Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Synopsis
A documentary on the Z Channel, one of the first pay cable stations in the US, and its programming chief, Jerry Harvey. Debuting in 1974, the LA-based channel's eclectic slate of movies became a prime example of the untapped power of cable television.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004) - Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-12-31
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Quentin Tarantino
Self
Robert Altman
Self
Jim Jarmusch
Self
Paul Verhoeven
Self
Alexander Payne
Self
James Woods
Self
Henry Jaglom
Self
Jacqueline Bisset
Self
Kris Kristofferson
Self
Theresa Russell
Self
Vilmos Zsigmond
Self
Penelope Spheeris
Self
James B. Harris
Self
Vera Carlisle Anderson
Self
Doreen Ringer Ross
Self
Douglas Venturelli
Self
Kevin Thomas
Self
Jerry Harvey
Self (archive footage)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 3, 2007
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Xan Cassavetes
- Original Score
- Steven Hufsteter
- Original Title
- Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Production Studios
- Maja Films, Fresh Produce Films, Independent Film Channel
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Xan Cassavetes
Steven Hufsteter
John Pirozzi
Iain Kennedy
Steve Matzkin, Marshall Persinger, Rick Ross, Ed Carroll, Alison Palmer Bourke
Department Leadership Roster
Xan Cassavetes
Director
Steven Hufsteter
Original Music Composer
John Pirozzi
Director of Photography
Steve Matzkin
Producer
Marshall Persinger
Producer
Rick Ross
Producer
Iain Kennedy
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession.
Watchlist
Sinema Belgesel
Pluto TV US - History Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Pluto TV (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
500 best 2004's movies
Missing Mine
Watchlist
Similar Titles to Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
4.4
4.0
6.4
8.0
10.0
6.0
5.6
7.0
8.0
5.3
3.3
5.5
6.0
6.7
More Like Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession about?
A documentary on the Z Channel, one of the first pay cable stations in the US, and its programming chief, Jerry Harvey. Debuting in 1974, the LA-based channel's eclectic slate of movies became a prime example of the untapped power of cable television.
Who directed Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession?
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession was directed by Xan Cassavetes.
Who stars in Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession?
The principal cast of Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession includes Quentin Tarantino, Robert Altman, Jim Jarmusch, Paul Verhoeven, Alexander Payne.
When was Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession released and how long is it?
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession was released in 2004 with a total runtime of 2h 1m.
Who composed the musical score for Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession was composed by Steven Hufsteter.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession?
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession holds official age classifications: CA: R; GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).