[silvio]

New York as a Microchip layout was the main theme of the intro of 'Hackers'. Check out around 0:40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c4KG_8iTZM

[kilovoltaire]

Wow perfect reference.

Btw just in case you didn't know, you can link to specific times in youtube videos, e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c4KG_8iTZM&t=55s

[dice]

That intro was responsible for introducing me to Orbital as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_(band)

[presumeaway]

Koyaanisqatsi and Tron both did it in '82. I'm sure there are probably other, earlier examples, too.

[bane]

Yeah, it's a metaphor that gets explored a bit from time to time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJuy7LTBJk0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDB9g7l5srA