"Thriller" Joins National Film Registry

An odd assortment of filmed entertainment has been added to the Library of Congress' National Film Registry, which is charged with the noble pursuit of film preservation. In all, 25 new additions will join the ranks of the NFR, the standard annual amount. While there are some classic movies listed here, the one we'll remember from this class is probably Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video, the first music video socked away for posterity. I don't think there's a better video to start with, and even though the reason it's in here is because Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, "Thriller" represents a major shift in the cultural relevance of the music video. Sure, they don't mean very much in 2009 or 2010, but "Thriller" changed that game and with Jackson hiring John Landis to direct the video, the narrative short film paved the way for future film directors to get their starts on MTV. Also making the list is the short film Hot Dogs for Gauguin by then-NYU student Martin Brest, which stars Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. Said Librarian of Congress James Billington, the National Film Registry "spotlights the importance of protecting America's matchless film heritage and cinematic creativity." He added, "By preserving the nation's films, we safeguard a significant element of our cultural patrimony and history." Here's the rundown of this year's selections. If you want to check out the 2008 vintage - which included Terminator - check it out here. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
The Exiles (1961)
Heroes All (1920)
Hot Dogs for Gauguin (1972)
The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
Jezebel (1938)
The Jungle (1967)
The Lead Shoes (1949)
Little Nemo (1911)
Mabel's Blunder (1914)
The Mark of Zorro (1940)
Mrs. Miniver (1942)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Pillow Talk (1959)
Precious Images (1986)
Quasi at the Quackadero (1975)
The Red Book (1994)
The Revenge of the Pancho Villa (1930-36)
Scratch and Crow (1995)
Stark Love (1927)
The Story of G.I. Joe (1945)
A Study in Reds (1932)
Thriller (1983)
Under Western Stars (1938)