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Vinyl Nation

Play trailer 2:34 Poster for Vinyl Nation Released Aug 28, 2020 1h 33m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
The vinyl record renaissance over the past decade has brought new fans to a classic format and transformed our idea of a record collector: younger, both male and female, multicultural. This same revival has made buying music more expensive, benefited established bands over independent artists and muddled the question of whether vinyl actually sounds better than other formats. Vinyl Nation digs into the crates of the record resurgence in search of truths set in deep wax: Has the return of vinyl made music fandom more inclusive or divided? What does vinyl say about our past here in the present? How has the second life of vinyl changed how we hear music and how we listen to each other?

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Vinyl Nation

Critics Reviews

View All (11) Critics Reviews
Chris Willman Variety The clichéd word that’s most bandied about by vinyl enthusiasts really does apply to the movie that’s been made about it: “warmth.” Apr 28, 2022 Full Review Andrew Dansby Houston Chronicle Vinyl Nation becomes a forward-looking story about connections: between artist, tradesperson, retailer and listener. And also between families, friends and strangers... Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Becca James Chicago Reader During our America's current discord, Vinyl Nation is a friendly reminder of this community. Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Caffeinated Clint Moviehole compelling and insightful Apr 30, 2022 Full Review Benjamin H. Smith Decider Entertaining and informative, Vinyl Nation transcends its niche subject matter and will appeal to most music fans, whether they have a crate of records in their home or not. Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Steven Prokopy Third Coast Review I don't think anything about this movie thrilled me more than hearing even the most ardent vinyl enthusiasts admit that vinyl doesn't sound any better than CDs or streaming services. Rated: 3/4 Sep 4, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jim B Interesting enough. The only thing that turned me off was that it found a way to drag in race, age, and sex. Not interested in that nonsense, so I turned it off once it got too much. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Idiosyncratic notion: A–. The leaders are focused on how the gatherer's chances are improving as a result of this ongoing ascension. Up until nearly as of late, the idea of the record authority has been one of a moderately aged man fanatically storing collections while laughing at all the people who condescend to pay attention to everything except. Presently, however, with spots like Urban Outfitters selling passage level record spinners and alongside huge box stores, a modest bunch of records, it is more available to everybody than any time in recent memory. This pattern is of incredible interest as it relates to the different record shops that have opened nation-wide. The majority of the proprietors we talked with understood the need to stand separated from the others somewhat. This will bring a group, and individuals from said group will become regulars. None of these proprietors care about the customers' orientation, age, or whatever else. They need to assist them with tracking down the ideal record to exhibit what their identity is and their melodic advantages. Although this is inherently not my gout, I still see promising perspectives on it. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a beautifully-produced, relaxing and inspiring documentary that made me miss the magic of scarcity & discovery I used to experience with buying and owning music. It's time for me to buy more records again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member I'm not a vinyl person, so I thought this movie wouldn't be for me. Was I wrong! This movie was SO INTRIGUING! My sister and I sat down to watch it together and were so fascinated by the subject matter and the people interviewed that we made my nieces watch it with us as well. Truly interesting, fascinating, and entertaining watch. Highly recommend it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Loved this movie. As a vinyl collector for the last 20 years starting when I was 18 seeing the love so many people have for vinyl records is amazing. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Vinyl Nation is such a well done documentary, great interviews, timing, music....it had everything a vinyl lover would want to see in a movie! We loved that it included an emotional component to collecting and listening. Yet also showed pure facts in the history of the industry, as well as the production and engineering of each record. Music and vinyl lovers unite and see this film! Kudos to everyone involved! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Vinyl Nation

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis The vinyl record renaissance over the past decade has brought new fans to a classic format and transformed our idea of a record collector: younger, both male and female, multicultural. This same revival has made buying music more expensive, benefited established bands over independent artists and muddled the question of whether vinyl actually sounds better than other formats. Vinyl Nation digs into the crates of the record resurgence in search of truths set in deep wax: Has the return of vinyl made music fandom more inclusive or divided? What does vinyl say about our past here in the present? How has the second life of vinyl changed how we hear music and how we listen to each other?
Director
Kevin Smokler, Christopher Boone
Producer
Kevin Smokler, Christopher Boone
Distributor
Gilman Hall Pictures
Production Co
Gilman Hall Pictures
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 28, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2022
Runtime
1h 33m
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