Watch Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons

Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons is a documentary film released in 2019 that takes fans on a journey through the history and art of the popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. The film explores the game’s art and design, from the original concept sketches to the modern-day illustrations and miniatures, as well as the impact it has had on popular culture.

The documentary is led by Tony DiTerlizzi, a prolific fantasy artist and writer who has worked on numerous tabletop games, video games, and young adult novels such as The Spiderwick Chronicles. DiTerlizzi is a lifelong fan of Dungeons & Dragons, having grown up playing the game in the 1980s, and his passion for the game is evident throughout the film.

Eye of the Beholder begins by tracing the origins of Dungeons & Dragons back to its creation in the 1970s by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Through interviews with game designers, artists, and historians, the film explores how the game’s mechanics and storytelling elements set it apart from other tabletop games of the time and helped it become a cultural phenomenon.

The documentary then delves into the game’s iconic artwork, with a focus on the “Dragonlance” series of novels and the artwork of Larry Elmore, who created many of the game’s most recognizable characters, including Raistlin and Tanis. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons will appreciate the in-depth look at how the art of the game evolved over time, from the hand-drawn illustrations of the 1970s to the digital art of the present day.

One of the most interesting parts of Eye of the Beholder is the discussion of the game’s influence on popular culture, from the Lord of the Rings movies to the Stranger Things television series. The film interviews several influential artists and designers who credit Dungeons & Dragons with inspiring their work, including Tim Burton, Stephen Colbert, and George R. R. Martin, author of the popular Song of Ice and Fire novels.

Throughout the film, DiTerlizzi provides commentary and insight into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, drawing from his own experiences playing the game as well as his work as an artist and designer. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious, and viewers will come away from the film with a greater appreciation for the art and storytelling behind Dungeons & Dragons.

Visually, Eye of the Beholder is a treat for fans of high fantasy and science fiction, with gorgeous artwork and illustrations featured throughout. The film also includes footage from Dungeons & Dragons games and tournaments, giving viewers an inside look at the gameplay and the culture surrounding the game. In addition to interviews with artists and designers, the film also features conversations with prominent players and dungeon masters, offering insights into the various ways people enjoy the game.

Overall, Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons is a must-see for fans of the game and anyone who appreciates high-quality fantasy artwork. It is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on the rich history and culture of Dungeons & Dragons and celebrates the artistry and creativity behind this beloved game.

Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.