What the film covers

Director Mark Helms’s 75-minute film traces pinball’s history and continuing appeal. According to the distributor, archival material and interviews examine game design and engineering alongside the people who have kept the hobby going. Vision Films also says the film touches on pinball’s cultural controversies, including debates around gambling and representation.

Who appears in it?

Vision Films names Roger Sharpe, Gary Stern and pinball designer Steve Ritchie among its interview subjects. Their perspectives span pinball’s legal history, manufacturing and game design. The distributor’s film listing names additional participants; this preview is not a claim that we have screened the finished film.

When can you watch?

Vision Films announced a planned October 20 transactional video-on-demand release in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. That means rental or purchase, subject to availability through each service and region. Check your preferred video service on or after the release date; the film is not being presented here as available to watch today.

Preview, not a review: We have not watched the documentary. This article reports the distributor’s announced release details, not an assessment of the film.

Explore pinball history

While waiting for the release, visit our pinball machine history archive to explore makers and individual games across the decades.

Reporting notes

Checked against Vision Films’ official film listing and its October 6, 2026 release announcement. The release plan could change; viewing availability should be verified on release day.