Special When Lit

(United Kingdom, 2009, 89 mins, digital video)

Midwest Premiere

editor: Brett Sullivan
producer: Clayton Jaconsen, Brett Sullivan
co-producer: Julian Chow

Special When Lit rediscovers the lure of pinball, the American invention that made more money than Hollywood through the 1950s and 1960s. Its success swept the world, making it the epitome of cool. Has the video game killed pinball, or is there still an “extra ball” left? The rise and fall of pinball is told by the fans, collectors, designers and champion players from across the globe. There exists a passionate sub culture keeping the dream alive. Collectors swap spare parts, repair manuals, and scorecards dating back for decades. They cram every room in their house with flashing machines, then rent warehouse space for the rest. We learn about the early history of the game, with Chicago as the major hub of production for Bally, Gottlieb, Chicago Coin, and Genco (and where Stern Pinball remains the only manufacturer of original pinball machines. Everyone has their favorite game — Evel Knievel? Ali Baba? — and this film celebrates the game’s kitschy, sometimes bizarre game designs with terrific graphics and effects. Everything culminates at the really quite suspenseful annual pinball championships where hopeful competitors face off against the seasoned pros, flipping their way to glory.

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