There have been movies like 'Paranormal Activity' or 'Blair Witch Project' in Hollywood that showed you could do movies with little or no money. It doesn't prevent them from creating larger than life spectacles as well.
The late '70's and early '80s is the zenith of a certain craftsmanship in sound recording.
'SNL' is this part of American culture with a certain timelessness to it.
I think 'Tron' is a good example of minimalism.
It's very strange how electronic music formatted itself and forgot that its roots are about the surprise, freedom, and the acceptance of every race, gender, and style of music into this big party. Instead, it started to become this electronic lifestyle which also involved the glorification of technology.
When you look at C-3PO and Darth Vader and then look at the actors behind them, you can't really make the connection. It kills the magic.
