I blogged about Kevin Kelly’s excellent Cool Tools newsletter and blog recently, but his True Films work is also worth mentioning. He’s published two compilations of his reviews of documentary films or ‘factuals’. The first is available on his website, but I don’t see a link for the second one yet. From the aforementioned newsletter:
This is version 2 of my reviews of the best documentaries and factuals available. This time I review 150 of the best true films and list two dozen others which I deem only “good.” For each film I present 4 or 5 screen shots, and captions, which I snagged from the film to give you some idea of their texture. As before I only review films that are easily available at consumer prices. That means films in theatrical release or locked up in “educational” pricing schemes are not included.
You have about 5 different ways to get this book. I designed the book in color, but you can buy a black and white softcover version from Lulu.com, where it is the cheapest, or for a bit more from Amazon (link pending), where it is the easiest to order. Or you can buy a luxurious 156-page full color softcover version from Lulu. Or you can buy a dirt cheap color version as a PDF download, and get it instantly. In a few weeks you’ll be able to get versions for e-book readers and PDAs.
As an example of his yeoman’s effort on this project, here’s his review for the very enjoyable Long Way Round, a documentary about Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman riding motorcycles around the world.
Speaking of reviews, I recently reviewed three travel books over on Geeky Traveller.
DarrenBarefoot.com 