Netflix Acquires Award-Winning Documentary About 3D Printing
The 3D printing industry is the subject of documentary Print the Legend, which Netflix just acquired. Image: Mashable Netflix has acquired documentary Print the Legend, a film about the 3D printing industry, which earned special jury recognition at SXSW this year for editing and storytelling. It will debut on Netflix sometime in 2014. The exclusive deal, which was announced Wednesday, comes two months after Netflix nabbed its first Oscar nomination with The Square, another documentary the streaming service acquired in November. Print the Legend follows those who are involved with all facets of the 3D printing world, such as replicating human organs, creating guns and changing home manufacturing. “It’s so rare for a film to capture history in the making, and [directors] Luis Lopez and Clay Tweel have done just that in their skillful presentation of the elation and betrayals experienced by young entrepreneurs detailing the groundbreaking technology of 3D printing,” Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s vice president of original documentary and comedy, said in a statement. Like with The Square, Print the Legend will be available to stream in every country Netflix is offered. This is an enormous launching pad, especially for a documentary. As The Square director Jehane Noujaim previously told Mashable: “That’s what’s exciting about releasing on Netflix as well because 47 countries at the same time can go online after seeing and have a discussion with people from very different circumstances.” The film details how consumers can use 3D printing tools, looping in startups MakerBot and Formlabs as well as bigger companies Stratasys and 3D Systems to tell the story. “This is a compelling glimpse into a game-changing technology as it nears an inflection point going from the fantasy world of a few obsessed visionaries to a must-have technology that may enter every home,” Nishimura added. Netflix previously acquired The Short Game, which follows eight 7-year-old golfers on their journeys toward the World Championships of Junior Golf, in November. That film became Netflix’s first original documentary. BONUS: 20 Incredible 3D-Printed Gifts Amazing 3D-Printed Gifts 1. Gramohorn II These HTC One smartphone speakers may be pricey, but for those who appreciate the seamless marriage of old and new, the audio tool can double as an art piece. Perhaps the best feature of the Gramohorn II is that it doesn’t require power to operate; its double phonograph-style design offers all the sound amplification you’re likely to need from a smartphone. Price: $1,613 Image: Gramohorn 2. Protos Custom Glasses It was only a matter of time before 3D printing was harnessed to give us cooler glasses. If you want your frames to truly stand out, these should be your first stop. The company offers 3D-printed frames specifically tailored to the shape of your face — some of our mugs don’t fit into a cookie cutter template — or your choice from a variety of premade styles. Price: $299 Image: Protos 3. Blizzident Toothbrush Dental hygiene doesn’t have to be a chore. This 3D-printed toothbrush cleans all your teeth in just six seconds. […]