johnnyherbert Side by Side is a fantastic documentary on the format of shooting feature films. To the unaware today most movies are shot on digital cameras as opposed to the photochemically styled film cameras of the past days. Both have their plus and minuses and in this documentary, Keanu Reeves goes about explaining the differences of the format and the opinion of most famous filmmakers on the subject. Featuring everyone from James Cameron to Martin Scorsese Side by Side is a great look at the technical aspect of cinema.

Martin Bradley Don't let Keanu Reeves' involvement put you off, as it almost did me. "Side by Side" is a terrific documentary that examines the differences between the use of traditional film and the development of digital photography. It's mostly made up of talking heads, primarily directors and DPs, but their passion and enthusiasm for the medium is infectious. There aren't too many examples of the uses of either and often the film seems more like an excuse for why digital is preferable to film; it's almost a valedictory to film and that depresses me. Younger and younger audiences are growing up knowing only digital and are losing out on the beautiful, pain-staking imagery of over a 100 years of film.I admit film fades and great movies have been lost but give me the black and white glories of Gregg Toland over a lot of what we are seeing today anytime. Is there room for both? Of course; art is all-embracing. I know I'm old-fashioned in my love of old movies and that, in time, the digital revolution will probably, (hopefully), produce masterpieces as great as "Citizen Kane" and "Psycho". I love high definition and the clarity of well shot digital films but for me it will never match the thrill I got seeing for the first time D W Griffith's "Intolerance" (1916) on a large cinema screen.

GeoPierpont After seeing James' Avatar I felt doomed for the future of film, given to special effects over script, character development, storyline, you name it. However, the screen was a feast for the eyes but so devoid of everything else celluloid has provided. I was very concerned until I viewed this documentary. What a collection of visionaries and representation of excellence in their respective fields! It was soothing to hear similar concerns expressed for any degradation of the art form and the emphasis on preservation was most appreciated. I truly am brought to the divine by the talents of many filmmakers over the past century and am thankful for this delicate discussion and candid interview. Kudos Keanu!!

maloy_1 Sadly, as a person who has been a part of the filmmaking process for a long time, a lot of what was discussed - the end of celluloid, and the watching of movies on phones, is true. However, the bright side for me, is that there appears to be two schools now for film appreciation. There are twice as many people in the world now as there was in the 50's. people obviously still want to watch films-stories of US. There will always be a place for quality that is best viewed on a big screen in a room bigger than the living room. Humans sharing an experience with other humans, watching a story made well, hopefully , won't disappear. There has been a lot of growth and accessibility for 'pop' film...reality shows etc. That's fine. Change is good, I welcome it. A problem with digital is that product is made too much by ONE person. The great thing with film is that the product like a symphony contains input by a lot of people. Digital pictures are often too narrow and predictable since the technology allows one person to have so much say in the result