In 1990, Douglas Adams made a documentary for BBC Two. It was called Hyperland, and was presented as a fantasy, a dream of the future. Here, Adams discusses what was to become known as the internet, and explains the concept of hypertext - many years before the invention of the first web browser. He ends Hyperland with a prediction of the future, 2005, where the sum total of human knowledge is laid out in a virtual world that anybody can access - just like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
It really is marvellous. Not only are Adams' predictions stunningly accurate (apart Lawnmower Man-esque 3D virtual reality, which never did come true, for no particular reason), his enthusiasm for his subject and optimism about what the internet could do for society and individuals is stirring, thought-provoking stuff. And it stars Tom Baker. What are you waiting for?
▼ Watch Hyperland
Run time: 50mins
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