Television Event

The issue with "Television Event"... is what's not there: a shred of commentary that isn't pimping for the movie, that might provide a larger cultural context for it or even (God forbid) look a bit askance at what "The Day After" "achieved."

In 1983, most Americans expected a nuclear war to take place within the next 10 years. Daniels' sharp film never loses sight of that sense of urgency.

It's highly entertaining, largely because some of the principals are still bitter with one another four decades after the fact. They're like the Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas of the TV movie world.

Television Event argues that movies matter. That they can make a difference.

It is a wild ride to be sure, and Daniels has had it in his head one way or another since he was a very young kid.

The documentary begins superbly with the dramatic behind the scenes maneuvering needed to get ABC to put on a grim four-hour miniseries about a nuclear war...

Television Event gives appropriate reverence to its place in history and offers today's audiences a reminder of what mass-culture is capable of.

The strongest companion, though, would be to just watch The Day After. Television Event qualifies as a solid documentary, but ultimately there is no topping its subject...

A chronicle of the lead up to the controversial miniseries The Day After becomes an engrossing consideration of what respect networks extend to their audience.

Daniels is focused and honest about creative battles and growing network fears, creating a riveting study of a landmark film.