Movie
The Light Bulb Conspiracy
The untold story of Planned Obsolescence
Once upon a time... consumer goods were built to last. Then, in the 1920’s, a group of businessmen realized that the longer their product lasted, the less money they made, thus Planned Obsolescence was born, and manufacturers have been engineering products to fail ever since. Combining investigative research and rare archive footage with analysis by those working on ways to save both the economy and the environment, this documentary charts the creation of ‘engineering to fail’, its rise to prominence and its recent fall from grace.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Sep 3, 2026
The Light Bulb Conspiracy was released November 30, 2010. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Once upon a time... consumer goods were built to last. Then, in the 1920’s, a group of businessmen realized that the longer their product lasted, the less money they made, thus Planned Obsolescence was born, and manufacturers have been engineering products to fail ever since. Combining investigative research and rare archive footage with analysis by those working on ways to save both the economy and the environment, this documentary charts the creation of ‘engineering to fail’, its rise to prominence and its recent fall from grace.
Available now in United States
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More about The Light Bulb Conspiracy
Cast
Molly MalcolmNarrator
Casey NeistatHimselfCredits
- Directed by
- Cosima Dannoritzer
- Written by
- Cosima Dannoritzer
Production details
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- French
- Original title
- Prêt-à-jeter
Production
- Media 3.14Spain
ARTE France CinémaFrance
TV3Spain
TVESpain