Z Magazine

 

 

Z Magazine was published monthly by the Z Channel as a guide and companion to its programming schedule, an important part of the channel’s contribution to film literacy and culture in 1980s Los Angeles.

Each issue included not just a calendar with dates and times, but also reviews of each film, including cast, credits and if subtitled or dubbed; longer pieces by contributing arts journalists, and write ups on themed Film Festivals and Special Events.  The issue above, from 1988, features “Premiere films” (noted as “Not on Showtime or the Movie Channel!” or “Not on HBO or Cinemax!”  Other films on the schedule are noted as “Not Available on Home Video! or “L.A. Pay TV Exclusive!”).  In addition, Saturday, Sunday and Monday featured showcases like “Silver Screen Matinee”, “International Showcase”, “Cinema Spotlight”, “Sunday Night Doubleheader” and “Collector’s Library”.  These various ways of curating and showcasing remained consistent over the years, despite the channel’s changes in ownership and the addition of sports programming in an effort to stay afloat after the stock market crash of 1987.

Reading it today, the reviews and writing in the magazine remain fresh and relevant.

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