Dr. Pepper is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that explores not only a corporate conflict, but also the human impact of that conflict. It's a story of tradition, community, and the struggle to maintain a beloved cultural institution in the face of changing times.

Bottled Up: The Battle Over Dublin Dr. Pepper is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.