Cover image for Helvetica
Helvetica
Title:
Helvetica
Author:
Hustwit, Gary, producer, director.
Publication Information:
[London] : Swiss Dots Ltd. ; Brooklyn, NY : Plexifilm : Distributed by Newvideo, [2007]

©2007
Physical Description:
1 videodisc (80 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet (8 pages : color illustrations ; 19 cm) viewing copy.
Summary:
A documentary about a typeface? When said typeface is a ubiquitous piece of graphic design, yes. Helvetica--a sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 at the Haas Foundry in Munchenstein, Switzerland--has partisans and detractors, a great number of them graphic designers and theorists, who express their opinions on the famous font. It is seen as neutral and efficient, concise yet inexpressive, purposeful yet not caustic, utilitarian and unembellished, or as frustratingly familiar, perfectly subliminal, or as the typeface of socialism. From storefronts, street signs, product packaging, government forms, and advertisements, it is almost guaranteed that after viewing, you will be scanning the world examining Helvetica's continuing impact.
General Note:
Originally produced as a documentary film in 2007.

Special features: Massimo Vignelli -- Wim Crouwel -- Matthew Carter -- Mike Parker -- Otmar Hoefer & Bruno Steinert -- Hermann Zapf -- Hoefler & Frere-Jones -- Erik Spiekermann -- Neville Brody -- Michael Bierut -- Paula Scher -- Stefan Sagmeister -- David Carson -- Experimental Jetset -- Michael C. Place -- Norm -- Rick Poyner (95 minutes).
Language:
English
Contents:
Opening (with Manfred Schulz) -- Massimo Vignelli -- Graphic design in the 1950s -- Amsterdam & Wim Crouwel -- Matthew Carter -- Helvetica story -- Linotype -- Widgco -- Hoefler & Frere-Jones -- Berlin & Erik Spiekermann -- Type's "secret spell" -- Lars Müller -- Paula Scher -- Stefan Sagmeister -- David Carson -- Experimental Jetset -- Michael C. Place -- Norm -- Democratization -- What we have now.
Reading Level:
Not rated.
UPC:
082354004224
Format :
DVD