This is one of the best documentaries I've watched in a long time. I've just finished episode 3 and have enjoyed soooo much of the detail, the backstories, and insights offered by cast, film crew, conceptual artists, stuntpeople, and lots more. "RoboCop" has always been a huge favorite, beloved by fans for its characters and action scenes as well as its savage criticism of modern times through some really witty "ads" sprinkled throughout the movie. There's a fourth installment listed but it hasn't aired yet, I don't think. Can't wait! If you're a longtime fan, as I am, you will be fascinated to learn about the labor that went into creating this. R. I. P. Miguel Ferrer and Dan O'Herlihy who were not here to reminisce - but pretty much everyone else is interviewed.
12 Reviews
Brilliant Documentary about an Absolute Classic
alphawhiskeyphotography16 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A brilliant compendium and documentary about one of the greatest films ever made. That sounds like hyperbole but when you learn about the sheer depth and breadth of creativity and talent that went into making the film, the toils and the struggle, you'll understand what I mean. I can't believe how they managed to get hold of virtually everyone that was involved in the film, even the actresses who played the 'models' at Bob Morton's house and the other officers at the precinct. Even the female newscaster! This is as replete as a study and love letter to a film could be. Nancy Allen still looks gorgeous and thankfully hasn't subjected herself to the awful plastic surgery that most women in Hollywood of her age seem to. Peter Weller has become notably more pretentious in his old age but at least they got him on camera. Surprised he didn't mention his PhD in art history. Oops, I just did it for him. Everyone interviewed is so funny and effusive with admiration for the film you can see how much they loved being a part of it, even after all these years. Only a shame that they couldn't get the great Rob Bottin, who designed the Robocop suit, to share his insights. Excellent documentary series.
One of the best movie making docs I've seen
chrislawuk12 October 2023
It really was an iconic sci-fi movie, and they truly just don't make them like that anymore. It rivals and surpassed the Terminator in a number of areas. Documentary is very interesting as so many of the cast and crew take part, and it virtually breaks down the movie scene by scene, giving you massive insight in to the production. The effects side of things I found really interesting, and just the thought and creative processes.
Like other franchises Robocop became diluted and virtually destroyed. Robocop was a raw sci-fi movie which did not hold back. It is sad but making a movie like that in this day and age is virtually unthinkable. You get adult movies, but they are small productions or art house-not on the scale of this block buster dark dystopian commentary on the future. Studios seem to scared to take risks, which is a draining the life out of cinema at the moment.
Very thankful that they took the time to make this in depth documentary on one of the Sci-fi greats.
Like other franchises Robocop became diluted and virtually destroyed. Robocop was a raw sci-fi movie which did not hold back. It is sad but making a movie like that in this day and age is virtually unthinkable. You get adult movies, but they are small productions or art house-not on the scale of this block buster dark dystopian commentary on the future. Studios seem to scared to take risks, which is a draining the life out of cinema at the moment.
Very thankful that they took the time to make this in depth documentary on one of the Sci-fi greats.
The template for movie docs
Sen10120 September 2023
Just finished watching the fourth instalment and I have to say it was a blast. This is a deep delve into the classic 80's movie giving untold insight and reverence to it. All docu makers should watch this and learn. Always knew it was in my top ten movies but now I understand more why it means so much to me. Peter Weller in particular showed us why he is defined by this movie as is Paul Verhoeven for this and Starship Troopers. Getting all available cast and crew to share interesting titbits about making the movie was fascinating. A lot of what took place wouldn't be allowed today ie stunt work but everyone seemed to go along for the ride and enjoyed it as much as the rest of us would go on to do. Bravo !!!
Dead or alive you're coming with me!
futureboy4027 September 2023
I waited for about five years for this documentary to come out. After COVID hit it was delayed further and I was beginning to lose hope that it would ever make it out to print. But here it is in it's final form and it does not disappoint. From the music and the intro to the detail of every interview from the original film crew. The actors, director, producers, writers, creators all lend commentary to this and it's such a polished piece well worth the wait. Peter Weller was originally not interested in doing the project for some reason. I can't think of how disappointing this would have been without the titular character but it proved to be an excellent addition. Very nostalgic and entertaining for everyone who grew up watching this classic.
I need more of these for 80's and 90's sci-fi classics!
vishaanvee4 October 2023
This stupendously extensive 4 part doc tells you everything you will ever want to know about the making and release of this now cult classic.
After watching much props to everyone department involved to have given us this gem of a movie and character. Paul at the helm but without the collective vision it could have been a totally different movie and came of cheesy as opposed to the dark gritty film we got.
The concept alone screams fluff and cheese but this documentary really shows how a vision can be achieved with collaboration and understanding.
Please make docs in a similar vein with others namely; Total Recall; Running Man; Aliens; T2; Gremlins; Ghostbusters. Thanks in advance!
After watching much props to everyone department involved to have given us this gem of a movie and character. Paul at the helm but without the collective vision it could have been a totally different movie and came of cheesy as opposed to the dark gritty film we got.
The concept alone screams fluff and cheese but this documentary really shows how a vision can be achieved with collaboration and understanding.
Please make docs in a similar vein with others namely; Total Recall; Running Man; Aliens; T2; Gremlins; Ghostbusters. Thanks in advance!
I'd buy that for a dollar!
msturgeyboy6 October 2023
As a massive Robocop fan this is a must see,
or if a 80s film fan in general.
To have cast and crew relive memories and stories about the making this film and the creativity behind some of the most iconic scenes dialogue and sound effects is a wonder to behold!
No CGI, just skilled filmmakers at work from Robocops original creation to getting the film having the greenlight to the audience's reaction to its initial test screenings and then of course to release across the world.
If your thinking of making a documentary this is the format to follow.
Put down your phone, you have 20 seconds to comply.....
To have cast and crew relive memories and stories about the making this film and the creativity behind some of the most iconic scenes dialogue and sound effects is a wonder to behold!
No CGI, just skilled filmmakers at work from Robocops original creation to getting the film having the greenlight to the audience's reaction to its initial test screenings and then of course to release across the world.
If your thinking of making a documentary this is the format to follow.
Put down your phone, you have 20 seconds to comply.....
Immense love and care for the source material
jgrimm-cls6 November 2023
Greatest behind the scenes documentary I've ever seen. It's immensely clear that this was a project of passion; very frame of the 4 part series is meticulous and the score is outstanding.
This really is an incredible piece of filmmaking and you owe it to yourself to watch it. I sincerely hope the team responsible can continue to bring their world class talent to a series of documentaries for other films. This one was such a joy to watch and I plan to show it to family and friends (and encourage them to buy digital copies to support the production crew).
You can't do better than this, it earns every bit of 10 out of 10.
This really is an incredible piece of filmmaking and you owe it to yourself to watch it. I sincerely hope the team responsible can continue to bring their world class talent to a series of documentaries for other films. This one was such a joy to watch and I plan to show it to family and friends (and encourage them to buy digital copies to support the production crew).
You can't do better than this, it earns every bit of 10 out of 10.
Best Movie Documentary!
jefftappan6 November 2023
This Documentary is so good. Not only is it one of my favorite movies but this Documentary series explains everything scene by scene! I could see this whole series on a future Blu Ray. Peter Weller explains all of his scenes and I give him props for how much he put in. He even did some pop lock dance moves to get the robotic movement. It's a must watch for all of the Robofans! I've been on the edge of my seat for the whole series! I was even was dying to come home from work to continue the series because I didn't finish it in one day. It's got all of the cast talking about how they made the movie. It's definitely a must see!
Incredible documentary
russelltribe7 March 2024
Wow. #RoboDocTheCreationOfRoboCop is hands down THE BEST documentary on a film I've ever seen.
The love, care & attention to detail is phenomenal. It spends OVER 4hrs examining every detail of the classic '87 #RoboCop.
What sets this aside from most others is it included absolutely everyone it could. Even bit part actors were invited in & shared great memories.
Same for crew members. It's great hearing them recount how incredible the making of this film was. And how stressful it was at times too!
It's essential viewing for fans. It covers most parts of the movie - certainly all memorable scenes, of which most are!
It's fun, engaging & has a terrific soundtrack. I had a blast watching it.
The love, care & attention to detail is phenomenal. It spends OVER 4hrs examining every detail of the classic '87 #RoboCop.
What sets this aside from most others is it included absolutely everyone it could. Even bit part actors were invited in & shared great memories.
Same for crew members. It's great hearing them recount how incredible the making of this film was. And how stressful it was at times too!
It's essential viewing for fans. It covers most parts of the movie - certainly all memorable scenes, of which most are!
It's fun, engaging & has a terrific soundtrack. I had a blast watching it.
Incredible documentary that rivals its inspiration in its own way
wellthatswhatithinkanyway14 January 2024
STAR RATING: ***** Brilliant **** Very Good *** Okay ** Poor * Awful
In the early 1980's, after the success of films like Blade Runner and The Terminator, writer Edward Neumeier was inspired to write his own science fiction piece, moving away from the 'humanoid' robots portrayed in those films, and attempting to craft something more traditionally robotic, but still in human form. And so Robocop was born, with eccentric, renowned Dutch director Paul Verhoeven attached to helm the project. And so followed a blistering shoot in the Dallas heat, numourous ups and downs with the prosthetics and 'stop motion' effects, and on-set dramas, all in the name of creating one of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time, that has a lasting fan base to this day.
Following the success of 2022's Pennywise: The Story of It, director Christopher Griffiths here teams up with former producer Eastwood Allen to depict the production of the greatest sci-fi action film of all time. Rather than overwhelming the viewer as a feature length film, the production is considerately condensed into four separate episodes, each detailing the various stages of production, as the project gained momentum and everything came together. And everyone involved seems as eager as the makers to make RoboDoc shine.
This is possibly the most in-depth documentary you are ever likely to see, with seemingly no stone left unturned in detailing the efforts in creating the film's distinctive visuals, stand-out blood splattered special effects, avant garde production design, and the toll wearing the iconic 'Robocop' suit took on lead actor Peter Weller, as well as director Verhoeven's legendary temper making things hard to deal with. But when the whole film's been explored, there's time to examine the film's lasting cultural impact, from the spin-off comics and TV series, as well as exploring the themes of Reaganism and corporate corruption.
In setting out to document a stone cold classic of a film, Griffiths and Allen have created something as great in its own way as the film that inspired it, with most of the surviving cast reunited, and visibly loving recounting the film many of them are still best known for. An incredible achievement. *****
In the early 1980's, after the success of films like Blade Runner and The Terminator, writer Edward Neumeier was inspired to write his own science fiction piece, moving away from the 'humanoid' robots portrayed in those films, and attempting to craft something more traditionally robotic, but still in human form. And so Robocop was born, with eccentric, renowned Dutch director Paul Verhoeven attached to helm the project. And so followed a blistering shoot in the Dallas heat, numourous ups and downs with the prosthetics and 'stop motion' effects, and on-set dramas, all in the name of creating one of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time, that has a lasting fan base to this day.
Following the success of 2022's Pennywise: The Story of It, director Christopher Griffiths here teams up with former producer Eastwood Allen to depict the production of the greatest sci-fi action film of all time. Rather than overwhelming the viewer as a feature length film, the production is considerately condensed into four separate episodes, each detailing the various stages of production, as the project gained momentum and everything came together. And everyone involved seems as eager as the makers to make RoboDoc shine.
This is possibly the most in-depth documentary you are ever likely to see, with seemingly no stone left unturned in detailing the efforts in creating the film's distinctive visuals, stand-out blood splattered special effects, avant garde production design, and the toll wearing the iconic 'Robocop' suit took on lead actor Peter Weller, as well as director Verhoeven's legendary temper making things hard to deal with. But when the whole film's been explored, there's time to examine the film's lasting cultural impact, from the spin-off comics and TV series, as well as exploring the themes of Reaganism and corporate corruption.
In setting out to document a stone cold classic of a film, Griffiths and Allen have created something as great in its own way as the film that inspired it, with most of the surviving cast reunited, and visibly loving recounting the film many of them are still best known for. An incredible achievement. *****
Absolutely Blown Away
statuskuo1 May 2024
Have you ever watched a documentary and just wanted to ask the questions yourself? Whomever put this one together got into the mind of 12 year old me and asked every question and found every person you wanted to hear from. EVERYONE, is in this. From the bittiest of roles to the top Peter Weller (who comes off as a madman). This is the ultimate documentary on the making of a iconic film. I loved every minute.
I found myself asking about little details about the flick. In 1987, I felt like a scumbag for liking this movie so much. Because, it isn't what you would call an American flick. It has dark humor and ultra-violence. Something addressed in the movie. Weller was correct when he said you needed a European sensibility with mental illness to make this the film that it is.
A brutal look at a society that allows corporations to guide behavior. And it is ugly.
But at the same time sleek and modern. But it comes with a price.
This movie doesn't not feel like from the 1980s.
This documentary is quintessential to anyone who wants to make a movie or...loves this movie.
Excellent!!!
I found myself asking about little details about the flick. In 1987, I felt like a scumbag for liking this movie so much. Because, it isn't what you would call an American flick. It has dark humor and ultra-violence. Something addressed in the movie. Weller was correct when he said you needed a European sensibility with mental illness to make this the film that it is.
A brutal look at a society that allows corporations to guide behavior. And it is ugly.
But at the same time sleek and modern. But it comes with a price.
This movie doesn't not feel like from the 1980s.
This documentary is quintessential to anyone who wants to make a movie or...loves this movie.
Excellent!!!
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