(2.5 stars) Quite an oddity in a way. It's a documentary about '80s music, which is absolutely my era, but at least two-thirds of the tracks they discuss I had never heard of before, because they were so niche and underground. This makes the film pretty inaccessible for a casual music fan like myself. Definitely a well made documentary, but very esoteric and with limited appeal for a wider audience. For example, they talk to some big players, such as Jellybean Benitez and New Order. However, despite the fact that Benitez produced much of Madonna's first album, they don't mention her at all, which seems strange. And then they don't mention Blue Monday, despite the fact that they were talking to New Order. Bizarre omissions, which I just can’t fathom at all.

You may think this is a boring documentary film about an old '80s drum machine. You would be wrong.

This is a well constructed and enjoyable film about the worldwide influence which an iconic piece of musical equipment has exerted onto modern day culture since it's creation in 1980.

The Roland TR-808 drum machine has been used in many different guises on the best known records for the last 35+ years and whether you realise it or not, you have tapped your foot to it's beats or danced in a club to it's wicked sounds.

Watch this film and enjoy it, fill those gaps in your knowledge about the 808 and everything it has achieved. You won't be disappointed, trust me.

Without the 808 lots of my favourite bands would probably never have seen the light of day. Very interesting to learn about its history and its influence on so many different music styles. Had no idea the Beastie Boys played their 808 tracks backwards. Or recorded it backwards. Or whatever. The remaining Beasties don't even remember how they did it and we can't ask Adam. Great music and interesting interviews. Good to see the Soulwax guys make an appearance too.

I loved this documentary about the legendary drum machine, Roland 808. What I loved is that so many different genres of Electronic music was covered. At the same time, I would have loved to have seen more on the more aggressive types of Electronics such as Industrial, certain hardcore strains of Techno and some Experimental noise.

This is a must watch for Electronic musicians, producers, fans, etc.

A very good documentary which covers the influence of a famous Roland drum machine. We've all grown up with the records which use it's iconic sounds, yet many of us probably won't even realise it. I think a documentary about the unit itself would be pretty dull, but it's legacy is the music produced using its sounds, and therefore I can't think of a better way to pay tribute to it. Very enjoyable.

fantastic film. the history that this machine has an amazing story. it has legends of the electronic music scene explaining the history of the beats and sounds the 808 makes.

Thought this was a great documentary and enjoyed every minute. Some tunes that brought me back to the 80s and some tune I didn't even know used this great machine

Worth it just to see Goldie talk music.
Amazing documentary on the history of the 808.
It does not however star Damon Albarn thank God, he makes a brief appearance.