Retro/Active

Watch Retro/Active

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Retro/Active is a web series produced by Great Big Story that explores the world of vintage video game collecting. The show, which is hosted by Dan Casey, offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the obsessive world of retro gaming enthusiasts. Each episode of Retro/Active focuses on a different collector and their unique collection. From vintage arcade machines to classic home consoles, the show covers all aspects of retro gaming culture. Viewers get to see the impressive collections of these passionate collectors, as well as get a taste for the games they love.

One of the standout features of the show is the stunning production value. The cinematography is beautifully shot, and the editing is top-notch. The music is also a standout feature, with a retro-inspired soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of the show.

But what really sets Retro/Active apart is its focus on the human side of retro gaming. Each episode features interviews with collectors who talk about their love for gaming and the memories they have associated with the games they collect. Many collectors describe how gaming has been a lifelong passion for them, and how it has helped them connect with others who share their love for retro gaming.

One episode of Retro/Active features the collection of JJ Hendricks, a collector who owns over 40 arcade machines. Hendricks talks about how he first became interested in arcade gaming in the early 90s and describes how he built his impressive collection over the years. He also talks about how arcade gaming has helped him connect with others in the retro gaming community and how he enjoys sharing his collection with others.

Another standout episode features the collection of Adam Bashian, a collector who focuses on classic home consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis. Bashian talks about how these consoles are more than just gaming systems to him – they represent a time in his life when he was young and carefree. Bashian also talks about how collecting these classic consoles has helped him connect with his children, who are also passionate about retro gaming.

Retro/Active is also notable for its focus on the history of gaming. With each episode, viewers get a chance to learn about the origins of some of their favorite games and consoles. For example, one episode focuses on the history of the Atari 2600, the console that helped popularize home gaming in the late 70s and early 80s. Viewers get to see rare photos and footage from the early days of home gaming, as well as hear from experts who talk about the impact the Atari 2600 had on the gaming industry.

Overall, Retro/Active is a must-watch for anyone who loves retro gaming or is interested in the history of gaming. The show is both informative and entertaining, with stunning production values and a focus on the human side of retro gaming. Whether you’re a collector yourself or simply have fond memories of playing classic games with friends and family, Retro/Active is a show that is sure to delight and inspire.

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Seasons
New York City's Last Accordion Repairman
7. New York City's Last Accordion Repairman
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Alex Carozza has been building and repairing accordions in New York City since 1960. The last craftsman of his kind in the city, Alex is the living memory of a once vibrant musical culture that has all but disappeared from New York. This is the story of a true classic.
The Laser-Based Science Behind 3D Holograms
6. The Laser-Based Science Behind 3D Holograms
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Meet Jason Sapan, aka Dr. Laser, who has been tinkering with holograms since the '70s, and even has a lab dedicated to convincing you that the 3D projection you're seeing is real. For Dr. Laser, holograms are a labor of love.
Grooving at California's Most Retro Roller Rink
5. Grooving at California's Most Retro Roller Rink
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Lace up your skates, it's time to roll back in time at Moonlight Rollerway, California's most retro roller rink. Moonlight's owner, Dominic Cangelosi, dusts off his Hammond organ once a week to take skaters back to the good ol' days when live organ music was a roller skating rink staple. He's one of a handful of organists still treating skaters to throwback tunes.
The Vintage Radio Repairman
4. The Vintage Radio Repairman
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Despite living in a digital world, Allen Chiang embraces the art of our analog past. He has a busy hobby of restoring and selling vintage tube radios made prior to 1980. He's basically a retro radio farmer.
Where Floppy Disks are Still in Use
3. Where Floppy Disks are Still in Use
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Do you remember floppy disks? Well, they're still a thing (sort of). Tom Persky, president of Floppydisk.com, continues to acquire and process floppy diskettes for sale.
Throwback on a Comeback: The Last Cassette Tape Factory
2. Throwback on a Comeback: The Last Cassette Tape Factory
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Bust out your mix tapes and dust off those Walkmans: Cassette tapes are having a comeback. National Audio Company-the last cassette factory in the U.S.-is ready for the renewed demand. Cranking out analog audio tapes since 1969, the company boasted its best year ever in 2015, and sales are only climbing.
Inside One of Baseball's Last Manual Scoreboards
1. Inside One of Baseball's Last Manual Scoreboards
July 30, 2018
One of the oldest ballparks in the major leagues, Wrigley Field is a love letter to baseball's beginnings, straight down to its hand-operated scoreboard. For the past 26 years, the man behind the board has been Darryl Wilson. He's got the best seat in the house, but on game day, there's no time to kick back. Tracking the scores of eight different games keeps Wilson constantly on his toes.
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  • Premiere Date
    July 30, 2018