The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost 2012
"The rise and fall of backyard Polynesia"
Director Jochen Hirschfeld's *The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 – Paradise Lost* (2012) dives deep into a fascinating corner of American pop culture, tracing the vibrant rise and inevitable decline of Polynesian-inspired backyard escapism.
Director: Jochen Hirschfeld
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost (2012) about?
This documentary chronicles the mid-century American obsession with tiki culture, exploring how the imagined paradise of the South Seas inspired backyard design, music, and lifestyle trends. It follows the movement's origins, its heyday, and its gradual decline through the eyes of historians, artists, and original enthusiasts.
Who directed The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost?
The film was directed by Jochen Hirschfeld, a filmmaker known for his work on cultural retrospectives.
Who stars in The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost?
The documentary features tiki aficionados and industry pioneers such as Martin Denny, Leroy Schmaltz, Bob van Oosting, and Sven Kirsten, along with artists like Shag and Beachbum Berry.
Is The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost (2012) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this documentary offers a unique lens into a niche cultural phenomenon, blending historical insight with nostalgic charm. Fans of retro aesthetics, music history, or kitschy escapism will likely find it engaging and informative.
How long is The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost?
The runtime is 95 minutes.
About The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 - Paradise Lost (2012) — A deep dive into the rise and fall of tiki culture
Director Jochen Hirschfeld's *The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 – Paradise Lost* (2012) dives deep into a fascinating corner of American pop culture, tracing the vibrant rise and inevitable decline of Polynesian-inspired backyard escapism. Through archival footage, interviews, and the insights of tiki enthusiasts like Martin Denny, Leroy Schmaltz, and Sven Kirsten, this documentary recreates the tropical fantasy that swept mid-century America. The film captures the wild allure of palm trees, bamboo huts, and rum cocktails, all while exploring the cultural influences and commercial forces that shaped this enduring kitsch phenomenon.
Narrated by those who lived it—experts and artists such as Shag and Beachbum Berry—the documentary balances nostalgia with a critical eye, revealing how the myth of a South Seas paradise was both celebrated and commodified. With a runtime of 95 minutes, *The DVD of Tiki Vol. 1 – Paradise Lost* is a visually rich exploration of leisure, illusion, and identity in post-war culture.