Somehow, forthcoming documentary, The King of Kong, due to hit US cinemas on August 17 has remained off my radar until this thorough CNET preview. The movie traces the rivalry between 1982 Donkey Kong champion Billy Mitchell and new challenger Steve Wiebe, tracking the duo through a series of face-offs based around the classic Nintendo coin-op.
It looks like a rather tragic tale of obsession, of lives wonkily revolving around a small plumber and a barrel-rolling ape. Although the tale takes us right up to the modern day, it's roots are - and could only be - in the early eighties, when high scores were central to the gaming experience; when the repetitive action encouraged a single-minded, obsessive approach to play.
Anyway, it looks interesting, but with a very limited release in the US, a UK run is unlikely. I'll check with the distributor tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the official site, complete with authentic retro videogame sounds!
