Watch Special When Lit

Special When Lit is a 2009 documentary film that explores the underground world of pinball machines and the passionate people who play, collect, and repair them. The film is directed by Brett Sullivan and features interviews with pinball enthusiasts, designers, and industry professionals. The documentary is named after the term used in pinball to describe when a ball hits a specific target that triggers a special scoring feature. The filmmakers use this concept as a metaphor for the unique qualities and experiences of pinball culture, which they argue are not found in other forms of gaming.

The film opens with a brief history of pinball and its rise in popularity in the mid-twentieth century as a form of entertainment and gambling. It then transitions to the present day, where pinball has become a niche hobby pursued by a dedicated community of collectors and players.

Throughout the movie, we meet a variety of colorful characters who share their personal stories and insights about pinball. One of the most prominent figures is Roger Sharpe, a former competitive player and author who is credited with legalizing pinball in New York City in the 1970s. Sharpe gives a fascinating account of how he convinced a skeptical city council that pinball was a game of skill rather than chance, paving the way for the legalization of the game nationwide.

Other notable interviewees include Rick Stetta, a former pinball designer who worked for Atari and Williams in the 1980s and 1990s, and Sam Harvey, a world-renowned player who holds several world records and has won numerous competitive tournaments.

The documentary also features footage from a number of pinball events and competitions, including the Pinball Expo in Chicago and the World Pinball Championships in Las Vegas. These scenes give a glimpse into the intense and passionate world of competitive pinball and showcase some of the impressive skills and strategies employed by top players.

In addition to exploring the history and culture of pinball, Special When Lit also highlights some of the technological advancements that have been made in the industry. We see how modern designers are using computer-aided design and manufacturing tools to create more complex and intricate machines, and how virtual pinball games are helping to introduce new generations of players to the game.

Throughout the film, the passion and enthusiasm of the pinball community is palpable, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of conveying the sense of camaraderie and shared experience that unites them. Whether you are a die-hard fan of pinball or simply curious about this iconic game, Special When Lit offers an engaging and entertaining look into its world.

Special When Lit is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.