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Home , 3 Days to Kill, Aldo Ray, Alexander Gettler, Andrew Bodnar, Antham, Arlene Golonka

July-August 2014

VOL. 29 THE REVIEW MAGAZINE FOR LIBRARIES N O . 4

IN THIS ISSUE God Loves Uganda | The Hooping Life | Tim’s Vermeer | The Address | Life According to Sam | The Story of the Jews scene & he d

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STAY CONNECTED: Spotlight Review

God Loves Uganda streets, LGBT activists identified in newspa- HHH1/2 pers, and finally to a killing. Williams seems (2013) 83 min. DVD: to be everywhere with his camera (although $24.95. First Run he also makes assiduous use of archival and Publisher/Editor: Randy Pitman Features (avail. from other material): on buses with young Ameri- most distributors). Closed can ministers in Uganda, in parliamentary Associate Editor: Jazza Williams-Wood captioned. session, and at town hall-like meetings where Copy Editor: Kathleen L. Florio Stunning in its rev- gay pornography is shown (even to children) elations about the ways Editorial Assistant: Chris Pitman with the intent of fomenting intolerance. He in which the African also spends time with much more inspiring Graphic Designer: Carol Kaufman nation of Uganda be- subjects: the Ugandan activists who are put- Marketing Director: Anne Williams came a hotbed for hatred aimed at gays and ting their lives on the line to continue their lesbians in the last decade, Oscar-winning work for human rights. DVD extras include director Roger Ross Williams’s powerful bonus shorts and deleted scenes. A provoca- Contributing Writers documentary begins with a look at American tive and disturbing film, this is highly recom- evangelical churches, and ends with the fu- mended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate neral of a murdered Ugandan LGBT activist. Donald Liebenson, Reviewer, In between, God Loves Uganda explores how , Amazon.com Bush-era policies meant to help Uganda com- A harrowing com- Maureen Puffer-Rothenberg, Librarian, bat the AIDS epidemic were quickly tied to a plementary title, Kath- Valdosta State University, GA mandatory “abstinence-only” theme adopted erine Fairfax Wright by the government. This development would Stephen Rees, Librarian, formerly with and Malika Zouhali- Bucks Co. Free Library, Levittown, PA create an opening for American extremist Worrall’s Call Me Ku- evangelical Christians—a marginal group chu (VL-11/13 HHH1/2) Frank Swietek, Associate Professor stateside—to go to Uganda and demonize gays focuses on veteran ac- of History, University of Dallas, TX and lesbians, whom they called organized tivist David Kato, the agents of humanity’s destruction. Williams first openly gay man in Uganda, whose captures the startling hysteria on Uganda’s murder is also covered in God Loves Additional Contributors: streets, in churches, and in the nation’s Uganda. Sean Axmaker parliament as laws are passed that make ho- mosexuality a crime, one that could result in Carson Block a life sentence or even death. The filmmaker Note: Video Librarian editor Randy Pitman Charles Cassady also documents the growing mob mentality, is on vacation. His “Final Frame” column will Ted Fry which led to people being attacked on the return in the next issue. Fran Gardner Phil Hall TABLE OF CONTENTS Tom Keogh Kendahl Kruver Lisa Martincik Video Newsbriefs 6 Relationships & Sexuality 56 Michael Sandlin Books Into Movies 8 Food & Spirits 56 Mixed Media 10 House & Garden 57 Video Movies 18 Business & Economics 58 Video Librarian (ISSN: 0887-6851) is - lished bi-monthly by Video Librarian, TV on Video 40 Computers & Technology 58 3435 NE Nine Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370. Subscriptions: $64 for one year Key to Star Ratings 44 Sports, Games & Recreation 59 in the ; $69 (US) in (includes GST); $86 elsewhere. Address all Video Reviews 44 The Arts 59 correspondence to Video Librarian, 3435 NE Nine Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370. Peri- Children’s 44 History & Current Events 61 odicals Postage Paid at Poulsbo, WA and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Psychology & Self-Help 46 Travel & Geography 64 Send address changes to Video Librarian, 3435 NE Nine Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA Religion & Philosophy 47 Biography 65 98370. Copyright © 2014 by Randy Pitman. All rights reserved. Social & Political Issues 48 Series Update 67 Telephone/Fax/E-mail Education 51 Japanese 68 Subscriptions: (800) 692-2270 Editorial: (360) 626-1259 Law & Crime 52 Music/Dance 70 Advertising: (800) 265-7965 Fax: (360) 626-1260 Nature, Math & Science 53 Distributor Addresses 74 E-mail: [email protected] Health & Fitness Title Index Web: www.videolibrarian.com 54 76 Childbirth & Parenting 56 Advertiser Directory 76

JULY/AUGUST 2014 3 VIDEO LIBRARIAN BLOW THE LID OFF BOREDOM BLOW THE LID OFF BOREDOM BLOW THE LID OFF BOREDOM “An Absolute Must See!” BLOW THE LID OFF – BOREDOMClaude Chamberlan, Director, Festival du Nouveau Cinema BLOW THE LID OFF“Hugely BOREDOM Entertaining” BLOW THE LID OFF BOREDOM– Montreal Gazette “Anything but boring” – Le Devoir

Believe it or not this is the first serious documentary on boredom. Director Albert Nerenberg (Laughology, Stupidity) asks why the subject of boredom has been so religiously avoided and shows that boredom isn’t what you think it is.

The film’s breakthrough research suggests boredom is likely a state of stress. It may also be killing you. Perhaps the powers that be would rather you not know that, especially if you’re inside some kind of educational institution or dead end job.

In this entertaining romp Nerenberg blows the lid off the boredom conspiracy and reveals a culture that not only tolerates boredom but actually promotes it.

BONUS FEATURES Visit The Boring Institute Revolutionary Accelerated Unboring Version Meet a woman who can never be bored (48 mins.) for the easily bored. Really. Find out which common everyday substance that you probably use masks boredom Stages of Boredom (3 mins.) More! The Mountain that Boredom Built (4 mins.)

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM DIRECTOR ALBERT NERENBERG:

Stupidity Laughology UPC: 826262002596 UPC: 826262006495 $19.98 SRP $14.98 SRP

BOREDOM STREET DATE: AUGUST 12, 2014 ENGLISH / COLOR / 61 MINS + 55 MINS EXTRAS (2013) UPC: 826262011499 DIS-DV-114 ISBN: 978-1-939517-23-4 $19.98 SRP File Under: Documentary (Other)

TDC order from distributed by ENTERTAINMENT THE INFORMATION YOU ARE ABOUT WARNING: TO SEE WILL RESULT IN HIVES A groundbreaking film about bees and the people who keep them.

“An entertaining and informative glimpse into the life of a unique subculture of humanity.” – Film Threat

“From the hives to the removal, to the whys and hows of dealing with bees, this is a doc that everyone who’s worried about our planet should see!” – Rogue Cinema

“Ninety-nine percent of documentaries present the viewer with a global crisis. Almost none of them offer a solution. “Bee People” is among the one percent that show people a simple way to make the world a better place.” – Dusty on Movies

For 100 million years, bees have provided sustainability on earth… yet these glorious pollinators are facing challenges and fading from our planet. Did you know the honeybee is responsible for one third of the items on your dinner plate?

“Bee People” raises the bar and provides an in-depth look at the people who are facing the challenge on behalf of the bees, making a difference, and urging everyone to join them on a planet-saving mission! Who are these bee people? What compels them to do what they do? And most importantly, what is the solution they propose?

Featuring Gregg McMahan aka “The Bee Guru”: One part rock- star, one part bee evangelist, Gregg is the most passionate member of the Bee People you’re ever likely to meet. His dissertations on all-things-bees are mesmerizing, entertaining and highly educational.

Bonus Feature: Extracting Honey (16 mins.)

AVAILABLE NOW

Top selling, multi award winning fi lm narrated by Ellen Page

$19.98 SRP UPC: 826262006792

BEE PEOPLE PREORDER DATE: JULY 29, 2014 ENGLISH / COLOR / 102 MINS + 16 MINS EXTRAS (2013) STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 TMR-DV-118 UPC: 826262011895 $19.98 SRP ISBN: 978-1-939517-27-2 File Under: Documentary (Other) www.truemind.tv

TDC ORDER FROM DISTRIBUTED BY

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

ORDER FROM DISTRIBUTED BY TDC

File Under: Documentary (Other) www.truemind.tv

ISBN: 978-1-939517-27-2 $19.98 SRP

UPC: 826262011895 TMR-DV-118

STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 (2013)

102 MINS + 16 MINS EXTRAS / ENGLISH / COLOR

PREORDER DATE: JULY 29, 2014 BEE PEOPLE

UPC: 826262006792

$19.98 SRP

narrated by Ellen Page

Top selling, multi award winning fi lm

AVAILABLE NOW

Extracting Honey (16 mins.)

Bonus Feature:

highly educational.

dissertations on all-things-bees are mesmerizing, entertaining and

of the Bee People community you’re ever likely to meet. His

star, one part bee evangelist, Gregg is the most passionate member

Featuring Gregg McMahan aka “The Bee Guru”: One part rock-

they do? And most importantly, what is the solution they propose?

mission! Who are these bee people? What compels them to do what

a difference, and urging everyone to join them on a planet-saving

people who are facing the challenge on behalf of the bees, making

“Bee People” raises the bar and provides an in-depth look at the

of the items on your dinner plate?

our planet. Did you know the honeybee is responsible for one third

yet these glorious pollinators are facing challenges and fading from

For 100 million years, bees have provided sustainability on earth…

better place.” – Dusty on Movies

that show people a simple way to make the world a

a solution. “ ” is among the one percent Bee People

viewer with a global crisis. Almost none of them offer

“Ninety-nine percent of documentaries present the

worried about our planet should see!” – Rogue Cinema

of dealing with bees, this is a doc that everyone who’s

“From the hives to the removal, to the whys and hows

of a unique subculture of humanity.” – Film Threat

“An entertaining and informative glimpse into the life “An entertaining and informative glimpse into the life

A groundbreaking film about bees and the people who keep them.

WARNING

:

TO SEE WILL RESULT IN HIVES

THE INFORMATION YOU ARE ABOUT Video Newsbriefs

NEW! Anita Hill Doc “Speaking Truth July 22 is The Es- sential to Power” Available Now from (DVD: 7 discs, First Run Features $124.95; Blu-ray: 6 discs, $124.95), Directed by Academy Award-winning which features six filmmaker Freida Mock, Anita: Speaking films by the adored Truth to Power (DVD: $24.99) is now avail- French New Wave able from First Run Features. Set against master, including a backdrop of sex, politics, and race, the the candy-colored documentary tells the story of a woman musical dazzlers The Umbrellas of Cher- who has empowered millions to stand up bourg (1964) and The Young Girls of Ro- for equality and justice. An entire country chefort (1967)—both starring a young watched as a poised African American Catherine Deneuve—as well as Lola (1961) Education Fever in Korea woman sat before a Senate committee of with Anouk Aimeé, in the Award-winning Education Fever 14 white men and with a clear, unwaver- romantic Bay of Angels (1963), the in Korea documents a day in the ing voice recounted the repeated acts of quirky fairytale Donkey Skin (1970) with life of a high school student sexual harassment she endured while Deneuve, and the late-career César Award- preparing for the once-a-year working with U.S. Supreme Court nomi- nominated melodrama Une Chambre En Korean college entrance exam. nee Clarence Thomas. Anita Hill’s graphic Ville (1982). Also arriving on July 22 is Erik Great for gaining an understanding testimony was a turning point for gender Skjoldbjærg’s 1997 Scandinavian chiller of Korean culture, its competitive equality in the U.S., igniting a political Insomnia (DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray/DVD nature and the pressures on the firestorm about sexual harassment and Combo: $39.95), starring Stellan Skarsgård students. 25 min. Closed-captioned. power in the workplace that still resonates as an enigmatic Swedish detective with a Topics: Education policy, Test culture, today. Offering a rare glimpse into Hill’s checkered past. Finally, on July 29 look Korean culture, Social Studies and Area private life and career, the documentary for Lawrence Kasdan’s 1983 Best Picture Studies. Teacher Education, with PPR features DVD extras that include a “Find- nominee The Big Chill (Blu-ray/DVD V1912 978-1-604-80163-7 DVD $149.99 ing Home” speech delivered by Hill at Combo: $39.95)—following a group of the University of South Carolina, and a thirtysomethings reuniting for a friend’s Global Business Series “Speaking Truth to Power” spoken-word funeral—which stars Tom Berenger, curated by Eve Ensler. , Jeff Goldblum, , Kevin Kline, and Meg Tilly. “The Big Chill,” Jacques Demy Boxed Set on Criterion July “Sleeping Beauty” Diamond Slate Edition Coming October 7 In July, the Criterion Collection will from Walt Disney present major films from some of the Finally releasing from the Disney vault, world’s greatest directors. Slated for July 1959’s Sleeping Beauty: Diamond Edition 8 is the remastered DVD edition of Peter (DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: Weir’s 1975 Australian drama Picnic at $36.99) will bow on October 7. The 16th Global Business Series Hanging Rock (DVD: 2 discs, $29.95), in animated Disney feature, Sleeping Beauty In a Q&A talk show interview format, the which a small group of students from an tells the tale of a princess cursed by an Global Business Series provides critical all-female college vanish while on a St. evil fairy, protected by three loving fair- insights to business etiquette, customs, and Valentine’s Day outing. Also coming July ies and, ultimately, saved by “true love’s other cultural differences. Comes with dis- 8 is a remastered DVD version of Howard kiss.” Featuring the voice talents of opera cussion guide and PowerPoint presentation. Hawks’ 1948 Red River (DVD: 2 singer Mary Costa as Sleeping Beauty ©2012 PPR discs, $29.95), starring as and Eleanor Audley as the evil fairy, $195.00 each, $1500.00 for 9 DVD set an embittered, tyrannical Texas rancher , the film’s vibrant visuals Business Culture: Australia 9781604800852 whose tensions with his independent- were created by a team that included Milt Business Culture: China 9781604800869 minded adopted son () Kahl and Ollie Johnston, two of Disney’s Business Culture: 9781604800876 reach epic proportions during a cattle drive legendary Nine Old Men, and it features Business Culture: India 9781604800883 to Missouri (see Blu-ray/DVD Combo re- an Academy Award-nominated score Business Culture: 9781604801521 view on page 37). Arriving July 15 is Robert adapted from the music of Tchaikovsky. Business Culture: 9781604800890 Bresson’s quintessential 1959 tale of crime Bonus features include a “Once Upon Business Ethics 9781604800906 and punishment Pickpocket (DVD: $24.95, a Parade” segment with actress Sarah Environment & Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95), a story of Hyland describing Disney’s Festival of Corporate Responsibility 9781604800913 redemption about a young pickpocket who Fantasy Parade, an “Art of Evil: Genera- Marketing to Global Consumer fears his luck is about to run out. Also slated tions of Disney Villains” legacy piece on 9781604800920 for July 15 is David Cronenberg’s 1981 animator Marc Davis, and an “@DisneyA- cult classic Scanners (DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; nimation: Artists in Motion” segment Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95), a gruesome with visual development artist Brittney 1-800-765-5885 portrait of a man with frighteningly Lee. Additional bonus features include www.master-comm.com destructive telepathic abilities. Coming never-before-seen deleted scenes.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 6 JULY/AUGUST 2014

Books Into Movies

The following films based on books are Thwaites, , Alexander slated to open during July and August. Skarsgård, , , Movie release dates are subject to change. and Taylor Swift.

Coming in July If I Stay (Aug. 22) is based on Gayle For- Dawn of the Planet man’s 2009 YA novel of the Apes (July 11) about a teen in a car ac- is inspired by Pierre cident who has an out- Boulle’s original 1963 of-body experience. sci-fi fantasy novel Directed by R.J. Cutler, . Di- the adaptation stars rected by Matt Reeves, Chloë Grace Moretz, the film stars Gary Old- Mireille Enos, Liana Liberato, and Stacy man, Andy Serkis, Keri Keach. Russell, Judy Greer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. When the Game Stands Tall (Aug. 22) A Most Wanted Man is based on Neil Hayes’s (July 25, in limited re- 2003 nonfiction book lease) is adapted from about John le Carré’s 2008 high school football post-Cold War espio- champs the De La Salle nage thriller. Directed Spartans. Directed by by Anton Corbijn, the Thomas Carter, the film stars Philip Sey- film stars Jim Caviezel, Michael Chik- mour Hoffman, Rachel lis, , Clancy Brown, and McAdams, , and Robin Alexander Ludwig. Wright. Life of Crime (Aug. Coming in August 29) is based on ’s 1978 novel Child of God (Aug. The Switch. Directed 1, in limited release) is by Daniel Schechter, based on Cormac Mc- the crime comedy stars Carthy’s 1973 gothic Jennifer Aniston, Tim novel about a violent Robbins, Isla Fisher, young man. Directed , and Mos by , the Def. film stars Franco, , Fallon Looking Ahead Goodson, and Scott Haze as depraved protagonist Lester Ballard. Slated for Oc- tober is Alex- The Hundred-Foot ander and the Journey (Aug. 8) is based Terrible, Hor- on Richard C. Morais’s rible, No Good, 2010 novel centering Very Bad Day, on rival restaurants in Miguel Arteta’s France. Directed by live-action adaptation of author Judith Lasse Hallström and Viorst and illustrator Ray Cruz’s 1972 co-produced by Oprah ALA Notable Children’s Book, starring Winfrey and Steven Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, and Ed Spielberg, the dramedy stars Helen Mir- Oxenbould as Alexander. ren, Manish Dayal, and Om Puri. Also coming in The Giver (Aug. 15) October is Gone Girl, is an adaptation of Lois filmmaker David Lowry’s 1993 Newbery Fincher’s adaptation Medal-winning dysto- of Gillian Flynn’s 2012 pian YA novel, the first New York Times best- book in a loosely con- selling thriller, starring nected tetralogy. Di- , Rosamund rected by Phillip Noyce, Pike, Neil Patrick Har- the film stars Brenton ris, Missi Pyle, and Tyler Perry.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 8 JULY/AUGUST 2014 The ultimate online video resource for libraries 9,000+ individual streams and available at www.academicvideostore.com + 40 expert-curated video databases in business, history, engineering, health sciences, and more 31,000+ film choices for curating your own collection using our flexible patron-driven acquisition program

Alexander Street Press Video See the amazing things video can do for your library at www.alexanderstreet.com. Mixed Media

Mixed Media features new release boxing, tennis, bowling, and golf. original Diablo III, along with the expan- information on upcoming video sion pack “Reaper of Souls.” games and TV series on DVD/Blu-ray, July 27—August 2 as well as notable older titles that are Tales of Xillia 2 (Ban- re-priced or new to DVD/Blu-ray. The Last of Us Remas- dai Namco, PS3: $59.99, tered (Sony, PS4: $59.99, Rated: T). Set one year Rated: ). Set 20 years after the climatic events Video Games after a pandemic has rav- of the popular third-per- aged civilization, this son role-playing game remastered-for-next-gen, Tales of Xillia, this se- Note: Entertainment Software Ratings award-winning, third- quel puts players in the role of Ludger Board (ESRB) ratings for video games are: E person action-adventure- Kresnik, a skilled chef who accompanies (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), horror game casts players in the role of a a young girl named Elle Marta on an M (Mature), and RP (Rating Pending). survivor named Joel, who is accompanied epic journey. Some titles are not rated until just prior to by 14-year-old Ellie on a brutal journey release date. across the U.S. August 24—August 30

Available Now August 3—August 9 Madden NFL 15 (EA, PS3/PS4/X360/ XOne: $59.99, Rated: RP). The latest edi- GRID Autosport (Ban- Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed tion of the long-running popular football dai Namco, PS3/X360: (XSEED, PS3: $39.99, Rated: RP). In this franchise series introduces a crowd-sourced $49.99, Rated: E). This open-world action-RPG, players undertake play-calling system with three distinct latest entry in the GRID numerous missions to identify vampires ways to run and defense: coach sug- racing simulation fran- called “Synthesizers” with the help of an gestions, Madden community picks, and chise has been shaped in-game smartphone app, and then engage concept plays that provide a strategic edge with consultation from them in battle to, uh, strip their clothes in a game that features new pass tools the online community, off so their bodies will be fully exposed and open-field tackling mechanics. professional racing drivers, and experts to sunlight. from Autosport magazine to deliver a real- istic career mode on a variety of exciting Sacred 3 (Deep Silver, PS3/X360: $49.99, TV on DVD/Blu-ray tracks. Rated: M). Featuring classic hack-and-slash gameplay, this third-person action-RPG Available Now June 29—July 5 will include cooperative multiplayer for up to four players who will help each The Boondocks: Sniper Elite III (505 Games, PS3/PS4/ other fight through enemy hordes in the The Complete Fourth X360/XOne: $39.99-$49.99, Rated: M). Set war for Ancaria. Season (Sony, DVD: 2 in the exotic yet deadly terrain of North discs, $40.99). Based on Africa during WWII, this third-person Ultra Street Fighter IV (Capcom, PS3/ the comic by Aaron Mc- tactical shooter puts players in the role of X360: $39.99, Rated: T). This latest iteration Gruder, this 2014 fourth American OSS agent Karl Fairburne, who of Street Fighter IV—arguably the ultimate and final season of the is deep behind Nazi lines providing crucial fighting game to date—will include five Peabody Award-winning sharpshooter skills for the Allies. new characters and six new stages. Adult Swim series features the voices of and John Witherspoon. July 6—July 12 August 10—August 16 Brain Games: Season 3 (Warner, DVD: 2 One Piece: Unlimited Risen 3: Titan Lords (Square Enix, discs, $29.99). Host Jason Silva and sleight- World Red (Bandai Nam- PS3/X360: $49.99, Rated: M). This third of-hand specialist Apollo Robbins are back co, PS3: $49.99, Rated: T). installment in the popular third-person in this 2014 third season of the National Embarking on a wayfar- action-RPG series returns to its medieval Geographic Channel-produced series that ing journey to engage in roots, with players stepping into the role looks at the brain’s complex processes, fun-filled escapades and of a young warrior who sets off to reclaim using a variety of interactive experiments battles, this third-person his soul, amidst the darkness that is designed with the cooperation of notable action-fighting game lets players step into spreading throughout the world. neuroscientists. the roles of members of the Straw Hat Crew as they progress through an episodic August 17—August 23 The Bridge: The Complete First Season storyline that features encounters against (Fox, DVD: 4 discs, $39.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, famous bosses such as Rob Lucci and Caesar Diablo III: Ultimate $49.99). Detectives from both sides of the Clown. Evil Edition (Blizzard, border between El Paso, TX, and Juarez, PS3/PS4/X360/XOne: Mexico, join together to stop a serial killer July 20—July 26 $39.99-$59.99, Rated: in this 2013 debut season of the FX-aired M). This re-release of the series starring Diane Kruger and Demian Wii Sports Club (Nintendo, WiiU: highly-acclaimed, best- Bichir. $39.99, Rated: E10+). In this HD remake of selling, third-person ac- the bestselling Wii game Wii Sports, players tion-RPG game set in the The Dating Guy: The Complete First compete in activities including baseball, perilous world of Sanctuary includes the Season (, DVD: 3

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 10 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Powerful New Releases from PASSION RIVER FILMS WHEN I WALK “UNCOMPROSING INTELLIGENCE...CRITICS’ PICK.” - “ABSORBING AND MOVING! CRITICS’ PICK.” - Village Voice “BRAVE AND REMARKABLE.” - POV Docs, PBS “INSPIRING.” - “A LIKABLE, INTIMATE DOCUMENTARY.” - Variety WHEN I WALK captures a 25-year-old’s diagnosis and struggle with multiple sclerosis. An emotional journey over several years, viewers witness the impact of this devatating neurological disorder that impacts over 2 million people worldwide, and learn how disability affects mind, body and everyday life.

85 min. | 2013| CC | UPC: 091037723994 | SRP: $29.95 | PPR: $299 Multiple Sclerosis, Disability, Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Occupational/Physical Therapy

FIRST COMES LOVE HEAL YOURSELF, HEAL “WISE, WARM, FUNNY.” THE WORLD: THE LEGACY - The Village Voice OF DR. MAX GERSON “COMPULSIVELY Interviews with over 25 WATCHABLE!” - Vogue top health experts! An HBO Original Documentary Join Howard Straus (author, scientist, and grandson of Single at 41, Nina opts to Dr. Max Gerson) for an in- have a baby on her own, depth look at the Gerson with a best friend as birth Therapy, an all-natural rem- partner and gay friend as edy for cancer and chronic sperm donor. disease that really works! 105 min. | 2013 SRP: $59.95 | PPR: $299 96 min. | 2013 SRP: $21.95 | PPR: $250 UPC: 091037723925 Women’s Studies, Family, UPC: 091037723949 Parenting, Motherhood Dietary Science, Nutrition, Exclusively for Libraries Alternative Medicine

GEORGE TICE: SEEING RADIO WARS BEYOND THE MOMENT “FANTASTIC...AMAZING.” “ONE OF THE FOREMOST - KXLY Radio Newstalk PHOTOGRAPHERS OF HIS Featuring Howard Stern GENERATION.” and FM inventor David Arm- - Popular Photography strong, RADIO WARS takes a daring look at the history of Of the school of Walker radio, from battles over its Evans, iconic Amerian invention to power struggles photographer George between Sirius and XM Tice shares his life’s work Satellite Radio. spanning six decades and eighteen books. 96 Min. | 2012 | CC 72 min. | 2013 SRP: $21.95 SRP: $49.95 | PPR: $199 UPC: 628586675629 UPC: 884501976022 Media Studies, American Exclusively for Libraries Photography, Art History Studies

Order online at edu.passionriver.com or contact your favorite distributor. Passion River Films email: [email protected] phone: 732-321-0711 discs, $29.98). This 2009 first season of Welsh—includes “Devil’s Bridge,” “Night teens (including Sterling Beaumon, Ana the Canadian animated series follows four Music,” “Penwyllt,” and “The Girl in the Golja, and Stephan James) work together to twentysomething friends as they navigate Water.” solve a mystery after witnessing a crime in the ups and downs of the dating world in this five-part Hub Network mystery series Downtown . A Young Doctor’s based on the popular board game. Notebook (BBC, DVD: House of Cards, Vol- $19.98). Set on the eve of Hell on Wheels: The Complete Third ume Two (Sony, DVD: the Russian Revolution, Season (Entertainment One, DVD: 3 discs, 4 discs, $55.99; Blu-ray: this 2012 dark comedy $39.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $49.98). A former 4 discs, $65.99). Demo- series based on the auto- Confederate soldier continues his quest to crat Francis Underwood biographical works of the take vengeance for his murdered family in () readies author and playwright this 2013 third season of the AMC Western for his promotion to Vice Mikhail Bulgakov features Daniel Radcliffe railroad series starring Anson Mount, Colm President in this 2014 as a green young physician who gets advice Meaney, and Common. volume of sophomore season episodes from his older self (). from the -produced political drama How the West Was Won: The Complete based on the novel by Michael Dobbs and July 8 Second Season (Warner, DVD: 6 discs, subsequent BBC . $39.99). Starring James Arness, Eva Marie : Season Three (Shout! Saint, and Bruce Boxleitner, this 1979 soph- Lost Girl: Season Four (Funimation, Factory, DVD: 6 discs, $34.95). This 1967- omore season of the family Western saga DVD: 5 discs, $44.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, 68 penultimate third season of the classic features guest stars Lloyd Bridges, Ricardo $49.98). This 2013-14 fourth season of California ranch series starring Barbara Montalban, and . the Gemini Award-winning -aired Stanwyck and Lee Majors includes guest supernatural horror series continues the appearances by Bruce Dern, Dennis Hop- Labyrinth (Lionsgate, escapades of bisexual Succubus Bo (Anna per, and Yaphet Kotto. DVD: $19.98). Based on Silk). the New York Times best- Endeavour: Series 2 (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, selling 2005 novel by Wallander 3 (MHz, DVD: 4 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $44.99). Newbie Kate Mosse, this two-part $69.95). Based on the books by Henning Constable Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) 2012 miniseries follows Mankell, this Swedish language adapta- racks up more experience in this 2014 the linked stories of a tion stars Krister Henriksson as the titular second season of the Masterpiece Mystery! 13th-century teen (Jessica detective in six episodes from the 2013 series—conceived as a prequel to Inspector Brown Findlay), who is given a mysterious third season of the crime series. Morse—which includes “Trove,” “Noc- book by her father (Danny Keogh), and a turne,” “Sway,” and “Neverland.” 21st-century woman (Vanessa Kirby) who Witches of East End: disturbs something that was meant to The Complete First Sea- Prisoners of War: Season One (Shout! remain hidden. son (Fox, DVD: 3 discs, Factory, DVD: 3 discs, $29.95). Featuring $29.98). Julia Ormond, episodes from the 2010 first season, this : Season Two (BBC, DVD: Jenna Dewan-Tatum, and Israeli drama—which was adapted into 3 discs, $29.98, Blu-ray: 2 discs, $34.98). Mädchen Amick star in Showtime’s U.S. drama Homeland—follows This 2014 second season of the BBC-pro- this 2013 debut season the release of three captured soldiers, and duced sci-fi action series continues the of the Lifetime-aired su- stars Yoram Toledano and Ishai Golan. dramatic search for answers regarding a pernatural drama based on the book by series of genetically engineered clones (all Melissa de la Cruz. The Soul Man: The played by star Tatiana Maslany). Complete First Season July 1 (Shout! Factory, DVD: July 22 2 discs, $19.98). Vegas Anna Karenina (Acorn, DVD: 3 discs, R&B star turned St. Louis Dalziel & Pascoe: Season 10 (BBC, $59.99). This 10-episode 1977 BBC mini- preacher Boyce “The DVD: 3 discs, $34.98). Adapted from the series adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic Voice” Ballentine (Cedric novels by Reginald Hill, this 2006 10th novel stars Nicola Pagett, Eric Porter, and the Entertainer) adjusts to season of the mystery series includes Stuart Wilson. normal life in this debut season of the TV “Houdini’s Ghost,” “Glory Days,” “Wrong Land that also features Niecy Nash Time, Wrong Place,” “Guardian Angel,” Helix: Season 1 (Sony, DVD: 3 discs, and Wesley Jonathan. and “A Death in the Family.” $55.99; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $65.99). Aired on Syfy, this 2014 debut season of the Vicious: Season One (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, Wahlburgers: The Arctic-set scientific thriller series stars $29.99). Aired on ITV, this 2013 first season Complete First Season Billy Campbell, , and of the comedy series revolving around the (Lionsgate, DVD: 2 discs, Kyra Zagorsky. quibbles and quirks of a gay couple who’ve $19.98). Famous brothers been together for five decades stars Ian Mark and Donnie Wahl- Hinterland: Series 1 (Acorn, DVD: McKellen and Derek Jacobi. berg join forces with their 4 discs, $59.99). Starring Richard Har- chef sibling Paul and their rington as a loner detective in an isolated July 15 mother Alma in this 2014 Welsh coastal town, this four-part 2014 first season of the A&E-aired reality series first series—filmed in both English and Clue (Shout! Factory, DVD: $12.99). Six set at the titular family restaurant.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 12 JULY/AUGUST 2014 stay healthy... live to be 100+ 100+ be to live ... ealthy h tay s is a feel good documentary film following a a following film documentary good feel a is WALTER young couple, Hunter and Sarah, as they travel the world world the travel they as Sarah, and Hunter couple, young learning life lessons from the world’s . The The people. oldest world’s the from lessons life learning film was shot on location in , Minnesota, Texas, Texas, Minnesota, Montana, in location on shot was film , , Cuba, and between 2010 and and 2010 between Italy and Cuba, Washington, Georgia, 2012. Delivering advice, anecdotes, and inspiration from from inspiration and anecdotes, advice, Delivering 2012. the world’s oldest people, WALTER is the 5th feature film film feature 5th the is WALTER people, oldest world’s the Besse Cooper 114 from director, Hunter Weeks. Weeks. Hunter director, from 114 Cooper Besse

Hunter Weeks met Walter Breuning in 2010 when Walter Walter when 2010 in Breuning Walter met Weeks Hunter was 113 years old. It was a meeting that Hunter couldn’t couldn’t Hunter that meeting a was It old. years 113 was stop thinking about. A year later, Hunter sat down again again down sat Hunter later, year A about. thinking stop with Walter Breuning in Great Falls, Montana to talk talk to Montana Falls, Great in Breuning Walter with Juana Bautista 126 about his life in the early 1900s and his takeaways from an an from takeaways his and 1900s early the in life his about 126 Bautista Juana extraordinarily long life. Walter could talk at length about about length at talk could Walter life. long extraordinarily his earliest memories, the 1906 earthquake, earthquake, Francisco San 1906 the memories, earliest his the , and both World Wars. Wars. World both and Depression, Great the

At 114, the Guinness World Records oldest person, Besse Besse person, oldest Records World Guinness the 114, At Cooper, was several months older than Walter. She lived lived She Walter. than older months several was Cooper, Ruth Anderson 112 in a nursing home in a small town in Georgia with family family with Georgia in town small a in home nursing a in 112 Anderson Ruth nearby, and would usually only speak when she needed needed she when speak only usually would and , nearby something. While Walter lived nearly independently at a a at independently nearly lived Walter While something. retirement home, Besse spent much of her time in bed. bed. in time her of much spent Besse , home retirement Though so close in age, their lifestyles varied greatly. Fas- Fas- greatly. varied lifestyles their age, in close so Though cinated with the differences between Besse and Walter, Walter, and Besse between differences the with cinated Hunter and Sarah also sought out supercentenarians; supercentenarians; out sought also Sarah and Hunter Mary Tankursley 110 Juana Bautista, Ruth Anderson, Mary Tankursley, and Sister LENGTH: 83 Minutes • MRSP: $24.95 $24.95 MRSP: • Minutes 83 LENGTH: Sister and Tankursley, Mary Anderson, Ruth Bautista, Juana 110 Tankursley Mary CATALOG# 20566 • UPC# 6-4603205669-3 6-4603205669-3 UPC# • 20566 CATALOG# Cecilia Gaudette. PRICE WITH PPR: $295 * PRICE WITH DSL: $495 PRICE WITH PPR AND DSL: $595 $595 DSL: AND PPR WITH PRICE $495 DSL: WITH PRICE * $295 PPR: WITH PRICE Gaudette. Cecilia WALTER is less about science and longevity and more about the lessons and values for living a happy life with the time you have. have. you time the with life happy a living for values and lessons the about more and longevity and science about less is WALTER

In this series of pilates workouts focused entirely on pregnancy and hosted by Australian fitness fitness Australian by hosted and pregnancy on entirely focused workouts pilates of series this In guru, Tasha Lawton, guides you safely and humorously through all three trimesters to keep your your keep to trimesters three all through humorously and safely you guides Lawton, Tasha guru, body in shape, strengthen your abs, and hopefully make labor a little less arduous. These work- work- These arduous. less little a labor make hopefully and abs, your strengthen shape, in body outs will help you maintain control both physically and mentally throughout your pregnancy. Say Say pregnancy. your throughout mentally and physically both control maintain you help will outs goodbye to lower back pain, water retention, swollen ankles, weak pelvic floor muscles, and bad bad and muscles, floor pelvic weak ankles, swollen retention, water pain, back lower to goodbye posture caused by your growing belly. Bounce back to your pre-baby weight faster! Pilates is is Pilates faster! weight pre-baby your to back Bounce belly. growing your by caused posture recommended by midwives around the world as the exercise regime of choice during pregnancy. pregnancy. during choice of regime exercise the as world the around midwives by recommended 4 DVD Disc Set Set Disc DVD 4 1. Trimester - Impact: medium medium Impact: - Trimester 1. Focus: emphasis pelvic floor, “Since this is an Australian production, viewers viewers production, Australian an is this “Since floor, pelvic emphasis Focus: some abs, waist, legs, bum and back will find alternate spellings and terms, including including terms, and spellings alternate find will back and bum legs, waist, abs, some “labour,” “bum,” “loo,” and “foetal,” but Lawton’s Lawton’s but “foetal,” and “loo,” “bum,” “labour,” 2. Trimester - Impact: low/medium low/medium Impact: - Trimester . 2 Focus: emphasis pelvic floor, some abs, encouragement (“I hope everything’s going really really going everything’s hope (“I encouragement abs, some floor, pelvic emphasis Focus: waist, legs, bum and back well at home for you!”) is definitely cross-cultural. cross-cultural. definitely is you!”) for home at well back and bum legs, waist, 3. Trimester - Impact: low/medium Recommended.” Recommended.” low/medium Impact: - Trimester . 3 Focus: emphasis pelvic floor, some abs, Spotlight on Fitness -Video Librarian Librarian -Video Fitness on Spotlight abs, some floor, pelvic emphasis Focus: legs, waist, bum and back back and bum waist, legs, 4. Post Natal - Impact: medium medium Impact: - Natal Post 4. Focus: emphasis on abs, legs, waist, bum bum waist, legs, abs, on emphasis Focus: and back back and LENGTH: 3 Hours 33 Minutes • MRSP: $29.95 $29.95 MRSP: • Minutes 33 Hours 3 LENGTH: CATALOG# 20546 • UPC# 6-4603205469-9 6-4603205469-9 UPC# • 20546 CATALOG# PRICE WITH PPR: $695.00 • PRICE WITH DSL: $1195.00 • PRICE WITH PPR AND DSL: $1495.00 $1495.00 DSL: AND PPR WITH PRICE • $1195.00 DSL: WITH PRICE • $695.00 PPR: WITH PRICE Celebrating our 25th anniversary nniversary a th 25 our elebrating C AVAILABLE FROM ALL MAJOR DISTRIBUTORS View trailers online: online: trailers View DISTRIBUTORS MAJOR ALL FROM AVAILABLE www.janson.com • [email protected] www.janson.com www.janson.com [email protected] • www.janson.com Become a fan on Facebook Facebook on fan a Become www.facebook.com/jansonmedia www.youtube.com/jansonmedia www.youtube.com/jansonmedia www.facebook.com/jansonmedia July 29 C om mu n it y: T he TV appearances on shows including GE Complete Fifth Season Theater, The Jack Benny Program, The Jackie Midsomer Murders, (Sony, DVD: 2 discs, Gleason Show, , The Set 24 (Acorn, DVD: 3 $35.99). Marking the Dick Cavett Show, and All Star Revue. discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: return of creator Dan 2 discs, $49.99). Things Harmon, this 2014 fifth August 19 don’t seem to be getting and final season of the any better in crime-rid- community college-set Boardwalk Empire: The Complete den Midsomer County comedy series features guest appear- Fourth Season (HBO, DVD: 5 discs, $59.99; during the 2012-13 15th ances by LeVar Burton, Gina Gershon, Blu-ray: 7 discs, $79.98). Based on Nelson season of the crime-drama, with episodes and Questlove. Johnson’s Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, here including “Written in the Stars,” High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City, “The Sicilian Defense,” and “Schooled Ja’Mie: Private School Girl (HBO, DVD: this 2013 fourth season of the acclaimed in Murder.” 2 discs, $29.99). Creator Chris Lilley stars Prohibition-era drama stars Steve Buscemi (in drag) as a private school diva in this and . Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXX 2013 Australian comedy series. (Shout! Factory, DVD: 4 discs, $59.98). : The The MST3K crew lambasts four cheesy Last Tango in Halifax: Series 2 (BBC, Fifth Season (Para- sci-fi films—The Black Scorpion, Outlaw DVD: 2 discs, $34.99). Aired stateside on mount, DVD: 6 discs, (Of Gor), The Projected Man, and It Lives By PBS, this 2013 second season of the late- $55.98). The titular cen- Night—in this most recent volume from life-marriage romantic drama series stars tral character (Julianna the snarky series. Derek Jacobi and . Margulies in a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Secret State (Acorn, DVD: 2 discs, The Saint: Set 1 Guild award-winning $39.99). Starring Gabriel Byrne as a (Acorn, DVD: 3 discs, role) heads up a law firm in this 2013-14 Deputy Prime Minister who uncovers a $49.99). Based on the Si- fifth season, which features a dramatic deadly conspiracy, this 2012 four-part mon Templar goodbye to a main character. political thriller miniseries also features by Leslie Charteris, this Charles Dance, Stephen Dillane, and action-packed compila- The Millers: The First Season (Para- Ruth Negga. tion includes three 1989 mount, DVD: 3 discs, $49.98). A newly movies. divorced reporter (Will Arnett) inspires his August 5 parents (Beau Bridges, Margo Martindale) Top Gear 21: The Complete Season to split up in this 2013-14 debut season of Awkward. Season 3 (Paramount, DVD: 21 (BBC, DVD: 3 discs, $19.98). This 2014 the comedy series. 4 discs, $26.99). This 2013 third season 21st season of the car aficionado series of MTV’s comedy series continues the includes a two-part journey across Burma The Mindy Project: misadventures of a teen California student in lorries. Season Two (Universal, (Ashley Rickards). DVD: 3 discs, $29.99). August 12 Mindy Kaling stars as The Birthday Boys: a sassy NYC OBGYN in The Complete First Sea- : The Tenth Season, Volume this 2013-14 sophomore son (Anchor Bay, DVD: 2 1 (Paramount, DVD: 5 discs, $49.99). season of the hit comedy discs, $29.98). Executive Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon (James series. produced by Ben Stiller Arness) continues to protect the towns- and costar Bob Odenkirk, people in this first volume from the NCIS: —The Fifth Season this is the 2013 first sea- 1964-65 10th season of the Western action (Paramount, DVD: 6 discs, $55.98). LL son of the sketch comedy series—the penultimate season before the Cool J and Chris O’Donnell are partners series aired on IFC. series changed from black-and-white to in undercover action in this 2013-14 fifth color. Also newly available is Gunsmoke: season of the military drama series. Also The Broker’s Man, Series 2 (Acorn, The Tenth Season, Volume 2 (DVD: 5 newly available is NCIS: The Eleventh DVD: 2 discs, $39.99). Starring Kevin discs, $49.99). Season (DVD: 6 discs, $55.98). Whately as an ex-cop turned insurance company detective, this 1998 second sea- Low Winter Sun (Anchor Bay, DVD: Newhart: The Complete Fourth Season son of the British drama features the final 3 discs, $49.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $59.99). (Shout! Factory, DVD: 3 discs, $29.95). episodes of the series. Based on the two-part British miniseries, This 1985-86 fourth season continues this short-lived, -set, 2013 AMC- the small-town B&B escapades of former Californication: The Final Season aired dirty cop drama stars Mark Strong New Yorker and author Dick Loudon (Bob (Showtime, DVD: 2 discs, $45.98). This and Lennie James. Newhart). 2013 seventh and final season of the Showtime drama revolving around The Marx Brothers TV Collection Parenthood: Season 5 (Universal, the life of a scandalous writer (David (Shout! Factory, DVD: 3 discs, $39.98). DVD: 5 discs, $44.98). Showcasing the Duchovny) features guest appearances by Groucho, Chico, and Harpo are spotlighted ups and downs of three generations of Heather Graham and Rob Lowe. in this compilation of the comedy troupe’s the Braverman family, this 2013-14 fifth

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ORDER NOW! For more information visit www.eoneb2b.com ACADEMY AWARD ® is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. season of the family dramedy series stars features guest appearances by , Ja- $29.98). Shown at Telluride and Hot Docs, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Lauren net Leigh, , and Peter Lawford. Jaak Kilmi’s 2009 documentary explores Graham, and Peter Krause. how the people of Estonia—under Soviet The Musketeers: Season 1 (BBC, DVD: 3 propaganda rule—hijacked TV broadcasts : Season Six discs, $34.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $39.98). This from Finland and began to absorb West- (Universal, DVD: 3 discs, $39.98). Starring 2014 BBC adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ ern pop culture. Bonus features include Amy Poehler as an Indiana government historical action classic stars Luke Pasqualino, the documentary “Lotman’s World,” on worker, this 2013-14 sixth season of the Tom Burke, Santiago Cabrera, Howard cultural critic Yuri Lotman. comedy series features guest appearances Charles, and Peter Capaldi. by Heidi Klum, Kristen Bell, and Dan The Kennedys: Castellaneta. Now and Again: The DVD Edition (Para- Triumph and Trag- mount, DVD: 5 discs, $39.99). An insurance edy (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, August 26 worker killed in a accident is re-born $29.99). Released to co- when the government puts his brain in a incide with the 50th The Blandings: Se- bio-engineered body in this 1999-2000 sci- anniversary of JFK’s ries 2 (Acorn, DVD: 2 fi dramedy series starring Eric Close, Dennis assassination, this two- discs, $39.99). Adapted Haysbert, and Heather Matarazzo. part PBS-aired American from P.G. Wodehouse’s Experience documentary series from 2003 wacky “Blandings Castle Portlandia: Season Four looks at the history of one of America’s and Elsewhere” stories, (VSC, DVD: 2 discs, $19.95). most famous political families. Extras this 2014 second season Fred Armisen and Carrie include the bonus 2008 documentary of the comedy series Brownstein are back in this “Oswald’s Ghost” (VL-3/08), as well as stars Timothy Spall, Jennifer Saunders, 2014 fourth season of the a booklet and various reproductions of and Mark Williams. IFC sketch comedy series, memorabilia, including Oswald’s finger- featuring cameos by Kirsten prints and mug shots, witness statements, Criminal Minds: Season 9 (Para- Dunst, Jeff Goldblum, Dan and a transcript of Oswald assassin Jack mount, DVD: 6 discs, $55.98). Members Savage, and k.d. lang. Ruby’s interrogation. of the Behavioral Analysis Unit track down bad guys in this 2013-14 ninth The Walking Dead: The Complete Fourth Pandora’s Prom- season of the FBI profiler series starring Season (Anchor Bay, DVD: 5 discs, $69.98; ise (Alive Mind, DVD: Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, and Blu-ray: 5 discs, $79.99). This 2013-14 fourth $29.95). Interviewing Shemar Moore. season of the popular AMC zombie drama nuclear engineers, au- stars , Norman Reedus, and thors, and converted en- Elementary: The Lauren Cohan. vironmentalists who are Second Season (Para- now in favor of atomic mount, DVD: 6 discs, Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Se- energy, filmmaker Rob- $55.98). Starring Jonny ries (Shout! Factory, DVD: 16 discs, $129.99). ert Stone’s provocative 2013 documen- Lee Miller as a modern Featuring in his breakout role, tary (VL-1/14 HHHH) is now available interpretation of Arthur this 1975-79 sitcom starring Gabe Kaplan as in a home-video-priced edition. Bonus Conan Doyle’s famed a teacher also features Ron Palillo, features include audio commentary by sleuth , Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Marcia Stras- Stone and an interview with Stone and this 2013-14 sophomore sman. . Also newly re-priced are season also features Lucy Liu as consul- The Anonymous People (VL-3/14 HHH) tant companion Dr. Joan Watson. Looking Ahead and Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton (VL-5/14 HHH). The Equalizer: The Complete Season Slated for September is the first season of 2 (VEI, DVD: 6 discs, $29.99). Edward Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the second season Top Hat & Tales: Harold Ross and Woodward stars as a British Army and of Zane Grey , the fourth season the Making of The New Yorker (First CIA vet who uses his skills to help others of China Beach, and Ken Burns’s The Run Features, DVD: $24.95). Narrated by in this 1986-87 second season of the ac- Roosevelts. , Adam Van Doren’s 2001 tion crime series. documentary (VL-1/02 HHH) features wonderful interview clips with past/pres- Haven: The Complete Fourth Sea- Re-priced or New to DVD/Blu-ray ent staff, contributors, and admirers, son (Entertainment One, DVD: 4 discs, who paint an engaging portrait of New $39.98; Blu-ray: 4 discs, $49.98). A pair The Beatles—Parting Yorker founder Harold Ross. Also newly of paranormal investigators with their Ways: The Unauthorized available is James Thurber: The Life and own reality show arrive on the scene of Story (Janson, DVD: $19.95). Hard Times. the mysterious titular town in this 2013 This 2009 documentary fourth season of the supernatural series chronicles the solo careers Unsolved Mysteries of the Second based on ’s The Colorado of John Lennon, Paul Mc- World War (Eagle Rock, DVD: 3 discs, Kid. Cartney, George Harrison, $16.98). This three-disc set compiling and Ringo Starr after the all 14 episodes from the 1993 documen- The Men from Shiloh (Timeless, DVD: Beatles broke up. tary series combines historic footage and 9 discs, $49.98). Renamed and redesigned, graphics to explore WWII mysteries, in- this 1970-71 ninth season of The Virginian Disco & Atomic War (Icarus, DVD: cluding what happened to Adolf Hitler.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 16 JULY/AUGUST 2014 VL_Ad_0714_VisionVideo 6/3/14 11:14 AM Page 1

Jock Troup Luther: David Brainerd: Missionary and the Fishermen’s Revival His Life, His Path, His Legacy to the American Indians Known as the “Revival Man,” Jock Troup was a Very few historical figures have affected modern Filmed at historical locations throughout the working-class Scot who experienced a dramatic society and humanity as enduringly as Martin northeastern U.S., David Brainerd: Missionary to conversion and calling as a young man. In a time Luther, and on such a global scale. This the American Indians tells the story of the visionary of great economic hardship, he dedicated himself comprehensive documentary traces the footsteps eighteenth-century missionary whose efforts led to to reaching the lost in the towns and villages of the great Reformer and reflects upon the revival amongst native tribes and inspired generations dotting the coast of northern Great Britain. In this places which have become inseparably of leaders to follow in his footsteps. The documentary documentary, noted scholars, authors, and connected with his name. The program features features stunning photography and evocative eyewitnesses give their insights into Jock’s life and stunning dramatic footage from the 2003 reenactment scenes as well as insightful commentary detail the remarkable events that led to the theatrical film Luther, starring Joseph Fiennes, by experts including John A. Grigg, University of Fishermen’s Revival of 1921. Documentary, along with interviews with experts discussing his Nebraska - Omaha; Richard Pointer, Westmont 48 minutes. life and work. Docu-drama, 90 minutes. College; and Linford Fisher, Brown University. DVD - #501492D, $19.99, UPC 7 27985 01492 0 DVD - #501581D, $19.99, UPC 7 27985 01581 1 Documentary, 59 minutes. DVD - #501564D, $19.99, UPC 7 27985 01564 4

A Gathering of Souls: Jesus: The Desire of Ages The Desperate: A Ray of Light The Billy Graham Crusades Jesus: The Desire of Ages is an artistic portrayal in the Face of Tyranny During his long and distinguished ministry, Billy of Christ’s passion set against the backdrop of the On a rainy night in a concentration camp, a Graham has preached to over 200 million people many lives He touched during his earthly ruthless Nazi general is forced to plead with a worldwide. The massive evangelistic gatherings that ministry. The film opens with the warmth and condemned Jewish doctor to save his dying son. took place in sports arenas, concert halls, and hope of the nativity and then quickly transitions With nothing left to lose, the doctor refuses to aid outdoor venues became known as the Billy Graham to the fearful terror of the crucifixion. Within the his hated enemies. But when he is offered his Crusades. With expert commentary from pastors, framework of the journey to Calvary are freedom in exchange, he is faced with an academics, Graham associates, and fellow interwoven numerous flashback sequences unthinkable moral dilemma. The Desperate evangelists such as Luis Palau, this documentary portraying the stories of ten individuals whose offers a provocative reflection on the relationship gives the history of the crusades from the first event lives were forever changed by the love of Jesus. between justice and mercy. Winner of multiple in Los Angeles in 1949 to the remarkable gatherings The production combines an inspiring and awards including Best Short Film by the behind the Iron Curtain and in the Far East. triumphant music score with imaginative visual Hollywood Film Festival. Drama, 32 minutes. Documentary, 51 minutes. artistry. Drama, 61 minutes. DVD - #501583D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01583 5 DVD - #501582D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01582 8 DVD - #501503D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01503 3 Vision Video PO Box 540 OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: Worcester, PA 19490 If, for any reason, a product does not meet your expectations, return 1-800-523-0226 • 610-584-3500 it to us, and we will exchange it or give you a refund. All DVDs are Fax: 610-584-6643 guaranteed against any defects. Available from Midwest Tape or E-mail: [email protected] directly from Vision Video. Web: www.visionvideo.com Video Movies

ción, Paraguay, where ado- After Tiller HHH1/2 This section features reviews of current and lescent hero Victor (Celso Oscilloscope, 88 min., PG-13, classic studio, independent, and foreign feature Franco) serves as a freelance DVD: $34.99 films. Each review includes pricing information, porter, carrying customer Co-directed by Martha purchases in his makeshift as well as running time, rating, subtitling infor- Shane and Lana Wilson, wheelbarrow for a small After Tiller presents a sym- mation, and street dates for yet-to-be-released fee. An older, coldblooded pathetic, non-sensational- titles. Most titles reviewed here are widely rival named Nelson (Vic- ized portrait of Drs. LeRoy available through most distributors. tor Sosa) becomes a lethal Carhart, Susan Robinson, Warren Hern, and enemy when Victor is hired—instead of Shelley Sella—the last four doctors in America Nelson—to transport seven boxes packed HHHH= Excellent who are publicly willing to terminate preg- with something unknown. The fact that nancy in the third trimester. A fifth, Dr. HHH= Good the boxes came from criminals who are con- George Tiller, of Physicians for Reproductive nected to a butcher shop offers a clue that HH= Fair Health, was murdered in 2009 by an anti- Victor and his wheelbarrow might draw a abortion fanatic (cheered on by religious H= Poor lot of unwanted attention. And that’s exactly zealots online), which had a chilling effect what happens, as both police and Nelson on American abortion providers. Carhart and (with his ruthless gang) follow in pursuit, Tiller, both ex-military, saw themselves on a forcing Victor to spend a night hiding and literal battlefield and they knew how high Current Films darting around the maze-like street market. the stakes were. Carhart is here demonized Filmmakers Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana by Nebraska Republicans (the GOP lives up to Schémbori keep the chase going at a fever the worst aspects of its reputation here) and 3 Days to Kill HH pitch while managing to interweave a subplot ultimately relocates his practice to Maryland. Fox, 117 min., PG-13, DVD: about Victor’s sister, as well as a romantic For his part, Colorado-based Hern says he was $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: interest for Victor. Violent and unsettling, radicalized in the Peace Corps by witnessing $39.99 this powerful and unusual is the hideous suffering of Brazil’s back-alley Filmmaker recommended. (T. Keogh) abortion victims. The filmmakers also give is obsessed with various significant time to on-staff counselors at permutations of the father- 12 O’Clock Boys the abortion clinics, who—along with the daughter relationship, serv- HHH1/2 doctors—try to assess the reason for a late ing here as co-writer for vanity-plate-named Oscilloscope, 76 min., not termination (such as a rape, or heartbreaking director McG’s 3 Days to Kill, a contrived rated, DVD: $34.99, Blu-ray: evidence of severe birth defects in utero). Pro- action thriller that can’t decide whether $39.99, Aug. 5 lifers are not interviewed in much detail here, it’s telling a story of explosive espionage or The opening sequence of but right-leaning viewers may take heart in madcap parental mayhem. Punctuated by filmmaker Lofty Nathan’s knowing that some abortion applicants (one careening car chases and senseless shoot- documentary 12 O’Clock all the way from France) are refused or steered outs, the convoluted drama commences with Boys is flat-out bizarre: the sight of perhaps toward putting babies up for adoption, if rumpled, world-weary, veteran CIA agent 20 or 25 dirt bikes and other small but mus- their cases are not “compelling.” A power- Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner) resigning after cular off-road vehicles tearing through the ful and provocative documentary about the a terminal cancer diagnosis and attempting streets of Baltimore—shutting down traffic, abortion wars, this is highly recommended. to reconnect with his long-estranged, - aggressively overtaking passenger , and (C. Cassady) based wife (Connie Nielsen), and teenage eluding police in a surreal and terrifying daughter, Zoey (). But a burst of antisocial anarchy. But this is no The Amazing Catfish vampy new control agent () is stunt; it’s a real phenomenon and longtime HHH determined to recruit Renner for one last as- problem for Baltimore since the first outlaw Strand, 95 min., in Spanish signment (the target is a nuclear arms dealer riders—the eponymous 12 O’Clock Boys, w/English subtitles, not rated, with an albino accountant), offering him an named for their ability to point their bikes DVD: $24.99, July 29 experimental drug that could extend his life. straight up, like the hands of a clock—ap- An interesting drama All of this takes place during the three-day peared years ago, becoming legends to from Mexico that redefines period when Renner is supposed to be home kids in some of the city’s toughest the notion of family, The with his rebellious daughter whom his wife neighborhoods. Nathan follows the path of Amazing Catfish tells the story of a chance has left in his care (a running gag has calls one wide-eyed admirer, Pug, from age 13 to meeting between strangers that evolves into from Zoey’s cell-phone interrupting each 16 as he aspires to become one of the Boys. much more. Claudia (Ximena Ayala) is an of Renner’s interrogations and/or assassina- Along the way, Pug turns from a sweetheart isolated young woman living in a remote, tions). And there’s an overtly sentimental to a lout, embittered by a world of violence, unsafe neighborhood who works a marginal subplot involving an immigrant African fam- loss, and police brutality, in which he job in a department store. Forced to stay in ily squatting in Renner’s decrepit apartment. feels trapped. Along the way, Pug’s mother a hospital for several days following a bout Still-charismatic Costner is a believably be- struggles, suffering the death of one child with appendicitis, Claudia befriends the older wildered hero, using his deadpan demeanor while trying to keep her four remaining kids Martha (Lisa Owen), a terminally-ill single to farcical advantage, but this is a mishmash out of trouble. Nathan also offers profiles of mother. Without needing to share much, of a film. Optional. (S. Granger) some of the Boys—who take pride in their the two easily bond and soon Claudia is dirt-bike mastery on urban terrain—captur- taken into Martha’s home as a special guest. 7 Boxes HHH ing mesmerizing images of riders keeping While Martha’s kids don’t seem particularly Breaking Glass, 100 min., in Spanish w/English one step ahead of the police and popping surprised at such largesse, they regard Clau- subtitles, not rated, DVD: $21.99 wheelies as if riding wild horses. A strange, dia with mixed feelings, as a kind of instant A grim original thriller, 7 Boxes is set exhilarating, and disturbing documentary, sister who is also a stranger. In writer-director entirely in a busy urban market in Asun- this is highly recommended. (T. Keogh) Claudia Sainte-Luce’s unforced narrative,

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 18 JULY/AUGUST 2014 relationships evolve and deepen without any Margaret does not easily adapt to Josephine in the hospital, the victim of terrible sexual self-conscious conversations, and Claudia and Hannah’s personalities, and there is also abuse. Marco moves into a building above becomes an important confidante to Martha the lingering issue of the sisters’ difficult the apartment of a divorced mother (Chiara while also basking in a newfound sense of estrangement following their parents’ death Mastroianni) who has a young son; her ex belonging with others. Of course, with this when Margaret was four and Josephine was is a powerful businessman with some shady opening of hearts and lives, there will be 17 (Margaret was left in the care of her aunts; business dealings. The fractured flashback a price to pay in terms of change and loss. Josephine disappeared into a hippie lifestyle). structure makes it hard to piece together Sainte-Luce maintains a gritty, unvarnished Most peculiar here is the late-story inclusion how everyone is connected, especially since view of these troubled characters while still of an exuberant pop star (Lainee Gram) who the story unfolds slowly. But what eventually underscoring small grace notes of trust and bonds with the petulant Hannah, creating a becomes clear is the rot in Marco’s family line bonding, aided by a fine cast that deftly plot turn that frankly feels artificial. Still, the and the reason he left it all behind. In some captures the daily ups and downs of Martha’s film is partially saved by Fogarty and McNeil, ways, Bastards plays like a warped version of slow fade. Recommended. (T. Keogh) who deliver sincere performances that reso- Chinatown, only with an even more black- nate with anguish and imagination. A strong hearted backstory and an insidious ending. As High as the Sky optional purchase. (P. Hall) This is a challenging film revolving around HH1/2 a mystery that involves a conspiracy related Cinema Libre, 91 min., not Bastards HH1/2 to sexual abuse and pornography, told in a rated, DVD: $19.95 MPI, 100 min., in French narrative style that forces the viewer to work. First-time writer-director w/English subtitles, not rated, Although a tough film to watch, this may Nikki Braendlin explores DVD: $24.98 still appeal to fans of dark stories and chal- raw emotional territory in French filmmaker Claire lenging material. A strong optional purchase. this intriguing but uneven Denis has directed some (S. Axmaker) independent production. Margaret (Caroline tough about Fogarty), who has just broken up with her families and cruel relation- Bayou Blue HHH fiancé, retreats into an obsessive-compulsive ships in the past (including Beau Travail Breaking Glass, 79 min., not disorder mania that revolves around main- and The Intruder), but Bastards may be her rated, DVD: $24.99 taining her home. A new disruption arrives bleakest portrait yet. Vincent Lindon stars as An unrelentingly grim when her older sister, Josephine (Bonnie cargo ship captain Marco, who returns home documentary, Bayou Blue fo- McNeil), unexpectedly shows up with her after decades to see his estranged family for cuses on the crimes of serial 10-year-old daughter, Hannah (Laurel Por- reasons that do not become clear until much killer Ronald Dominique, ter), for what seems to be an indefinite visit. later. His sister is a mess and her daughter is who raped and murdered 23

From the team behind the award-winning film ManuFactured Landscapes (filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier, and renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky)

WATERMARK brings together diverse stories from around the globe about our relationship with water: how we are drawn to it, what we learn from it, how we use it and the consequences of that use. Shot in stunning 5K ultra high-definition video and full of soaring aerial perspectives.

2014 u.s. theatricaL “…visuaLLy dazzLing…” reLease –Kenji Fujishima, Slant Magazine

BLu-ray extras DVD: EOE-DV-7691 • UPC: 741952769194 • ISBN: 1-4172-4225-6 • $24.98 SRP BLU-RAY: EOE-BD-7692 • UPC: 741952769293 • ISBN: 1-4172-4226-4 • $29.98 SRP • Making of Watermark 92 minutes • 16x9 (1.85:1) • 5.1 Dolby Digital for DVD/ DTS-HD Master Audio for Blu-ray • deleted scenes English, Spanish, Hindi, Bengali, Mandarin with English SHD subtitles (BLU-RAY ONLY) Documentary • Production Year: 2013 • in discussion with ed Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal Order nOW • picture gallery narrated street date: 7/8/14 by ed Burtynsky For more information visit www.eoneb2b.com

JULY/AUGUST 2014 19 VIDEO LIBRARIAN men across Southern Louisiana from 1997 to Art appraiser and auctioneer Virgil Oldman friendship in this winning blend of comedy 2006. Filmmakers Alix Lambert and David () is the most respected figure and drama. Recommended. (F. Swietek) McMahon explore the trail of horror and in his profession; in fact, his cred is so strong loss left by Dominique, interviewing family that he can run clever scams—intentionally Breaking Through undervaluing priceless works that an artist members of four victims, and the arresting HHH1/2 accomplice (Donald Sutherland) bids for on officers in the case. We learn something about Breaking Glass, 84 min., not those dead men through the recollections his behalf. Oldman’s world is disrupted when rated, DVD: $19.99 he is asked to appraise the contents of a villa of their survivors, many of whom still suf- How many LGBT people recently inherited by a mysterious woman fer from unresolved anguish and grief (one hold public office in the named Claire (Sylvia Hoeks). Oldman is as- woman, Octavia Jones, lost five male relatives U.S.? More than one might tonished at the contents of the villa, but also to Dominique). Lambert and McMahon use think. Breaking Through is perplexed since Claire will only communicate the official recordings of Dominique’s confes- a powerful, moving documentary about with him through a closed door. Oldman’s sions to communicate nightmarish details the openly LGBT men and women who are bad habits surface as he spirits away bits of about the killings, and they take their camera pioneers in the world of public service and antique mechanical gears that he finds in the down roads and into fields, visiting the aw- elected office—at all levels of government. ful places where the murders happened and villa, which he gives to a repairman associate Although largely comprised of a succession the bodies were dumped. The directors also (Jim Sturgess) to assemble—and in turn, the of interviews with numerous politicians attempt to find some resonance between the repairman offers Oldman a few pointers on who are openly LGBT, the sheer number of impact of these crimes and the devastation how to woo the elusive Claire. The Best Offer individuals speaking openly on camera is left by Hurricane Katrina, which ended a doesn’t quite reach a satisfactory conclusion heartening. Some faces are familiar, such as way of life in some small communities and (and suffers from a convoluted and overlong Barney Frank, the recently retired Massachu- continues (via spilled oil in the gulf) to erode story), but the rich production design and setts congressman, who talks about the years the shoreline. While that connection is a bit Ennio Morricone’s score help to hold the he spent failing to cover his sexual identity in of a reach, it still comes across here as haunt- viewer’s interest. And while Rush delivers a Washington, D.C. We also hear from Tammy ing. Recommended. (T. Keogh) fine controlled performance, the real joy here Baldwin, the Wisconsin senator (currently is watching the white-haired Sutherland, who serving) and former congresswoman. Lesser- Being Ginger HHH steals the show with his larger-than-life pres- known (at least on a national scale) openly Breaking Glass, 69 min., not ence. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) LGBT interviewees include Lupe Valdez, rated, DVD: $24.95 sheriff of Dallas County, TX; Kathy Webb, an What begins as a cheer- Bicycling With Molière Arkansas state representative; and the delight- ful act of self-indulgence HHH ful Alex Wan, an Atlanta city councilman. by filmmaker Scott P. Har- Strand, 104 min., in French Each speaks freely about the anxiety, vulner- ris eventually grows into w/English subtitles, not rated, ability, and even danger of serving in public something more profound DVD: $27.99, Aug. 5 office in a society with so much hostility and genuinely moving in the documentary In Philippe Le Guay’s bit- toward LGBT people. But they take comfort Being Ginger. An American film student liv- tersweet comedy, Gauthier in knowing that they have broken through ing in Edinburgh, Harris decides to take a (Lambert Wilson)—star of barriers that also put them in a place where personal issue public: namely that he has a popular but silly TV series about a heroic they can help make equality a reality for all. red hair and, apparently, this is a turn-off brain surgeon—tries to persuade erstwhile Highly recommended. (T. Keogh) for a lot of women he has met. Harris goes colleague Serge (Fabrice Luchini), who to a park where he asks strangers what they has been living as a recluse in the French Brownian Movement don’t (or do) like about red hair. Eventually, countryside after a bout with depression, Harris—who seems to be covering up a lot of HHH to come out of retirement and appear with First Run, 97 min., not rated, pain—reveals that as a child he was bullied him in a Paris revival of Molière’s The DVD: $24.95 and despised because of his hair, and that his Misanthrope. Serge agrees to consider the self-esteem took a big hit. The film is loaded A married doctor leads offer only if Gauthier rehearses with him a secret life in this Belgian with hilarious ironies: among them, the fact for a week, and much of the film is devoted that Scotland is a land of Celtic people and psychodrama from writer- to watching the men performing scenes director Nanouk Leopold half the population seems to have red hair. from the play, a process that reveals very Harris’s considerable self-preoccupation van- that is divided into three chapters. In the first, different personalities (mirroring those of Charlotte (Sandra Hüller) begins her second ishes, much to his surprise, when he’s talking the play’s characters), as well as contrasting with a pretty girl who agrees to go on a date career by leasing an apartment, where she acting styles. But, of course, there are inter- sleeps with various men. Unlike Catherine with him. In the end, Harris realizes that ruptions—from a cab driver who expects his silly idea for a film project has served as Deneuve’s call girl in Luis Buñuel’s Belle de Gauthier to help his injured mother, a Jour, Charlotte is not a bored or neglected a therapeutic avenue for confronting an old, realtor who wants to sell him a house, and stultifying sadness lodged deep in his heart. housewife, so it’s harder to understand her a barmaid looking for advice on becom- motivations. Leopold keeps the dialogue to Recommended. (T. Keogh) ing a porn star—as well as an interlude in a minimum as Charlotte goes from treating which Serge dithers over the possibility of patients, to assignations with strangers, and The Best Offer HH1/2 undergoing a vasectomy. Still, despite some then home to her husband, Max (Dragan MPI, 131 min., R, DVD: $24.98 slapstick accidents during their bike rides Bakema), and their young son. The lack of Giuseppe Tornatore (Cin- around the area, the plans to collaborate a music score during the apartment scenes ema Paradiso) wrote and di- appear to be going smoothly—until they further de-romanticizes her sexually explicit rected this English-language meet an Italian woman to whom the usu- encounters with men who cover the anatomi- Italian production that won ally standoffish Serge is attracted. Luchini cal spectrum, from a heavyset gentleman to a Best Film and Best Director and Wilson are a perfect Gallic odd couple, slow-moving senior citizen. Charlotte doesn’t honors in the David di Do- while Maya Sansa brings a likable sassiness appear to judge, making her more like a sexu- natello Awards (Italy’s version of the Oscars). to the divorcee who threatens their budding al surrogate than a prostitute (and no money

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 20 JULY/AUGUST 2014 changes hands). Her illicit activities come to where she meets Bruce (Jason Ritter). Laura Gheorghíu is enthralling an end after she runs into a former patient Dern’s “Grace,” which also encourages talk as well-to-do, manipu- and winds up in couples therapy with her therapy and prescription meds, centers on lative mother Cornelia, perplexed husband. A third chapter picks up high school student Grace (Sarah Hyland), whose grown son, Barbu the story after the pair have overhauled their whose mother Robin () suffers (Bogdan Dumitrache), lives—including a change in scenery—but from bipolar disorder. Grace’s friends con- feels so smothered by her Max’s discomfort with Charlotte remains, sider Robin “the coolest mom in history” needy attentions that he since she never clearly articulated the reasons until they spend a day with her during a has come to treat her with for her unusual behavior. A mysterious, atmo- manic episode, which leads to non-stop monstrous disdain. The spheric, and ultimately enigmatic character talking and erratic driving. Lucy returns dynamics between the pair intensify when study with a strong central performance by in Sharon Maguire’s “Allison” and Ashley Barbu accidentally runs over a child while Hüller, this is recommended for more adven- Judd’s “Maggie.” In the former, she makes driving too fast, and Cornelia swoops in to turous collections. (K. Fennessy) peace with her sister (Sofia Vassilieva), and manage the situation and keep him from in the latter—which takes place after she has going to prison. Not only fearless in dealing Bushido Man: Seven passed the bar—Lucy represents an ex-army with the police, Cornelia also goes toe-to- Deadly Battles HH1/2 officer (Jennifer Hudson) with post-traumatic toe with a witness who expects a bribe to Shout! Factory, 88 min., in stress disorder. Lastly, Bonnie Hunt’s “Ed- change his statement; brokers a truce with Japanese w/English subtitles die” concerns a standup comedian (Mitch Barbu’s girlfriend so they can work together and English-dubbed, not rated, Rouse) whose depression has been getting for his freedom; and even ultimately at- DVD: $16.99, Blu-ray: $19.98 the best of him (Lea Thompson costars as tempts to sway the dead child’s parents Japanese filmmaker his wife). While the desire to de-stigmatize to get on board. Writer-director Calin Takanori Tsujimoto’s brisk, mental illness is an honorable aim, Call Me Peter Netzer keeps surprising viewers with deadpan, low-budget spoof of Asian action Crazy ultimately has a soft-focus, movie-of- Cornelia’s sense of entitlement mixed with potboilers centers on what appears to be an the-week feel. A strong optional purchase. her self-pity over Barbu’s refusal to love archetypal stoic feudal warrior named Tora- (K. Fennessy) her, despite everything. A rich, textured maru (Mitsuki Koga), who arrives to inform film that has long scenes but is shot like his master, Gensai (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), Calloused Hands an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, of his latest challenges. The setting turns out HHH1/2 this is highly recommended. (T. Keogh) to be modern (or post-modern) Japan, where Kino Lorber, 97 min., not rated, Toramaru, a follower of the “Cosmic Way,” DVD: $26.95 Confession of Murder seeks to gain mastery of every possible fight- Although ultimately a bit HHH ing technique as he takes on reigning Japa- tainted by sentiment-bait- Well Go USA, 121 min., in nese martial arts champs in battles ranging ing mainstream contrivanc- Korean w/English subtitles, not from formal kung fu, to sticks, to anything- es, Calloused Hands proves to rated, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: goes knife-dueling. Toramaru travels be a refreshingly powerful quasi-kitchen-sink $29.98 in a cheaply visualized Japan (including drama with serious social relevance. Director This flashy debut feature re-imagined as a lawless criminal Jesse Quinones’s hard-bitten inner-city tale is from Korean director Jung wasteland, after an apocalyptic earthquake) centered on adolescent Miami-area baseball Byung-gil focuses on a cat-and-mouse game to honorably vanquish other fighters, along prodigy Josh (Luca Oriel) and his conflicted between a serial killer who murdered at least the way gathering top-secret scrolls as a identity, brought on by his mother Debbie’s 10 women between 1986-1990, and Choi reward, before a big “surprise” ending that (Daisy Haggard) overbearing street-thug- (Jong Jae-Young), a police detective who features a Zen-like moral (there’s also a run- turned-aspiring-sales-professional boyfriend nearly caught the man and almost died in ning bit about eating thematically correct Byrd (Andre Royo). Byrd is a truly tragic char- the attempt. In 2007, two years after the food before a showdown). Anchored more acter: a chronically underemployed African 15-year statute of limitations on the crimes in drive-in/grindhouse chopsocky than the American surrogate father attempting to has expired, tormented Choi is shocked to grandeur that the genre achieved in Crouch- reclaim his own broken dreams in the form of learn that a guy named Lee (Park Si-Hoo) is ing Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this Tarantino-esque his Jewish girlfriend’s son’s talent for baseball. hawking a book in which he claims to be the outing should appeal to cultists who appreci- But once Byrd realizes he’s not going to get remorseful perpetrator. Lee’s tell-all wins the ate shoestring action-gore f/x achieved with what he wants from Josh, or from his own author enormous fame, but also the hatred a minimum of wire-stunt and CGI (or plot, frustrated attempts at selling water filters door of the victims’ relatives, who band together for that matter). A strong optional purchase. to door, he begins reverting back to his Miami with the intent of assassinating him. And (C. Cassady) backstreet behavior, lashing out violently at Choi himself is drawn deeper into the mess anyone in his way and eventually dabbling when a mysterious caller to a TV talk show Call Me Crazy: A Five in hard drugs again. The real turning point claims to be the actual killer. Confession of Film HH1/2 in this intense family drama comes when Murder cleverly juxtaposes a character study Sony, 88 min., not rated, DVD: Debbie’s real estate mogul father agrees to about the brooding detective with a twisty $22.99 give her $10,000 to pay off her debts—if she tale centering on the identity of the real Five women directed has her son bat mitzvahed. Once Byrd real- murderer. Although the plot convolutions the loosely-interconnected izes that Josh’s interest in baseball is waning strain credulity (and a final chase sequence short films in this Jennifer in favor of Judaism, all hell breaks loose. A is almost laughably over-the-top), Jung skill- Aniston-executive produced powerful debut feature, this is highly recom- fully builds up the tension, and exhibits about life with mental illness mended. (M. Sandlin) serious talent in choreographing the action that aired on Lifetime. Octavia Spencer is sequences. Despite an admittedly farfetched particularly effective as a therapist in Bryce Child’s Pose HHH1/2 premise, this stylish thriller—which also Dallas Howard’s “Lucy,” in which the titular Zeitgeist, 112 min., in Romanian w/English features some telling jabs at the media law student (Brittany Snow) stops taking her subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99 and celebrity culture—is recommended. medication and ends up in a mental institute, Legendary Romanian actress Luminita (F. Swietek)

JULY/AUGUST 2014 21 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Cuban Fury HH1/2 Divergent HH this is certainly not as compelling as other Entertainment One, 98 min., R, Lionsgate, 139 min., PG-13, gangland dramas, such as Sexy Beast or Lock, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray/DVD Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Still, normally July 29 Combo: $39.99, Aug. 5 handsome Law does gain weight, grease and Filmmaker James In a futuristic, dysto- comb back his hair, sport a mutton chop Griffiths’ Cuban Fury stars pian world, 16-year-olds beard, and spew crude, vulgar profanities Nick Frost as Bruce, a chub- are divided into five fac- in a Cockney accent—and obviously enjoys by corporate milquetoast tions, based on tests that impersonating this abrasively loquacious, who revisits his childhood interest in salsa determine their dominant personality trait. lowlife lout. Optional. (S. Granger) dancing with the aim of attracting the There’s Dauntless for the brave, Abnegation interest of his pretty boss, Julia (Rashida for the selfless, Amity for the peaceful, Can- Don’t Ask Me Questions: Jones). But Julia has also caught the eye of dor for the honest, and Erudite for the intel- The Unsung Life of leering office lothario Drew (Chris O’Dowd), ligent. Those who are not born into or choose and the which leads Bruce to seek out his erstwhile any of these groups are abandoned to survive dancing coach, Ron (Ian McShane), for on their own. In post-war , Beatrice Rumour HH1/2 “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley), daughter of Virgil, 95 min., not rated, some emergency help in getting back into DVD: $19.99 shape. Cuban Fury suffers in comparison to Abnegation parents (Tony Goldwyn, Ashley outstanding dance comedies such as the Judd), doesn’t fit into just one category: she’s Long a cult favorite, Gra- Japanese charmer Shall We Dance? and Aus- a Divergent, a fact she must keep secret since ham Parker has enjoyed a tralian Strictly Ballroom, partially because the government is determined to eliminate career resurgence with a new record and a role of the bland lead characterizations, which Divergents, who are perceived as threats in Judd Apatow’s . A reunion here don’t give Frost and Jones much to work to the organized social order. Although with his former band, , provides with. And while McShane is delightfully Tris’s twin brother (Ansel Elgort) joins the opportunities for reflection. Parker grew up irascible, O’Dowd’s Drew is more creepy Erudites, Tris opts for Dauntless. Befriended in Surrey, which he recalls fondly, although than amusing—and the culminating face- by Christina () and mercilessly educators steered him towards factory work, off between Bruce and Drew (meant to taunted by Peter (Miles Teller), Tris works which put him off. He credits pirate radio be the movie’s comic highlight) is merely with initiate instructor Four (Theo James), for turning him on to rock ‘n’ roll. Parker’s peculiar, since Frost is never convincing as who admires her grit. That trait will come manager, Dave Robinson, remembers that la- a master dancer. The music shines—with in handy as Tris faces her most formidable bel offers rolled in quickly once the musician lots of Tito Puente numbers—but it’s not adversary, Jeanine Matthews (), started to get airplay. Parker predicted that his enough to rescue a film that is in every sense the ambitious, power-hungry Erudites leader. first would be a hit, but sales never kept simply routine. Optional. (F. Swietek) Based on the first novel in Veronica Roth’s YA pace with critical acclaim. Parker attracted and directed by Neil Burger, Divergent high-profile fans like Bruce Springsteen, who praises his songwriting, and , who Devil’s Knot HH1/2 is so burdened down by the necessary exposi- Image, 114 min., not rated, tion to set up a franchise that, despite some cites Parker’s genuine “soul” in an era filled DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD betrayals and surprises, a sense of excitement with phonies. Unfortunately, the pub rock Combo: $34.98 and urgency just doesn’t kick in until it’s too crowd found him too aggressive and the The notorious case of the late. Optional. (S. Granger) punk crowd thought he was too traditional. West Memphis Three—Ar- In 1980, Parker fired The Rumour, but con- kansas teenagers charged Dom Hemingway HH tinued to record and tour, both solo and with with killing three young Fox, 94 min., R, Blu-ray/DVD other outfits, such as The Figgs. His former boys in 1993, supposedly as part of sa- Combo: $27.99, July 22 band mates continued to play music, except tanic rituals—has been the subject of mul- In this insufferable Brit- for bass player Andrew Bodnar, who became tiple documentaries, most notably the ish black comedy/drama, a librarian, but he returned for the recording HBO-aired Paradise Lost trilogy. Filmmaker Jude Law stars as the titular of 2012’s Three Chords Good (drummer Steve Atom Egoyan’s docu-drama Devil’s Knot fo- hot-tempered, self-destruc- Goulding and keyboard player Bob Andrews cuses on the initial trials that resulted in the tive safecracker who gets into trouble also flew in from the U.S.). Aside from a few youths’ convictions (and only sketches later as soon as he’s released from a 12-year stint in words from Parker’s daughter, however, there events—including the men’s eventual release prison. Because he refused to rat on his Rus- is little here about the man’s personal life, from prison—in a text coda). Although the sian boss, Dom expects a generous reward. which may be by design, but still leaves the film does evoke a sense of loss—especially After relishing three days of debauchery with film feeling incomplete. A strong optional during a haunting sequence in which the his meditative mate (Richard E. Grant), the purchase. (K. Fennessy) dead boys’ bodies are lifted from a creek and pair take the train to the south of France to tenderly placed on the bank—the focus here pay a visit to the countryside villa belonging Dragon City HH is on defense investigator Ronald Lax (Colin to Mr. Fontaine (Demián Bichir), who gives MVD, 75 min., not rated, DVD: Firth) and victim’s mother Pam Hobbs (Reese Dom 750,000 pounds in cash. Predictably, $12.95 Witherspoon), which effectively shunts the disaster strikes—in the form of a nighttime One would not expect three accused teens into the background. Rolls Royce car accident and an exotic femme the so-called “first Chinese While the major dramatic message—that the fatale (Romanian model Madalina Diana movie” to be a police and prosecutors created a case virtually Ghenea)—launching this crime-caper tale technically superior product out of whole cloth—is certainly convincing, that is interwoven with scenes chronicling with polished acting and this stately, somber, earnest film doesn’t differ Dom’s attempts to establish a relationship a professional script, but the overall primi- much from a good cable-TV movie, despite with his estranged, struggling singer daugh- tivism of Dragon City is so extreme that it the starry cast. Coming from such a talented ter (Emilia Clarke, unrecognizable from conjures up bad videotaped late-night cable filmmaker, this feels disappointingly prosaic, her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of access shows and embarrassing high school and it lacks the power of the documentaries. Thrones). Writer-director Richard Shepard film class productions. Ostensibly, this is a Optional. (F. Swietek) is clearly aiming for a redemption saga, but post-apocalyptic, dystopian punk-rock tale

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 22 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Presents Award-Winning Films Academy Award® Nominee - Best Foreign Language Film A 2014 Theatrical Release

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“SPELLBINDING, POWERFUL” - Now Available SRP: $27.99 Product # 3317-2 | UPC: 7 12267 33172 7 “WORTHY OF ACADEMY GOLD” -

Winner! Winner! Toronto International Locarno Film Festival Film Festival 2 Junior Jury Awards International Critic’s Award (FIPRESCI)

Street date: July 29, 2014 | Pre-book: July 1, 2013 A 2014 Theatrical Release Product #: 3400-2 | UPC: 7 12267 34002 6 | SRP: $24.99 95 Minutes | In Spanish with English Subtitles | Not Rated

From the award-winning director of WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR

CRITIC’S PICK “GREAT FUN” -

“WONDERFULLY FUNNY” - Los Angeles Register

“HEARTFELT AND SMART” - Washington Square News

Street date: Aug. 5, 2014 | Pre-book: July 8, 2014

Product #: 3401-2 | UPC: 7 12267 34012 5 | SRP: $27.99 A 2014 Theatrical Release 90 Minutes | In French with English subtitles | Not Rated

6140 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 TO ORDER: Please contact your 310-836-7500 Email: [email protected] Strand Releasing Sales Representative www.strandreleasing.com or order through your favorite wholesaler about the not-so-adventurous adventures a newbie that she survives by “distancing” lin melodrama, Shane Harp- of a Chinese punk band called No Name herself from what she does. Frankie’s er- er stars as Josh Wheaton, (sounding like some sort of infernal morph- ratic behavior baffles not only her devoted who is enrolled in a philoso- ing of Motorhead and Green Day), who must mother (Phylicia Rashad) and resentful sister phy class taught by arrogant save themselves from cannibals stalking the (Chandra Wilson) but also her boss, who Professor Radisson (Kevin Earth. The band just happens to befriend an sums Frankie up saying: “Good moves, great Sorbo). As Radisson outlines annoying American hippie—a ‘60s-throw- tits, but pure psycho.” On more than one the atheistic philosophers back whose character is obviously modeled occasion, Frankie cannot remember where they will be studying, he in- on Dennis Hopper in —who she is or how she got there. Winding up in sists that each student sign a owns a recording studio/performance space, an ER, she meets Dr. Joseph Oswald (Stellan pledge asserting that “God is dead.” (Reality and he invites No Name to perform for the Skarsgård), a researcher/teacher who is able check: no teacher at a legitimate academic last few remaining non-cannibals in the land. to perceive her different personas: confused, institution would ever make that demand, The bulk of this throwaway movie consists defensive Frankie; the brilliant but terrified or tie it to a threat of failing the course.) As of No Name showcasing their merely com- youngster, dubbed “Genius,” who protects a devout Christian, Josh naturally cannot petent Western-punk rip-off in a live Frankie; and “Alice,” an imperious Southern comply, despite protests from his girlfriend setting. Although it’s heartening to see this belle who believes she’s white and is openly (Cassidy Gifford, daughter of Kathie Lee and sort of feisty DIY spirit coming out of China, disdainful of Frankie, whom she considers Frank). When Professor Radisson demeans Dragon City’s only true redeeming quality is to be a promiscuous tramp. Despite skepti- religion as “primitive superstition,” Josh de- its merciful brevity. Not a necessary purchase. cal derision from his cohorts, Dr. Oswald is cides to defend his principles in a mock trial (M. Sandlin) determined to help Frankie cope with her with fellow students as the jury. While Josh’s dissociative identity disorder by tapping into support of God’s existence is intelligent and Everyday HH repressed memories. The cliché-riddled script thought-provoking, little time is spent on MPI, 90 min., not rated, DVD: is apparently assembled from a true case his- actual theology since the film is hell-bent on $24.98 tory, but director Geoffrey Sax’s formulaic, portraying the non-Christians as loathsome British director Michael unevenly paced Frankie & Alice suffers when and self-centered, including a corporate exec Winterbottom opted to compared to better, similarly-themed films (Dean Cain) who ditches his cancer-stricken shoot Everyday—centered such as Sybil and The Three Faces of Eve. Op- girlfriend (Trisha LaFache) and refuses to on a Scottish family coping tional. (S. Granger) visit his mother who is suffering from de- with the absence of an in- mentia; and a Muslim father who banishes carcerated father—during two-week periods Generation Iron HHH his daughter (Hadeel Sittu) for her beliefs. over a five-year stretch. Unfortunately, the Anchor Bay, 107 min., PG-13, Directed by Harold Cronk, this contrived and experimental back story is the only genuinely DVD: $24.98 amateurish melodrama—featuring a cameo interesting aspect of this otherwise mundane From the producer of by Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson—is not drama. Ian (John Simm) is serving time for a the classic 1977 documen- recommended. (S. Granger) drug charge (the specifics are unclear), leaving tary Pumping Iron comes his wife, Karen (), with the this muscular follow-up The Grand Budapest tough task of raising their four children (all centered on a handful of Hotel HHH played by real-life siblings). In order to keep determined bodybuilders hoping to win Fox, 100 min., R, DVD: the family intact, Karen is forced to work a the 2012 Mr. Olympia competition. Direc- $29.98, Blu-ray: $39.99 series of menial jobs. Occasional prison vis- tor Vlad Yudin gets to know these athletes Set in 1932 in an opulent its illustrate how Ian’s relationship changes and their disparate backgrounds, training Alpine spa in the fictional with his wife and children, and when Ian regimens, allies, and aspirations, as well as Republic of Zubrowka, Wes is allowed to make a trip home (late in his unique obstacles they’ve had to face in their Anderson’s imaginative, sentence), he witnesses the permanent disrup- lives and careers. We meet Phil Heath, a impressionistic caper revolves around the tion created by his absence. The film’s slow former champion whose belief in good genes eloquent, esteemed concierge, M. Gustave pacing and low-key approach lend it a sense and natural talent borders on arrogance, (Ralph Fiennes), and his protégé lobby boy, of documentary-style realism, but the heavy while his opposite—the hard-luck loner Kai Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori). Apparently, Scottish accents are often indecipherable Greene—maintains that hard work trumps elderly Countess Céline Villeneuve Desgoffe- and the acting is too restrained to make any so-called natural ability. Family man and fast und-Taxis—aka Madame D. (Tilda Swin- genuine emotional impact. While Everyday’s talker Branch Warren overcomes a leg injury ton)—left an invaluable treasure to M. Gus- heart may be in the right place, many viewers that could have ended his career, while Ben tave instead of her own villainous offspring, will need to muster a lot of patience before Pakulski takes a scientific approach to train- and this tale-within-a-tale is told through reaching the mild payoff. Optional. (P. Hall) ing that involves state-of-the-art technology. flashbacks. The Grand Budapest Hotel begins Along the way, there are also some real non- with a contemporary prologue as an aging Frankie & Alice HH competing characters, including an elderly author (Tom Wilkinson) recalls an evening Lionsgate, 101 min., R, DVD: Dutch woman named “Grandma,” who is in 1968, when his younger self (Jude Law) $26.98, Aug. 12 known as the trainer , and various dined with elderly Mr. Moustafa (F. Murray Academy Award-winner other colorful mentors. All of this leads to Abraham) in the once-majestic hotel, and Halle Berry stars in this all- the big contest, where the drama builds. learned about a life-changing incident that too-familiar melodrama Narrated by Mickey Rourke, and featuring took place 50 years earlier. When Madame D. about a troubled woman brief appearances by Arnold Schwarzeneg- dies, legendary lothario M. Gustave becomes with multiple personalities. ger and Lou Ferrigno, this is recommended. the prime suspect in her murder—according What makes this tale unique is that one of (T. Keogh) to Madame’s devious son (Adrien Brody), his her personas is a bigoted, white, Southern henchman (Willem Dafoe), and a policeman female. In 1973, bright, articulate Frankie God’s Not Dead H1/2 ()—launching a whimsical, Murdoch (Berry) works as a go-go dancer in Pure Flix, 115 min., PG, DVD: $24.99, Aug. 5 madcap romp to discover whodunit, which a seedy Los Angeles strip club, explaining to In this forgettable but also unlikely maud- only intensifies after Madame’s executor

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 24 JULY/AUGUST 2014 (Jeff Goldblum) is found dead, and M. Gus- receives a large gift from an anonymous during his 50-year-plus act- tave escapes from prison using tiny tools benefactor that allows him to become a prof- ing career. Filmmaker So- smuggled inside frosted pastries. Inspired by ligate gentleman in the city, and it’s only the phie Huber offers more of the works of Viennese novelist/playwright revelation of his benefactor’s identity and an an impression of the artist Stefan Zweig, Anderson has concocted a ensuing (along with some help from during a series of sketches delightfully original, bittersweet, and slyly his true friends) that lead him to abandon his and a couple of conversa- campy saga of murder, theft, and conspiracy, self-destructive ways and return to his ori- tions with old friends and featuring farcical cameos from Anderson gins—and Estella, who has learned a similar colleagues: coffee and ciga- regulars including , Owen Wil- life lesson. Of course, this only scratches the rettes with , reminiscing with son, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban. surface of a story that is typically Dickensian , and hanging out at his Recommended. (S. Granger) in its richness of character and detail, but favorite L.A. bar, Dan Tana’S, where he’s while Newell can’t shoehorn everything known the bartender for more than 40 Grand Piano HH1/2 into a two-hour movie, he does incorporate a years. Unfortunately, viewers will only see a Magnolia, 90 min., R, DVD: surprisingly large number of narrative twists handful of film clips from less than a dozen $26.98, Blu-ray: $29.98 and colorful secondary figures from the book. films, includingParis, Texas (his first leading A classical piano star lit- The cast—which includes Ralph Fiennes as role after decades of supporting parts), The erally plays for his life in Magwitch and as Missouri Breaks, Repo Man, and Spanish director Eugenio Havisham, as well as Jeremy Irvine as Pip, and (in which he sings a spiritual), and Stanton Mira’s entertaining (if also Holliday Grainger as Estella—is very good. doesn’t like to talk about his personal life, or implausible) thriller. After a David Lean’s 1946 film remains in a class really pretty much of anything other than five-year hiatus, Tom Selznick (Elijah Wood) by itself, but Newell’s take is a solid modern music (and he is completely modest and returns to Chicago for a concert, during alternative. Recommended. (F. Swietek) unassuming about his work). “Do nothing” which he will play his late mentor’s piano. and “play yourself” are his familiar pieces of Tom’s last performance didn’t go well, so he’s Harold’s Going Stiff advice, but his assistant has more to say about worried about choking, but the conductor HHH Stanton’s deep commitment to his craft, and (Don McManus) points out that the program Huber does finally get Stanton to open up a Level 33, 77 min., not rated, bit. A fair portion of the film is given over to is so complicated most audience members DVD: $14.95 driving through Los Angeles with Stanton, won’t notice a mistake or two (even so, it Like George Romero’s seems unrealistic that Tom would perform the camera watching the landscape go by at 1968 classic Night of the Liv- night with little comment, as the actor sings without rehearsing with the orchestra be- ing Dead, writer-director forehand). While he prepares, Tom’s actress his favorite songs (all in all, he probably sings Keith Wright’s Harold’s Go- more words than he speaks). Ultimately, how- wife, Emma (Kerry Bishé), and her friends ing Stiff is an original (albeit much more (Tamsin Egerton and Allen Leech) arrive to ever, this feels like an oddly fitting portrait sardonic) zombie flick, focusing on human of an actor who makes everything look so see the show. When he begins to perform, behavior in an apocalyptic crisis. Set in Tom notices messages on the sheet music natural, a documentary that is concerned Yorkshire, , the story centers on an more with finding the character and person- threatening him with death if he plays one outbreak of a mysterious disease that affects wrong note, so he leaves the stage during ality of Stanton than in chronicling his life. only men—stiffening their limbs and caus- the breaks, which arouses the audience’s Recommended. (S. Axmaker) ing them, over time, to lose mental faculties attention, although not their alarm. In his before becoming outright zombies. Aging dressing room, Tom receives a cell phone widower Harold (Stan Rowe) has contracted Heaven Is for Real message to put on an earpiece which enables the illness, but his comparative slowness in HHH instructions from Clem (voiced by John transforming has caught the attention of doc- Sony, 99 min., PG-13, DVD: Cusack), who also threatens to kill Emma. In $30.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: tors looking for a cure. A nurse named Penny its reliance on the architecture of a perfor- $40.99, July 22 (Sarah Spencer) visits Harold at his home and mance hall, Grand Piano recalls Hitchcock’s soon grows attached to him as a father figure, Adapted from Todd Bur- The Man Who Knew Too Much, and while the po’s nonfiction bestseller, providing a nice emotional counterpoint to script grows increasingly more ludicrous, this sensitive, spiritual story the actions of a vigilante crew roaming about deft cross-cutting and smart pacing keeps it focuses on the bond between an affable and killing any man who exhibits signs of humming along. A strong optional purchase. Midwestern minister and his precocious the disorder. Wright presents all of this in (K. Fennessy) four-year-old son, who insists that he went faux-documentary format, with loads of to Heaven. In the farming community of fake interviews underscoring the contrasting Imperial, NE, popular Crossroads Wesleyan Great Expectations perspectives that people would have about a Church pastor Todd Burpo () HHH zombie epidemic: coldly rational, bereaved, works as a repairman, high school wrestling Fox, 128 min., PG-13, DVD: altruistic, fascist. In the end, however, the $22.98, Blu-ray: $29.99 coach, and volunteer fireman. He and his film is unexpectedly moving in its story of wife Sonja (Kelly Reilly) have two children, Filmmaker Mike Newell’s a kind and lonely man (who feels himself Cassie (Lane Styles) and Colton (Connor stylish new adaptation of slipping away) and a caring woman (who Corum), and are constantly coping with the Charles Dickens’s classic doesn’t want to let him go). Recommended. challenge of paying their bills. They wind novel is reasonably faithful (T. Keogh) to the source material, telling the tale of up deeper in debt after Todd breaks his leg orphan Pip, who as a boy assists an escaped and suffers painful kidney stones, followed convict named Magwitch and is invited by : Partly Fiction by Colton’s ruptured appendix. Todd’s belief wealthy but reclusive neighbor Miss Hav- HHH is tested when young Colton describes go- isham to be a companion for her adopted Adopt, 77 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 ing to Heaven during surgery—supplying daughter Estella, to whom Pip quickly be- Don’t expect a traditional portrait here of details that cannot be explained rationally. comes devoted despite her pursuit of social veteran character actor Harry Dean Stanton, Researching near-death experiences and position and wealth. Later, Pip unexpectedly who has appeared in over 200 feature films consulting with a psychologist, Todd’s quest

JULY/AUGUST 2014 25 VIDEO LIBRARIAN for answers ultimately begins to influence gumshoe (Darryl Stephens). His “homework” ish Cardinal tells the true story of Aaron Jean- his sermons, upsetting skeptical parishioners in DIY crime-busting leads him back to an Marie Lustiger, Archbishop of Paris from 1981 (Margo Martindale, ), on-again/off-again boyfriend—promiscuous to 2005. An intellectual maverick reluctantly especially after the press becomes involved. rich kid Patrick (Brian McCardle)—whose caught up in geopolitical dynamics in the Adapted with subtly wry humor by director social circle of elite Hollywood gays has been waning years of the Cold War, Lustiger was Randall Wallace, Heaven Is for Real remains recently victimized by bizarre burglaries in also driven by conflicts in his own identity as non-denominational/non-sectarian—for which all of the participants at sex parties a Jew who converted to Catholicism in 1940. the most part—raising provocative questions are narcotized and robbed while unconscious Favored by the new pope, Lustiger (Laurent about the fundamental nature of faith and and nude. Catty banter and observations Lucas) quickly ascends to the office of arch- the almost universal desire for an afterlife. about La-La Land lifestyles are actually bishop and becomes a special confidante to Kinnear’s appealing Everyman is believable, more entertaining than the detective stuff. John Paul II (Aurélien Recoing), whose Pol- while cherubic Corum seems guileless and The sex scenes aren’t graphic, but there are ish nationality draws the men into a close natural. Recommended. (S. Granger) bare male butts, torsos, and revealing leather bond (Lustiger’s mother died at Auschwitz). outfits—about as commonplace as cleavage Insistent that he is both Jewish and Catho- Hide and Seek HH1/2 was for Pam Anderson vehicles of yesteryear. lic—reminding everyone that Jesus himself Film Movement, 107 min., in Perhaps the most noteworthy achievement was a Jew—Lustiger nevertheless has trouble Korean w/English subtitles, not is that the material seldom capitulates to reconciling these religious forces in his life, rated, DVD: $24.99 camp—the stereotypical touchstone of gay both personally (his father, played by Henri From a purely technical humor—and an undeniable high point is Guybet, could never accept his son’s conver- perspective, this South Ko- the cool CGI-animated opening credits pre- sion) and officially. The second half of the rean thriller from first-time sented in mock 007-fashion. Recommended. film largely concerns a brewing scandal con- director Huh Jung impress- (C. Cassady) cerning Carmelite nuns who take over a part es, using genre tropes to generate consider- of the Auschwitz camp to establish a convent able suspense and numerous shocks. But in In the Name Of HH1/2 and hospital for the poor. With Jews outraged terms of narrative, it offers little coherence or Film Movement, 102 min., in that this lasting reminder of the Holocaust plausibility. Hide and Seek begins with a rumor Polish w/English subtitles, not is being claimed by Catholics, enormous that squatters are invading people’s homes, rated, DVD: $24.95 pressure falls on Lustiger to find a solution, living there undetected along with the own- Actor Andrzej Chyra is especially with John Paul II dragging his feet ers. Aside from a prologue in which a woman the best reason to see the for diplomatic reasons. A powerful film with is attacked while returning to her rundown Polish drama In the Name a commanding performance by Lucas, this is flat, however, that promising premise is pretty Of, an absorbing if also highly recommended. (T. Keogh) much shunted to the side as the film centers sometimes alienating film about a priest on well-to-do restaurant owner Sung-soo (Son suppressing his gay identity and desire Jodorowsky’s Hyun-joo)—living in a spiffy condo with his while running a church-sponsored camp for HHH wife and kids—who learns that his ex-con troubled teens. Chyra stars as Father Adam, a Sony, 90 min., PG-13, Blu-ray/ brother has disappeared. Sung-soo goes to his recent transfer to a rural Catholic parish with DVD Combo: $40.99, July 8 sibling’s tenement, where he meets a resident a reformatory for juvenile delinquent boys. Frank Pavich’s documen- who throws him out violently after Sung-soo Father Adam does well by the boys, treating tary tells the story of cult mentions his brother’s name. Returning them with respect and coaching them in director Alejandro Jodor- home, Sung-soo finds that he and his family soccer, while also leading Sunday services owsky’s (El Topo) ambitious plan to adapt are being stalked by an ominous figure who for local parishioners. Behind the scenes, ’s sci-fi novel Dune during infiltrates even their apartment. From that however, Adam is an alcoholic wreck, isolated the . Since the project never actually point on, the plot grows increasingly absurd, in his sexuality and unable to talk to anyone made it past the planning stage, no footage with twists and turns that often depend on about it (his attempts to share his pain with is included and Pavich must make do with chases and fistfights (along with periodic his sister via Skype are rebuffed). Inevitably, interviews of the director, his surviving col- flashbacks to the husband’s childhood), con- overblown rumors begin to circulate, sug- laborators, and a host of commentators, while cluding with a final confrontation that is gesting—inaccurately—that Father Adam also drawing from the voluminous prepara- ridiculously illogical and over-the-top. Still, is a pedophile. Co-written and directed by tory materials created during pre-production. Hide and Seek is an expertly crafted film that Matgoska Szumowska, In the Name Of boasts All of which provides a tantalizing taste of delivers some genuine shivers, and for genre some remarkable moments, including a con- what might have been a truly remarkable film aficionados that may be enough. A strong versation between a suspicious teacher and (as Jodorowsky and his admirers are inclined optional purchase. (F. Swietek) a tight-lipped bishop (who has clearly had to claim). When producer Michel Seydoux to deal with Adam’s “problem” before). Less offered to back whatever project the Chilean Hot Guys with Guns successful are some curious scenes featuring director might wish to undertake, Jodorowsky HHH loud anthem rock on the soundtrack, as if chose Herbert’s novel, spending two years Wolfe, 105 min., not rated, the filmmaker doesn’t trust that the viewer crafting a script—which he hired French DVD: $24.99 will know how to feel. A strong optional comic artist Moebius to storyboard—and In his slick, semi-come- purchase. (T. Keogh) then assembling, largely on intuition and dic, L.A.-based, bi-racial, gay whim, an eclectic cast that included his son, film-noir, writer-director The Jewish Cardinal Brontis, along with Orson Welles, and Mick Doug Spearman has a lot HHH1/2 Jagger, backed by a crew featuring key of balls (metaphorical and literal) to keep Film Movement, 100 min., in contributors Dan O’Bannon and H.R. Giger. in the air. Table-waiting actor Danny (Marc French w/English subtitles, not As Jodorowsky describes it, a sense of play- Anthony Samuel), doggedly researching a rated, DVD: $24.95 fulness guided his search for the “spiritual potential breakthrough role in a popular TV Filmmaker Ilan Duran warriors” who would help him realize his cop-show franchise, takes adult-ed courses in Cohen’s energetic and emo- mind-bending vision, but the effort turned private-investigator tactics from an old-time tionally compelling The Jew- out to be for naught, since Seydoux was

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 26 JULY/AUGUST 2014 unable to secure financing and he sold the also a generous sort, reluctantly stepping in his strategy to hunt demons, aided by lovely rights to —who eventu- to the role of protector to Gary, whose father hunter Miss Duan (Shu Qi), who is on hand ally produced David Lynch’s disastrous 1984 (Gary Poulter) is a vicious drunk who takes to offer some well-placed kicks and chops. version. Whether Jodorowsky’s Dune would out his frustrations on the boy, his mother, Some aspects of the original are retained, have been any better is open to question, but and his sister, while also appropriating any including the release of the rambunctious Jodorowsky’s Dune is an engaging documen- money that Gary happens to make. The nar- Monkey King (played by , wearing tary centering on an ingratiating story-spin- rative built around these characters is fairly simian makeup)—imprisoned by the Buddha ner who tried to follow an impossible dream. schematic, lending the figures an archetypal for irresponsible and reprehensible behavior. Recommended. (F. Swietek) feel in which they serve both as individuals Despite centuries of incarceration, the Mon- and moral symbols. But while hardly subtle or key King immediately reverts to his bad ways Joe HHH1/2 understated, Joe works because of the palpably once he tastes freedom. But the film is mainly Lionsgate, 117 min., R, DVD: grungy atmosphere, the visceral intensity of comprised of wacky, over-the-top, CGI-laced $19.98, Blu-ray: $24.99 its melodramatic plotting, and the almost action sequences as Xuan and Miss Duan face A boy with a brutal father operatic performances that Green draws from a non-stop assault by zoomorphic entities and finds an unlikely paternal the cast. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek) grotesquely exaggerated humans. While the surrogate in David Gordon chemistry works well between the leads, and Green’s adaptation of Larry Journey to the West: the mayhem is stylishly presented, the action Brown’s 1991 novel—a pow- Conquering the Demons eventually begins to feel both tiresome and erful slice of Southern gothic that offers Nico- HH predictable. Still, fans of martial-arts mayhem 1/2 are likely to appreciate, so consider this a las Cage his best role in years while providing Magnolia, 110 min., in another opportunity for young Tye Sheridan Mandarin w/English subtitles strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) (Mud) to shine. Sheridan stars as Gary, a teen and English-dubbed, PG-13, who applies to Joe Ransom (Cage) for work DVD: $26.98, Blu-ray: $29.98 Le Week-End HHH on a crew of illegal “tree poisoners” that Many adaptations exist of Music Box, 93 min., R, DVD: Joe runs for a local lumber firm. Joe has a the 16th-century Chinese epic Journey to the $29.95, Blu-ray: $34.95, July 8 criminal past, but even though he drinks West, but it is safe to assume that none have With their longtime mar- too much, visits the local bordello a bit too been as frenetic as this loud and colorful mar- riage in danger, Birming- regularly, and has a hard time restraining tial arts romp from filmmakers Stephen Chow ham college professor Nick himself when taunted by a town ruffian who and Derek Kwok. Here, wild-haired Buddhist () and school- is itching to avenge an old slight, he’s basi- acolyte Xuan Zang (Wen Zhang) is armed teacher wife Meg (Lindsay cally a good guy trying to go straight. Joe is with a book of nursery rhymes as part of Duncan) travel from London to Paris, where

JULY/AUGUST 2014 27 VIDEO LIBRARIAN they honeymooned 30 years ago. Their anni- Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), Green Lan- A contractor heading up a huge building versary celebration sours immediately when tern (Jonah Hill) and (Channing project, Locke has abandoned the site just as Meg discovers that Nick has booked them Tatum). Riffing off The Truman Show, Toy concrete is about to be poured, leaving the job into a shabby, cheap hotel, so she switches Story and , among others, co-direc- of supervising it to a hapless aide whom he to a luxurious suite overlooking the Eiffel tors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have instructs by phone even after he’s been fired. Tower. As their holiday unfolds, amid visits created a timely, cleverly satirical tale that is Locke also converses with his wife and sons to bookstores, bistros, museums, and Samuel subversively filled with sight gags, amusing about why he’s endangered his career—and Beckett’s grave, we learn that Nick is facing jokes, a potent message, and an unexpected marriage—by rushing to join a woman with early retirement and it’s not clear whether plot twist at the conclusion. Highly recom- whom he briefly worked some months back. restless Meg’s future plans will include mended. (S. Granger) It turns out that all of the current drama him. A chance encounter with Nick’s slyly in Locke’s life hinges on his determination smug, highly successful Cambridge buddy, Like Someone in Love to live up to his responsibilities as a man, a American ex-pat Morgan (Jeff Goldblum), HHH mindset driven by the fact that his father followed by a dinner party at his Rue de Criterion, 109 min., in abandoned him as a child. It’s a fairly thin Rivoli flat, serves as the catalyst for realizing Japanese w/English subtitles, revelation, so despite Hardy’s impressive solo the compromises that Nick and Meg have not rated, DVD: $24.95, Blu- performance, Locke ends up being a talky trip made over the years, as Nick wryly confides ray/DVD Combo: $39.95 to a sappy destination. Still, on the basis of in Morgan’s neglected son (Olly Alexander) Iranian director Abbas Hardy’s tour de force turn alone, this should and Meg turns to Morgan’s pregnant, young Kiarostami follows up his be considered a strong optional purchase. French wife (Judith Davis). Recriminations acclaimed Certified Copy (which was shot in (F. Swietek) flare, followed by hints of reconciliation in Italy with stars from France and England) this tale featuring songs by and with this odd, opaque little comic drama Lone Survivor HH1/2 Nick Drake. Director Roger Michell ably filmed in Japan with an entirely Japanese Universal, 122 min., R, DVD: captures midlife melancholy and reflective cast. Rin Takanashi plays college girl and $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: regret, convincingly brought to life by sea- part-time prostitute Akiko, who has to cancel $34.98 soned British pros Broadbent and Duncan. on seeing her boyfriend due to last-minute Writer-director Peter An unsentimental, bittersweet story that client Takashi (Tadashi Okuno), a retired Berg’s unflinching, action- should appeal to those who enjoyed Quartet professor who hires Akiko, but can’t decide if packed war film focuses on a and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, this is he wants to be a sugar daddy, sage, or grand- June 2005 guerrilla skirmish recommended. (S. Granger) fatherly guardian. Something tender and in the war in Afghanistan, as recalled by yearning blooms in Takashi’s relationship Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg). with Akiko, which grows more complicated Following brutal Navy SEAL training, Team HHH1/2 when he tries to pass on advice to her jealous, 10 is dispatched on a mission to take out an Warner, 101 min., PG, DVD: hotheaded boyfriend (Ryo Kase)—who really isolated, high-level target: senior Taliban $28.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: blows up when he discovers that Takashi is leader Ahmad Shah (Yousuf Azami), a man $35.99 no doting family relative after all. Okuno responsible for the deaths of 20 Marines the This energetic, eye-pop- is appropriately melancholic as the lonely previous week. The courageous four-man sur- ping CGI comedy/adventure old man who hires a hooker and ends up veillance-and-reconnaissance team includes starring ’s LEGO with a lost young woman who stirs paternal Hospital Corpsman Luttrell, Lt. Michael Mur- interlocking plastic construction toys is set feelings, while Takanashi is both worldly phy (Taylor Kitsch), Gunner’s Mate Danny P. in the miniature city of Bricksburg, where be- and naive as the student call girl who is Dietz (Emile Hirsch), and Sonar Technician nevolent wizard Vitruvius (voiced by Morgan genuinely afraid of her boyfriend. A witty Matthew “Axe” Axelson (Ben Foster). After Freeman) confronts power-hungry Corporate take on love, affection, sex, and desire in a parachuting into Kunar’s rugged mountains CEO President Business (Will Ferrell) with an particular cultural milieu, this sly, low-key unobserved, the men are discovered by a trio ancient prophecy that a “Special” will some- film will appeal to fans of Asian cinema and of goatherds and immediately met with a di- day arise to dismantle the rigid conformity sophisticated foreign filmmaking. Recom- lemma: these Afghan civilians are unarmed, that keeps its citizens confined to their re- mended. (S. Axmaker) but if released (in accordance with the Geneva spective realms. Several years later, Wyldstyle Convention) they will inform the Taliban. As (Elizabeth Banks), an anti-corporate goth girl Locke HH1/2 commander, good-hearted Lt. Murphy frees activist, enlightens lowly construction worker Lionsgate, 85 min., R, DVD: the captives, after which their whereabouts Emmet Brikowski (Chris Pratt), an obedient $19.98, Blu-ray: $24.99, Aug. are quickly revealed. Ferociously intense conformist who repeats instructions such 12 fighting ensues, with much going wrong, as: always use a turn signal, park between An example of truly and the men’s chances for survival are further the lines, root for the local sports teams, minimalist filmmaking, lessened by their inability to contact their drink overpriced coffee, and don’t forget to director Steven Knight’s Commander (Eric Bana) at headquarters. smile. When Emmet inadvertently stumbles Locke never leaves the car Based on Luttrell’s memoir, Lone Survivor upon the mysterious “Piece of Resistance,” that the title character () is driv- benefits from realistic performances, but also Wyldstyle misguidedly sees ordinary Em- ing from Birmingham to London. But even suffers from relentlessly bloody and simplistic met as the master-builder, even if he isn’t though the film is confined—even claus- machismo. A strong optional purchase. (S. “the most important, most talented, most trophobic—it is not visually dull, featuring Granger) interesting, and most extraordinary person in cunningly varying shots to show the char- the universe.” Meanwhile, Business plots total acter from different angles so that the eye is HHH domination, utilizing a secret super-weapon, continuously engaged. And Hardy’s cool but Walt Disney, 108 min., PG, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray/ and his henchman—swivel-headed Bad Cop/ intense performance adds to the emotional DVD Combo: $39.99, Aug. 12 Good Cop (Liam Neeson)—is determined to tension. Unfortunately, however, as Knight A prophetic opening musical number— catch Emmet, who is aided by (Will gradually explains Locke’s plight, the movie We’re Doing a Sequel (“everyone knows the Arnett) and other cohorts, including Lando essentially becomes a glorified soap opera. sequel’s never quite as good”)—kicks off this

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 28 JULY/AUGUST 2014 globe-trotting crime ca- apocalypse tale—is creative- by the Watchers, or Fallen Angels (voiced by per featuring ’s ly re-interpreted by film- Nick Nolte, , and Mark Mar- fuzzy fellows, beginning maker Darren Aronofsky golis). Noah’s nemesis is pagan Tubal-cain with on Holly- in this timely, resonant film (Ray Winstone), who murdered Noah’s father. wood Boulevard celebrating with an ecological dooms- As the rains pour down for 40 days and their reunion. Across the day message. Beginning 40 nights, drowning the rest of humanity, globe, however, nefarious with a revised line from deeply-conflicted Noah wrestles with inner forces are at work. An evil Genesis: “In the beginning, demons while trying to respect and obey the Kermit lookalike named Constantine (voiced there was nothing,” the movie introduces commands of the Creator (the word “God” by ) has concocted a diabolical Noah () as a righteous veg- is never mentioned). Aronofsky, co-scripting scheme with Dominic Badguy (Ricky Ger- etarian, a man who is also the recipient of with Ari Handel, boldly breaks away from vais), a talent manager whose surname is “visions” from the Creator. After conferring old-fashioned biblical epic storytelling to cre- pronounced “Bad-jee.” Dominic convinces with his grandfather, Methuselah (Anthony ate this unconventional spectacle that is rich the Muppets to go on an international tour Hopkins), Noah works with his wife (Jennifer in character and subplots. Combining time- in which—coincidentally—every European Connelly), sons (Douglas Booth, Logan Ler- lapse photography with montage editing, the theater they’re booked into just happens man, Leo McHugh Carroll), and an orphaned cinematography adroitly blends live-action to be near a bank or museum that can be girl (Emma Watson) to build an Ark—assisted with awesome computer-generated imagery, robbed. When the Muppets arrive in , Kermit () is kidnapped and shipped to Siberia, where his Gulag is com- manded by musical comedy-obsessed Nadya (). Disguised as Kermit, Constantine woos , fostering her fantasy of a lavish wedding at the . On their trail are bumbling Interpol agent Jean- Pierre Napoleon () and . Will the real Kermit be able to save the day? An inspirational film Co-scripted by and director , Muppets Most Wanted is remi- about friendship and the niscent of 1981’s , as the felt-covered friends frolic with numerous absurdity of racism. celebrities, including , , , and . Most memo- rably, , Danny Trejo, and sing, while waltzes. While not “quite as good” as the last Muppets movie, this is a swift-paced, smart, and fun spoof. Recommended. (S. Granger)

New World H1/2 MVD, 93 min., in Japanese & Putonghua w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $17.95 A dramedy revolving around a Chinese subcul- ture of students, business people, and gangsters oper- ating in Japan, New World is a frivolous tale of a spoiled party girl from Beijing named Coco (Shi Ke), who wants to spend Christmas in Osaka but ends up at a crummy hostel in a crime-ridden area of the city. Unhappy about 146 minutes 16:9 Stereo Rise Up Black Man is the emotionally-charged story of two best the arrangements, Coco pouts up a but Not Rated Language: English friends graduating from college and searching for direction in life. then becomes embroiled in a tangled web National Release Date: 9/23/14 One is enticed into the corrupt world of a charismatic black minister of intrigue involving a missing mother, a Pre order Date: 8/19/14 young man begging for a loan from a dismis- while the other struggles with personal demons of a different na- Item: KJ-100 SRP $19.95 sive gangster, a latchkey kid, several hapless ture. Alone and together, the two friends learn to Rise Up… and to UPC: 667292097424 barmaids, and a dangerous-looking fixer. do what’s right. Writer-director Lim Kah-Wai employs some imagination and humor here, but the script’s Rise Up Black Man is an exploration into Christian values and the challenges of life faced by 20-some- many coincidences ultimately simply beggar things in contemporary America. belief. Not recommended. (T. Keogh) Noah HHH production Paramount, 137 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.98, Blu- MARKEtED By: a KJRELEASE 800.888.0486 ∙ FAX 888.536.7998 ray/DVD Combo: $39.99, July 29 MEDIA PARTNERS © 2014 KJ Productions. All Rights Reserved. 203 Windsor Rd., Pottstown, PA 19464 www.MVDb2b.com The biblical story of the flood—the original

JULY/AUGUST 2014 29 VIDEO LIBRARIAN although it’s unfortunate that the giant CGI Nance analyzes his motivations, frustra- team, he’s given a new identity and sent to Watchers kind of resemble prehistoric Trans- tions, and fumbling pursuit of the romantic prison where he befriends Uco (Arifin Putra), formers. Recommended. (S. Granger) ideal. At times he does come across as mildly the hot-tempered scion of a crime family. petulant, obsessed, or disingenuous, but he Two years later, when Rama is released, Uco’s Omar HHH is never vengeful or misogynist while he ru- grateful father, Bangun (), Adopt, 98 min., in Arabic minates on his exes and what-we-do-for-love gives Rama a job as an enforcer. Problem is: w/English subtitles, not rated, (Nance built a bed using a Japanese carpentry impatient Uco wants to take over the busi- DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $34.95 manual, although he knew neither carpentry ness and is tempted by seductive offers from in myriad nor Japanese). Because the filmmaker is black, leather-gloved Bejo (Alex Abbad), a rival boss forms—from the personal there may be a temptation to pigeonhole this who previously bumped off Rama’s bad-seed to the national—lies at the as an Afro-American urban film; but Nance’s brother in a sugarcane field. That places Rama core of Hany Abu-Assad’s style is actually much closer to that of Michel right in the middle of a father/son turf war, Oscar-nominated film. Adam Bakri stars as Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). fighting off psychopathic assassins such as the title character, a young Palestinian who An offbeat documentary, this is highly rec- Baseball Bat Man (Very Tri Yulisman) and suffers constant humiliation under Israeli ommended. Editor’s Choice. (C. Cassady) Hammer Girl (), while his long- occupation. Omar and two friends—part of suffering wife and infant son wait on the a resistance group—decide to kill a Jewish The Quiet Ones HH sidelines. Welsh-born writer-director Evans checkpoint soldier as an act of protest, after Lionsgate, 98 min., PG-13, surrounds himself with martial arts spe- which the Israelis quickly retaliate, taking DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: $24.99, cialists who pride themselves on inventive Omar into custody. The soft-spoken agent Aug. 19 methods of annihilation (such as pushing assigned to interrogate him under torture Supposedly based on a man’s face onto a steaming griddle). The offers him a deal: Omar will be released in real events, this sinister sto- relentless mayhem is adroitly photographed exchange for delivering the actual sniper. ry—set in 1974—stars Jared and carefully choreographed with a bizarrely Omar agrees to this arrangement but doesn’t Harris as Oxford University artistic flair (particularly the careening, intend to fulfill it, instead joining another psychology professor Joseph Coupland, who multi-vehicle car chases) and punctuated by resistance mission—one that goes terribly recruits geeky cameraman Brian McNeil (Sam a primarily percussive soundtrack. The fact wrong, making it clear that their group has Claflin) to document his highly unorthodox that the film is subtitled doesn’t much matter been betrayed, although it’s not evident by experiments on Jane Harper (Olivia Cooke), since the bloody, brutal brawling transcends whom, or why. Omar convinces his Israeli a teenager apparently possessed by a ma- the language barrier. A strong optional pur- handler to give him a second chance to co- levolent entity named Evey. Coupland wants chase. (S. Granger) operate, but his real purpose is to ferret out to prove that Jane is creating ghostly Evey the traitor, and his investigation reveals that through her own psychic powers, which The Rocket HHH even one’s closest friends can make decisions would be a significant breakthrough in the Kino Lorber, 96 min., in Lao that cause devastating harm. The Israeli agent treatment of mental illness. For inexplicable w/English subtitles, not rated, attempting to manipulate Omar personifies reasons, Coupland continually subjects the DVD: $29.95 the ruthlessness of a state acting against its already traumatized Jane to loud ; This quirky Laotian dra- humanistic principles in order to suppress after the neighbors complain and Oxford ma about the clash between what it perceives as a deadly threat. While the suspends his funding, Coupland relocates tradition and progress cen- political perspective of Omar is undeniably to a spooky country estate, bringing along ters on the adventures of one-sided, it’s hard not to be moved by the shrieking Jane, skeptical Brian, and his a young boy named Ahlo story. Recommended. (F. Swietek) romantically entwined assistants (Erin Rich- (Sitthiphon Disamoe), born the twin brother ards, Rory Fleck-Byrne). Predictably, Jane’s of a stillborn baby—which according to local An Oversimplification of telekinetic energy grows, wreaking diaboli- superstition is supposed to bring bad luck. As Her Beauty HHHH cal, supernatural havoc. Although director it happens, Ahlo’s mother, Mali, dies years Cinema Guild, 93 min., not John Pogue draws very loosely on Dr. A.R.G. later in a freak accident, after which Mali’s rated, DVD: $29.95 Owen’s legendary “Philip Experiment” in own tradition-obsessed mother turns on Terence Nance’s disarm- Toronto in 1972—when academic researchers Ahlo, blaming him for her daughter’s death. ing meta-narrative nonfic- tried to prove that ghosts and poltergeists are Around the same time, Ahlo and his immedi- tion film is a tough-to-clas- constructs of the human mind—The Quiet ate family are forced to relocate, since a new sify mix of docu-confes- Ones is an uneven film that suffers from a dam is being built nearby and their valley will sional essay and animation, expanding upon cliché-filled, derivative narrative. Optional. be completely flooded. As guilt sets in over his (and commenting on) a 2006 cinematic (S. Granger) mother’s death, Ahlo feels increasingly alien- project that Nance did for his production ated from his real family and soon befriends class. “How Would You Feel?” was a short HH1/2 an offbeat family of “outsiders,” headed in which the NYC filmmaker revealed his Sony, 150 min., in Indonesian up by a demented, alcoholic, James Brown infatuation for a girl whom he knew would w/English subtitles, R, DVD: fanatic named Purple (Thep Phongam), a be watching in the audience. Although she $30.99, Blu-ray: $35.99, July 8 former Laotian soldier. The film’s central was momentarily charmed (overwhelmed It’s obvious from the get- concern with the struggle to break free from might be a better word), the relationship did go that this genre sequel outmoded traditional ways and embrace the not have the outcome Nance intended. Here, to ’ 2011 The future culminates in a homemade - Nance states that he’s been attracted all his Raid: Redemption is going to building contest that could end up being a life to gorgeous, cosmopolitan, upper-class, be an intense, über-violent action adventure. way for Ahlo to permanently transcend his musical, lesbian, or otherwise unattainable Set in , the story revolves around a difficult past. Director Kim Mordaunt shines females (when one seemingly presented no cop who is infiltrating an underworld an intriguing light on a fascinating area of obstacles, Nance just lost interest). In bursts cartel in order to weed out the rampant cor- Southeast Asia that is rarely glimpsed in of humor and brilliant animated interludes ruption within the city’s police force. When contemporary feature films. Recommended. (commissioned from a variety of artists), Rama () joins a covert undercover (M. Sandlin)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 30 JULY/AUGUST 2014 NEW RELEASES FROM OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES

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oscilloscope.net The Selfish Giant often endearing father/son coming-of-age receptionist. As for little Federico, he suf- comedic drama. A strong optional purchase. fers a bike accident that quickly snaps the HHH1/2 MPI, 91 min., not rated, DVD: (S. Granger) dysfunctional family into a cohesive union. $24.98 A gentle, charming film that benefits from Writer-director Clio Bar- Stalingrad HH1/2 fine performances and some unexpected nard’s BAFTA-nominated Sony, 131 min., in Russian & moments of light comedy, this is recom- German w/English subtitles, R, mended. (P. Hall) debut feature—loosely DVD: $30.99, Blu-ray: $35.99 inspired by Oscar Wilde’s identically titled short story—centers on a It’s impossible to over- These Birds Walk HHH pair of adolescent best pals from impover- estimate the battle of Stal- Oscilloscope, 71 min., in ingrad’s importance to the English & Pashto w/English ished and broken households in the lower subtitles, DVD: $34.99 depths of modern England. Arbor (Conner European theater outcome Chapman), undersized but often ferocious during World War II; the In Karachi, Pakistan, Ab- (especially when off his medication), is Soviet defense of their city in late 1942 was dul Sattar Edhi—a vener- devoted to ungainly, slow-moving Swifty a decisive factor in the defeat of the German able humanitarian often (Shaun Thomas), a harmless lad with a army on the Eastern Front. Filmmaker Fedor compared to Mother Te- natural affinity for horses. When both are Bondarchuk’s epic paean to that legendary resa of India—operates a home for the city’s expelled from school, Arbor delightedly leads fight boasts remarkable battle sequences, but many runaway boys. In co-directors’ Omar Swifty into an avocation as “scrappers,” col- is also so bombastic and cliché-ridden that it Mullick and Bassam Tariq’s impressionistic lecting metal (usually illegally) for a moody closely resembles the super-patriotic hokum cinema vérité portrait, taciturn Edhi is seldom junkman/recycler called Kitten (Sean Gilder). that Hollywood studios were turning out onscreen (he does not seem to relish being Kitten’s gambling hobby is racing cart-horses during the war. Based loosely on historical filmed, and no biographical details are vol- in the street against Gypsy clans, and he finds incidents at Pavlov’s House—an apartment unteered); instead, the camera rides along in Swifty a possibly lucrative driver-trainer for building where holed-up Russian soldiers with the young men, who serve as drivers his pony. Swifty’s rising stock in this gritty held off German assaults for a full two and errand-runners. Many of these runaways subculture contrasts with Arbor going to ever months—Stalingrad juxtaposes scenes built come from the most grievously impoverished more dangerous lengths in order to procure around the troops defending the bombed-out districts, and sometimes claim to be flee- metal—especially unguarded electric-utility building, with others focusing on a “good ing abusive home environments (although cable—to sell to help his struggling family. German” officer (Thomas Kretschmann) it’s clear that in some instances, at least, a Looming forebodingly over the landscape who despises his commander’s cruelty. On sojourn in Edhi’s shelter constitutes a kind are monstrous nuclear cooling-towers and both sides, unlikely romance also sprouts of free vacation). At times, Edhi’s drivers are hissing high-voltage power lines—collec- (with actresses Maria Smolnikova and Ya- the only ones available to pick up and give tively as much the eponymous “giant” as is nina Studilina). The dialogue throughout is a proper Islamic burial to a dead youth. An unscrupulous Kitten. Reminiscent of Vittorio unfortunately riddled with banalities, the interesting documentary charting how one De Sica’s classic The Bicycle Thief, this is highly music score is overwrought, and a framing inscrutable man “paying it forward” is able to recommended. (C. Cassady) device—in which a Russian aid worker nar- make a difference while inspiring others (in rates the story while helping to rescue some a subculture seldom viewed by Westerners), Small Time HH1/2 German students trapped in the debris from a this Hot Docs award-winner is recommended Anchor Bay, 95 min., R, DVD: 2012 tsunami in Japan—is simply ill-advised. (C. Cassady) $22.98, Blu-ray: $26.99 Joseph Vilsmaier’s identically-titled 1993 epic “This is the story about (VL-3/13), although told from the German Tim’s Vermeer HHHH my father and the summer perspective, is a much better choice here. Sony, 80 min., PG-13, Blu-ray/ we spent together many Optional. (F. Swietek) DVD Combo: $40.99 years ago. It was the sum- Fine art and technology mer that changed my life.” Tanta Agua HHH combine in this fascinating That’s how Freddy Klein (Devon Bostick) Film Movement, 102 min., in documentary about how introduces his dad, Al (Christopher Meloni), Spanish w/English subtitles, not an obsessive amateur was rated, DVD: $24.95 owner of Diamond Motors, a used car deal- able to recreate an astonishingly precise ership in Covina in Southern California. Uruguayan filmmakers replica of one of Johannes Vermeer’s most Strategically working in tandem with his Ana Guevara and Leticia famous paintings. Magicians Penn and partner, perennial bachelor Ash Martini Jorge’s Tanta Agua tells a Teller introduce NewTek computer graph- (Dean Norris), Al can sell cars to even the coming of age story that ics inventor Tim Jenison—a self-made most unlikely of customers—including an centers on mending frayed family bonds. millionaire friend—who marvels over how unsuspecting thief who was trying to steal Divorced father Alberto (Nestor Guzzini) tries 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Ver- off the lot. Middle-aged Al is divorced from to make up for the time that he has been away meer (1632-1675) was able to paint with a Barbara (Bridget Moynahan), who dumped from his children: 14-year-old Lucia (Malú luminous, photographic clarity that rivals him to marry Chick (Xander Berkeley), a Chouza) and 10-year-old Federico (Joaquin photorealism, long before the modern-day wealthy venture capitalist. To everyone’s Castiglioni). Alberto takes the kids for a camera was invented. With no previous surprise, high school graduate Freddy decides vacation at a hot springs resort, but heavy training in painting, Jenison set out to to forego college in order to sell cars with his rains force closure, and despite Alberto’s at- reproduce Vermeer’s The Music Lesson. After easygoing dad. Al is thrilled to have his only tempts to spend quality time with the kids, reading artist David Hockney’s Secret Knowl- son move back in, but when Freddy starts to they’re bored. Lucia, however, soon finds edge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the emulate his dad and manipulate the custom- other children her age with whom she can Old Masters and studying the mathematical ers, Al must make some difficult decisions. hang out, and somehow even winds up in a calculations in architect-professor Philip Making his big-screen debut, Emmy-winning fleeting relationship that she did not expect Steadman’s Vermeer’s Camera: Uncovering writer-director Joel Surnow’s (co-creator of (and is unprepared to handle). Alfredo also the Truth Behind the Masterpieces, Jenison Fox’s 24) Small Time is a sentimental if also finds a new friend in the resort’s attractive conducted an experiment to prove that

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 32 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Vermeer was able to achieve his exceptional What’s In a Name? lead character who isn’t especially likable, effects through projected optical images, HHH although they are helped by the terrific cast, ingeniously utilizing mirrors and lenses. First Run, 109 min., in French which also includes Anne Gee Byrd as Scott’s Directed by Teller, Tim’s Vermeer finds w/English subtitles, not rated, crusty grandma, and Brock England as his Jenison chatting amiably with Penn Jillette DVD: $24.95 loyal friend. Recommended. (T. Keogh) while demonstrating how his relentless re- Good comedies can be search unraveled the mystery that stumped built on very slender prem- Classic Films scholars for decades. After learning to read ises, which is certainly the Dutch, and visiting the artist’s hometown case with this Gallic farce written and di- of Delft, Jenison recreates Vermeer’s studio rected by the team of Matthieu Delaporte and The Agony and the in a Texas warehouse, complete with win- Alexandre de la Patellière. What’s In a Name? Ecstasy HHH dow décor, furniture, rugs, and costumed centers on a dinner party hosted by married Fox, 138 min., not rated, Blu- models. To insure accuracy, Jenison in- teachers: Vincent (Patrick Bruel), a famous, ray: $24.99 veigles his way into Buckingham Palace to much-published fortysomething professor, The story of Michelan- view the Queen’s private collection; grinds and his younger spouse, Anna (Judith El gelo and the painting of the his own pigments, using only ingredients Zein), who soldiers on in obscurity at a grim ceiling of the Sistine Chapel that were available to Vermeer; and spends high school. The guests are Anna’s wealthy is presented in this lavish months hunched over a 29” x 25” canvas, brother, his pregnant spouse, and a close 1965 period piece based on the bestselling squinting through a variety of lenses in friend—an apparently unattached trombon- historical novel by Irving Stone. Charlton the kind of camera obscura that Vermeer ist. A nasty argument erupts when the broth- Heston—Hollywood’s rugged favorite for big- must have used—ultimately duplicating er announces the name that he and his wife screen epics—took a break from his war films every detail with painstaking precision. have chosen for the child they’re expecting, and action dramas to play Michelangelo, the Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. and things go downhill from there as long- Renaissance sculptor commissioned by Pope (S. Granger) hidden secrets are revealed and simmering Julius II (Rex Harrison) to paint frescoes on animosities burst into the open. Originally the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. While the Under the Skin HH titled Le Prénom, the piece began as a play, and Pope oversees a war (Julius was called “the Lionsgate, 108 min., R, DVD: even though the filmmakers have opened warrior Pope”), he’s also busy fighting the $19.98, Blu-ray: $24.99, July it up slightly—with some external shots of perfectionist Michelangelo, who only reluc- 15 the five major characters, brief appearances tantly takes up the assignment and then flees This strange, surreal, by a few others (a deliveryman, the siblings’ to the marble quarries of the countryside for sci-fi horror thriller looks mother, the children of the hosts), and some inspiration after discarding his first attempt. at what it means to be hu- flashbacks—this basically remains a talky, This battle of wills comprises the dramatic man. Accompanied by a stage-bound work. But the cast energetically core of the film, which takes liberties both shadowy, silent motorcyclist, an expres- delivers the dialogue (which includes a good with history and Stone’s book but does rec- sionless, extraterrestrial stalker (Scarlett many zingers), and the fluid camerawork reate the Sistine Chapel to scale at Cinecittà Johansson) is on a mission. Driving a white minimizes the essentially static quality of Studios in . Much of the tale plays out cargo van, this alien femme fatale roams the setting. Imagine a comic version of Who’s on this impressive set, with Heston high up the crowded city streets of Glasgow and Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and you’ll have some on the scaffolding doing delicate work on an the rural Scottish Highlands, prowling idea of what this fizzy French film is like. epic scale. A financial disappointment upon for her chosen prey: lonely, unattached Recommended. (F. Swietek) its initial release, The Agony and the Ecstasy men. When she randomly finds a compli- has aged fairly well, thanks to director Carol ant victim, she offers him a ride, seduces Zero Charisma HHH Reed’s attention to physical detail coupled him, strips him, and then sinks him into New Video, 97 min., not rated, with Heston’s commanding performance. an inky, inescapable void. Although some- DVD: $26.95 Newly remastered for Blu-ray, this is recom- what murky, there is subtext here about Character actor Sam mended. (S. Axmaker) harvested human fillets being sent back to Eidson stars as Scott, an the alien’s home planet to become part of the obnoxious boy-man and Alice HHH food chain. Loosely based on Michel Faber’s fantasy game “grand mas- First Run, 84 min., not rated, titular satirical, metaphorical 2000 novel, ter” who rules over a gaggle Blu-ray: $24.95 director Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin of fellow losers until an apparent winner Czech animation legend carries some reminiscent tinges of Nicolas arrives one day. Living in his grandmother’s Jan Svankmajer mixes ani- Roeg’s 1976 classic The Man Who Fell to Earth. house and delivering fast food for a living, mation and live action to Apparently, most of the men in the film are Scott’s silver lining is his weekly meetings create a peculiar world for non-actors who didn’t realize they were be- with fellow players in a Dungeons & Dragons- his 1988 adaptation of Lewis ing filmed by small digital cameras concealed like game that has been going on for a full Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, here re-imag- in and around the van; only later were they decade. Scott rules the roost, at least until ined as a creepy dream. Young Alice (played asked to sign a Candid Camera-like release new guy Miles (Garrett Graham) turns up by Kristýna Kohoutov, but spoken by English form (fortunately, there’s little dialogue, as and gradually reveals himself to be successful actress Camilla Power) watches a stuffed the Glaswegians’ thick brogue is nigh inde- at everything in life—from running a hugely rabbit come to life in her playroom and cipherable). While the atmospheric concept popular website to living with a beautiful then follows the bunny through a magical is mysterious and the imagery initially girlfriend. Scott, defensive and threatened, drawer into a strange world that resembles a intriguing, repetitious tedium soon sets in. soon tries to undermine Miles at every op- 19th-century toy store (with a few specimens Credit Johansson for once again embodying portunity, but only succeeds in revealing from a natural history museum thrown in). an enigmatic entity that men desire—a role himself to be a desperate nerd with nothing Svankmajer retains the familiar story ele- she’s played in one form or another in Girl going on except his goth trappings. Film- ments but adds bizarre imagery, brought to with a Pearl Earring, Lost in Translation, and makers Katie Graham and Andrew Matthews herky-jerky life using his spasmodic style Her. Optional. (S. Granger) sustain insightful comedy built around a of stop-motion animation (the caterpillar

JULY/AUGUST 2014 33 VIDEO LIBRARIAN becomes a sock puppet with dentures, while making career, writer-di- with a superb remastered image, snappy new other crazy creatures materialize as weird rector dis- musical score, and excellent collection of skull-headed beings that bleed sawdust). played a special affinity for supplements, including three Lloyd shorts Throughout, Svankmajer returns to close-ups coolly detached psycho- (1919’s “The Marathon,” and “An Eastern of Alice’s lips telling the story, reminding us logical thrillers, including Westerner” and “High and Dizzy,” both from that this is a tale being told. In the best sur- this excellent 1998 film. 1920), audio commentary, interviews, a trib- realist tradition Svankmajer employs familiar Technically, The Color of ute to Lloyd, a 1953 appearance by Lloyd on objects in unfamiliar ways, giving a fantasy Lies is a whodunit, centering What’s My Line?, and a booklet. Presented in quality to the banal (and the not so banal) on a police investigation revolving around a handsome Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, this is while tipping the dream logic onto the edge of the rape and murder of a young girl. But highly recommended. (S. Axmaker) nightmare. While the imagery remains more the ultimate revelation of the perpetrator is unsettling than genuinely disturbing, this secondary to Chabrol’s almost clinical social : S.O.S. is not a film meant for little kids. However, dissection of the small Breton town in which / Godzilla: Final Wars older children, adults, and animation buffs the crime occurs. Here painter René Sterne HHH will appreciate Svankmajer’s sly visual wit (Jacques Gamblin)—who the victim studied Sony, 2 discs, 216 min., in and unusual animation style. Remastered with—falls under suspicion and ends up suf- Japanese w/English subtitles for its Blu-ray debut, this is recommended. fering some degree of ostracism as a result. and English-dubbed, PG/PG- (S. Axmaker) But this is just one part of a cinematic mosaic 13, Blu-ray: $19.99 in which numerous characters—the painter’s After making his debut in 1954 in an Black Jack HHH1/2 wife (Sandrine Bonnaire), the debonair friend atomic-monster movie that was also a dark Cohen, 109 min., not rated, she’s having an affair with, the police inspec- and solemn nuclear parable, Godzilla went on DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray: $39.98 tor and her second-in-command, a thug im- to headline 28 Japanese feature films over a An oddity from English plicated in smuggling medieval artifacts, an 50-year period. This double-bill collects the writer-director Ken Loach’s art student, and a garrulous shopkeeper and final two Godzilla productions from Japan’s early career, this 1979 adap- her timorous husband—are all sharply and Toho Studios. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), tation of a 1968 children’s subtly sketched. The atmospheric cinema- directed by Masaaki Tezuka, opens with book by Leon Garfield is a tography in a well-chosen coastal location the Mechagodzilla (built over the bones of period piece set in 1750. The title character helps Chabrol create a vivid sense of place, Godzilla, whom defeated in a previous is a huge Frenchman (Jean Franval) who sur- while the musical score by the director’s film) under repair. Psychic fairies, dispatched vived the hangman’s noose by a clever ruse, son, Matthieu Chabrol, adds some macabre by the giant monster-moth Mothra, warn the but the narrative focus is actually on young touches. The Color of Lies may not be the best repairmen/scientists to stop their efforts, but Tolly (Stephen Hirst), an apprentice forced to of Chabrol’s 50-plus films, but it’s a very, very to no avail. When Godzilla returns, he thus accompany the inarticulate giant. Together, good one, and is nicely remastered for this faces two foes: Mothra and the human-con- the pair enjoy a series of adventures—even Blu-ray debut, which also features audio com- trolled Mechagodzilla. In an inspired bit of joining a traveling carnival—but the most mentary by film critics Wade Major and Andy nostalgia, Hiroshi Koizumi reprises his 1961 notable part of their picaresque journey Klein. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek) role as the discovered the original involves the rescue of a troubled young girl, Mothra. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) celebrates Belle (Louise Cooper), whose family intends The Freshman HHH1/2 the 50th anniversary of the Big G with a to lock her away in a mental hospital. Belle Criterion, 76 min., not rated, combination tribute, summation, and send- and Tolly fall in love, and after she is virtu- Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95 off that brings back all the old monsters for ally imprisoned in the asylum, he attempts to Among silent cinema’s one last series of fights that extend worldwide. extricate her. Meanwhile, a lad named Hatch comedy greats, Harold Lloyd Knowingly and fondly campy, it’s a good-na- (Andrew Bennett), who offers a stark contrast was typically the collegiate tured love letter to the classic Godzilla flicks to Tolly’s integrity, tries at every turn to use kid, a young modern guy of the 1960s and ’70s, directed by a fan of the Belle’s plight to his advantage. Loach draws full of energy and urban attitude. In 1925’s old school: action stylist Ryuhei Kitamura, extraordinarily natural performances from The Freshman, however, Lloyd’s portrayal of who delivers one giant battle after another. the non-professionals he prefers to cast, while Harold Lamb (aka Speedy) was that of a sweet, Unabashedly entertaining, Final Wars even cinematographer Chris Menges uses the York- spunky, small-town boy trying to copy the delivers a hilarious parting shot at the 1998 shire locations to remarkable effect, not only hip college heroes portrayed in movies and American remake when the man-in-the-suit the lush outdoors but also the interiors, which dime novels. Oblivious to the fact that he’s monster takes on a suspiciously familiar CGI are lit authentically with candles or oil lamps, become the butt of jokes, Speedy is convinced lizard and tromps it in record time. This is the lending a shimmering glow to the image that he’s a contender in the “Most Popular” best of four Godzilla double-features from the (when it’s not menacingly dark). A casually competition, but—in fact—the student body ’90s and the ’00s newly released on Blu-ray structured story that meanders along episodi- is laughing behind his back. What would (the others are Godzilla vs. Destroyah / Godzilla cally, Black Jack serves up an amazingly evoca- be a humiliating ordeal for most becomes a vs. Megaguirus, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah tive portrait of 18th-century English society as challenge for Speedy, who is determined to / Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth, well as a charming tale of young love. Making win everyone over, and his mix of resilience and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II / Godzilla its Blu-ray debut, this 35th anniversary edition and wide-eyed innocence makes him both vs. SpaceGodzilla). Extras include a vintage features extras including audio commentary admirable and pathetic—at least until the behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended. by Loach, deleted scenes, and an essay by film energetic naïf proves himself in the big foot- (S. Axmaker) critic and scholar Peter Tonguette. Highly ball game. Lloyd handed direction over to recommended. (F. Swietek) regular collaborators Sam Taylor and Fred C. Home of the Brave HHH Newmeyer but was intimately involved with Olive, 86 min., not rated, DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray: The Color of Lies HHH1/2 every stage of production, and he makes sure $29.95 Cohen, 103 min., in French w/English subtitles, not that every gag is perfectly executed. The big- Writer-director Stanley Kramer remains fa- rated, Blu-ray: $29.98 gest hit of Lloyd’s career, this comedy classic mous for his painfully earnest dramas about Throughout his half-century-plus film- receives the red carpet Criterion treatment, big social issues, with 1967’s Guess Who’s

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 34 JULY/AUGUST 2014

Coming to Dinner probably nervous Roberto and Roberto’s growth in UPA, home to such talents as John Hubley, being the best known. But confidence under Bruno’s tutelage. Mastered Stephen Bosustow, Philip Eastman (aka P.D. he actually began his career from a beautiful digital restoration this Blu- Eastman, author of Go, Dog. Go!), and Bill with another high-minded ray/DVD Combo set features extras includ- Scott (later the voice of Bullwinkle J. Moose). film dealing with racial ing new and archival interviews, a 2006 Mr. Magoo, indelibly voiced by Jim Backus, is bigotry—this 1949 effort documentary on director Risi, a booklet, and a cantankerous, near-sighted old cuss who is that Mark Robson directed more. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker) oblivious to the perilous predicaments that for Kramer’s newly formed he unwittingly walks into. Con men or other production company. Although based on a HHH bad guys try to take advantage of him at their 1945 play by Arthur Laurents about a Jew Olive, 102 min., not rated, peril: the clueless Magoo always triumphs, who suffered discrimination from his fellow DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 although none the wiser. While this formula soldiers during World War II, Carl Foreman’s “Tell me the story of the can get a bit repetitive, the illuminating au- script makes the victim a black man whose foot soldier and I will tell dio commentaries here by an A-list roster of eventual paralysis is the psychosomatic result you the story of all wars.” animation legends and historians (among of the prejudice he felt from his comrades One of the best platoon them Emily Hubley, John Canemaker, and during a mission to a Japanese-occupied movies from Hollywood’s Jerry Beck) help to put these cartoons into Pacific island. The film is bluntly didactic classic age, this 1957 Korean War drama historical and artistic perspective. Magoo in the mode of much postwar liberal ideal- stars as a commander caught is older than most animated characters, but ism, and the psychological resolution is behind enemy lines, and Aldo Ray as a gruff, beyond his distinctively funny voice, there absurdly cut-and-dried; but the film boasts field-tested sergeant who is reluctantly com- is considerable kid appeal in watching him a strong cast, with James Edwards a stalwart mandeered into helping him bring his men emerge unscathed from his escapades, and protagonist in the character of Pvt. Peter to safety. The platoon is exhausted—the UPA’s animation style is actually more often Moss, and Lloyd Bridges, Frank Lovejoy, and men reaching the breaking point or already seen today than the full animation of Warner Steve Brodie excellent as fellow soldiers. A broken—while the unseen enemy surrounds Bros. or Disney. Other extras include the low-budget feature, Robson tried to make them, picking them off in the silence. UPA animated Mr. Magoo feature film,1001 the most out of limited resources, although Director sets the action in Arabian Nights (and a “making-of” featurette much of the island action (obviously shot an almost abstract landscape of dry woods on the film), interviews, and a photo gallery. on a soundstage) doesn’t mesh terribly well and scrub hills, presenting the enemy as Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson) with the incorporated archival footage. Many disembodied weapons poking out from viewers will also surely be troubled by the the brush or camouflaged shapes crawling Norma Rae HHH1/2 stereotypical treatment of the Japanese in a through the foliage. Ryan delivers one of Fox, 114 min., PG, Blu-ray: movie that purportedly promotes racial toler- his most understated portraits of strength $19.99 ance. Even so, Home of the Brave still packs a and experience as the commanding officer, won her first substantial emotional punch. Recommended. bringing warm but firm leadership and calm Oscar for this 1979 film, (F. Swietek) authority to a desperate situation, while Ray, delivering an insightful a real-life World War II veteran who saw ac- and nuanced portrayal tion on Okinawa, is completely convincing as Il Sorpasso HHH1/2 as Norma Rae Webster, a Criterion, 105 min., in Italian the brutally effective soldier whose superior minimum-wage worker at a noisy textile w/English subtitles, not rated, skills and soldiering instincts are essential to factory in a small North Carolina town. DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray/DVD keeping the platoon alive. This is a portrait A single mother of two living with her Combo: $39.95 of war from the grunt’s-eye view, eschewing parents (both of whom work at the plant), Dino Risi’s lively 1962 patriotism and sentimentality to depict the Norma is in a cycle of low expectations and road movie is a largely for- harrowing, grueling experience of survival in bad entanglements with the wrong kind of gotten Italian classic that is the hostile landscape of an enemy battlefield. men. When union organizer Reuben (Ron worthy of rediscovery. A charming Vittorio Previously available in substandard editions, Leibman) comes to town to rally employ- Gassman stars as Bruno, a 40-year-old con- this Olive release has been newly remastered ees to make demands for better working vertible-driving free spirit, and Jean-Louis in HD for DVD and its Blu-ray debut. Recom- conditions, Norma is drawn to the cause Trintignant is Roberto, a reserved law student mended. (S. Axmaker) and becomes an irritant to management coaxed away from his studies for a wild ride. but also a leader to some—not all—of her Set over a couple of days during the summer Mr. Magoo: The friends and neighbors. Director Martin Ritt vacation period (when Rome is all but shut Theatrical Collection brings a genuine grit to the story, captur- down, but travelers are everywhere), this 1949-1959 HHH1/2 ing a sense of real lives affected by actual buddy movie is both a terrific character piece Shout! Factory, 4 discs, 375 challenges, of people wavering on a cause centered around an odd-couple friendship min., not rated, DVD: $34.95 due to the personal costs involved. Ritt also and a delightful portrait of Italian social life Some animation buffs has a great feel for adult relationships, espe- in the bistros, nightclubs, and beaches outside have carped online that cially the unusual friendship that develops of the city, one that encompasses rich and at least one of this set’s 53 between Norma and Reuben. Conventional poor alike. Bruno is a prankster, womanizer, cartoons (“Spellbound Hound”) is missing storytelling would have brought the two gourmand, con man, and speed demon, while its original pan-out ending. But to dismiss together romantically, but the more inter- Roberto is tightly wound and unsettled as he this essential and impeccably mounted set esting choice here is a kind of hip intimacy finds himself being dragged into unfamiliar out of hand would be short-sighted. Revela- that precludes becoming lovers yet is driven situations by his older, worldly companion. tory for those who have only experienced the by complete honesty (a chaste, skinny-dip- This episodic film is all about the rich pageant vastly inferior made-for-TV Magoo cartoons, ping scene involving Norma and Reuben of Italians at rest and at play, with a core built these theatrical shorts—stylized departures underscores the pair’s trust and frankness). upon the evolving relationship between two from their Disney, MGM, and Warner Bros. Beau Bridges is appealing as Norma’s impetu- men with nothing in common who form counterparts—were produced between ous but patient husband, and Pat Hingle is a bond thanks to Bruno’s affection for the 1949-1959 by iconoclastic animation studio terrific as her concerned father. Making its

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 36 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Blu-ray debut, extras include a “Hollywood fought 15 execution dates over a nine-year young nurse (Bibi Anders- Backstory” featurette. Highly recommended. period, and Crump’s warden even came to son) who watches over her (T. Keogh) his defense, noting that he was a fully reha- at a quiet seaside retreat was bilitated inmate. Friedkin blurs the lines of a comeback of sorts for the The Pawnbroker nonfiction filmmaking by using dramatic Swedish director, who had HHH1/2 re-enactments of the robbery and conducting not enjoyed an interna- Olive, 116 min., not rated, staged interviews, and the film itself is framed tional success in years. Berg- DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 in a somewhat artsy visual style that may man pares down his style was nominat- seem at odds with its sobering subject (but to focus on the faces of the actresses, setting ed for an Academy Award for is definitely illustrative of its time). Extras them against austere, neutral backgrounds in his controlled, masterfully include a booklet that details Crump’s tragic order to better capture the subtlety of their internalized performance fate: his sentence was commuted from death interactions as the young woman opens her as Sol Nazerman, a Nazi concentration camp to “199 years without parole” and he achieved soul to the older actress in intimate mono- survivor who runs a cluttered pawnshop some degree of notoriety for writing the novel logues and their relationship roles begin in Harlem that serves as a front for a local Burn, Killer, Burn while incarcerated, but the to shift. Bergman uses some experimental mobster. Based on the novel by Edward Lewis brutal prison treatment broke his body and and avant-garde techniques, but it is the Wallant, this 1964 film directed by Sidney mind—ultimately paroled after 39 years in intimacy and the intensity of the camera’s Lumet follows a few days in Sol’s life, who prison, Crump died in 2002 from lung can- focus—shining in the silvery beauty of Sven survived his wartime ordeal (and the death cer. An interesting curio that helped launch Nykvist’s cinematography—coupled with the of his wife and child) by becoming hard and Friedkin’s Oscar-winning career, this rare film increasingly naked confessions and accusa- unemotional, but begins to crack as events is recommended. (P. Hall) tions in the dialogue that combine to create rouse suppressed memories that cut through one of the most intense character pieces ever his consciousness. Jaime Sánchez costars as Performance HHH put on film. Criterion’s Blu-ray/DVD Combo Sol’s garrulous, ambitious assistant, Jesus Warner, 105 min., R, Blu-ray: release is mastered from a stunning digital Ortiz, and Geraldine Fitzgerald is Marilyn, $21.99 restoration and features numerous extras, in- an insistent social worker who gently tries made his cluding the 2012 documentary Liv & Ingmar, to break through Sol’s shell. The scenes in feature film acting debut a visual essay by film scholar Peter Cowie, the shop, with its steady stream of addicts, in this mash-up of London new and archival interviews, on-set footage hookers, thieves, and lonely souls more gangster machismo and with audio commentary by Bergman histo- desperate for contact than cash, resemble ’60s sex, drugs, and rock rian Birgitta Steene, and a booklet. One of an off-Broadway play wearing social com- ’n’ roll culture, playing Turner, a reclusive Bergman’s masterpieces and a landmark film mentary on its sleeve; but when Lumet takes rock star living in a dilapidated manor home of the 1960s, this is essential for any world to the streets, the noise and bustle of Harlem in a London slum. But it’s James Fox who cinema collection. Highly recommended. energize the screen, offering an early glimpse powers the movie as Chas, a vicious young Editor’s Choice. (S. Axmaker) of the director who would become one of the killer hiding out from his own gang (after great chroniclers of life. The murdering another gunman) who rents a Red River HHHH rest is a time capsule classic with a well-mean- room in Turner’s basement. Filmed in 1968 Criterion, 4 discs, 127 min., ing but dated take on race and crime that is but released in 1970, Performance marks the not rated, Blu-ray/DVD elevated by Steiger’s superb performance. The directorial debut of both cinematographer Combo: $39.95 Pawnbroker has some racial epithets and was Nicolas Roeg and artist-writer Donald Cam- After directing comedies also the first American film featuring female mell (they co-direct), who spin a dense web and action films, Howard nudity to receive a Production Code seal of of images and ideas as Turner and his lover, Hawks turned his atten- approval. Re-released on DVD and making its Pherber (Anita Pallenberg), draw Chas into tion to the Western, and Blu-ray debut, this is highly recommended. their insular world. Jagger is oddly passive crafted this 1948 classic that (S. Axmaker) when reading lines from the script, but he is regarded as one of the 10 best ever made. dominates in the “Memo From Turner” John Wayne delivers a sterling performance The People vs. Paul number, a demonic solo tune backed by Ry as Tom Dunson, a less than pure cattleman Crump HHH Cooder’s sultry . Performance is who begins by carving out a vast Texan cattle Facets, 60 min., not rated, perhaps the first major studio production to empire along the Red River. With his quiet DVD: $29.95 non-judgmentally embrace androgyny and foster son, Matthew Garth (Montgomery In 1962, a young aspiring in its main characters, lending Clift), Dunson prospers—at least until a cash filmmaker named William this portrait of London thuggery a homoerot- flow problem leads him to mount a huge Friedkin made an hour-long ic quality. The vivid imagery, dramatic and cattle drive to Missouri. The exodus is beset film on the controversy sur- inventive editing, and upending of macho by a myriad of problems, and the men begin rounding Death Row inmate Paul Crump. clichés—as well as the appearance by Jagger to revolt, especially after Dunson assumes Intended for a local TV channel (which and fascinating performance by Fox—have the role of a tyrant and begins meting out never aired it), The People vs. Paul Crump had deservedly made this a . New to justice—often in the form of bullets—as he some festival screenings and was released Blu-ray, extras include a 2007 retrospective sees fit (“Bury ‘em—and I’ll read over ‘em on VHS, but has mostly remained unseen, featurette and a vintage promo short. Recom- later” becomes his mantra). When Garth making this restored DVD release welcome. mended. (S. Axmaker) rises against his father—insisting that the Friedkin’s film comes down heavily on the cattle be taken on a shorter route to Kan- side of Crump, who said that he was framed Persona HHHH sas—Dunson vows that he will catch him for being part of a 1953 robbery that ended Criterion, 3 discs, 83 min., in Swedish w/English and kill him. Eventually, even the faithful in murder. Despite a lack of physical evidence subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95 short-order cook, Groot Nadine (wonderfully connecting him to the fatal crime, Crump Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 drama about a played by ), refuses to side was the only one of five charged to receive revered stage actress () who is with Dunson. Hawks masterfully plays the the death sentence. Crump’s legal team suddenly stricken speechless and the adoring final encounter between the two principals

JULY/AUGUST 2014 37 VIDEO LIBRARIAN right up to death’s door, before pulling back Curly, is this set’s crown jewel: the original commercial flop, but its and altering the ending of Borden Chase’s Broadway production essentially redefined reputation steadily grew— Saturday Evening Post-serialized novel Blaz- the style of stage musicals (one of the innova- even as it became almost ing Guns on the Chisholm Trail (included as a tions that made it to the silver screen here is impossible to see due to bonus paperback here). Compiling both the the ballet dream sequence, choreographed by complicated rights issues. original theatrical release and a longer pre- Agnes de Mille). Oklahoma! was filmed in both Friedkin spent years trying release version in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, CinemaScope and high-definition Todd-AO to untangle the ownership extras include new and archival interviews, versions, which were shot simultaneously but and he supervised a resto- a 1949 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation (fea- with different takes and separate cameras. ration of the film (which turing Wayne and Brennan), and a booklet. This release features a new restoration of the also received a theatrical revival in 2013), Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. 65mm Todd-AO version, bringing a clarity here making its Blu-ray debut in a beautiful- (R. Pitman) that goes far beyond traditional prints. The far looking edition. Roy Scheider stars as Jackie, more somber Carousel (1956), which reunites a mobster on the run following Riot in Cell Block 11 MacRae and Jones and was helmed by Henry a botched heist—one of four men hiding HHH King, was the favorite of composer Rodgers; out in a grimy South American village who Criterion, 80 min., not rated, here, MacRae plays rough-and-tumble carni- agree to drive trucks carrying dynamite over DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray/DVD val barker Billy Bigelow, who woos, marries, 200 miles through the jungle. Friedkin shot Combo: $39.95 and fathers a child with innocent factory largely on location, which lends the physical This 1954 drama, in- worker Julie (Jones), only to die—but then environment a visceral primal quality that spired by the genuine poor escape from purgatory and return to earth makes their journey feel like a trip through an conditions and upsurge in in order to make amends to Julie for all the alien world that is waiting to swallow them violent protests in prisons across the U.S. wrongs he subjected her to over the years. up. The vehicles almost seem like characters in the 1950s, opens with a newsreel-like In Walter Lang’s State Fair (1945), homespun themselves, although the drivers have little prologue before settling into a fictional story Americana serves as a backdrop for the love dimension, apart from Jackie, who is the driv- of a carefully planned riot in the punish- that blossoms between two young couples: ing force (so to speak) in this grinding odys- ment block of an overcrowded penitentiary. Margy and Pat (Jeanne Crain and Dana An- sey, which features challenges that include Neville Brand, a real-life war hero who made drews), and Wayne and Emily (Dick Haymes an enormous fallen tree, a rotting suspension a career out of playing Hollywood villains, and Vivian Blaine). Lang also directed the bridge, cliff-side roads that are almost washed stars as , the ringleader and a 1956 hit , with Deborah Kerr away by torrential rains, and a terrorist band convicted killer. Dunn is more restrained as the recently widowed Anna, who becomes hiding in the dense vegetation. The justly than his fellow inmates (the guards being a governess for the children of ’s famous score by German electronic outfit held as hostages are in constant danger of famously bald King of Siam. Director Joshua Tangerine Dream—their first soundtrack retribution). The low-budget thriller turns Logan brought South Pacific to the screen in for an American movie—greatly contributes out to be quite a powder keg of a picture, 1958, pairing Mitzi Gaynor, as spunky Navy to the otherworldly tone. Now considered with director Don Siegel (most famous for his nurse Nellie Forbush, with Rossano Brazzi, a minor classic of 1970s American cinema, gritty collaborations) deliver- playing enigmatic plantation owner Emile Sorcerer on Blu-ray is presented in a 37-page ing both a hard-edged portrait of a desperate de Becque. Completing the collection is The digi-book package with no supplements. situation and an intelligent engagement with Sound of Music (1965), from director Robert Recommended. (S. Axmaker) serious reform issues such as overcrowding, Wise, which features Julie Andrews as Maria, violence, and lack of education and train- the young nun who becomes the nanny in the The Strange Woman ing programs. Much of the film was shot on musical household of naval officer and wid- HHH location at Folsom Prison, with guards and ower Capt. Von Trapp (). Film Chest, 99 min., not rated, prisoners serving as extras and advisors, Two of the films South( Pacific and The Sound DVD: $13.98 lending the production added authenticity. of Music) have already appeared on Blu-ray; Actress Hedy Lamarr Siegel is clearly sympathetic to the convicts the other four are making their respective developed and produced without whitewashing their crimes or their Blu-ray debuts in this collection, remastered this independently made violent nature (although the technology has from archival elements. Also included here 1946 drama about a fiery, changed, 60 years later the topic still remains are ’s 1934 French version of Liliom, impoverished girl named Jenny living in relevant). Presented in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo the antecedent of Carousel, starring Charles turn-of-the-century Bangor, ME, who draws set, extras include an audio commentary, Boyer; and the extended “Road Show” version on her looks and feminine wiles to marry into audio excerpts from two books on director of South Pacific (in standard definition). The a fortune. Jenny destroys the men she uses Siegel, and audio clips from a 1953 radio extensive extras spread across the set include during her climb, including aging lumber documentary on prison conditions. Recom- audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes baron and merchant Isaiah (Gene Lockhart) mended. (S. Axmaker) featurettes, interviews, archival footage, and and his son, Ephraim (Louis Hayward), be- optional sing-along karaoke subtitles (the fore setting her sights on the soft-spoken but The Rodgers & bonus disc from the earlier Blu-ray release iron-willed John (George Sanders), her best Hammerstein Collection of The Sound of Music is not included). A friend’s beau. Lamarr brought in legendary HHH1/2 fine collection of some of the most endur- B-movie director Edgar Ulmer, who guides Fox, 8 discs, 841 min., not ing American movie musicals, this is highly Lamarr in her best American performance rated/G, Blu-ray: $199.99 recommended. (S. Axmaker) as the passionate and contradictory Jenny, This eight-disc boxed set a ruthlessly ambitious yet also generously compiles six beloved musi- Sorcerer HHH philanthropic woman, haunted by her own cals from composers Richard Rodgers and Warner, 121 min., PG, DVD: $12.95, Blu-ray: hardscrabble childhood. Ulmer keeps the Oscar Hammerstein II on Blu-ray. Oklahoma! $27.98 canvas small and intimate, making the port (1955), directed by and star- ’s 1977 remake of Henri- boomtown of Bangor something of an absent ring Shirley Jones as sweet farm girl Laurey Georges Clouzot’s classic French survival character, discussed constantly but always and Gordon MacRae as love-struck cowboy thriller The Wages of Fear was a critical and just out of frame (most likely due to the film’s

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 38 JULY/AUGUST 2014 low budget). Although not quite a classic of a bit of underlying tension in the otherwise American cinema, this is a solid fi lm, hand- pleasant small-town surroundings. Enter somely designed and beautifully shot, that Barney Sloan (Sinatra), a talented but self- Online features a fi ne cast. Nicely remastered from an pitying and cynical arranger. Laurie falls Visit Video Librarian Online (www. archival 35mm print, this will be a welcome for him and breaks off her commitment to videolibrarian.com) during July and Au- discovery for fans of golden-age Hollywood. Alex, threatening a breach with her family. gust for DVD/Blu-ray-specifi c comments Recommended. (S. Axmaker) But that’s not enough for Barney, who is added to the video movies reviewed neither convinced that she really loves him here, as well as new reviews, including Trouble Every Day ★★ or confi dent that he’s good enough for her. current fi lms such as 300: Rise of an Em- KimStim, 100 min., in French Day and Sinatra literally make great music pire, Bad Words, Blue Ruin, The Lunchbox, w/English subtitles, not rated, together in their only joint appearance on The Other Woman, Rio 2, Sabotage, Tyler DVD: $29.99 the big screen, but this creaky melodrama, Perry’s Single Moms Club, The Unknown Offering one of the directed by Gordon Douglas, has not aged Known, and classic fi lms including Broad- strangest variations ever quite as well as the songs. Making its Blu-ray way Bill, Escape to Athena, Godzilla vs. the made on the vampire debut, this is a strong optional purchase. Smog Monster, and much more! movie, this 2001 fi lm from (D. Liebenson) Claire Denis stars Béatrice Dalle as Coré, a madwoman locked in the basement of a Paris home by a physician named Léo (Alex Descas)—a woman held captive due to her propensity for literally devouring her lov- ...”her humanity shines through.” ers. But that doesn’t stop her from luring victims to her subterranean prison with the enticement of sex. A cannibal with a visceral passion, Coré giggles, coos, and barks in pleasure as caressing and kissing turns into orgiastic biting and sex morphs into a feral drive that ends with her eating her com- panion for dinner. Vincent Gallo costars as Shane Brown, a similarly-affl icted American who travels to Paris in search of the doctor, Narrated by with hopes of curbing his tendencies before The star of Auntie Mame, His Girl he attacks his newlywed wife, June (Tricia Friday, Gypsy, and scores of other Vessey). Lambasted at the time of its original memorable films and Broadway shows, release for its excesses, Trouble Every Day is Rosalind Russell came into her own loaded with fl esh and blood and a twisted during Hollywood’s Golden Era and sexual hunger, but it’s also a gorgeous and was paired with many of the luminaries vivid mix of terror and erotica. Still, even of that time, including , while the fi lm has its champions, this will Cary Grant, and . likely seem too arty and enigmatic for either horror or foreign-movie fans. Premiering on This warm, insightful profile comes on in the U.S. more than a decade the occasion of the 70th anniversaries after its theatrical appearance, extras include of her breakthrough role as Sylvia an audio introduction by cinematographer Fowler in The Women (2009) and her Agnès Godard, and a booklet with an essay most famous role as Hildy Johnson in by fi lm critic Melissa Anderson. Optional. His Girl Friday (2010). (S. Axmaker)

Young at Heart ★★1/2 Olive, 117 min., not rated, Available now on DVD DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 Distributed by Louise Rosen, Ltd. Defying any expecta- ISBN: 0-9669112-2-9 tions suggested by its title, TRT: 58 minutes. In Color this 1954 musical remake of Four Daughters (1938) is a dark redemption drama NARRATED that is only buoyed by the sunny Doris LIFE IS A BANQUET THE ROSALIND RUSSELL STORY BY KATHLEEN TURNER EDITED ORIGINAL PIANO Day and some great songs, including “Just BY ATTICUS CULVER-REASE SCORE BY CHRISTOPHER HEDGE PERFORMED BY WILLIAM HEDGE One of Those Things,” “Ready, Willing, ASSOCIATE CONSULTING EXECUTIVE WRITTEN, PRODUCED PRODUCER ELIZABETH ARTHUR PRODUCER FRED AURELIO PRODUCER BOB LURIE / ALDO PANATTONI AND DIRECTED BY JONATHAN GRUBER and Able,” and the title tune, one of Frank A TOTAL MEDIA GROUP PRODUCTION Sinatra’s biggest hits. Day stars as Laurie, ©2009 TOTAL MEDIA GROUP- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED youngest daughter of a musical clan, who becomes engaged to Alex Burke (Gig Young), a supremely assured and gifted . DVD MSRP: Laurie’s sisters, Fran and Amy (Dorothy Call to order: $19.99 650-583-8236 www.totalmediagroup.com Malone and Elisabeth Fraser, respectively), PP $295.00 [email protected] are likewise smitten with Alex, which causes

JULY/AUGUST 2014 39 VIDEO LIBRARIAN TV on Video

Afterlife HHH1/2 audience favorite alive for eight seasons and of the neurotic storm, whether inhabited BBC, 2 discs, 282 min., not spawned two spin-offs. Today, its very dated- by friends—insecure airline neighbor rated, DVD: $24.98 ness makes the show endearing, although it’s Howard Borden (Bill Daily) and overcon- A touch of the Mulder- most likely to appeal to nostalgic Baby Boom- fident orthodontist Jerry Robinson (Peter Scully relationship from ers. Compiling all 32 episodes from 1960–61, Bonerz)—or patients. Bob seems like a rock The X-Files is apparent in this Blu-ray debut features extras including of stability, until seen next to his down-to- this short-lived British se- the 1960 episode of earth wife, elementary school teacher Emily ries, which only ran for that introduced Andy’s character, on-set home (Suzanne Pleshette), who has the corner on two seasons on ITV in 2005–06 but proves movies, an interview with Griffith, and the normalcy in this professional couple. Marcia to be a remarkably evocative and intrigu- 1986 reunion TV movie Return to . Wallace costars as Bob’s lively reception- ing show. Viewers are introduced to Alison Recommended. (S. Axmaker) ist, Carol, while Jack Riley, Florida Friebus, Mundy (Lesley Sharp), a psychic barraged and John Fiedler are among the regulars in by visits from spirits of the dead, and Dr. The Bletchley Circle: the weekly group therapy sessions in Bob’s Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln), a skeptical HHH downtown office, where Hartley watches, Season 2 listens, and reacts. Newhart’s muted delivery psychology professor who grows fascinated PBS, 2 discs, 180 min., not with her when one of his students commits rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: and blank stares make him not only the fun- suicide after being confronted by the medi- $34.99 niest straight man on TV, but a master of the um’s apparent knowledge of her past. Each This follow-up to the ac- deadpan gag, the slow-motion stammer, and episode deals with a particular apparition, claimed 2012 British mystery the delayed reaction laugh. The hit sitcom ran but there is also a narrative thread running series—about four women for six seasons, anchoring CBS’s unbeatable throughout centered on the ghostly presence who worked together in the Saturday night comedy block from 1972 to of Robert’s dead son, whose encounters with code-breaking division of British Intelligence 1978, and it remains a model of the genre at its best: witty, grown-up, character-driven. Alison are impossible for the obstinate and during World War II and then reunited in The first four seasons have been previously guilt-ridden Dr. Bridge to accept. A major the early 1950s to solve a murder—returns released on DVD by Fox; this set marks the coincidence—Alison taking a nursing job at with two new feature-length mysteries spread debut of the entire series. Compiling all 142 a retirement hospital where Robert’s mother across four episodes that aired on PBS in 2014. episodes, extras include episode commen- happens to be a patient—strains credulity “Blood on Their Hands” opens when Jean taries, the pilot episode, a 1991 anniversary even more than the overarching premise, (Julie Graham) discovers that former Bletch- show, a new roundtable discussion featuring and one installment that suggests Alison can ley colleague Alice (Hattie Morahan, new to Newhart and other cast members, a gag commune with the spirits of those not yet the show) is on trial for murder but refuses reel, and a booklet. Highly recommended. dead raises more questions than it answers. to put up a defense. Jean reunites the group (S. Axmaker) But overall this is an engrossing show, played to ferret out the truth, which involves the well not only by Sharp and Lincoln but also cover-up of a wartime scandal. Although the by a supporting cast of uniformly excellent ghosts of World War II haunt the first narra- Broadchurch: The British character actors. Compiling all six tive, “Uncustomed Goods” takes on the black Complete First Season episodes from the debut season, DVD extras market of postwar Britain as Millie (Rachael HHH1/2 include episode commentaries. Highly rec- Stirling), who dabbles in illegal perfume and Entertainment One, 3 discs, ommended. (F. Swietek) cigarettes, discovers that her suppliers are 390 min., not rated, DVD: also human traffickers. This second install- $39.98 The Show: ment feels a bit more contrived, as if writer This acclaimed British Season 1 HHH Guy Burt was having trouble finding ways series about an investiga- Paramount, 4 discs, 820 min., for these civilians to tackle another case; it’s tion into the murder of an 11-year-old boy not rated, Blu-ray: $129.99 also the first show without Anna Maxwell in a small vacation town on the Dorset coast One of the defining sit- Martin, who played Susan and left after of southern England stars David Tennant as coms of the 1960s, The Andy “Blood.” Alice replaces Susan, with Alice’s Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, new boss of Griffith Show was an easygo- daughter Lizzie (Faye Marsay) also pitching the small Broadchurch detective squad, who ing family comedy starring comedian Andy in during the investigation, which pits the arrives with a shadow of scandal, and Olivia Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor, a widower sleuths against a ruthless female racketeer Colman as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller, raising a young son, Opie (little ), (Brana Bajic). Extras include bonus cast and the local officer who was initially promised while keeping the peace in the generally quiet crew interviews. Offering an intriguing por- the promotion. So far, so familiar, and like burg of Mayberry, NC. Father and son are trait of postwar Britain from the perspective other shows a number of secrets and lies are fussed over by doting spinster (Fran- of smart, talented women whose potential is uncovered during the inquiry. But creator- ces Bavier), who is always free with her advice, dismissed by a society that expects them to writer Chris Chibnall powerfully focuses on and Andy’s biggest problems ultimately come take subservient roles in the workplace, this how the death of a child and the revelations down to teaching precocious Opie proper life is recommended. (S. Axmaker) of hidden lives cause reverberations through- lessons. Much of the trouble here stems from out the community, filling the drama with the overzealous efforts of Andy’s nervous fully realized characters who carry long deputy, (), a lovable The Bob Newhart and complicated histories. Things like this incompetent who is so jittery you’d think he Show: Complete Series aren’t supposed to happen in a town like overdosed on espresso. Also on hand are How- HHH1/2 Broadchurch, which just makes it harder to ard McNear as Floyd the barber, Shout! Factory, 19 discs, 3,180 fathom…and easier for emotions to spiral out as town character Otis, and Elinor Donahue min., not rated, DVD: $129.99 of control, and suspicions that lead to quick as Ellie, Andy’s sweetheart for this first sea- Button-down comedian judgments. The series was designed as an son—and these are just a few of the characters Bob Newhart stars as TV’s eight-episode standalone presentation (and who help create the show’s warm community. most famous therapist, the story here does indeed come to a very The homespun humor, anchored in Griffith’s Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley, the (out- satisfying end), but it was such a hit in Britain laconic charm and gentle authority, kept this wardly) ever-calm presence in the center that a second season was commissioned and

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 40 JULY/AUGUST 2014 a remake announced for American TV (the and everyone else ( guest during the 1950s, but also original played on PBS in 2013). Extras in- stars as the amoral head of the cable network a hugely influential show clude a behind-the-scenes featurette. Highly in the final segment). A rude show about a that would make the situ- recommended. (S. Axmaker) shallow, self-involved, oblivious character ation comedy a staple for who constantly follows his worst instincts decades to come. Devel- Dean Martin Celebrity (which he then justifies with a sense of en- oped for and titlement), builds humor Roasts HH1/2 Eastbound & Down her husband, bandleader Star Vista, 6 discs, 990 min., around Kenny’s insensitive remarks and as- Desi Arnaz, the series has Arnaz playing not rated, DVD: $59.95 sumptions, especially when it comes to race Ricky Ricardo (a fictionalized version of This six-disc set serves and sex—making him a natural for his TV himself), and Ball taking the lead as dizzy up 17 “Man/Woman of sports talk show, which thrives on conflict redhead Lucy Ricardo, who wants to be a the Week” celebrity roasts. and humiliation. The result is a high-energy star just like Ricky and schemes to worm her Among the guests of honor: and often very funny mix of social satire and way into show business…any way she can. Gabe Kaplan, Rowan & Martin, Ralph Nader, lowbrow humor, with of nudity, foul and William Frawley costar as , and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Are you language, drug consumption, and bad behav- Ethel and Fred Mertz, their neighbors/best thinking what I’m thinking: namely, this ior in general. Presenting all eight episodes friends/partners in mischief. was isn’t a Who’s Who so much as a Who Cares? from the 2013 final season, extras include the first sitcom shot on 35mm film, which And those roasters: Jack Benny, Red Buttons, episode commentaries, deleted scenes, and resulted in high-quality masters for future Phyllis Diller, , Jimmy Stewart—I’ve outtakes. Sure to appeal to its small but pas- and syndication, and it was the first to seen younger faces on paper money. But all sionate cult following, this is recommended. be filmed before a live studio audience with roasting aside, there actually is some A-list (S. Axmaker) multiple cameras. But most important, it has talent here from Hollywood’s golden age, remained one of the most beloved shows of including , , George Falling Skies: The all time thanks to the high level of writing, Burns, and Orson Welles. Unfortunately, Complete Third Season superb physical comedy, and terrific chemis- they share the dais with the likes of Charlie HHH try between the characters, holding its own for decades after the show ended (and being Callas, LaWanda Page, Nipsey Russell, Foster Warner, 440 min., TV-14, Brooks, and other rejects from Hollywood DVD: 3 discs, $39.98; Blu-ray: syndicated in countries around the world). Squares. Some of these broadcasts are 40 2 discs, $49.99 Compiling all 35 episodes from the 1951–52 years old, so in a technical sense all of the TNT’s popular alien inva- debut season—including “Lucy Does a TV jokes are oldies, but some are goodies (Dean sion show—starring Noah Commercial” (aka the “Vitameatavegamin” Martin on Bette Davis: “From the very first Wyle as Tom Mason, a former history profes- episode, ranked as one of the greatest of all day she arrived in Hollywood, she made love sor turned guerilla soldier in the human re- time by TV Guide), this Blu-ray debut fea- to Cary Grant, Robert Montgomery, Henry sistance—opens its third season with Mason tures extras including the unaired original Fonda, and then she got into pictures”). The serving as the president of the burgeoning pilot, select episode commentaries, archival generous bonus features here include inter- resistance community and working with a footage, audio-only radio shows with Ball, views with roast participants (such as Shirley new ally, the lizard-like Volm species, who production notes, and more. Highly recom- Jones, Tony Danza, , and Abe advise and supply technology for the human mended. (S. Axmaker) Vigoda), sketches from The Dean Martin Show, forces against the insectoid invaders. Conflict and segments on women roasters, politicians and dissention still fester in the ranks, exac- Mayberry R.F.D.: The in the hot seat, and Muhammad Ali’s battle erbated by the growing pains of creating a Complete First Season royale with Ruth Buzzi’s purse-swinging sustainable settlement (the group has lived a HH character from Laugh-In. Perhaps of most nomadic existence until now) and lingering Warner, 4 discs, 667 min., not interest to Baby Boomers who watched too suspicion over their alien allies (can the aliens rated, DVD: $29.98 much TV growing up, this is a strong optional be trusted to leave the planet to humans after This spin-off from the purchase. (D. Liebenson) taking their revenge on the Skitters?). A whole folksy 1960s small-town lot of secrets and conspiracies complicate sitcom The Andy Griffith Eastbound & Down: The the storyline here, although this season also Show opens with the wedding of good ol’ Complete Fourth & Final falls back on more familiar plot twists while Andy Taylor (Griffith)—which turns out to Season HHH increasing the action and battle scenes. New be an easy way to pass the torch to gentleman HBO, 2 discs, 240 min., TV- to the series this season are Gloria Reuben as farmer and city councilman Sam Jones (Ken MA, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: the President’s most trusted aide and Doug Berry), who joined the ensemble during the $39.98 Jones as the alien soldier Cochise, who comes final season of the parent series and takes This HBO comedy star- to respect the human forces. Falling Skies the lead here. Think of Sam as a younger, ring Danny McBride as appeals to sci-fi fans with its solid mix of blander version of Griffith, another thought- Kenny Powers—the biggest jerk (with the old-school alien invasion drama and gritty, ful, generous nice guy who’s also a widower most unjustified ego) in professional base- scruffy sensibility. Compiling all 10 episodes with a young son, Mike (Buddy Foster). In the ball—jumps ahead a few years in this fourth from 2013, extras include behind-the-scenes first episode, Sam even inherits Andy’s Aunt season, finding Kenny in the roles of sub- featurettes and post-episode segments from Bee () as his new housekeeper. urban husband, father of two, and civilian the recap/discussion show “Second Watch,” Griffith makes only a few brief appear- working at a car rental agency. A chance hosted by sci-fi nerd celebrity Wil Wheaton. ances here, but his familiar supporting cast— meeting with former-teammate-turned-TV- Recommended. (S. Axmaker) as good-natured Goober, Jack sports-celebrity Guy Young () Dodson as Howard, Paul Hartman as fix-it sends Kenny back to his debauched, viciously I Love Lucy: Ultimate Season 1 HHH1/2 man Emmett—are there to remind viewers competitive ways as he embraces life as a Paramount, 6 discs, 908 min., not rated, Blu-ray: that this is the same laidback rural comedy cable TV personality—which, of course, $129.99 sporting family values and happy endings. takes its toll on wife April (Katy Mixon), I Love Lucy was a TV landmark, not only Don Knotts shows up a couple of times as sycophantic sidekick Stevie (Steve Little), the top-rated series for four of its six seasons Barney Fife (surely the strangest moment

JULY/AUGUST 2014 41 VIDEO LIBRARIAN of Mayberry R.F.D. is a quick shot of Andy and brightest regardless of status. As in the an edge of gallows humor (and the climactic and his bride on their honeymoon…with first season,Mr. Selfridge once again eschews chase makes memorable use of the London Barney tagging along), and Arlene Golonka social satire and cutting wit for a more Underground’s maze of tunnels). Although joins the troupe as Millie Swanson, the baker familiar soap opera that plays out among a standalone film, Murder on the Home Front who is destined to become Sam’s steady girl. the high and low, but creator Andrew does play like a like a potential pilot for a Compiling all 26 episodes from the 1968–69 Davies clearly likes his characters and he new series. Extras include cast and crew in- debut season, this is a harmless but rather carefully dotes on their evolution. Open- terviews. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) unmemorable extension of the earlier series ing with the store’s fifth anniversary and that largely plays like an exercise in nostalgia. on the horizon, this set adds : some wildly melodramatic subplots (Harry Optional. (S. Axmaker) Season One HHH1/2 becomes a for British intelligence, and Lionsgate, 730 min., not rated, Miss Fisher’s Murder his best friend is suspected of being an DVD: 4 discs, 39.98; Blu-ray: 3 Mysteries: Series 2 enemy agent) along with romances, power discs, $39.98 struggles, and Harry’s attempts to win Orange Is the New Black HHH1/2 back his wife, Rose (Frances O’Connor), Acorn, 727 min., not rated, is the latest Netflix origi- DVD: 4 discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: following a long separation caused by his nal series, based on the 3 discs, $59.98 womanizing. Polly Walker costars as notori- memoir by and developed by ous club owner Delphine Day, who sets her The sophomore season (Weeds). Golden Globe nominee sights on Harry, and Aidan McArdle is Lord of this Australian series— stars as Piper Chapman, Loxley, a rapacious politician who tries to based on the novels by Kerry Greenwood a middle-class entrepreneur imprisoned smear Harry’s reputation. Mr. Selfridge has featuring Phryne Fisher, a glamorous for an old smuggling charge dating back the charms of British period drama mixed Melbourne society woman of the 1920s to her young and reckless days; but this is with a jolt of American maverick spirit, who sidelines as an amateur sleuth—actu- a different kind of prison story—a mix of although the cascade of happy endings and ally improves on the first. Essie Davis has social drama and social satire, with low- triumphant stands by various individuals settled nicely into the lead role, curbing key humor running under the real and sometimes borders on contrived (even her earlier tendency toward smugness overarching sense of threat. As an afflu- with a season-ending twist of tragedy). while maintaining the character’s air of ent, educated woman, Chapman provides Compiling all 10 episodes aired on PBS in supreme self-confidence. And Nathan an outsider’s perspective on the workings 2014, extras include a behind-the-scenes Page and Hugo Johnstone-Burt—as Jack of a racially and culturally diverse world featurette and deleted scenes. A hardy Brit- Robinson and Hugh Collins, the police- of inmates who are mostly from the poor ish show with a strong U.S. following, this men Fisher regularly assists (often to their and working classes, presenting lives and is recommended. (S. Axmaker) chagrin)—also seem more comfortable. The experiences not usually seen on the screen physical production continues to impress as various individuals share their narratives with delicious period detail and suitably Murder on the Home along the way. Among them are Galina glossy cinematography enhanced by a Front HHH (), Nicky (), rousing jazz score. And most important, the PBS, 90 min., not rated, DVD: Alex (), and fan favorite scripts ratchet up the cleverness. Yes, these $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 “Crazy Eyes” (). Because Orange are still traditional murder cases, but they This 2013 British TV Is the New Black is otherwise only available are often situated in unusual settings—a movie is a lively and witty through Netflix subscription, this release medical college, a movie studio, a football murder mystery set in 1940 will be most welcome for non-subscribers. club, a fashion salon, a radio station, a London, the harrowing Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2013 racetrack, a convent—that provide Fisher time of the German Blitzkrieg bombing raids. debut season, extras include episode com- the opportunity to display her talents in Based on the memoirs of Molly Lefebure, mentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, various capacities (she becomes a model Murder on the Home Front stars Patrick Ken- and a gag reel. Highly recommended. and a movie director, among other things). nedy as Dr. Lennox Collins, a civilian drafted (S. Axmaker) Colorful supporting roles here are filled by into duty as the police coroner during the some great character actors, including the war, and Tamzin Merchant as newspaper re- Ray Donovan: Season inimitable Miriam Margolyes as Phryne’s porter Molly (renamed Cooper for the screen One HH1/2 Aunt Pru. Compiling all 13 episodes from adaptation), who is drafted by Lennox to be Paramount, 633 min., not 2013, extras include behind-the-scenes his secretary when she proves to be smart, rated, DVD: 4 discs, $55.98; clips, and a photo gallery. Highly recom- gifted, and—most importantly—unfazed by Blu-ray: 3 discs, $76.99 mended. (F. Swietek) dead bodies. The pair are a classic TV crime This Showtime original duo—brilliant but socially maladroit Collins series is ostensibly about Mr. Selfridge: Season 2 clashes with conservative detectives who the dirty business of cover- HHH don’t trust his science, while spirited, bub- ing up the scandals of the rich and famous PBS, 3 discs, 450 min., not bly Cooper isn’t shy about sharing her ideas in Los Angeles, but it is actually centered rated, DVD: $39.99, Blu-ray: or going undercover—who are dropped into on the family drama of a clan that $44.99 the social and physical upheaval of wartime moved west after the dad, Mickey (Jon This BBC series starring London. The plot involves a serial killer who Voigt), went to prison on a murder convic- Jeremy Piven as Ameri- carves swastikas on the tongues of his female tion. Ray Donovan opens with Mickey’s can entrepreneur Harry victims, leading to an investigation that is early release, but the focus is on the title Selfridge has essentially become Downton complicated by interference and obstruction character played by Liev Schreiber, a tough, Abbey’s urban counterpart, a show in from the high command. While the story emotionally unflappable fixer for L.A.’s which British society’s class divisions are itself isn’t new, this one is set apart from celebrities, and a protective brother who constantly challenged by department store other wartime whodunnits that often take a looks after his siblings: Terry (Eddie Mar- mogul Harry—a populist boss who rewards serious, dour approach; by contrast, this tale san), a former boxer damaged by his years talent and innovation, promoting the best has the lightness of a romantic thriller with in the ring, and Bunchy (Dash Mihok), a

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 42 JULY/AUGUST 2014 fragile soul still suffering from the abuse not brought any evidence of prosperity or Blu-ray release is a bonus featurette and an of a neighborhood priest. Ray loves his stability. Gangsters operate a lucrative black interactive character tree). Recommended. wife (Paula Malcomson) and children but market empire, and to the uninitiated it (S. Axmaker) is a workaholic, which puts a strain on the looks as if 1920s Chicago has come back marriage. It’s an interesting mix of cul- to life in the Danish capital. For young True Detective HHH1/2 tures—the dark family drama with Boston journalist Bjarne Madsen (Jakob Ceder- HBO, 3 discs, 458 min., TV- Irish crime connections, and the show busi- gren), a great story waits to be told; but his MA, DVD: $59.99; Blu-ray: ness scandals in the shadows of sunny Los newspaper is not eager to unleash Bjarne $79.98 Angeles. But it’s also rather dour and hard for this assignment, as they already have a Created and written by to warm up to, although Schreiber delivers well-regarded crime reporter, H.C. Vissing novelist Nic Pizzolatto and a strong performance as an anti-hero with (Bent Mejding)—but he’s not eager to ex- directed by Cary Joji Fuku- a ruthless dedication to his job and a moral pose underworld chicanery. Needless to say, naga, HBO’s original series code. Steven Bauer costars as Ray’s right Bjarne charts his own course and begins to True Detective—telling a hand man, and James Woods guest stars unravel the criminal networks while also self-contained story—stars Matthew Mc- as a vicious Boston hitman modeled on ferreting out the political benefactor that Conaughey as Detective Rust Cohle, a smart Whitey Bulger. Compiling all 12 episodes enables Danish gangsters to control the detective with fierce psychological insight from the 2013 debut season, this is a strong city. In the process, he also falls in love into criminals, but poor collaborative and optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) with a captivating singer, Lisbeth Gordan social skills, and as Detec- (Stine Stengade)—as does his brother, Ole tive Marty Hart, a family man with a more Separate But Equal (Lars Mikkelsen). Director Ole Christian traditional approach to police work and HHH Madsen keeps the action moving at a crisp more familiar personal issues. Not really Paramount, 191 min., PG, pace, and the visual style and tough-edged odd couple partners, the pair are more like DVD: $16.99 acting clearly owe more than a little to the colliding personalities who have to work to For want of a school bus film noir genre that defined Hollywood’s get along enough to solve cases, and both the landmark 1954 Brown postwar output. Recommended. (P. Hall) agree that there is something troubling v. Board of Education Su- about their current murder investigation, preme Court case would be : The which bears similarities to other unsolved waged, which resulted in the desegregation Complete Sixth Season murders, as cryptic clues shepherd the of America’s schools and comprised the HHH detectives down a murky trail that leads to a regional church, a white supremacist first major victory in the fledgling Civil HBO, 4 discs, 600 min., TV- Rights movement. This 1991 made-for- MA, DVD: $59.99; Blu-ray: organization, and a history of bad police television event is a class act that earned $79.98 work and cover-ups. The narrative spans Emmys for Best Miniseries and Best Actor At one time the most 17 years, framed by interviews with the for Sidney Poitier, who stars as NAACP popular original show on two detectives years after the investigation lawyer Thurgood Marshall. In his last film, HBO, this splashy, sexy series about a world ended without an arrest. And while it seems Burt Lancaster costars as opposing counsel, where vampires come out of the shadows to head into supernatural territory, the John W. Davis (“I’m just a country lawyer and into society continues to revel in ex- scariest revelation here is how evil can con- at heart”). The distinguished cast also in- cess and self-indulgence in its penultimate tinue for decades due to corruption, special cludes as Chief Justice Earl season. New storylines here are dominated interests, and institutional incompetence. Warren, who is determined to persuade by a plot engineered by the New Orleans Beautifully written and directed, with the justices to vote unanimously against governor (Arliss Howard) to declare war haunting imagery and challenging subject segregated schools and “let the backbone on vampires, built around a conspiracy to matter, True Detective benefits greatly from come from the court [to] strengthen the poison their blood-substitute “Tru Blood.” the performances by Harrelson and Mc- moral backbone of the people who live in To perfect his plan, the governor captures Conaughey, who inhabit rich, complicated, conflict.” An earnest film full of stirring and experiments on vampires in a secret terribly flawed characters. Compiling all language and impassioned argument, Sepa- concentration camp. Meanwhile, vampire eight episodes from 2014, extras include rate But Equal is also somewhat undercut by Bill (Stephen Moyer) evaluates his new episode commentaries, behind-the-scenes its deliberate pace and earnest presentation. powers in the wake of his brush with Lilith; featurettes, deleted scenes, and cast and Still, this is a solid and essential history Sookie () faces the force that creator interviews. Sure to appeal to fans lesson that should find a welcome home killed her parents, with the help of a faerie of dark, complex mysteries and sophisti- in classrooms and libraries. Extras include grandfather and veteran vampire hunter cated TV storytelling, this is highly recom- “See It Now: A Study of Two Cities,” a CBS (guest star Rutger Hauer); and werewolf mended. (S. Axmaker) News special hosted by Edward R. Murrow. hunk Alcide () takes his Recommended. (D. Liebenson) place as a pack leader. As in previous sea- sons, True Blood adopts a slightly campy O The Spider HHH approach to southern gothic horror, fill- nline MHz, 3 discs, 354 min., in ing each episode with outrageously unreal Visit Video Librarian Online (www. Danish w/English subtitles, not bloody violence and plenty of sex and videolibrarian.com) for more reviews rated, DVD: $39.95 nudity. It’s more entertaining exploitation during July and August, including: Ar- Over the past couple of than sophisticated storytelling, but the thur Hailey’s The Moneychangers, Corazon years, MHz has been re- self-aware quality and splashy, over-the-top Indomable, Crime Stories, Jack Irish: Set 2, leasing hitherto unknown twists have helped the show—based on Kennedy’s Brain, Little House on the Prai- programs from Scandina- the books by Charlaine Harris—maintain rie: Season Two, Longmire: The Complete vian TV. One of the more a strong cult following. Compiling all 10 Second Season, Ripper Street: Season Two, intriguing exports is this 2000 six-episode episodes from the 2013 sixth season, extras Republic of Doyle: Season One, You, Me & Danish noir-style thriller, set in 1949 Co- include episode commentaries and behind- Them: Series 1, and much more! penhagen, where the postwar period has the-scenes featurettes (exclusive to the

JULY/AUGUST 2014 43 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Video Reviews

2011-12 third season, extras include episode she worries about her math skills after being Ordering information for the titles reviewed in commentaries. A smart and entertaining placed in charge of counting tickets for prizes this section can be found in the “Distributor series, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. in a class carnival activity. “Have You Got Addresses” listings at the back of the magazine. (C. Cassady) the Time?” spotlights teacher Mrs. O’Connor (), who explains how to tell HHHH= Excellent Bella Sara: Emma’s Wings HH time from the hands of a clock, using exam- (2014) 75 min. DVD: $14.98. Entertainment One ples and a rhyme that separates regular parts HHH= Good (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 1-4172- of the day. “Introducing the Post Office” of- 4162-4. fers a behind-the-scenes look at mail sorting, HH= Fair Based on the Danish trading card game by while “A Berry Sore Stomach” finds Betsy and H= Poor Gitte Odder Braendgaard, this rudimentarily BFF Billy (Nancy “Bart Simpson” Cartwright) animated feature film follows a ‘tweenish- overloading on blueberries. The remain- PPR = Public Performance Rights looking girl named Emma who loves taking ing four segments are “Growing, Growing, DD = Digital Download care of her horse Wings. While she prepares Gone,” “The Treasure of Sierra Betsy,” “Lyrtle for her Uncle Morgan’s upcoming party the Turtle,” and “The Great Gingerbread Man Aud = Audience and peruses her absent (deceased?) mother Mystery.” Also featuring the voices of Fred Willard, Cree Summer, and Bess Armstrong, K = Preschool-Kindergarten Sigga’s journal about a mystical other realm, a magic necklace suddenly appears on Emma. this relevant series for youngsters magically E = Elementary (grades 1-3) Later, while gathering orchids with her turns almost anything into a great learning clumsy cousin Colm, Emma is confronted opportunity. Highly recommended. Aud: K, I = Intermediate (grades 4-6) by a vicious magical wolf pack and the pair P. ( J. Williams-Wood) J = Jr. High (grades 7-8) find themselves transported to the land of North of North. Here, Emma meets magi- Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator H = High School (grades 9-12) cal Sara (a fairy?) and her fancy horse Bella, HHH C = Colleges & Universities and learns that she is not only her mother’s (2013) 12 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide heir but also the only valkyrie who can stop included). Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed P = Public Libraries Ivenna, a villainess who wants the realm captioned. ISBN: 0-545-57033-6. or Sigga’s journal…or something. A confus- Prolific children’s author and illustrator ing tale presented with subpar animation, Mo Willems is back with this latest family this is not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. affair, featuring narration by wife Cher Wil- CHILDREN’S (J. Williams-Wood) lems and additional voices by Mo and their daughter Trixie, as well as music by Scotty Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures: Huff. School-aged Amanda and her stuffed Adventure Time: The Complete Third Volume 3 HHH1/2 pet Alligator enjoy dancing, frolicking, (2011) 120 min. DVD: $19.95. Polka Dot holding hands, and other activities in this HHH1/2 Season Productions (dist. by Janson Media). ISBN: 978-1- animated adaptation of the 2011 picture book (2011) 286 min. DVD: 2 discs, $26.95; Blu-ray: 56839-459-6. $32.95. Warner Home Video (avail. from most that includes “6 ½ Surprising Stories.” In “A distributors). Aired on PBS Kids, this compilation of eight Surprising Surprise,” Alligator paces with In a behind-the-scenes extra here, Adven- 15-minute stories from the Parents’ Choice boredom as he waits for Amanda to return ture Time creator Pendleton Ward says that Award-winning preschool series—which fea- from the library (Amanda pores through at fan gatherings he is profusely thanked by tures an accomplished voice cast—combines wacky reading material such as You Can Make parents who are grateful that his hit Cartoon cute animation with good common sense. It Yourself: Jet Packs), and she eventually scares Network heroic fantasy satire can be enjoyed Five-year-old protagonist Betsy (Daveigh him. “An Unsurprising Surprise” falls flat for by grownups as much as their transfixed Chase) is back in “Tickets Please!” in which Alligator when he tries to “Boo!” her back. kids. The simply-drawn setting is the magi- cal medievalist realm of Ooo—actually our own post-apocalyptic world—where boy hero HHH Finn, aged 13, enjoys escapades amongst a Cloudette 1/2 (2013) 12 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). Weston Woods plethora of strange princesses and cultures Studios. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-545-57032-8. with his roommate/stepbrother Jake, who also happens to be a talking, shape-shifting Narrated by Wendy Carter, this animated adaptation of author dog. Noteworthy antics here include a revela- and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld’s 2011 picture book features tion (courtesy of a VHS tape) of the origins banjo-inflected music by Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young. A very of not-terribly-threatening antagonist the Ice small cloud, Cloudette does see some advantages in her stature, King, and the resolution of a second-season including pet names (such as “shortcake” and “small fry”), the plot thread in which Finn’s unattainable love, ease of finding a good spot in a crowd watching fireworks, and Princess Bubblegum of the Candy People, the ability to sneak through tight spaces and hide in small places. regresses in age from 18 to 13 herself, making However, once in awhile, Cloudette feels inadequate, especially her (briefly) potential date material (the final when she witnesses the other clouds doing big things such as whooshing in a cold front, episode introduces a fiery—literally—new or making rivers flow. Although Cloudette dreams of making a difference, she finds princess as a possible romantic interest for that after inquiring about jobs at the fire department and a car wash, “nobody seemed Finn). One tale even unfolds nearly dialogue- to need her.” But when a chance storm spirals Cloudette far away from her ‘hood, the free as it chronicles the friendship between “cute little cumulus” ends up making a big contribution after all. Awash with natural- two peripheral creatures who are normally looking blue, gray, and yellow sky backgrounds, bonus features include a read-along mortal enemies. Guest voices include Neil option, and a workshop featurette with Lichtenheld at the Geneva History Center in Patrick Harris, Keith David, and “Weird Al” Illinois. A charming tale, this is highly recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood) Yankovic. Compiling all 26 episodes from the

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 44 JULY/AUGUST 2014 DOUG UNPLUGS ON THE FARM A high-tech robot boy enjoys a day of low-tech fun on the farm. Available July 22 “Yaccarino is especially good…” — The New York Times Book Review

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VL Dreamscape JulyAug 2014.indd 1 6/6/14 3:42 PM These are followed by the less memorable “An Extra Surprise,” “A Surprising Tickle,” Dragons Love Tacos HHH and “A Surprising Solution,” finishing strong (2014) 6 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. PPR. Closed captioned. with “A Surprising Value,” in which Amanda ISBN: 978-0-9777098-9-2. reassures her outraged friend after he discov- Based on author Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmieri’s ers he’s wearing a price tag (“I was in the sale fun 2012 children’s book—featuring the duo’s characteristic basket?!”), and “A Surprising Discovery,” speckle-background—Dragons Love Tacos is a sort of guide for a which introduces a fun new buddy. Sure to be boy and his dog on the subject of dragon cuisine. In turns out that appreciated by fans of Willems’ lighthearted “tacos are key” in tempting the fiery beasts. While beef, chicken, and lively storytelling, this is recommended. cheese, and other mild toppings are approved, dragons—and like- Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood) ly a fair amount of the target audience—cannot stand salsa (if ac- cidentally ingested, snorting sparks are the least of worries!). Nar- PAW Patrol HHH rated by , this amusing iconographic-animated tale features mostly muted (2013) 117 min. DVD: $14.98. Paramount Home primary colors and an inventive use of sound effects (such as sizzling meat and crunch- Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). ing of taco shells). Also including a read-along option, this is recommended. Aud: K, P. Closed captioned. ISBN: 1-4157-7647-4. (J. Williams-Wood) Featuring 10 stories from the high-energy -aired computer-animated series, this compilation follows the adventures of derwater to search shipwrecks for gold), wood”) and backed by solid sound effects a group of six rescue puppies and their 10- “Bumble Fumble,” “Cheese Mountain,” and (such as rushing water and chirping birds), year-old human leader, Ryder. “Pups Save “Marshmallow Mines.” In each episode, pes- this short briefly outlines the evolution of the the Sea Turtles” offers up facts about the simistic badger Egbert appears as some sort camp as others came to settle near the titular “super mini-dinosaurs” (not a fact) while the of foe (itchy Carlito Mosquito, Seymour the “Emancipation Oak.” Also featuring a read- team helps the turtles avoid hungry seagulls, Suckerfish). Serving up preschool-friendly along option and an audio author’s note, this diverting their path to the water away from a fun, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Wil- engaging slice-of-history is recommended. busy road. “Pups and the Very Big Baby” finds liams-Wood) Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood) the gang faced with a baby beached whale who they need to keep from becoming de- Secret Pizza Party HHH Worlds Together: Ecuador HHH hydrated—while also ensuring that Momma (2014) 6 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. (2013) 25 min. DVD: $29.95 (teacher’s guide Whale stays away (the team use the whale’s PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62923-512-7. included). Master Communications. PPR. Closed sensitivity to sound in order to distract her Another cooperative effort between author captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60480-158-3. from ending up in the same situation). Also Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmieri, Producer Elmer Hawkes takes his camera including “Pups and the Kitt-tastrophe,” this iconographic-animated adaptation of wayyyyyy south-of-the-border in this recent “Pups Save a Train,” “Pup Pup Boogie,” “Pups their 2013 picture book—narrated by Adam program from his long-running documen- in a Fog,” “Pup Pup Goose,” “Pup Pup and Verner—centers around a raccoon who loves tary series. Following the general format Away”—are you sensing a theme here?—the pizza but (being a wild without any of combining location footage with maps set finishes with an elephant goose chase in money) is usually chased from Uncle Mark’s and a world music soundtrack, Worlds To- “Pups Save the Circus,” and “Pup a Doodle Pizza Place with a broom. After considering gether: Ecuador explores the South American Do” (Mayor Goodway’s chicken runs off). the possibility of planning a secret pizza country’s economy, particularly agriculture The puppies each boast special catchphrases celebration and some other less than bright (which employs a quarter of the nation’s and they pilot awesome vehicles while help- ideas (including wearing stilts and dressing workforce, with exports including sugar, ing to protect Adventure Bay. Combining as a human for pizza pickup), the raccoon tomatoes, barley, and corn) and petroleum; problem-solving skills and doggone good winds up in a silly chase sequence. Featur- the (majority) Roman Catholic and Span- fun (“whenever there’s trouble, just yelp ing dark nighttime scenes (in consideration ish-speaking Mestizo population, who live for help!”), this is recommended. Aud: P. of the generally nocturnal main character) from the Andes to the Amazon Basin; and (J. Williams-Wood) and some funny details (the raccoon keeps specific cities, including the wealthy seaport journals recording he’s eaten pizza), of Guayaquil, the colonial-looking church- Poppy Cat: Birthday Treasure and Other Secret Pizza Party also includes a read-along filled Cuenca, the thermal baths of Baños, Adventures HHH option. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Wil- the eco-tourism hotspot Tena, and the capital (2014) 80 min. DVD: $12.98. Entertainment One liams-Wood) city of Quito. Also featuring segments on (avail. from most distributors). SDH captioned. Ecuadorian music (including a bamboo-made ISBN: 1-4172-3713-9. Under the Freedom Tree HHH rondadour pan pipe), arts and crafts (featured This seven-story compilation from the (2014) 9 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. in daily and weekly markets), and food (the animated series—based on books by the late PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62923-579-0. national dish encebollado is a soup made British author and illustrator Lara Jones—fol- Narrated by JD Jackson, this iconographic- from fish, onion, and corn), this informative lows the titular anthropomorphic pet cat in animated adaptation of author Susan Van- introduction is recommended. Aud: I, J, P. whimsical tales. “Birthday Treasure” finds Hecke and illustrator London Ladd’s 2014 (J. Williams-Wood) the gang—including dog Zuzu, Owl, rabbit picture book features realistic color pencil Alma, and mouse Mo—surprising Poppy and pastel artwork. Under the Freedom Tree with a strawberry-frosted cake and birthday sheds light on Virginia’s true-life Grand PSYCHOLOGY & SELF-HELP presents that are not-so-coincidentally quite Contraband Camp during the Civil War helpful when combined with a treasure map era, which became a refuge for slaves after of a Mystery Jungle. “Bad Robot” follows the the runaways Frank Baker, James Townsend, Free the Mind HHH team during a rocket ship rescue of their TV and Sheppard Mallory received asylum from (2013) 80 min. DVD: $89: high schools & public show hero Rocket Cat, who is trapped on the Union instead of being returned (due to libraries; $295: colleges & universities. The Video Ice Planet. Other segments include “Magic Virginia’s secession from the country). Writ- Project. PPR. Closed captioned. Show,” “Sunken Ship” (the crew goes un- ten in free verse (“glinting waves slap rotting American psychologist Dr. Richard David-

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 46 JULY/AUGUST 2014 son, founder of the Center for Investigating for the mentally ill is compelling. Actress on camera, the voices of Amish bishops and Healthy Minds at the University of Wiscon- Glenn Close (whose sister has grappled parents—whose faces are not shown—justify sin—Madison, has earned international with schizophrenia) also appears to add her the painful role of shunning, citing biblical recognition for his innovative studies, in- voice in this strong mental-health-advocacy beliefs that sinners cannot enter Heaven. A cluding a citation as one of Time magazine’s documentary. Highly recommended. Aud: young woman named Naomi seems to be ad- 100 most influential people in 2006. Danish C, P. (C. Cassady) justing, with plans to become a nurse, while filmmaker Phie Ambo’s documentary details Anna has found shelter with a former church how Davidson treated three cases of emotion- member, but can’t let go of her beliefs or find ally challenged individuals with a regimen RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY her role in the wider world (in a poignant that included Tibetan-inspired meditation coda, Anna puts her Amish clothes back on, and mental training exercises. Two of the and returns to the fold). Some remain “lost patients were U.S. military veterans suffering The Amish: Shunned HHH1/2 between cultures,” but an Amishman notes from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following (2014) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). that for shunned family members, “a place violent tours of duty, while the third was a PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883- at the table is always set.” A fine companion boy diagnosed with ADHD who experienced 042-8. piece to the PBS-aired The Amish (VL-7/12), severe anxiety. In offering a blend of ages-old Outside and even within the Amish com- this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. contemplative practices with the consider- munity, shunning is viewed as a harsh and (S. Rees) ations of modern neuroscience, Davidson controversial practice that is metaphorically challenged the traditional approaches to equivalent—as an Amishman here says—to David Brainerd: Missionary to the medical care and psychology, with remark- a stoning in the New Testament. Shunning HHH1/2 able results. Free the Mind does an admirable occurs when a church member is cast out for American Indians violating rules (known as the “ordnung”), af- (2014) 59 min. DVD: $19.99. Gary Wilkinson job of explaining complex neuroscience theo- (dist. by Vision Video). ries, while the two adult patients and parents ter which other members are forbidden to eat Filmmaker Gary Wilkinson’s stirring and of the child express an extraordinary degree at the same table or take anything from the of patience in allowing their situations to be hand of those shunned. Directed by Callie T. illuminating documentary focuses on the shown on camera. The only drawback here Wiser, this PBS-aired doc- short but meaningful life of David Brainerd is a bombastic music score that often seems umentary presents cases of shunned young (1718-1747), who devoted his final years to more appropriate for a Spielberg-worthy people who have left the Amish church and preaching Christianity to native peoples in adventure flick than a science documentary. community (these instances take place after the New England area. Born in Extras include bonus featurettes (including their allowed period of “rumspringa,” or during the early 18th century, Brainerd a meeting between Davidson and the Dalai “running around” before joining the church). learned catechism at home from his mother Lama; and an introduction to yoga instruc- Some of the shunned departed because they and father, who both died young. At age 19, tion for children). Recommended. Aud: C, disagreed with the rules, wanted to pursue Brainerd tried his hand at farming but gave P. (P. Hall) higher education or wider opportunities, or up and then underwent a Christian conver- were drawn to forbidden pursuits, such as sion that led him to enroll at Yale University. HHH owning a car. The decision to leave is often Established in part to counter more liberal Hidden Pictures 1/2 theological teachings at Harvard, many Yale (2013) 56 min. DVD: $19.95: individuals; gradual, and always painful, but a lucky few $49.95: public libraries; $134.95: colleges & find shelter with former Amish families, who students would embrace the Christian revival universities. MyDoc Productions (avail. from www. help them transition to movement known as the Great Awakening. hiddenpicturesfilm.com). PPR. (one former Amish man returned to his Brainerd, already ill with the tuberculosis Filmmaker Delaney Ruston, MD, whose family seven times before leaving once and that would eventually kill him, was expelled 2010 documentary Unlisted was a cinematic for all). Many join a more liberal church, but from Yale for criticizing a faculty he consid- memoir about her late schizophrenic father, continue to miss the close-knit family ties. ered spiritually bankrupt, leading him to author-poet Richard Ruston, here travels While the former Amish youth are shown volunteer to travel around New England as around the world to assess the state of the mentally ill (perhaps as many as 450 million are afflicted globally) and how they are treat- Jesus: The Desire of Ages HHH1/2 ed by their respective cultures. Mostly, her (2014) 61 min. DVD: $19.99. Myers Media (dist. by Vision Video). findings are sad. In India, despite (or because One may well wonder what new can be brought to a dramatic of) strong family systems, schizophrenics are retelling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but hidden away, judged unworthy for all-im- the fact that a story can be told repeatedly—through the perspec- portant marriages. In South Africa, a native tives of different generations—is a testament to the enduring woman suffering from bipolar disorder gains power of a narrative that continues to capture the attention and no benefit from the worthless potions of sha- imagination of people worldwide. With Paul Presly in the title manic tribal “healers” (who believe evil spirits role, this well-produced docudrama directed by Nancy Hamilton to be responsible); fortunately, she receives a Myers focuses on the latter days in Jesus’s ministry, during which second chance with psychotropic drugs. In he attained great popularity (and drew considerable negative China, Ruston finds an apparently normal, attention from religious leaders) while fulfilling what many claimed to be Old Testa- well-educated man lodged indefinitely in an ment prophecy before being sentenced to die on the cross. Here, Jesus displays the institution mainly because of some personal full extent of the human experience, enduring tremendous pain and suffering, while disagreement with his parents. And even in also exhibiting an almost inexplicable peace and grace—especially towards those who France, supposedly a bastion of progressive tortured him. Within the framework of the journey to Calvary, flashbacks recount how psychiatry, a schizophrenic man remains a Jesus changed the lives of 10 individuals, including the woman at the well, the leper, jobless outcast. Although one might fairly and a girl brought back to life. Whether or not Jesus actually rose from the dead is a ask whether such sample cases are represen- matter of personal belief, but it’s hard to dispute the influence of Christ’s story, which tative of the big picture, Dr. Ruston’s plea is continually retold. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block) for more understanding and compassion

JULY/AUGUST 2014 47 VIDEO LIBRARIAN an evangelist to Native Americans. The film visits the places where Brainerd did his often Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda HHH1/2 challenging work, and also interviews histori- (2013) 78 min. In English & Russian w/English subtitles. DVD: $17.99. ans about Brainerd’s devotion to God, as well Breaking Glass Pictures (avail. from most distributors). as his chronic melancholy and the physical One of the more troubling news stories surrounding this year’s sacrifices he made to complete his mission. Winter Olympics in Sochi centered on the status of gays and Along the way, the documentary offers in- lesbians in Russia. Homosexuality was not tolerated during the sights into the mindset of Native Americans Soviet era, but the post–Cold War years witnessed an even greater who were desperately trying to cope with hostility toward gays, as political and religious factions sought white settlers and hold onto their cultures. to scapegoat the demographic through media attacks, legislation, Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) and an environment that encouraged violent assaults on LGBT Russians. This documentary presents a series of interviews with Jock Troup & the Fishermen’s Revival Russian men and women who openly identify their sexual orientation, despite rejec- HHH1/2 tion by their families, discrimination, and increased threats. Some downplay their (2012) 48 min. DVD: $19.99. Gary Wilkinson lifestyle, while others—most notably, the organizers of an LGBT film festival—attempt (dist. by Vision Video). to force a conversation with a wider population that views homosexuality as a Western The fascinating story of Scottish evangelist perversion. Also appearing is a Russian parliamentarian who crafted the so-called “gay John “Jock” Troup (1896-1954) is told in this propaganda” legislation that created international furor. But the real surprise here is biographical documentary from filmmaker that Campaign of Hate is a mature and intelligent documentary from Michael Lucas, Gary Wilkinson. Born and raised in fishing a filmmaker notorious for directing gay porno flicks. The Russian-born Lucas appears villages during the boom years of Scotland’s on camera to conduct interviews with his non-English-speaking subjects—a task he fishing industry, Troup became a master handles with the professionalism of a seasoned journalist. Disturbing yet compelling, cooper (a builder of barrels)—a key job for Campaign of Hate is a must-see for anyone interested in today’s Russia, where the threat exporting herring to the rest of the world. to LGBT individuals is very real. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) Enlisting in the Royal Navy Patrol Service during World War I, Troup had an “evan- gelical conversion” one night in in not quite belonging to the East or the West. but he eschews a purist approach, encourag- the company of a Christian couple who had Accordingly and amusingly, Jung went ing kids to merge Inuit traditions (like throat invited him to tea. A changed man from that through a phase of intense Japan-o-philia singing) into the mix. The kids also learn moment, Troup went uneasily back to his that fed his artistic precociousness—when he about ciphers, circles, scratching, and beat- old life until he had a second conversion at wasn’t engaged in running away, petty crime, boxing. In addition, Leafloor teaches them a revival meeting in Glasgow, after which he and cheating (repeatedly disappointing his about the origins of B-boy culture, putting joined forces with a traveling Baptist minister, Belgian parents). The filming style of this an emphasis on creativity and community and then began taking his formidable voice exquisite animated European docu-memoir while also delivering a cautionary message out into the street and to revival meetings combines computer-assisted 2D renderings about the violent stance espoused by some throughout Scotland’s fishing communities. inspired by Jung’s sketchwork (which is not rappers, explaining that this doesn’t apply A “Fishermen’s Revival” was born, as word Japanese anime-style, by any means) with to hip-hop as a whole. Kelly also folds in the spread of Troup’s charismatic preaching live-action sequences of the now-adult art- narratives of two students, 15-year-old Eric (sometimes praying while prostrate on the ist-writer revisiting his ancestral Korean Kitigon, who plans to join the military, and ground), and local meeting halls would swell homeland, where he admits that he showed 21-year-old Shannon Kemukton, a single with people wanting to hear him. Troup insufficient appreciation for his Belgian papa mother who works at a bingo hall. Eric, who would run a revival center in Glasgow that and maman (even as he criticizes the culture takes on the rap nom de plume Justic-E, spends also fed the poor during the Great Depression for taking in unwanted Korean children part of each year with his best friend’s family and gave support to troops during World as a sort of trendy fashion statement). An since his mother works in a remote diamond War II. A variety of interviewees tell Troup’s artistic, engaging, and thought-provoking mine. Principal Mike Simms believes the hip- story, including historians, eyewitnesses who autobiographical documentary, this is highly hop program motivates “kids who are often saw Troup preach, and Troup’s daughter and recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) difficult to motivate.” At the conclusion, grandson. Highly recommended. Aud: P. a battle in which everyone shows off their (T. Keogh) Arctic Hip Hop HHH newfound skills while exhibiting enthusiasm (2007) 44 min. DVD: $79.95: public libraries & appears to bear out the principal’s belief in high schools; $275: colleges & universities. Third Leafloor’s efforts. Recommended. Aud: C, P. SOCIAL & POLITICAL ISSUES World Newsreel. PPR. (K. Fennessy) This Canadian documentary revolves around a weeklong hip-hop workshop. Burn HHH Approved for Adoption HHH1/2 In 2007, director Randy Kelly traveled to (2012) 86 min. DVD: $24.95 (avail. from most (2012) 75 min. DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray/DVD Cambridge Bay in Nunavut—a community distributors), $249 w/PPR (avail. from edu. Combo: $34.95. Cinedigm Entertainment (avail. of 1,477 (2006 census figure)—to document passionriver.com). Passion River. Closed captioned. from most distributors). Stephen Leafloor, aka B-boy Buddha, and his Ostensibly a documentary about a year Co-director (with Laurent Boileau) Jung crew at work. Leafloor, a burly white man, in the life of the Detroit Fire Department, Henin, who is now an accomplished comics says he feels a connection to the Native com- Burn is just as much a portrait of a failing artist/writer, was abandoned as a little boy munity through his sister, who married an American city that cannot afford to sustain and found in a Seoul marketplace. Jung was Inuit. He uses hip-hop dance as a means to basic services. With two-thirds of its peak eventually adopted by a large Belgian family get kids moving. Says Laurence, a student at population gone—less than 800,000 people (his second foster home; a first returned him Kiilinik High School, “I didn’t know how to remain in the Motor City—Detroit is rife over a triviality), but while he was accepted breakdance until this week and I love it.” Lea- with abandoned and broken-down structures by his non-biological siblings and parents, floor also teaches steps with hats and canes (both houses and buildings) that are essen- he struggled with feeling like an outsider, that look more like Bob Fosse choreography, tially firetraps. Filmmakers Tom Putnam and

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 48 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Brenna Sanchez’s Burn focuses on a handful history: former slaves lost their land because residents are often surprised to find that the of firefighters who spend their days tackling they could not afford to pay taxes, but in the mineral rights under their property—usually blazes with inadequate equipment, as they 1970s an uprising of unionists, students, and deeded to someone else—are being used to try to save places that are often destined to activists led to land reclamation by Rastafar- extract natural gas. Unfortunately, The Ethics be leveled. Ironies pile higher with the ap- ians. FACRP grew from Jaramogi’s involve- of Fracking is flawed in its approach: many of pointment of a new, tough fire commissioner ment with the Rastafarian movement; while the headlines on which the camera dwells who declares that some fires will not be put her husband and other men were focused on are from web pages of varying degrees of out in order to save money. The rank-and-file “freedom gatherings, bubbling food in yabba credibility; and even though filmmaker Scott firefighters strongly disagree, arguing that pots,” she wanted to find practical ways to Cannon includes authoritative interviews you never know when someone might be support Rastafarians and in particular Trini- with politicians, academics, and activists, living in those derelict structures, but it’s all dadian women. So in the early 1980s, she and they only scratch the surface in depicting part of the new normal in Detroit. Executive her husband started planting seedlings and the human angle—i.e., the people affected produced by Denis Leary (Rescue Me), Burn educating locals about environmental con- by fracking, such as the residents of rural follows various subjects over the course of a servation. Reforestation has created habitats areas who demonstrate how they can actually hard year, including the commissioner (who for wildlife and jobs for humans while also ignite the water coming from their kitchen is seen vacuuming his own office after the supporting agriculture, conserving clean tap. Better choices here would be Gasland cleaning crew is laid off); a young former water, and preventing forest fires. And the (VL-11/11) and Meet the Frackers (VL-9/13). firefighter who was disabled when a burning people of Fondes Amandes have developed Optional. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner) building collapsed; and a long-timer and a protective attitude to the forest and work recent widower who is due to retire. While to preserve the ecosystem it supports. As a Fists of Pride (Les Poings de la Fierté) the film features lots of firefighters-in-ac- West Indies professor says, the FACRP is “an HHH tion sequences, this an engaging, personal- outstanding example of indigenous, self- (2012) 64 min. DVD: $195. National Film Board ity-driven documentary. The companion propelled, community-based eco-forestry.” of Canada. PPR. volume Too Hot for Burn (DVD: $19.99) is Combining archival photographs and footage Canadian filmmaker Hélène Choquette’s also newly available. Recommended. Aud: from the community, along with expository Fists of Pride shines a spotlight on young C, P. (T. Keogh) intertitles, this inspiring short documen- boys who are training to be adolescent tary is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. boxers in a Burmese refugee community Earth Water Woman: Community & (M. Puffer-Rothenberg) on the border with Thailand. Martial arts Sustainability in Trinidad & Tobago competition between Thailand and Burma HHH1/2 The Ethics of Fracking HH1/2 has a long, legendary history. In Mae Sot—a (2013) 23 min. DVD: $99: high schools & public (2014) 38 min. DVD: $39.95: public libraries & sort of wide-open “special zone” for the two libraries; $229: colleges & universities. Good Docs high schools; $99: colleges & universities. Green countries that teems with Burmese migrant (avail. from www.gooddocs.net). PPR. Planet Films. PPR. workers and refugees from Myanmar’s ethnic Filmmakers Sarah Feinbloom and Alexan- The title of this short documentary strong- strife—Choquette trains her camera on four dra Swati Guild’s Earth Water Woman looks ly hints at the position taken by its producers, young pugilists from the Burmese Karen tribe, at how women spearheaded a reforestation who present a largely one-sided view of frack- who attempt to master Thai boxing under dif- project in Trinidad’s Fondes Amandes. Co- ing, a relatively new technology for mining ferent (sometimes questionable) Thai coaches founder and director of the Fondes Amandes coal shale for natural gas far underground. for their turn in the ring in an annual “Water Community Reforestation Project (FACRP), Fracking has—to some extent—crept under Festival.” Success with the local gamblers Akilah Jaramogi explains how the project the radar of environmentalists, and is largely would help the kids’ stricken families. While began as a grassroots effort in the 1980s, unregulated, even though it creates water pol- their parents and older brothers (some of and then over the next 30 years led to the lution, geologic instability, noise, and green- whom tried boxing themselves) despair over planting of more than 60,000 seedlings and house gases in the form of methane. Ground the apparent exploitation of the youngsters, restoration of 125 acres of forest. The docu- zero for the growing practice are areas in the the boys themselves seem to take the bouts as mentary quickly covers the community’s states of Montana and Pennsylvania, where a test of personal prowess and empowerment. When the film finally gets to the action in the ring, the competition is rather anticlimactic, Goodbye Tibet HHH1/2 but that’s only because Choquette focuses less (2013) 60 min. DVD: $24.95 ($295 w/PPR). Suissimage (dist. by Janson on the scorecards and more on segments of Media). Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-56839-473-2. these two Asian societies that are generally In the year 2000, filmmaker Maria Blumencron shot footage of overlooked. Presented in both English and Kelsang Jigme—a legendary guide who helped Tibetan refugees French versions, this is recommended. Aud: flee their China-occupied country—as he led six children over the C, P. (C. Cassady) Himalayas to freedom in India. Goodbye Tibet concerns events that took place after the hard journey, beginning with Blumencron and Four Horsemen HHH1/2 Jigme being arrested by the Chinese; the director was incarcerated (2010) 60 min. DVD: $24.95 ($295 w/PPR). for two days, while Jigme spent more than two years in a torture Motherlode (dist. by Janson Media). ISBN: 978-1- prison. A decade after those Tibetan children left their country, 56839-488-6. Blumencron and Jigme reunite the group in order to ascend a 20,000-ft. high moun- Filmmaker Ross Ashcroft’s complex docu- tain pass leading to the border of Tibet. Their purpose: to defy Chinese authorities by mentary aims to present a kind of unified planting a forbidden Tibetan flag. The stories of those now young adults and of Jigme theory of everything concerning America’s unfold along the way, especially their losses and sacrifices: the kids have never seen decline. The film’s title refers to four inter- their families since departing Tibet, while Jigme recalls with anguish the destruction related internal and external problems for the of his people and culture. Blumencron’s footage of the climb is often spectacular, but U.S. that may eventually prove catastrophic: while this may center on one of the world’s tallest peaks, it is much more than a typical financial corruption, wealth inequality, and mountaineer film. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. T.( Keogh) the chokehold that corporations have on government; the continued exploitation of

JULY/AUGUST 2014 49 VIDEO LIBRARIAN other countries rich in natural resources ums marketed as luxury residences. Friedrich, where it undergoes its transformation before but already high in poverty; the rise of ter- who’s lived in Williamsburg for 20 years, being sold to an ex-farmer who operates a rorism in response to said exploitation; and tracks the changes in her neighborhood over bus route. It turns out that driving a bus environmental disasters, including climate five years, as nearly 200 older structures are in is a dangerous occupation: change, from unfettered use of fossil fuels. demolished and decades-long residents close since 2006, more than 1,000 drivers and Four Horsemen argues that the root problem up shop and look for new places to live, all fare-collectors have been murdered by here lies in the systemic issues of wealth cre- while condo owners receive outrageous tax local gangsters demanding a hefty cut of ation for the few and powerful at the expense breaks. Filming in the streets and out the their earnings. But Kendall doesn’t focus of everyone else and future generations. The window of her loft, Friedrich creates a sharp on the violence and terror; instead, he of- bulk of the running time is devoted to the portrait of the destruction, tempering her an- fers a compelling consideration of how the consequences of deregulation in financial ger with wry commentary and music. Assured Guatemalans work together to transform a services, which led to the Great Recession by realtors that Williamsburg offers an escape cast-off into something that is both useful in 2008 and a government bailout that from the paparazzi, well-to-do new tenants and artistically inspiring, as the yellow the majority of Americans did not support. encounter Friedrich instead, camera in hand, exterior is covered with a vibrant explosion According to the high-profile interviewees telling them bluntly that they’re ruining of Central American folk art, giving it an here—including Noam Chomsky, Joseph the ’hood. She kvetches about newcomers exuberant look not seen on U.S. roads. On Stiglitz, and Max Keiser—the forces behind walking their little dogs and yells from her a more practical level, the rejuvenated bus those epochal events have since only grown second-story vantage point at a black-coated serves an invaluable purpose in transport- more powerful, controlling both political group of developers, who respond, “Have a ing poor rural Guatemalans who otherwise parties and further stealing from the futures nice day” and take her photo in return. DVD would have no means of getting from one of an easily-distracted and fatalistic public. A extras include an interview with Ida Susser, place to another other than walking (the powerful, thought-provoking condemnation author of Updated Norman Street: Poverty term camioneta is roughly translated as of the evils of economic inequality, this is and Politics in an Urban Neighborhood. A fine “chicken bus,” since many folks bring their highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) documentary that smartly illustrates what live poultry along for the ride). Featuring “urban development” can mean in practice, both the full-length documentary and a Gut Renovation HHH1/2 Gut Renovation is highly recommended. Aud: 52-minute abridged version, this engag- (2013) 81 min. DVD: $29.99: individuals; $295: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg) ing slice of Latin American cultural life is institutions. Outcast Films. PPR. Closed captioned. recommended. [Note: this is also being sold In a style both humorous and heartbreak- La Camioneta HHH on home video for $25 at www.lacamione- ing, filmmaker Su Friedrich documents the (2012) 72 min. DVD: $295. Follow Your Nose tafilm.com.] Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) economic and human cost of gentrification Films (dist. by Bullfrog Films). PPR. Closed as played out in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg dis- captioned. ISBN: 1-93777-284-5. Menstrual Man HHH trict. Re-zoning in 2005 allowed developers to The title of Mark Kendall’s documen- (2013) 63 min. In English, Hindi & Tamil w/ raze old buildings in an area targeted as “mor- tary refers to a decommissioned American English subtitles. Coup Productions (avail. from ibund” despite its many small businesses and school bus that has been refurbished for a sale.menstrualman.com/education/). DVD: $195. PPR. ISBN: 978-981-07-8003-6. long-time residents, which include a thriving second life in the service of public transpor- artists’ community. All are displaced with tation in Guatemala. La Camioneta follows Amit Virmani’s documentary (with a alarming speed as landlords sell their homes the vehicle on a 15-day road trip from catchy title) honors Arunachalam Murugan- out from under them and build condomini- Virginia to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, , a socially ethical, grassroots Indian inventor-businessman who saw a need and filled it—despite extreme cultural taboos. Noting that menstruating women in the Torture: Made In USA HHH1/2 impoverished, lower castes of India rarely (2010) 87 min. DVD: $24.99 (avail. from most distributors), $149 w/PPR used tampons—due to a mix of personal (avail. from www.kimstim.com). KimStim. shame and the perception of the accessory An award-winning French documentary, filmmaker Robin as a luxury item—and suffered serious health Marie-Monique’s Torture: Made In USA cannot simply be dismissed problems, Muruganantham set up a system as advocacy journalism. The documentary features a remarkable to mass-produce and distribute affordable number of major players from the American military and Bush- sanitary pads. Moreover, his business model Cheney administration who were involved in the early years of and user-friendly technology deliberately em- America’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Interviewees include ployed and empowered village women them- Larry Wilkerson (then-Secretary of State Colin Powell’s chief of selves as much as possible (Muruganantham staff); General Ricardo Sanchez (former commander of coalition says he sacrificed an easy-money chance to be forces in Iraq and in charge of gathering intelligence); Matthew Waxman (former advisor a millionaire-industrialist). Muruganantham, to Powell’s replacement, Condoleezza Rice); Janis Karpinski (a career officer who ran who repeatedly claims to lack education and several Iraqi prisons, including Abu Ghraib); and Michael Scheuer, chief architect of sophistication, doggedly researched available the CIA’s “extraordinary rendition” program. The film does a painstaking job of tracing material (plant-cellulose winning out over the Bush team’s step-by-step dismantling of the Geneva Convention rules for humane cotton), quizzed female medical students treatment of prisoners of war, along with the series of deliberately vague memoranda over preferences (most were still too shy to written by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Department of Justice. Those answer truthfully), and was abandoned by memoranda would open the door to waterboarding, sleep deprivation, stress-induced both his wife and his mother, who accused pain, and other forms of torture—a slippery slope that led to both heightened forms him of being a “pervert.” Humorous inserts of abuse at Abu Ghraib (wrought by a special team of military interrogators, not the from “Bollywood” musical melodramas add so-called “bad apples” claimed by Rumsfeld) and the extraordinary renditions practice. a bit of levity to this interesting portrait of Offering a clear and thorough explanation of exactly why the U.S. lost both prestige responsible venture capitalism, making it a and moral authority worldwide during the early years of the wars, this is highly recom- nice counterpoint to the many grim exposés mended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) on Third World sweatshops. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 50 JULY/AUGUST 2014 EDUCATION Unacceptable Levels HHH (2013) 87 min. DVD: $19.98 (avail. from most distributors), $99 w/PPR: public libraries, $199 w/PPR: colleges & universities. Disinformation (dist. by TDC Entertainment). ISBN: 978-1-939517-24-1. Grading the Teachers: An Exploration Filmmaker Ed Brown doesn’t like the smell of his drinking Into Teacher Evaluation HHH water. One day, he sets out to discover why and he finds—of (2014) 30 min. DVD: $69.95. Choices, Inc. PPR. course—that it is full of chemicals, leading him to wonder just ISBN: 9-781-933724-44-7. how many industrial chemicals can be found in the average Filmmaker Dr. David Silverberg’s Grading human body in the 21st century. The answer is more than 200, the Teachers offers some insight into current as Brown learns from multiple interviews with scientists and thinking about fair and meaningful ways to activists (including Ralph Nader) over the course of Unacceptable evaluate teacher performance at all grade lev- Levels. Could this have anything to do with why Brown’s wife has had two miscar- els, illustrating how evaluations—a hot topic riages? No one knows, but what is certain is that following World War II, the demand in the U.S.—have gained extra dimensions rose for consumer products, which required new chemicals and oil-based products for over time. Judging a teacher’s effectiveness is manufacturing. These chemicals were absorbed in people’s bodies and passed along no longer just about student performance on to subsequent generations. Babies are now, according to one expert, “pre-polluted” tests but also about the quality of a teacher’s before birth (many children in the U.S. also suffer from chronic illnesses). One of the work in the classroom. School district admin- big culprits, the documentary argues, is the pesticide industry, which is protected by istrators, teachers, and other experts from laws that require no obligation to research the effects of their products on human eight different cities in the U.S. and Mexico health or even to keep any data to that effect. But there’s also the fact that ordinary here also note that it is a question of teacher people as well as businesses continue to treat our water supply as a dumping ground goals, such as having a plan every year for for every kind of chemical on the market. Although discouraging and alarming, growing in at least one area of the job, and Unacceptable Levels is a thought-provoking documentary that raises serious questions. setting specific benchmarks to reach. While Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) there is a bit of redundancy in the interviews here, the comments only add credence to the fact that a broad, national consensus around teacher evaluations—one that is both fair Parents of the Revolution HHH Who Is Dayani Cristal? HHH and constructive—may be possible. Extras (2014) 80 min. DVD: $24.95: individuals; (2013) 85 min. In Spanish & English w/English include an interview with the director, and $29.95: public libraries ($249.95 w/PPR). subtitles. DVD: $149 ($349 w/PPR). Kino Lorber a digital guidebook. Recommended. Aud: E, Dane-Gramp Productions (avail. from www. Edu. I, J, H, C, P. (T. Keogh) parentsoftherevolution.com). Actor Gael Garcia Bernal co-produced More docu-diary than manifesto, film- and narrates this maker Dana H. Glazer’s straggler in the saga award-winning documentary that draws on How Am I Going to Pay for College? of 2011’s Occupy Wall Street movement fo- one haunting case to illustrate the tragedy HHH1/2 cuses on activists—particularly younger anti- of nearly 200 corpses of undocumented (2013) 20 min. DVD: $149.95 (teacher’s guide plutocrat protester parents—who occupied migrants from that have included). Human Relations Media. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-55548-795-9. Zuccotti and Tompkins Square parks in New been found dead after crossing the Mexi- York City. A group formed their own niche, can-U.S. border. Overtaxed government This upbeat, quick-paced guidance pro- Parents for Occupy Wall Street, with the aim offices and mortuaries are left to handle the gram offers a great overview of available of bringing about meaningful social change decomposed victims of accidents, illness, resources for funding higher education. Fea- for their children, who were sometimes violence, or exposure; here they process turing comments from two students—one brought to picket lines (incurring accusations a man found in August 2010 in Arizona attending the University of Washington- of child exploitation/endangerment). Worry- bearing the cryptic tattoo “Dayani Cristal.” Tacoma, and the other at Harvard—as well ing about what kind of world their kids might Eventually becoming a rather rare instance as professional tips from, among others, inherit helped to galvanize these idealists, of a positive ID finally determined, the Colorado Academy college counselor Cathy although one new mother despairs (“parents dead man—whose odyssey into Arizona Nabbefeld, How Am I Going to Pay for Col- are wimps”) after unsuccessfully trying to is re-enacted by Bernal—was no drug run- lege? explores how students can find ways rally likeminded parent associations across ner/gang member but rather a Honduran to offset average college costs that run into the country. Viewers who saw the Occupi- husband and father who, like many oth- thousands of dollars each year. The program ers as fragmented and unfocused will find ers, sought better income opportunities covers topics such as Pell and state-need ample evidence to support their views here, in the United States. Bit by bit, viewers are grants; merit and need-based scholar- as the mother/child activists’ topics cover fed the poignant domestic backstory that ships (advising students that community Mayor Bloomberg, teacher layoffs, bullies, drove this man to risk (and lose) his life. groups, national organizations, and small the environment, banks, and (most often) A border patrol official here repeats the businesses often have various options to heavy-handed police tactics in service of the rationale (which is fiercely disputed in some choose from); the weight of parents’ income Establishment. Over the course of the narra- political quarters) that illegal immigration and assets on the financial aid application tive arc the Occupy movement loses steam into America will and practically must process (with breakdowns of the FAFSA and (and one of the marriages fails), but the film continue because of the fact that Hispanics CSS Profile programs); government, private, notes that these East Coasters gained moxie will accept “blue collar” jobs that U.S. citi- and subsidized and unsubsidized loans; in the areas of DIY organization and civics, zens refuse to do, even in a bad economy. and work-study programs (which can help and were essential in grassroots cleanup after A thought-provoking documentary that with extras such as books, room and board, Hurricane Sandy (during which the govern- takes a personal look at a large hot-button supplies, incidentals, and transportation). ment/police were ineffective). An interesting topic, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. Noting that persistence is key in getting social portrait, this is recommended. Aud: C, (C. Cassady) results, while also reminding students that P. (C. Cassady) “those opportunities are there…just do your

JULY/AUGUST 2014 51 VIDEO LIBRARIAN while incarcerated awaiting trial. Several brief The Address HHHH segments also introduce a unique program at (2013) 90 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH which public defenders meet in group sessions captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-083-1. to vent about their experiences—including threats from unrepentant clients—and receive The cover art of Abraham Lincoln for this PBS-aired film by support from peers. Gideon’s Army does an legendary documentarian Ken Burns may well have viewers important service in meticulously revealing thinking that this will be yet another historical piece on the the behind-the-scenes workings of a judicial War Between the States. Not so: Burns here discards his patented Florentine Films techniques (no voiceovers by Keith David, no system that is skewed in favor of the wealthy slow pans over vintage photos) to depict modern life at the Ver- and powerful—one that tends to deal more mont-based Greenwood School. Founded in 1978, the specialty summarily with the less fortunate. A sober boys-only boarding school is an institution of last resort for and quietly devastating documentary, this is young males (no more than 50 at a time) with severe learning/behavioral disorders, highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) including dyslexia and ADD. Many of the students here are gifted in music, athletics, puzzle-solving, and yo-yo tricks, but are also stymied by verbal communication and The Poisoner’s Handbook: Killer reading skills. A yearly contest at the school has boys reciting the Gettysburg Address Chemistry HHH (although a few students use alternates, one doing Chaplin’s classic final soliloquy (2014) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). from The Great Dictator). Burns captures the hardworking, patient teachers and hope- PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883- ful students (many of the latter are bullied misfits in the outside world). Of course, 038-1. the filmmaker can’t help resist dropping in little bits of Gettysburg history and also In the late 19th and early 20th century, reprising the classic The Civil War theme music by Bobby Horton in the end (viewers New York City’s coroner position was consid- should also watch past the closing credits for a priceless William Shatner gag). With ered a political plum—requiring connections, this humane, engaging, and thought-provoking documentary, Burns continues to but little or no medical experience. Shortly prove himself to be one of America’s most essential nonfiction filmmakers. Editor’s after WWI, Charles Norris set out to make a Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Cassady) change; despite opposition from the mayor, Norris was named ’s chief medical examiner, and was determined to bring new homework,” this fine guide is highly recom- a suicide from the start, and Banks a friend scientific methods to forensic procedures in mended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood) rather than a suspect. The main issue here order to solve suspicious deaths. Directed is the possibility of special treatment when by Rob Rapley and narrated by Oliver Platt, the police investigate one of their own. The this PBS-aired American Experience documen- LAW & CRIME O’Connell case is still open, and Banks (at tary—based in part on Deborah Blum’s fine the time this film was made) is back on the history The Poisoner’s Handbook—concerns job. A provocative exposé that raises some the turbulent but productive tenure of Norris HHH disturbing questions, this is recommended. and his toxicology expert Alexander Gettler, A Death in St. Augustine who together championed new chemical (2013) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Aud: C, P. (S. Rees) Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-023-7. processes in homicide investigations. Poi- sons were often the murderer’s weapons of Gideon’s Army HHH1/2 In 2010, shortly after attending a rock con- choice, particularly arsenic and cyanide. cert with her brother and boyfriend, Michelle (2013) 95 min. DVD: $80: public libraries & high schools; $400: colleges & universities. Third World Norris and Gettler worked to separate ac- O’Connell was found dead at her home from Newsreel. PPR. cidents and negligence from lethal intent. a gunshot wound to the mouth. O’Connell’s The inequities of America’s justice system The case of one serial poisoner ultimately boyfriend, Jeremy Banks, claimed it was sui- resulted in three separate trials, with Gettler cide, but numerous red flags suggested foul are highlighted in Dawn Porter’s excellent HBO-aired documentary , defending the accused one time, but years play: Banks was not only a deputy in the St. Gideon’s Army which focuses on the work of public defend- later helping to convict her in the case of Johns County police department, near St. ers who toil relentlessly on behalf of clients another murder, for which she was executed. Augustine, Florida, but O’Connell was also unable to afford legal counsel. Titled after Another bizarre incident involved a man shot by Banks’s revolver. Filmmaker Glenn Gideon v. Wainwright (the 1963 Supreme who woke up from a drunken stupor next to Silber’s PBS-aired Frontline documentary Court decision that mandated every de- a female corpse; thinking that he murdered looks at efforts made by O’Connell’s family, fendant’s right to receive representation in the woman, the man panicked—dismem- friends, and New York Times reporter Walt U.S. criminal courts), the film profiles the bering and disposing of the body. Gettler’s Bogdanich to uncover the truth. According work of two Georgia public defenders, Travis subsequent investigation revealed that the to O’Connell’s mother (who also worked Williams and Brandy Alexander, who strive woman actually died of accidental carbon the desk at the police department), her to mount the best possible defense for their monoxide poisoning while the “murderer” daughter had been abused by Banks, but clients despite huge caseloads and meager lay drunk. The two medical experts waged a had decided not to pursue charges. She had resources—and the knowledge that many of long campaign against Prohibition, decrying recently gained a job promotion at her work, their clients are likely guilty—all of which the “mass poisoning” that ensued because a was happy and optimistic about the future, takes an enormous toll on their personal blind eye was turned to deadly, homemade was a loving and involved single mother, and lives. Two cases, both involving young men alcoholic drinks peddled in “smoke bars.” had come to the difficult decision to leave charged with robbery, receive the most at- Big business also often clashed with Norris Banks. Strangely, although Banks seemed tention—personalizing the issues from the and Gettler over unregulated workplaces in near hysteria when he called 911 about the defendants’ point of view while also show- which workers handled dangerous elements shooting, minutes later he seemed relaxed ing the difficulties their lawyers face. Other such as lead and radium. During their long and joking while being interviewed in the cases mentioned by interviewees raise serious careers, both men examined thousands of comfort of a police department squad car questions about how the system is stacked bodies, and changed medical history. Despite (Banks’s DNA was also missing from his own against those who can’t raise bail—in one, differing personalities, they helped forge a gun). Police officials seemed to consider this a woman loses both her house and her job bond between forensic science and govern-

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 52 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Be Prepared for Climate and Unexpected Events ment. Likely to appeal to both history buffs creating a real cloud in a soda bottle using and amateur sleuths, this is recommended. rubbing alcohol and a bicycle pump; and Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) demonstrating how air pressure and water pressure sometimes cancel one another out. All of the scientifi c principles are explained NATURE, MATH & SCIENCE in great detail, and an emphasis is placed on safety. Also newly available is Mastering 5th Grade Math, Volume 1 (DVD: 2 discs, Amazing Science! Volume 1 ★★★1/2 $16.99). Highly recommended. Aud: E, I, J, (2012) 2 discs. 240 min. DVD: $19.99. P. (T. Keogh) ScienceAndMathcom (avail. from www. scienceandmath.com). PPR. Lost Rivers ★★★1/2 This two-disc set—hosted by Jason Gibson, (2012) 72 min. DVD: $390. Icarus Films. PPR. a former NASA rocket scientist—features 23 Closed captioned. fun science experiments that children or Caroline Bâcle’s fascinating documentary Award adults can do at home, dazzling relatives focuses on a little-known aspect of urban Winner and friends along the way. First up is “Color growth during the 19th-century Industrial Changing Milk,” which requires a bowl of Revolution—namely, of paving Emergency Preparedness milk, a few drops of food coloring, and a over rivers while also merging them with — Awareness & Survival — tiny amount of dishwashing detergent. You sewer systems, where they continue to fl ow HHH1/2 Highly Recommended. — Video Librarian touch the food coloring (which is fl oating beneath the feet of inhabitants who are “Impressively researched and exhaustively presented... atop the milk) with a cotton swab soaked in often unaware of their existence. Lost Rivers Highly recommended. ” — Library Journal, Aug. 2013 detergent, and suddenly those colors burst also focuses on the modern-day movement Includes 16 chapters of life saving like fi reworks—a chemical reaction of soap to unearth these waters in order to both information. Learn important steps and the fat content in milk. “Build a Lemon provide spaces for people to reconnect with to take to prepare for various emer- Battery” works by inserting a galvanized nature and to create an environmentally gency situations. nail and a penny into the fruit (the voltage sound answer to increasingly inadequate 89 min. | Retail: $39.95 | UPC: 783557077496 | ©2012 might only be half that of an AA battery sewage-removal infrastructures. The fi lm APOGEE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP but, hey, it works). Those inclined to place serves up an interesting historical expla- H Award Winning Health & Safety DVDs H bets with gullible friends can profi t from the nation of why the waterways were origi- 159 Alpine Way, Boulder, CO. 80304 • Phone: 800-210-5700 “Unburnable Money” trick: wrap a dollar bill nally forced underground and how such Fax: 303-443-0500 • Web: www.apogeevideo.com around a copper pipe and set a fl ame against a demanding engineering feat was accom- it (the copper is such a fast and efficient plished. But it’s an activist piece, showing conductor of heat that the bill doesn’t have how today’s “drainers” are exploring and time to burn). Other experiments include mapping the submerged waters in cities such

1.888.455.7003 Earthfl ight ★★★ learningzonexpress.com (2012) 370 min. 2 discs. DVD: $34.98; Blu-ray: $39.98. BBC Worldwide Ltd. (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 0-7806-9637-9 (), 0-7806-9638-7 (blu-ray). Narrated by David Tennant—who doesn’t quite fill the admittedly big shoes of longtime BBC Earth host David At- tenborough—Earthfl ight is a characteristically visually arrest- ing series about birds in fl ight that also shows the strain of a formula that is getting a little long in the beak. Divided into six episodes named after continents (the fi nale is a “making- of” special), the thematic thread here is loosely woven around winged migration. A gimmick—used judiciously—attaches cameras to the fowl, giving viewers a literal bird’s-eye-view (albeit in shaky camcorder-style) that makes for some interesting take-off and landing shots. The opening episode, “,” follows majestic snow geese and hardy pelicans, with side glimpses of California gulls, and red-tail hawks hunting bats deep in the heart of Texas, while the second, “Africa,” spends time with vultures, white storks, and fl amingos (all that pink synchronized dancing is worth the price of admission by itself), and the third, “,” boasts the Stop Traffick DVD incredible sight of the sky over Rome, where as many as fi ve million starlings stream into the Eternal City. On a purely eye candy level, Earthfl ight sparkles, but Tennant’s Item #300045 | Price: $79.95 | Grade 6 - Adult sing--y narration (unlike the enthusiastic Attenborough, Tennant also does not Uncover the horrifying and heartbreaking underworld of human slavery through this appear onscreen) can sometimes grate, and the if-it-bleeds-it-leads mindset quickly fictional short film. grows tiresome and predictable as the migrating bird fl ocks apparently fi nd safe DVD includes interviews with: haven only to be attacked within moments (“but there’s trouble in paradise: here, • Film’s producers • Mother of teenage baboons have turned killers”). Still, the soaring camerawork—for which the BBC • Stephen Baldwin trafficking victim is justly renowned—ultimately overrides the weak narrative and audience-baiting • Lauren Sweetser sequences. The companion feature-length abridgement Winged Planet is also available Video preview 35 Minutes, on DVD for $19.98. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman) available at Closed Captioned youtube.com/LZXpress UPC #846742003639

JULY/AUGUST 2014 53 VIDEO LIBRARIAN as Montreal, Toronto, and London, where rain runoff frequently overwhelms the sewer Life According to Sam HHH1/2 system and causes flooding. In Bresica, Italy, (2014) 95 min. DVD: $19.98. HBO Home Entertainment (avail. from the buried Bova-Celato River has even been most distributors). turned into a popular tourist attraction, with Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine’s HBO-aired Life According to visitors descending below ground to glimpse Sam—on the long-list for an Academy Award for Best Documen- Roman and medieval structures that survive tary—focuses on the life of , a 16-year-old with the rare alongside the buried waters. Bâcle also docu- fatal disease progeria, which rapidly ages the body, giving young ments “daylighting” projects to bring rivers people the physical appearance and accompanying ailments back to the surface, most notably in Seoul, of old age. Although he looks extremely aged here, Sam comes where the Cheonggyecheon Stream has been across as a spirited, funny, and extraordinarily intelligent young uncovered, and Yonkers, NY, where the Saw man (a bonus featurette captures Sam giving a presentation at Mill River has been returned to vibrant life— TEDxMidAtlantic), whose zest for life is mirrored by his physician parents’ tireless assisting urban renewal in both instances, work to create a research foundation with the aim of finding a cure for progeria. Life although sometimes displacing businesses According to Sam is ultimately both heartbreaking and invigorating. Although progeria in the process. Lovingly photographed and doomed Sam to a short life (he died at 17 earlier this year), he was able to cram a lot expertly edited, Lost Rivers is an enlighten- of living into his brief time on Earth and he inspired countless people (including ing, entertaining, and ecologically conscious rocker Dave Matthews, who became a friend). Running concurrent here with Sam’s documentary. Highly recommended. Aud: life story is an in-depth view of the bureaucracy that often seems to stymie medical C, P. (F. Swietek) research aimed at finding drug cures for rare diseases like progeria—and one can’t help but wonder if federal regulators have much concern for the ill, given the amount Sand Wars HHH1/2 of red tape obstacles thrown in the way of researchers. Also featuring a short on the (2013) 52 min. DVD: $69: public libraries & high Progeria Research Foundation, this memorable and deeply moving documentary is schools; $250: colleges & universities. Green Planet highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) Films. PPR. Environmental concerns have centered on subjects such as global climate change, the that the sights and smells that greeted her Zumba and Pilates instructor Carol Dickman state of the world’s oceans, and the growing first visit to the dementia-specific wing at takes things down a notch with this gentle politics of water, among other topics. Less Canberra’s Jindalee Aged Care Facility were routine designed for the bedridden. Clad in well-known is an issue that filmmaker Denis off-putting, but she didn’t let that deter her. houndstooth PJs and lying prostrate in bed, Delestrac summarizes here with a simple The residents, who suffer from a variety of Dickman offers demonstrations along with statement: “The world is running out of age-related conditions, are not able to do overlaid narration (and no music until near sand.” What has traditionally been a seem- much on their own, but Brown gets them to the end). Upper Body includes wrist move- ingly inexhaustible resource has actually respond to their names, as well as sing, clap, ments in small “mindful” rotations, arm and become increasingly scarce—consumed for and tap their feet. When Barbara, a resident, finger stretches, rhythmical finger-tapping construction (buildings and roads) and land- first heard about Brown, she expressed skep- (“Imagine you’re playing a spritely ‘Flight of fills. In Dubai, for instance, no more sand is ticism, but the therapist broke down her the Bumblebee’ on the piano”), shrugging available for either purpose (desert sand can’t reserve, possibly because singing reminds and shoulder lifts, head turns, arm circles, be used because the grains are too slick and her of her mother, although she doesn’t elbow raises, and controlled breathing meth- unstable, so the country is now importing mince words when she states, “A lot of songs ods. Also newly available are Carol Dickman’s from Australia). Singapore has used so much are stupid.” Still, Brown notes that Barbara Bed Top Movement for Hospital and Home: Lower sand for landfill to expand its boundaries comes to life whenever she sings. Fred, who Body and Carol Dickman’s Chair Movement for that most other nations in the region won’t has a more tenuous grip on reality, also enjoys Hospital and Home: Whole Body. Easy-to-follow allow it to mine their native sand, resulting singing. As Brown observes, lyrics spill out of and appropriately slow-paced—with remind- in illegal scavenging that is ruining beaches him in an exuberant rush before he slumps ers to never do anything uncomfortable—this in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indo- back into silence. Brown goes out of her way solid wellness program is recommended. Aud: nesia. All over the world, 75 to 90 percent of to engage each group member; singing—for P. ( J. Williams-Wood) beaches are in retreat (including 90 percent example—an Indonesian song with Suprati, of those in Florida), as construction near who appreciates the individualized attention. Forget Me Not HHH coastlines prevents natural restoration and As clinical nurse manager Pam Bondfield con- (2012) 88 min. In German w/English subtitles. dams keep silt from flowing down rivers to firms, each resident reacts differently to the DVD: $29.99 (avail. from most distributors), $195 the sea. Also, the mining of the scant sand sessions: to some, it’s a distraction; for others, w/PPR (avail. from www.kimstim.com). KimStim. covering the ocean floors is ruining delicate it has a calming effect. Brown harbors no il- An unexpectedly engaging documen- ecosystems. A timely exposé of a pressing lusions that she’s offering a cure, though she tary about a difficult subject, Forget Me environmental problem, this is highly rec- does talk about neuroplasticity—the brain’s Not chronicles German filmmaker David ommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner) ability to forge new neural pathways through Sieveking’s visit with his aging parents, as he creative activity. Along the way, Brown also takes care of his mother, Gretel—who suffers HEALTH & FITNESS incorporates testimony from children and from Alzheimer’s disease—while his father, spouses who appreciate the difference she has Malte, goes out of town. David shows up a few made in the lives of their loved ones. Recom- days before Malte departs, which gives him mended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) time to prepare to give full-time attention to Beyond the Music HHH Gretel, whose memory of her own life, where (2012) 45 min. DVD: $99. Terra Nova Films. PPR. Carol Dickman’s Bed Top Movement for she is, or who she’s with constantly vanishes. Music therapist Alkeiya Brown directs and Hospital and Home: Upper Body HHH Getting her to cooperate with her treatment narrates this Australian documentary about (2014) 22 min. DVD: $20. Yoga Enterprises. ISBN: also proves to be a struggle, and it doesn’t take the benefits of music for senior citizens with 978-0-9645683-0-3. long before David looks as worn down and psychological impairments. Brown admits Professional yoga teacher and certified defeated as Malte does all the time. Despite

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 54 JULY/AUGUST 2014 Sponsored by BayView Entertainment that, the film is full of humor and surprises; Think Before You Drink: Sugar Shockers even diminished, Gretel is a charmer, and & Beverage Tips HHH her resistance to others’ expectations feels (2014) 25 min. DVD: $79.95 (downloadable more like a display of spunk than recalci- teacher’s guide available). Learning ZoneXpress. trance. Along the way, viewers also learn PPR. Closed captioned. some interesting details about Gretel and Packed with solid information about the Malte’s lives together. Having met in the pros and cons of drinking all sorts of popular 1960s (photographs reveal what a strikingly beverages, Think Before You Drink delivers attractive couple they made), the two decided a lot of eye-opening facts. For example, an on an open relationship. Each had their af- ordinary can of soda contains 10 teaspoons fairs, yet stuck to their rule that they would of sugar, which not only carries a high calorie never break up—a fact that makes Malte’s count but also can be harmful to teeth and commitment to Gretel during her decline bone, and lead to cardiovascular problems all the more special. Recommended. Aud: and diabetes. Sugar also spurs an energy C, P. (T. Keogh) spike followed by a crash, which encourages consumers to keep drinking more. Artificial The Story of Medicine: Pain, Pus & sweeteners in sodas have drawbacks as well, Poison HHH driving up the tolerance for sweets and lead- (2013) 2 discs. 156 min. DVD: $39.99. Athena ing to overeating. Other beverages marketed KATHY SMITH: (avail. from most distributors). SDH captioned. as being healthy also receive close scrutiny LATIN RHYTHM ISBN: 978-1-62172-173-4. here, including “sports drinks” (full of sug- DANCE WORKOUT FOR BEGINNERS Centuries ago, physical infirmities were ars), vitamin-enhanced waters (also featuring BAY546 $14.99 thought to be caused by “bad air” or humors, addictive sugars), and energy drinks such as Fitness superstar Kathy Smith urges you to get up and and treatment was guided by ignorance, Red Bull (loaded with sugar and caffeine). dance with this high energy aerobic workout DVD lled superstition, or outright quackery. Even an Caffeine can also contribute to calcium with great music. The disc contains two full dance eminent figure such as George Washington loss, increased blood pressure, and digestion workouts designed to burn calories and tone muscle was poked, prodded, and bled on his death- issues. A half-dozen teenagers are asked a vari- along with a bonus “Learn Latin Dancing with a Partner” bed, ultimately dying of what was likely a ety of questions related to their perceptions of section that will keep you motivated and inspired. simple infection. In the early 19th century, good and bad beverages; unsurprisingly, they the story of medicine began to change as a Finally, a unique stretch routine is on hand to help cool are as wrong in their assumptions as many down and rejuvenate your entire body. result of “greed, luck, and genius.” Hosted by adult consumers. Recommended. Aud: E, I, Dr. Michael Mosley, this BBC documentary J, H, C, P. (T. Keogh) series describes a two-century long effort to open “nature’s medicine cabinet.” A primary focus was directed toward the relief of pain, You’re Looking at Me Like I Live Here both from the progression of a disease and and I Don’t HHH1/2 during surgery. The role of opium (the “joy (2012) 53 min. DVD: $18: individuals; $48: public plant”) was known all the way back to the libraries; $199: community colleges; $249: colleges & universities. Peripheral Productions (avail. from time of the ancient Sumerians; through www.yourelookingatme.com). PPR. sometimes dangerous self-experimentation, doctors were able to extract morphine from Many filmmakers have tackled the subject the poppy, which was highly addictive, but of Alzheimer’s disease, but few have created as also effective in controlling pain. Progress, heartbreaking a work as Scott Kirschenbaum, of course, often brought unintended con- who focuses here on Lee Gorewitz, a patient sequences, such as when Bayer pharmaceu- at an Alzheimer’s and dementia care unit in ticals not only developed aspirin, but also California. The documentary follows Gore- promoted the healthful use of heroin. Along witz as she ambles through her surroundings, the way, The Story of Medicine serves up some where life unfolds in a slow-motion series little known facts (such as the origin of the of mundane activities and interactions. phrase “slipping a mickey,” which was tied Gorewitz mostly speaks in seemingly dis- DANCER BODY WORKOUT to a scheming bar owner named Mickey, connected sentences that bear no relation to BAY2026 $19.99 who spiked customers’ drinks in order to the questions she’s asked, and the only clue With this DVD by noted trainer Skip Jennings you will rob them). Other topics include the devel- that she seems to be aware of her situation learn cutting-edge exercises based on strength training, opment of the “truth drug,” Dr. Ehrlich’s is during a very brief struggle to recall her dancer's conditioning, integrative strength, functional “magic bullet” to treat the scourge of syphilis, birthplace. At some moments, however, she training, Pilates, and yoga with the pure intention to lean poison gas warfare in World War I, and the appears lucid and even funny—perform- out the body. With a perfect balance of contract & release discovery of penicillin (the world’s greatest ing an impromptu dance when hearing movement, posture, a strong core, and exibility you will life-saving drug) and rush to mass produce Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea,” and adopt- feel like a new person without contracting big, bulky it in time to save Allied soldiers during the ing a mock-horror look over the idea that muscle. Instead, you will nd yourself with the lean coming D-Day invasion. The documentary Kirschenbaum’s camera crew will follow her sculpted physique of a dancer. also notes that poisons, if used properly, can into the bathroom. Around her are patients cure as well as kill. Even as medicine made who’ve either retreated deep into silence or advances, governments were usually slow to have lost their physical mobility—Gorewitz understand the importance of regulation, but observes one sleeping woman slumped in that has changed in recent decades. Likely a wheelchair and deadpans to the camera, Order from your distributor or to appeal to both medical history buffs and “That one looks like it’s dead.” It’s tragic call BayView at 201-488-6110 students of science, this is recommended. that Gorewitz is clearly a vibrant and loving WWW. BAYVIEWENTERTAINMENT. COM Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) personality—she interacts with the facility’s

JULY/AUGUST 2014 55 VIDEO LIBRARIAN staff with sincerity and appreciation for their with other children of military families. In father gets on board, but issues arise with work—and her bored gaze during therapy other segments the children also touch on Eric and John when Jasper begins to develop sessions suggests someone who wants more things that help them cope, and what they attachments. At film’s end, Davenport re- out of her existence. Many will be moved to would change if they had a magic wand. The mains single, but has no regrets about single tears by Kirschenbaum’s riveting view of an kids are generally soft-spoken; several appear motherhood. Although somewhat uneven, individual whose mind and body have sepa- pensive and shy. But they don’t want pity, just this should be considered a strong optional rated. A powerful portrait of the sad ravages more understanding. Highly recommended. purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) of Alzheimer’s, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg) Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUALITY First Comes Love HH1/2 (2012) 105 min. DVD: $59.95 ($299 w/PPR). Baby CHILDBIRTH & PARENTING Pictures (dist. by Passion River). The Korean Wedding Chest HHH1/2 New York filmmaker Nina Davenport al- (2009) 82 min. DVD: $89: public libraries; $395: ways wanted to have a child, but had trouble HHH colleges & universities. Women Make Movies. PPR. Children of Military Families 1/2 finding a partner with whom to start a fam- Filmmaker Ulrike Ottinger’s The Korean (2014) 46 min. DVD: $34.99. Professor Child. ily. Upon turning 41, Davenport decides to PPR. Wedding Chest looks at how South Korean become pregnant more or less on her own, as couples and their families can blend ancient Currently, there are more than two million chronicled in this HBO-aired documentary. traditions and modern customs when plan- children of military families in the United Over the next two years, Davenport films her ning a wedding. Couples perform today’s States. In this documentary, 11 kids talk experience, beginning by talking to people courtship rituals—fastening padlocks to about what it’s like when a parent is away on in her life, such as a friend who opts to fol- the Seoul Tower observation deck or having active duty. The interviewees describe their low the same path, and a sister-in-law who “Unique! Modern!” photos taken—while the feelings of being “stunned” and “devastated,” doubts her income is equal to the challenge. titular traditional wooden chest is also filled even when their parents downplay the length Davenport’s father, a retired Ford executive with symbolic items (like a small blue pouch of a deployment or try to protect them from with little sympathy for her career choice, of sticky rice for 100 years of happiness) knowing too much about the potential dan- flatly states, “I think it’s ridiculous” (Nina’s that are wrapped in red (feminine) and blue gers. The kids feel responsible for younger two brothers have wives, children, and tradi- (masculine) cloth, and looped with a swath siblings and even the parent who remains tional jobs). Nonetheless, after her gay friend, of white fabric that customarily becomes at home, and address the sense of loneliness Eric, agrees to serve as a donor, Davenport diapers for the couple’s firstborn. A messenger that comes from being the only child in starts IVF treatment with help from her best carries the chest like a backpack through nar- class or the neighborhood whose parent is friend, Amy. Although she becomes pregnant, row streets, past shops where age-old trades on active duty. One boy says he hates when Davenport doesn’t get to share the news with continue to thrive. Preparation and delivery people ask him if his dad ever shot someone; her mother, who passes away during a trip of the wedding chest is only one among many a girl says she didn’t know what to say to her to France. Her conception also takes place rituals portrayed here. One couple is followed father when he returned home. The kids here in the midst of a long-distance relationship, from the assembly of the chest through offer advice to other military kids: have faith although her boyfriend, John, offers his preparation for the wedding day, which starts that your parent will return safely, take a lot support. Davenport documents the birth as a largely Western-style ceremony, with a of pictures before they go, find constructive of her son, Jasper, as well as other intimate reception, and photo session afterwards. The outlets for your anger, it’s okay to cry, and— moments, with a lack of self-consciousness couple next don elaborate Korean costumes heartbreakingly—don’t become too attached that may prove discomforting to some (and and engage in a series of rituals with which to your school or friends. To parents they say: doesn’t necessarily add to the narrative). She they are so unfamiliar that they require con- spend more time with your kids before you may be a single mother, but Amy and Eric stant direction from an older woman, who leave, tell them you’re thinking of them, and pitch in often, acting like a cross between was apparently hired for the occasion: “Take find ways for your kids to socialize, especially co-parents and an aunt and uncle. Even her the pot! Pour! No, not like that, with the left hand. Put it down! Take the bowls! Smile!” Interspersed throughout are scenes of Ko- Parenting Principles HHH1/2 rean life that are peripheral to the wedding, (2014) 38 min. DVD: $79.95 (downloadable teacher’s guide available). including extended sequences featuring life Learning ZoneXpress. PPR. Closed captioned. on Korean streets, in shops, and at a temple Drawing from his well-received 2004 book The 10 Basic Prin- (with monks building Buddha snowmen!) ciples of Good Parenting, this guidance program features author Mostly cinema vérité—with no narration or Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D., who presents an overview of good- commentary from anyone except Madame sense childrearing approaches with different types of parents Kim, who assembles the wedding chest—this (including couples and single mothers and fathers), along the way is a visually lovely, amusing, and ultimately exploring topics from real-world perspectives. For some, these informative glimpse into South Korean principles (such as “You Cannot Be Too Loving” or “Help Foster culture. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. Your Child’s Independence”) will be a confirmation of their own (M. Puffer-Rothenberg) thinking, but might be a challenge to others. Many of the moms and dads interviewed here share how their own parenting behavior (in observing Steinberg’s tenets) differs FOOD & SPIRITS from how they were raised (some found it difficult to break from the familiar, but oth- ers experienced a liberating victory). Particularly noteworthy segments include “What You Do Matters” (pointing out that, from an early age, kids observe caregivers’ actions, Dare to Cook: Seafood Basics HHH1/2 which often speak much more loudly than words) and “Be Consistent” and “Explain (2013) 164 min. DVD: 2 discs, $34.95; Blu-ray: Your Rules and Decisions,” designed to build youngsters’ integrity and confidence as $34.95. Bennett-Watt HD Productions. PPR. ISBN: they develop. Sure to benefit new parents or those struggling with how to handle certain 978-1-60490-076-7 (dvd), 978-1-60490-110-8 developmental stages, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block) (blu-ray). -area Chef Tom Small’s latest entry

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 56 JULY/AUGUST 2014 in the Dare to Cook instructional series serves acres of lawn—space that could be supporting up a fine introduction to choosing and crops more useful than grass. Adopting the preparing seafood. After discussing critical “victory garden” approach that cemented details to look out for—including good seals communities during World Wars I and II, on shellfish, and color—as well as noting neighborhoods might once again be able to differences in style (ex: Snow vs. Dungeness feed residents. While other documentaries crab)—Small offers step-by-step real-time have suggested that small-scale sustainable demonstrations for a number of recipes, farming is only feasible if enough people including steamed clams with tarragon, could be enticed to return to the land, Sus- mussels in a green curry sauce, raw Hood man and Monbouquette argue urban farm- Canal oysters in mignonette sauce and classic ers need look no farther than their own oysters Rockefeller, Dungeness crab cakes and backyards or local vacant lots to “grow where salt cod fish cakes, three kinds of marinated you are.” In Milwaukee, for example, entre- ceviche, and several styles of sushi. Also preneur Will Allen is famous for growing featured are toppings such as buerre rouge, food for 10,000 on 100 acres using advanced lemon caper aioli, remoulade, and jalapeno techniques such as vertical gardening (he also cocktail sauce, as well as simple shrimp trains about 1,000 new farmers every year). cocktail, Étouffée with andouille sausage, Along the way, viewers will see lush shots of blackened catfish, basic chowders, and soup fruits and vegetables thriving in gardens in (including cioppino). Small also shares tips San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York on grilling, smoking, beer-batter, and dry- City, Detroit, New Orleans, and elsewhere. breading, with a complete meal comprised Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner) of fish and chips, a po’ boy sandwich, and homemade slaw. Focused and direct, Small maintains a casual but professional style HOUSE & GARDEN throughout (even when he accidentally sticks his bare hand in the fryer!). Highly recom- mended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood) Ron Hazelton’s House Calls, Episodes 1 Growing Cities HHH & 2 HHH (2013) 92 min. DVD: $39.99 ($195 w/PPR): public (2014) 45 min. DVD: $39.95. Film Ideas. PPR. libraries; $295 w/PPR: colleges & universities. ISBN: 978-1-60572-827-8. Collective Eye. Affable home improvement guru Ron In this informative and inspiring docu- Hazelton is the host for these episodes from mentary about urban agriculture, filmmakers the titular TV series (now in its 14th year Dan Susman and Andrew Monbouquette— of syndication) devoted to handyman and buddies since elementary school—embark construction projects for ordinary families. from Omaha on a road trip in order to talk Hazelton offers useful lessons on such sub- with enthusiastic folks of varying ages and jects as improving the effectiveness of rain ethnicities with backyard produce gardens gutters and drain spouts, but the heart of and intensely farmed small lots, which are his show is turning up at people’s houses and proliferating all over the country. Growing working with them on creative solutions to Cities points out that the U.S. has 35 million practical problems. In the first of two episodes

Tiny: A Story About Living Small HHH (2013) 62 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. This appropriately compact documentary (just over an hour) offers an eye-opening look at the growing “tiny house” move- ment in America. Filmmakers Merete Mueller and Christopher Smith capture a summer-long project to build Smith’s postage- stamp-size cabin in a friend’s backyard in Boulder, CO, which is then transported to a nearby plot of land. The same amount of effort could just as easily have gone into making a children’s outdoor playhouse, but Smith is quite serious about living in his new home—which boasts an internal area of less than 200 square feet—for decades to come. And he’s not the only one: Tiny takes viewers to various places in the U.S. West in order to meet a number of folk who have built and now live in homes that range from 84 to 200-plus sq. ft., with many of these structures sitting on wheeled platforms rather than actual foundations (in part to get around zoning rules). Quick tours of these houses underscore the obvious—an efficient use of space is crucial—but there are also fascinating little revelations, such as hidden compartments and combined functions for moveable surfaces. As to the important question of why people do this, the film argues that owners of tiny houses tend to become or remain debt-free, experience lower stress, and have greater work options. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)

JULY/AUGUST 2014 57 VIDEO LIBRARIAN compiled here, Hazelton helps a family cre- to the soundtrack of taped telephone calls). courts ultimately found for Honeywell, al- ate a visual separation between a kitchen Onscreen host Martin Smith is a little too though this bombshell news that changed the and living room (the two blur together) by serious, delivering stern gazes and melodra- computer field was completely overshadowed building decorative columns. In the second, matic questions to visibly uncomfortable FBI by the Watergate scandal. Before his death he installs a dog fence, and leads a couple agents, while Charles Gasparino of Fox Busi- in 1995, however, Atanasoff gained belated through building a doghouse for an energetic ness News and insider-trader-turned-memoir- recognition as an unsung pioneer of comput- border collie (Hazelton tries to measure the ist Turney Duff provide smug, smarty-pants ing (although a few rival trailblazers here still wiggly dog’s height, width, and length, but commentary. In the end, Cohen was forced grumble about the level of his contribution). winds up settling for approximate canine to shut down SAC Capital, but never faced Presenting an interesting and untold slice of dimensions). Along the way, Hazelton makes a criminal indictment, making the entire technological history, this is recommended. good economic use of his time, squeezing in proceeding feel like an exercise in futility. An Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) tidbits of information and advice on a range optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) of topics, including how to treat a butcher IT Networks HHH block cutting board to keep it useful for years. (2013) 20 min. DVD: $129.95. VEA (dist. by Films Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY Media Group). PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1- 81608-740-2. This program serves as a fine primer on BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Atanasoff: Father of the Computer the mysterious worlds of wired and wireless HHH computer networks, those essential elements (2012) 47 min. DVD: $225. National Film Board of our online world—and a mission-critical To Catch a Trader HH1/2 of Canada. PPR. component of modern libraries. When they (2014) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS This inspired Canadian documentary from work, such networks are mostly invisible to Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-078-7. filmmakers Mila Aung-Thwin and Daniel users; when they don’t…well. Among the The rise and semi-fall of hedge fund titan Cross tells the story of the dawn of elec- important topics covered here—in layperson- Steven A. Cohen amid charges of insider tronic computing as a legal drama. In 1971, friendly fashion—are the different sorts of trading is the focus of Nick Verbitsky’s PBS- Honeywell Corporation, seeking a foothold common topologies, including LAN (Local aired Frontline documentary. As head of SAC in information technology, filed to overturn Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Capital Advisors, Cohen enjoyed substantial tightly held Sperry Rand/IBM computer pat- WAP (Wireless Access Point), and the seven- gains over his competition, and he happily ents tied to the development of the famous layer salad that describes how networks do displayed his wealth with some rather gaudy WWII-era “electronic brain” called ENIAC—a their electronic thing, from the physical real estate, as well as a museum-worthy art vacuum-tube giant filling an entire room link (i.e., the cable you might plug into the collection, and a Christmas card depicting at the University of Pennsylvania. Relevant Ethernet port on your computer) up through himself as a king. Of course, Cohen’s uncom- books, however, alluded to an earlier device, the use of an application (what you see in mon good fortune raised red flags, resulting the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (or ABC) at your actual day-to-day online activity). A in a federal probe that led to a flurry of Iowa State College. Lawyers thus sought out useful guide for those working in areas re- convictions. While Cohen, not surprisingly, the obscure John Vincent Atanasoff, a physi- lated to information and communications declined to participate in this production, a cist and inventor who said he was brooding technology, this is recommended. Aud: H, deposition video from 2011 finds him do- in a roadside honky-tonk when he envisioned C, P. (C. Block) ing a none-too-credible impersonation of a an electronic, binary-counting machine with dum-dum who cannot understand the chaos a capacitor-based memory—using electrons Radio Wars HH swirling about him. The subject matter here in place of the mechanical moving parts of (2012) 96 min. DVD: $21.98. Passion River (avail. could be compelling, but Verbitsky fails to customary adding machines. From 1939 to from most distributors). Closed captioned. turn this white-collar-crime tale into a cogent 1940 he worked on his $5,000 project—a What begins as a rich history of corporate story with vibrant images (instead we get tired machine the size of a desk—at the school. manipulation and government corruption visuals like an oscilloscope screen vibrating The ABC had enough ties to ENIAC that during the early years of radio turns into a long, numbing slog through the travails of satellite radio pioneer Sirius in filmmaker Sandra Mohr’s exhausting documentary Ra- LinkedIn for Networking and Job Search: Basic and dio Wars. The first third of the film focuses on Advanced Techniques HHH such shameful chapters in American media as (2014) 30 min. DVD: $99.95. Films Media Group. PPR. Closed the denial of patents to radio’s real inventor, captioned. ISBN: 978-1-61753-932-9. Nikola Tesla, who envisioned his creation as This guide helps viewers understand the most important a free gift to the world. Viewers also see how elements of LinkedIn—the popular online social network (200 established media forms—always fearful of million members and counting!) for building business and career disruptive new types of communication— connections—as it explains how to best utilize its free features, tried to block radio’s progress in its infancy, while also looking at for-pay benefits. Among the essentials cov- leading to the creation of networks such as ered here are setting up a profile that will both make it easy to be NBC and CBS, which developed in-house found in the LinkedIn database and maximize the right sorts of content. Radio itself, in the AM spectrum, attention; helpful protocol tips (e.g., LinkedIn is like a virtual Chamber of Commerce tried to impede the development of the FM and is not an appropriate place to share very personal information); savvy techniques bandwidth, followed by major media compa- for job seekers who want to keep their current employers happy; and more. Among the nies trying to make life difficult for satellite most intriguing premium LinkedIn elements are direct access to other paying mem- radio and its model of subscription-based, bers who aren’t in your personal network, and a specific listing of who’s viewing your censorship-free broadcasts. Radio Wars delves profile. A useful guide for both newbies and users looking to take the most advantage into the nitty-gritty of a dirty fight to under- of LinkedIn’s full potential, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block) cut Sirius’s stock and wrap the company up in regulations, but Sirius—which received a

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 58 JULY/AUGUST 2014 major boost from hiring Howard Stern and After watching Chasing Sarasota, you still relatives drive across the state for games). merging with rival XM—has prevailed. Radio might not consider Ultimate Frisbee to be a Schimmel plays aggressively, but her strik- buffs may appreciate the account of Sirius’s significant sport—but you’ll probably enjoy ingly attractive, foul-mouthed mother ex- evolution, but general documentary fans may having traveled with the Rhino during their hibits an even tougher personality on court, find the onslaught of details overwhelming. often frustrating and occasionally humiliat- partially because she wants her daughter to Optional. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) ing quest for glory. Extras include deleted go farther than she herself did. Schimmel scenes, outtakes, a highlights reel, and foot- breaks her foot during her junior year (while age of two complete games. Recommended. scouts watch) and misses half the season, SPORTS, GAMES & RECREATION Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) and her mother becomes pregnant with her eighth child. Despite financial hardships, the Off the Rez HHH family remains in Portland for Shoni’s senior Chasing Sarasota HHH year, which doesn’t always go smoothly as (2011) 86 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries; she works toward a goal that is as much a (2011) 92 min. DVD: $49: public libraries & $395: colleges & universities. The Cinema Guild. high schools; $249 w/PPR: colleges & universities. PPR. ISBN: 0-7815-0622-0. collective as individual one. Recommended. Seventh Art Releasing. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) Director Jonathan Hock’s TLC-aired One might think of Ultimate Frisbee as documentary focuses on Shoni Schimmel, more of a carefree pastime for college kids a 16-year-old Native American girl who THE ARTS than a competitive sport, but don’t tell that dreams of playing college basketball. As Hock to the members of the Portland Rhino, whose tracks Schimmel’s progress over two years, 2011 effort to reach the Club Nationals in Off the Rez broadens into a larger portrait Florida and win a coveted championship is Ghosts of the River: Out of the Shadows of Schimmel’s extended family, along with recounted by team captain/filmmaker Matt HHH1/2 Mastrantuono in this engaging documen- other Native Americans who have failed to (2013) 109 min. DVD: $150. ShadowLight tary. Chasing Sarasota captures the intensity pursue their dreams due to fear, racism, or re- Productions. PPR. that players devoted to their team over a sponsibilities that make it impossible to leave El Paso and the nearby Rio Grande hold period of six months—from initial tryouts home. Schimmel aims to be the first student many memories for playwright Octavio to the game that could qualify them for the from Oregon’s Umatilla Indian Reservation Solis, who documented his childhood im- championship—while also offering insights to win a college scholarship. She has the pressions in a 2009 shadow play directed into the lives of individual players. One support of her father, brothers, and women in by Larry Reed and staged in San Jose and suffers a concussion early on but continues her family, including her great-grandmother, San Francisco. Ghosts of the River: Out of the to train despite the fact that he might not Delores, who says, “That’s what’s keeping me Shadows features two programs: a shorter be able to take the field again; another gets alive.” Her non-native grandfather, however, documentary by Reed and Leslie Dreyer about married midseason. Tempers flare as games has never acknowledged his grandchildren, the conception and presentation of Solis’s turn on a dime and Rhino leads suddenly because he didn’t approve of his son Rick’s work—in which the actors, often masked, disappear; dissension arises over strategy cohabitation relationship. When Schimmel’s are seen in shadow behind a screen (and and team leadership; and as the champion- mother, Ceci, a basketball coach, transfers shadow puppets reminiscent of those used ship contest approaches, a number of players to Portland, Shoni and her six siblings ac- in Indonesian theater are employed); and a are disqualified due to a clerical error and company her, while Rick remains on the longer performance featuring an edited ver- a struggle ensues to have them reinstated. reservation to work (although he and other sion of the play. Ghosts of the River serves up a series of engrossing and evocative “ghost” stories about the border crossing between the United States and Mexico. Two Latino The Hooping Life HHH youths who swim to Mexico and back end (2014) 70 min. DVD: $24.95. Passion River (avail. from most up being confronted by a hulking, fearsome distributors). Closed captioned. immigration agent who insists that the pair For decades, kids have played with hula hoops. Director Amy are trying to enter the U.S. illegally—taunt- Goldstein’s The Hooping Life concentrates on teenagers and adults ing them unmercifully when one of the who have made “hooping” a significant part of their lives. Art boys drops a word while reciting the Pledge Linkletter, promoter of hula hooping in the 1950s, explains in of Allegiance. In other scenarios, the ghost archival footage that Australian kids got the party started before of an abused and murdered woman haunts the phenomenon spread to the States. Suzy Melin, the widow the river shallows, and a special agent named of toymaker Wham-O founder Spud Melin, recalls telling her Fiona forms an unlikely relationship with husband that the gyrating was too suggestive to catch on, but “Nacho,” an 11-year-old who helps smuggle he set out to prove her wrong. Anah, an L.A. resident who got into hooping through people across the border. At the end of the the jam band circuit, finds store-bought hoops too flimsy, so she makes her own out performance, the audience itself is filmed in of insulation tubing. Now she teaches workshops and performs at parties and promo- silhouette during a well-deserved standing tional events. Karis, who lives in New York, participates in similar gatherings, except ovation. An illuminating portrait of a culture he adds a gender-bending twist to his routines, which brings him to the attention of unknown to many in the U.S.—presented John Cameron Mitchell and the . For Jeff, a ward of the state, hooping in a play that entertains and informs with keeps him out of trouble. He credits an afterschool program in East L.A. for introducing thought-provoking stories—this is highly him to the pastime, noting that, “It takes your mind off of a lot of things.” The most recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner) recognizable subject here is NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, who loved to hoop in his younger days. Other speakers credit hooping with helping them to heal from sexual Great African American Authors abuse and depression, which may sound like a lot of credit to give a simple plastic circle, HHH1/2 but it’s hard to find much of a downside in such a harmless practice. An entertaining (2013) 3 discs. 232 min. DVD: $199.99 (teacher’s and offbeat documentary, extras here include a behind-the-scenes featurette, “how-to” guide included). Ambrose Video Publishing. PPR. segments, and stills galleries. Recommended. (K. Fennessy) Closed captioned. This fine introduction to the African

JULY/AUGUST 2014 59 VIDEO LIBRARIAN to be controversial (Mel Brooks but not ?). But the clips here, coupled The Hidden Art of Islam HHH1/2 (2012) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH with excerpts from interviews with academi- captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-885-8. cians, will serve as a useful introduction for “Art and belief go hand in hand,” viewers are told in this PBS- newcomers to film studies. Extras include aired made-for-BBC documentary by filmmaker Faris Kermani educator’s guides, filmographies, timelines, that addresses unique traits of visual artwork in Islamic culture. and lists of Oscar winners. Also newly avail- The jumping off point for Kermani (and presenter Rageh Omaar) able at the same price is the five-volume com- is the opening of a historic British Museum exhibition on Islam, panion set The Great Directors: The Making of as well as a concurrent boom in Islamic material in the auction 21st Century Hollywood. Recommended. Aud: houses. A recurring theme here is the taboo (not always observed H, C, P. (F. Swietek) down the centuries) against the realistic depiction of humans, living creatures, and environments, which arises from religious strictures dictated by The Secret Policeman’s Ball—USA Muslim clergy (although not specifically found anywhere in the Koran) that imitative HHH1/2 acts of artistic creation dare to rival God, and are thus idolatry. So Islamic artists and (2013) 137 min. DVD: $19.98. Blu-ray: $24.98. craftsmen emphasized magnificent calligraphy (influenced by the glorious illuminated Eagle Rock Entertainment (avail. from most manuscripts of medieval Christian monks), abstract and intricate geometric patterns, distributors). and fanciful avoidance of real-world perspective and shading. Also covered here is The Secret Policeman’s Ball—USA is the the importance of the “Hajj,” the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, boasting vistas that most recent (and also first American-based) inspire artists of the Arab world, from post-modern installations to a peculiar tradition concert-film in the series of benefit music- in Luxor, Egypt, of privately commissioned folk-art murals depicting aspects of the and-comedy revues (partially originated by journey. Viewers will hear no recaps of the violence and murder that resulted from members of the Monty Python troupe) for newspaper cartoons showing the prophet Mohammed, or the Taliban’s savage vandal- Amnesty International. Marking its 50th ism of irreplaceable Buddhist monuments in the months prior to 9/11; the tone here anniversary in 2012, this Secret Policeman’s is relentlessly upbeat and Islam-positive, complete with a reverent exhibit benediction Ball moves from London to Radio City Music by Prince Charles. A solid exploration of the intersection of Islamic faith and art, this Hall in NYC, and features a blended U.K./U.S. is recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) cast. Eddie Izzard starts off by bashing the Tea Party as a bunch of crazies (it’s an election year), and denying the existence of God (rath- American literary tradition begins with Alice Childress, Toni Morrison, Rita Dove, er odd, considering the intro by Archbishop a look at the first published black author and August Wilson also all receive insightful Desmond Tutu). Fred Armisen of Saturday in America, Jupiter Hammon, whose 1761 introductions. Highly recommended. Aud: J, Night Live sends up WikiLeaks founder Julian poem “An Evening Thought” presented an H, C, P. (T. Keogh) Assange. Tim Roth admits he’s best known egalitarian view of Heaven for everyone. for intense roles wherein he shoots people, This three-disc set starts with an overview Hollywood’s Greatest Directors HHH but nonetheless acquits himself well in the of the history of slavery in America, looking (2013) 5 discs. 145 min. DVD: $199.99 (teacher’s humorous milieu. Statler and Waldorf of The at some oral traditions which lie at the root guide included). Ambrose Video Publishing. PPR. Muppet Show are informed that their heckling of African American literature, before mov- Closed captioned. is a bastion of free speech, while Beavis and ing on to individual published writers who A survey reference work presenting thumb- Butt-head affirm the basic human right to call contributed both to the literary arts and to nail sketches of important American film someone a “bunghole.” One guest, Burmese reflections on black identity. Poet Phillis directors—set against a general overview storyteller Zarganar, actually served prison Wheatley, kidnapped in Senegal and sold at of the evolution of Hollywood moviemak- time for wisecracking against his military auction in Boston, was encouraged by her ing—Hollywood’s Greatest Directors is hosted government; unsurprisingly, he plays it slave master to read and write, which cul- by Erick Avari, who makes some rather straight here, leaving the laughs to Russell minated in her famous “On Being Brought extravagant claims for cinema’s displacing Brand, Ben Stiller, and Sarah Silverman. from Africa to America” in 1773. Frederick literature as the primary contemporary Original revue founders Eric Idle, Michael Douglass’ autobiographical My Bondage and means of investigating the human condition Palin, and Terry Jones, seen in pre-taped bits, My Freedom (1855) illustrated the brutality of (as well as unreservedly embracing the auteur all send their regrets/alibis for not attending, slavery, contributing to a growing condem- theory of directorial “authorship”). Narrated and the show closes with a 15-minute music nation of the practice. At the dawn of the by Alphonse Kealey, the five half-hour pro- set by Coldplay (and a post-credit taped com- 20th century, Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote grams here offer brief biographical accounts edy skit starring Robert De Niro and Whoopi the post-slavery poem “Sympathy,” about of select filmmakers, beginning with D.W. Goldberg). Extras include bonus backstage being cut off from opportunities in American Griffith and ending with Kathryn Bigelow. interviews. A sure-to-be-popular helping of life, while the great W.E.B. Du Bois’s various While the coverage is compressed (Orson political-tinged entertainment, this is highly seminal works of nonfiction (includingThe Welles, for example, receives less than five recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady) Souls of Black Folk, published in 1903) intro- minutes), and some of the omissions are duced the theme of “double-consciousness,” glaring ( is dismissed with Vinylmania HHH1/2 i.e., the challenge for blacks of being both a single still), the drawbacks are balanced (2011) 75 min. DVD: $24.95. Stefilm (dist. by American and African American. Hosted by by a determined effort to include women Janson Media). ISBN: 978-1-56839-479-4. Dr. Alphonse Kealey, Great African American (not only Bigelow, but also Lois Weber and In this documentary love letter, writer- Authors also discusses poet Langston Hughes; Dorothy Arzner—hardly household names) director Paolo Campana expresses his un- Zora Neale Hurston’s mastery of Southern and (Oscar Micheaux and abashed adoration for the most enduring black voices in her work; writer-activist- Spike Lee). The division into five “epochs” format designed to capture and reproduce orator James Baldwin’s seminal Go Tell It on (the silent era, the coming of sound, the sound: the vinyl record, sales of which con- the Mountain; and how The Autobiography “golden age,” the “second golden age” of the tinue to break records of another sort. While of Malcolm X changed the dialogue about ’70s, and the “new wave” since then) seems many born during the digital age may find race in America. Maya Angelou, Alex Haley, a bit arbitrary, and some choices are bound this fanaticism mystifying, aficionados feel

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 60 JULY/AUGUST 2014 that it just doesn’t get any better than the full- AWARD-WINNING on analog sounds of a piece of plastic, which embodies the original sound wave with a realism that even includes imperfections such as clicks and pops. Campana travels to 11 cities—Tokyo, London, New York, San Francisco, and Paris, among them—to gather Streaming stories and commentary from collectors, DJs, musicians, and cover artists who talk about their passion. Along the way, Campana also FOR ALL visits stores where devotees seek new and LIBRARIES vintage titles, and he stops in at a thriving manufacturing plant in Prague. Sure to Video appeal to platter enthusiasts, this is highly HIGH SCHOOLS | ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS | PUBLIC LIBRARIES recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block) HISTORY & CURRENT EVENTS

Chasing Shackleton HHH1/2 (2013) 180 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883- 035-0. In 1915, intrepid polar explorer Ernest Shackleton experienced his greatest chal- lenge when his ship Endurance became trapped in pack ice and then sank, leaving 28 men stranded on ice floes with no chance of rescue, forced to avoid starvation by eat- ing penguins and seal meat. Using a small lifeboat, Shackleton sailed for Elephant Island, and then traveled 800 miles across the treacherous South Arctic ocean, before making landfall on South Georgia Island and enduring a rugged hike to a whaling 350,000 VIDEO CLIPS station, where he hoped that a ship could be dispatched to rescue the 20-odd crewmen 20,000 FULL LENGTH VIDEOS left behind. All of this happened nearly a century ago, without the benefit of modern � Unlimited, 24/7 use, � Free MARC records communications or equipment. Could such on or o site a journey be duplicated today? In this PBS � Easily embedded documentary narrated by , explorer � Tablet/mobile-friendly into CMS/LMS Tim Jarvis and a few hardy seamen (includ- ing a mountaineer and a round-the-world � Exclusive content � Captioning and cross- yachtsman) attempt the near impossible in searchable interactive New videos added at an identical wooden boat, dressed in period � transcripts costume, eating similar food rations, with no no additional cost recourse to GPS. While Shackleton’s strand- EasyBib integration Prede ned clips and � ing was well-documented by a crew photogra- � for up-to-date citation pher, no documentation exists of his perilous custom segments sea and overland journey. In this modern creation and export � Continuous Play and re-enactment, a backup ship is on hand, but � Enhanced Support given instructions to only intervene in a life Loop Playlist options or death emergency. Viewers will see Jarvis’s Centers men battle snow, frostbite, crashing waves, and sea sickness (readings from Shackleton’s journal illustrate how little some things have changed, and some of the re-enactors drop www.InfobaseLearning.com/TrialAD2014 out due to trench foot and other maladies). Even after reaching the whaling station, it took an additional three months and two rescue attempts for Shackleton to extricate his men from Elephant Island. Tragically, some Facts On File / Chelsea House / Bloom’s / Ferguson’s / The World Almanac® / Films Media Group crew members returned to Europe only to die in World War I combat. Shackleton himself 1-800-322-8755 • [email protected] succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 47

JULY/AUGUST 2014 VL_0714_FOD_pp_0614.indd 1 61 VIDEO LIBRAR6/4/14IAN 3:48 PM when he returned to the South Pole a few as the narrative delves deeper into the slain tion”). The trouble for the protestors began years later, and is buried near the scene of his lawyer’s personal life and emotional tur- when a wall went up between the square heroic journey. Sure to appeal to historians moil, Rosenberg emerges less as a crusader and the neighborhood, after which armed and armchair travelers, this is highly recom- than as a victim of obsession, paranoia, thugs began patrolling the perimeters, and mended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees) and grief—an instigator who was guilty of flammable substances (including gasoline much duplicity himself (one interviewee and melted rubber) appeared. Soon, the wall I Will Be Murdered HHH1/2 here accurately compares the Rosenberg exploded in black flames as military-backed (2013) 52 min. In English & Spanish w/English conspiracy with John le Carré’s novel The snipers pelted the citizenry with rocks from subtitles. DVD: $89: high schools & public Tailor of ). Mixing true-crime and above and gunfire from below. After the libraries; $295: colleges & universities. PRAGDA. Latin-American current-events, this power- unarmed people pushed through the wall, PPR. ful and intriguing documentary is highly the barrage continued, but the protestors Justin Webster’s documentary initially recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) refused to retreat, bringing the injured to a looks like it will be making an incendiary makeshift hospital inside a mosque where political statement, but it is actually more of Karama Has No Walls HHH doctors did what they could. A total of 53 a real-life whodunit with redeeming social (2013) 26 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries & people would end up losing their lives, while value. In May 2009, a Guatemalan lawyer high schools; $250: colleges & universities. The hundreds more suffered critical injuries, named Rodrigo Rosenberg was found shot Cinema Guild. PPR. ISBN: 0-7815-1467-3. including Ghaled’s son, Saleem. Undeterred, to death near his home. Days later, a sinister In her Oscar-nominated short documen- Nasr and Khaled continued to film the video statement that Rosenberg had made tary (in Arabic, “karama” means dignity), unrest for the next five months as many earlier appeared on YouTube. In the clip, Yemeni-Scottish director Sara Ishaq brings more lives were lost. The protesters would Rosenberg predicted his own imminent a violent protest to vivid and disturbing life. eventually succeed in ousting Saleh from assassination—tied to earlier drive-by In March 2011, citizens in Sana’a, Yemen’s power, but as this haunting documentary deaths of two of his firm’s recent clients. capital city, took inspiration from the Egyp- makes clear they paid a steep price. Recom- On camera, the doomed lawyer named tian uprising launched in Cairo at the end of mended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) and condemned a culprit—Guatemala’s January to set up a tent city where they sang, president, Álvaro Colom, and members of danced, and spoke out against the 33-year Lost Town HHH the leader’s family and government inner regime of autocratic President Ali Abdullah (2013) 85 min. In English & Hebrew w/English circle. Nationwide protests against Colom Saleh. Two intrepid cameramen, 19-year-old subtitles. DVD: $59: public libraries & high resulted from the bombshell video clip, Nasr and 23-year-old Khaled, captured what schools; $249 w/PPR: colleges & universities. although viewers are told the grim statis- happened next as the peaceful gathering Seventh Art Releasing. tic that up to 98 percent of the killings in in Change Square turned ugly. To their A horrific Holocaust episode becomes the Guatemala go unsolved, following genera- remembrances, Ishaq adds interviews with subject of an obsessive search by the son of tions of civil war, death squads, narcotics Abdulwahed and Ghaled, the fathers of two a survivor in this haphazardly structured trafficking, and the collapse of the judicial young protesters (as Abdulwahed puts it, but moving documentary directed by system (a UN-created body took over). But “Anwar and his friends launched a revolu- Jeremy Goldscheider and Richard Gold- gewicht. The focus is on Trochenbrod, a Jewish farming town in western Ukraine whose population was almost eradicated HHH1/2 1964 by the Nazis in 1942, along with other (2014) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-041-1. Jews brought in from neighboring villages. Only 33 residents survived by hiding in In hindsight, the year 1964 proved to be a milestone in Ameri- makeshift bunkers and fleeing into the can history, opening a great divide between the optimism and surrounding forest—including the father well-being of the postwar years, and the cultural and political of Avrom Bendavid-Val, an American who turbulence of the decades to come. Directed by Stephen Ives sets out to locate the site of the vanished and narrated by Oliver Platt, this PBS-aired American Experience settlement and as many survivors as pos- documentary offers a detailed look at how the events of 1964 sible in order to construct a portrait of changed America. Even though many people felt prosperous daily life. Narrated by Bendavid-Val, Lost and contented, millions were still left in poverty. Americans Town follows his visits to Ukraine, where had their confidence shaken by the murder of JFK at the end of 1963, and they were he engages in conversations with elderly uncertain of the path that Lyndon Johnson would take (some were willing to “go all locals—both Ukrainians and Poles—who the way with LBJ,” but a growing group of conservatives who felt the country was are not only able to direct him to the field moving in the wrong direction were looking around for a new movement standard where Trochenbrod once stood, but can bearer). The documentary also covers the explosion of “Beatlemania,” which gave a also describe what they saw and heard on boost to the country’s morale after the Kennedy killing; the rise of Motown that won the day of the massacre. Bendavid-Val also legions of fans throughout young, white America; and the triumph of boxer Cassius visits with some of those who survived the Clay, who scored a surprise victory over Sonny Liston, and then proudly proclaimed slaughter and hears the stories of how they his new Muslim identity as Muhammad Ali. Also that year, housewives made a best- escaped, eventually accompanying them seller of Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, marking the rise of a host of political, and their families back to Ukraine, where economic, and cultural feminist issues. 1964 also does a great job in resurrecting they describe the layout of the community, forgotten footage of the Berkeley “free speech” movement, the “Freedom Summer” in which is then reconstructed in drawings. Mississippi, and the crowning of Barry Goldwater at the Republican National Conven- Both a haunting tale of the brutality of the tion. And, of course, Vietnam loomed in the background. One interviewee astutely so-called Final Solution, and an uplifting characterizes the many emergent movements during 1964 as a “collective jailbreak.” celebration of the Nazis’ inability to ef- This isn’t just nostalgia, but exciting popular history, with historians and movement face the memory of a place that was once leaders seeing an “emerging sense of betrayal” that Americans began to sense, which a vibrant center of Jewish life in Eastern reverberates to this day. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) Europe, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 62 JULY/AUGUST 2014 New Commemorative Reportero HHH1/2 2-DVD Set (2012) 72 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-049-7. Celebrates Bernardo Ruiz’s excellent PBS-aired documentary portrays the courageous work of the crusading Tijuana newsmagazine Mustang’s First Zeta, which for decades has published investigative pieces on Mexican governmental corruption and the brutality of drug 50 Years traffickers. Reportero traces the history of the publication from its establishment in 1980 to the present, including the murders of two of its three founders—Héctor Félix Miranda in 1988, and Francisco Ortiz Franco in 2004—and an attempted assassination on the third, Jesús Blancornelas, in 1997. Current editor Adela Navarro Bello explains how the paper is produced and distributed, as well as how stories are assigned, and the film covers some ofZeta ’s most famous scoops. But the focus is on reporter Sergio Haro, whose dedication to his job puts both him and his family in jeopardy. Filmed while driving through the city streets to snap photos at a crime scene or attend the funeral of a murdered colleague, Haro talks (in voiceover) about the desperate plight of Tijuana’s citizens in the face of unremitting poverty and violence, while also emphasizing his own determination to keep covering the cartels—despite the danger. He emerges as a genuine modern hero, even if he admits that it often feels like he’s tilting at windmills. Like Zeta and its staff, Reportero offers impassioned reportage that avoids both sentimentality and sensationalism; in this case, the simple truth is horrifying enough. Extras include a discussion guide and lesson planner. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)

Spies of Mississippi HHH commission, and for a time its meticulous (2013) 60 min. DVD: $24.99. PBS Video. SDH files and records were sealed to protect the captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-048-2. identities of the guilty parties. Now, the In the late 1950s and early 60s, the struggle truth is slowly emerging. While some of the This all-new, Ford-licensed for civil rights in Mississippi often resembled state’s “informational” propaganda films 2-DVD set charts the amaz- an actual battle, due to beatings, bombings, touting the virtues of segregation may seem ing story of the Mustang incomprehensible to contemporary younger and spying. State officials were determined to from the early years, through preserve their “way of life” and segregation viewers, this eye-opening documentary of- at all costs, establishing in 1956 a “sover- fers a compelling history of one of America’s the launch in 1964 – the eignty commission” to identify and infiltrate most extensive domestic spy operations. most successful in auto- rights “agitators,” particularly those from Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) motive history – to how the out of state (this was the greatest domestic Mustang changed through spy-ring operation prior to the 9/11 terrorist Where Should the Birds Fly? HHH six generations (1964-2015). attacks). Filmmaker Dawn Porter’s PBS-aired (2014) 82 min. In Arabic w/English subtitles. documentary looks at the attempts made by DVD: $24.95: individuals; $249.95: institutions. Mississippi’s government—from the governor Choices, Inc. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-933724-43-0. Total running time: on down—to recruit blacks to attend, spy, Director/narrator Fida Qishta, a Palestin- 2 hour, 38 minutes and report on group meetings of civil rights ian writer living in Gaza, says she taught workers. The efforts here were sometimes herself filmmaking to earn a living, making Acquired in HD and wide screen. remarkably trivial, such as planting stolen videos of weddings and other celebrations seed on a family farm to discredit a black among Arab neighbors. But she also captured See at – tmbv.com the horrors of Israeli military action against Korean War veteran who simply wanted to – click on “Mustang” attend a state university. At other times, the her neighborhood during Israel’s December tactics were brutal—information was shared 2008 strikes on Gaza—for being a suspected Available from most major distributors with local police departments, many of terrorist hideout. Over the course of several which were dominated at the time by the Ku weeks of warfare (“Operation Cast Lead”), Klux Klan and its sympathizers. Apparently, says Qishta, 13 Israelis died—and about a some black leaders disagreed with the tactics hundred times that many were killed on the of the Civil Rights Movement, or were con- Palestinian side. In interviews and after-siege cerned with maintaining their status (Martin footage, Qishta shows the bulldozing of her Luther King, Jr. called this a case of having mother’s home, as well as hideous wounds TM Books & Video | Box 9228, “segregated minds”). Events reached a boil- suffered by children hit with incendiaries. City, IN 46361 ing point in the summer of 1964 when local Special emphasis is put on the struggles of police abducted and murdered three civil Gaza’s farmers and fishermen, who particu- (219) 879-2822 | (800) 892-2822 | rights workers who came down to the state for larly suffer under bullying Israeli patrols, and www.tmbv.com the film finds a haunting voice in self-pos- “Freedom Summer” to aid voter registration Ford Motor Company Trademarks and for black citizens. National outrage, coupled sessed Mona, age 11, who calmly talks about Trade Dress used under license to Key with the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights the deaths of both her mother and father, Enterprises, Inc. act, led to the slow demise of the sovereignty who perished from a strike by three Apache

JULY/AUGUST 2014 63 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Rainier is potentially the more dangerous of the two. Rainier is not an explosive The Story of the Jews HHH1/2 volcano like St. Helens, but an inevitable (2013) 2 discs. 295 min. DVD: $29.99 ($59.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH release of molten rock will one day melt an captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789-001-4. enormous amount of snow and ice on top A span of 3,000 years is a lot to cover in five hours, even for of the mountain, leading to huge mudflows a historian as deft as ’s Simon Schama, that will quickly travel vast distances. Set- who hosts this BBC series that aired on PBS; inevitably, the ting that grim thought aside, Rainier is for treatment must be selective. However, while admittedly idio- now a beautiful site that provides an almost syncratic—Schama begins the discussion of the emergence of surreal backdrop to Seattle, a favorite image the Jews as a people with Freud’s controversial work on Moses, for photographers and artists. The fifth old- and he concludes with a consideration of modern Israel that est national park in the U.S., Rainier offers raises serious questions about current Israeli policy (even though an inexhaustible number of activities in Schama is himself a self-proclaimed committed Zionist)—it’s also a fascinating jour- summer or winter, including hikes through ney across the centuries. Traveling through a wide variety of locales, conferring with meadows full of late-summer wildflowers. numerous specialists, and drawing on a massive amount of evidence, Schama here Viewers will also see Rainier’s famous Para- traces the history of the ancient kingdom of Israel and its ultimate destruction by the dise Inn, built from timber culled from a Romans; the Jews’ struggle to maintain their identity under Christian and Muslim forest fire in 1916 and visited over the years rule during the Middle Ages; the 19th-century effort by European Jews to assimilate by presidents and celebrities. The second into wider society (which came to a disastrous end); the overwhelming role that ex- half of the program focuses almost entirely patriate Jews played in the culture of Broadway and Hollywood; and the movement on St. Helens’ eruption and its aftermath. to Palestine that eventually resulted in the birth of a modern Jewish homeland. Some As explained by a park ranger, the story of might find Schama’s constant presence a bit annoying—he’s rarely off-screen—but this volcano keeps changing, and scientists he expertly turns a phrase, and the points he makes are invariably stimulating. Based continue to learn from the way species are on Schama’s two-volume titular history (the second volume is scheduled for publica- returning, forests are rebuilding, and land- tion in November), this beautifully produced and richly rewarding series is highly slide deposits are altering the landscape. recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek) Sure to appeal to armchair travelers, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) missiles. Later, while watching a pre-attack identity on St. Vincent were almost success- Gringo Trails HHH1/2 wedding video, kids make a game of point- ful, word-of-mouth stories passed down by (2013) 79 min. DVD: $390. Icarus Films. PPR. ing to the dancing family members on the generations—coupled with online research Closed captioned. monitor and discuss who is still alive and conducted by today’s Caribs—have helped Readers of Alex Garland’s novel The Beach who did not survive. Any political or terrorist to restore a sense of pride and self-deter- (and those who watched ’s 2000 sympathies remain off-camera here as Qishta mination. And even St. Vincent’s prime feature film starring Leonardo DiCaprio) will serves up a troubling portrait of modern minster, Ralph Gonsalves, has embraced experience a frisson of recognition from the civilian “collateral damage.” Recommended. this new understanding: in a ceremony themes and locales visited in filmmaker Pegi Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) honoring 18th-century Carib leader Joseph Vail’s Gringo Trails. Vail turns a question- Chatoyer, Gonsalves clearly identifies the ing lens on the social and environmental Yurumein (Homeland) HHH1/2 treatment of the Caribs by the British as damage inflicted by adventure tourism, (2014) 50 min. DVD: $99: high schools & public an act of genocide. Offering an important especially the weakly regulated DIY variety libraries; $250: colleges & universities. New Day look at a long-forgotten history, this power- commonly carried out by backpackers and Films. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-57448-478-6. ful film is also a marvelous tribute to the avid readers of Lonely Planet guidebooks. The story of the indigenous populations indefatigable spirit of a people who refused One would assume these people are nice, of the Caribbean who have struggled to to disappear. Highly recommended. Aud: green, “low-impact” types, but, in fact, survive over the centuries is one of the C, P. (P. Hall) untold thousands of hedonistic hikers, great in the Western hemisphere. thrill-seekers, and sightseers have spoiled Filmmaker Andrea E. Leland’s compelling once-Eden-like shorelines in Thailand, documentary examines a historical chap- TRAVEL & GEOGRAPHY triggered development on unique islands ter that is largely unknown in the United of the salt desert of Chile, and put Amazon States: the history of the Carib people on wildlife in danger. The mountain kingdom St. Vincent. Also known as “Garifuna,” Discoveries...America National Parks: of Bhutan, not wanting to become a jungle they were disenfranchised and slaughtered of Internet taverns and massage parlors, now by British colonial powers, with many Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens charges foreigners a day rate of $250, restrict- sent into enslavement-exile in Central HHH1/2 ing tourism to the well-behaved wealthy. America. Leland follows Dr. Cadrin Gill, (2014) 53 min. DVD or Blu-ray: $24.95. Bennett- Writers interviewed here include Anja Mutic, a St. Vincent–born physician based in Los Watt HD Productions. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-60490- Rolf Potts, Pico Iyer, Nat Geo Traveler editor Angeles, who returns to his homeland 173-3 (dvd), 978-1-60490-196-2 (blu-ray). Costas Christ, and Yossi Ghinsberg. Ghins- to help reclaim Carib heritage. A Carib This edition from Jim and Kelly Watt’s berg, an Israeli author whose popular 1985 dance group from also visits, excellent high-definition Discoveries… memoir about a harrowing survival ordeal bringing back traditions not seen on St. America National Parks series focuses on in the Bolivian jungle lured generations of Vincent in two centuries. But the harsh- a pair of Northwest volcanoes 50 miles Hebrew-speaking travelers to South America, ness of the past is difficult to erase. Today, apart: Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. models a workable compromise, cooperating St. Vincent’s Caribs (roughly 2 percent of Although the latter is famous for a 1980 with the Bolivians (who rescued him) on cul- the population) face hostility, including eruption that caused ecological devastation turally sensitive, sustainable tourist projects. being stereotyped as cannibals and idiots. and loss of life (as well as the disappearance A thought-provoking critique, this is highly Although efforts to erase all traces of Carib of the north side of the mountain), Mount recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 64 JULY/AUGUST 2014 or death dramas, Hawking still gets around, BIOGRAPHY and even experienced a simulation of zero How gravity fl ight (he believes that space travel is necessary for human survival). Now twice Much Hawking ★★★1/2 divorced, Hawking insists he has led a full (2013) 90 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS life, having survived well beyond the two or TIME Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-872-1. three years doctors predicted when he was Stephen Hawking, author and physicist, initially diagnosed. Expertly juggling science has a life story rivaling the complexity and with a compelling human interest story, this fascination of any of his scientifi c theories. excellent profile is highly recommended. Are you Now 72, Hawking has been affl icted for two- Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) thirds of his life with a progressive motor neuron disease that leaves him confi ned to a In Search of Josephine ★★★ LOSING wheelchair, unable to speak, but able to com- (2014) 103 min. In English & French w/English municate via computer—guided only by the subtitles. DVD: $19.99. Kultur (avail. from most to movement of his facial muscles. Filmmaker distributors). ISBN: 978-07697-4950-1. video Acquisition? Stephen Finnigan’s PBS-aired documentary Josephine de Beauharnais, the love of presents a rare behind-the-scenes look at Napoleon’s life (who became his empress, Hawking’s personal journey. Born into a although the couple later divorced), is treated brilliant but eccentric family in Oxford, as a national heroine in this two-part French England, Hawking was very bright, exhibit- TV documentary (with overlaid English ing a passion for understanding how things narration), which combines dramatic re- worked—whether it be everyday objects creations, observations from biographers or the universe itself. While at university, and scholars, nicely chosen artwork, and Hawking began to notice deterioration in location footage. In Search of Josephine is an 1 vendor. his physical condition and bodily move- unreserved panegyric to a woman who both 80,000 titles. ments. Even as his body failed him, Hawking enjoyed considerable fame and endured married and fathered children, lectured and many setbacks. As a girl in Martinique, 1 STOP. mentored students, and elected to travel Josephine survived a massive hurricane with his mind. With his automated voice, and then traveled to France for an arranged www.ActionLibraryMedia.com Hawking explains his theories on the origin marriage to a philandering nobleman. Her of the universe (“Steady State” expansion vs. husband was also involved in revolutionary the “Big Bang” explosion), and talks about his activity, which brought him some admira- book A Brief History of Time, which became a tion before eventually landing him—and surprising, runaway bestseller (and was trans- Josephine—in prison to await the guillotine. lated into 40 languages). With fame has come Josephine and her children survived the stresses on his family life. Always reluctant ordeal, however, and she soon found herself to accept nursing care, Hawking has learned romantically involved with Napoleon, whose to deal with 24-hour assistance and the ac- Corsican family treated her with contempt. companying lack of privacy. In between life Napoleon was so enamored with Josephine NEW! Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq ★★★1/2 (2013) 96 min. DVD: $29.95 (avail. from most distributors on June 24), $349 w/PPR (avail. from www.kinolorberedu.com). Kino Lorber. Nancy Buirski’s documentary serves up a deeply affecting of Tanaquil Le Clercq, the tall, athletic prima bal- lerina of George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet (and the choreographer’s then-wife), who was stricken by polio in 1956 when she was at the height of her powers. Only 27, Le Clercq Discoveries... America was paralyzed from the waist down, would never walk or dance National Parks again, and died in 2000. The fi lm begins with a grainy kinescope 40+ titles, $24.95 ea / New titles monthly of Le Clercq and partner Jacques d’Amboise rehearsing Jerome Previously released: Grand Canyon Yellowstone Robbins’ pas de deux to Debussy’s haunting title music. Stills and other archival foot- AZ Footprints Dry Tortugas age follow her entrance into Balanchine’s School of American Ballet at the age of 15 Of The Ancients Arches, Canyonlands Lyndon B. Johnson & Natural Bridges and her swift rise to prominence (including, ironically, the lead in Resurgence, a piece Japanese American New Orleans Jazz for a March of Dimes benefi t in which she played a polio victim restored to health Incarceration by donations to the group). The account of Le Clercq’s falling ill during a European Mount Rainier WWrangell-St Elias & Mount St Helens Cuyahoga Valley tour is also marked by sad irony, since—as fellow dancers and friends recount—she Mount Rushmore Yosemite had decided against receiving the new vaccine for the disease just before departing. FL Everglades Glacier & & Biscayne Buirski depicts Le Clercq’s later years without sentimentality, using home movies and Craters Of The Moon San Antonio Missions Katmai, Lake Clark interviews to recall a woman who accepted her condition with dignity and grace, & Alagnak even using hand and arm movements to instruct students at the Dance Theatre of 200+ DVD titles / Also available in Blu-ray Harlem. A poignant portrait of a remarkable dancer and—as her last four decades proved—an equally extraordinary human being, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)

JULY/AUGUST 2014 65 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Lens collects examples of Simon’s work HHH spanning five decades, organized into 12 Francis: The Pope from the New World 1/2 chapters (within chronological and topical (2013) 51 min. DVD: $19.95 ($295 w/PPR). Knights of Columbus (dist. by Janson Media). Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-56839-480-0. parameters). Simon discusses each photo as it comes up in the resultant slideshow, aiming The enormously popular Pope Francis is the subject of this for a sort of photo-autobiography set within delightful and informative portrait of the Argentine pontiff a larger historical context. After a prologue from filmmakers David Naglieri and Michèle Nuzzo-Naglieri. discussing his relationship with his father, Francis begins on a light note with the subject’s first public Simon uses pictures to guide us through his statement as a new pope, in which he notes that his “brother experiences as a student, involvement in the cardinals went to the ends of the Earth to choose a new Bishop Civil Rights and anti-war movements, days in of Rome.” That’s not quite accurate, of course: Francis, born a hippie commune, work as a news photogra- Jorge Mario Bergoglio, hails from Buenos Aires, described here pher, contacts with music icons, and interest as the Paris of South America, but also a city with a pronounced dark side of poverty in the recent Occupy Wall Street movement. and crime. An enthusiast of tango and soccer, young Bergoglio was a well-liked but Simon also draws on photos to address his unimpressive youngster who had a profound religious experience after spontaneously own addiction problem, and looks at his entering a church one day and giving confession. A subsequent, near-fatal health comfortable life on Martha’s Vineyard. As a crisis strengthened his conviction that he was destined for the seminary, and he was whole, the set offers an interesting snapshot ordained a priest in 1969. In time Bergoglio became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires of one Baby Boomer’s life, but technically it and by 2001 was made a cardinal. Along the way, he impressed many by focusing feels homespun, with Simon simply talking on issues related to poverty, including the lack of economic opportunities for many into the camera as the slides come up. Some people. Commentators discuss how Francis always “had the courage to stand up to might also tire of child-of-privilege Simon’s power,” even when his emphasis on economic inequality rubbed the aristocracy the constant name-dropping. Extras include wrong way. While the documentary underscores the most popular elements of Francis’s two bonus segments in which Simon offers personality and his populist approach to papal leadership, it doesn’t say much about rudimentary advice to aspiring photogra- his firm commitment to church doctrine on divorce, gay marriage, and adoption, or phers. Even with its flaws, this should still be the ordination of women into the priesthood. How Francis will evolve on these issues considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: remains a question, but for now this profile nicely summarizes the life so far of this C, P. (F. Swietek) pope who has brought activism for good causes into his global leadership. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) Revealing Mr. Maugham HHH (2012) 84 min. DVD: $149 ($349 w/PPR). Kino Lorber Edu. that she accompanied him on his Italian emergence as a primary exponent of the W. Somerset Maugham’s fame may have campaigns, after which she returned to Paris politically charged nueva canción (literally, declined since his death in 1965, but Mi- and used her charm to help pave the way for “new song”), which earned her the enmity chael House’s documentary reminds us of his rise to power. Even after their divorce in of the military junta that came to power in the quality of his writing, while also por- 1809, Napoleon treated Josephine well—he 1976 and led to her flight to Europe, where traying the author as a troubled, ultimately permitted her to retain the title of empress, she would gain a considerable following. rather tragic figure. Narrated in large part and her children by her first marriage ben- The last section records her return as a hero by biographer Selina Hastings, Revealing efited from his patronage. Marked more by in 1982 and the serious depression that Mr. Maugham covers the writer’s life from enthusiasm than scholarly depth, In Search marked her final years, which she poignantly childhood to death in chronological fash- of Josephine nevertheless serves as a pleasant speaks about in a lengthy interview. As a ion, with observations from academicians introduction to a woman often known only whole, the documentary paints a moving and dedicated readers who emphasize the by her name. DVD extras include a pair of personal portrait, but ultimately fails to pro- enormous success Maugham achieved with bonus featurettes. Recommended. Aud: C, vide a coherent picture of the surrounding his plays and novels during the first four P. (F. Swietek) political context. Most impressive here are decades of the 20th century (special atten- the numerous excerpts from Sosa’s concerts tion is paid to Maugham’s extraordinary Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin and recordings, which show off her power- skill in the short story form). But House ful, passionate voice to perfection (fans will America HH1/2 balances this treatment of Maugham’s (2013) 93 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features especially appreciate a previously unknown remarkable literary career with a far darker (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. private duet with Ástor Piazzolla). A decent portrait of his personal life, touching on account of a remarkable woman, but one A sense of hagiography pervades Rodrigo Maugham’s unhappy marriage to divorcée that could have been better, this is a strong H. Vila’s documentary profile of Mercedes Syrie Wellcome, but more particularly optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) Sosa (1935-2009), an Argentine singer who concentrating on his homosexuality and became a voice of popular protest during the long-term relationships with men—first 1960s and ’70s, but endured death threats Peter Simon’s Through the Lens HH1/2 Gerald Haxton, a gregarious American and exile as a result. Vila serves up a mixture (2014) 2 discs. 240 min. DVD: $24.95. Music whose help in gathering material for stories of archival footage, interviews with friends Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). proved invaluable but whose alcoholism and family (conducted by Sosa’s son Fabian), Son of Richard Simon—the co-founder of led to his death, and then Alan Searle, who excerpts from recorded recollections by Simon & Schuster—and younger brother of manipulated the author into disowning Sosa herself, and observations from many singer Carly Simon, Peter Simon has been his family in order to inherit Maugham’s of her colleagues and admirers (including taking pictures since his school days. His estate for himself. A closing anecdote David Byrne). Essentially a straightforward photographs have been featured in many recounting how the elderly Maugham chronological narrative, the film begins with magazines as well as on LP album covers and was shunned by fellow club members in Sosa’s penurious childhood, continuing up in books. Celebrating his 50th anniversary London—after publishing an attack on through her unexpected victory in a singing in what the shutterbug calls personalized Syrie in his memoir—provides a poignant contest at the age of 15, and her subsequent photojournalism, Peter Simon’s Through the conclusion to House’s incisive portrait of

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 66 JULY/AUGUST 2014 a man whose final years cast a shadow on his earlier triumphs. Recommended. Aud: Twentieth Century C, P. (F. Swietek) Series Update Fox Home Entertain- ment is releasing To Chris Marker: An Letter The following titles are new additions Strawberry Shortcake: HHH to series that were previously recom- Fun Under the Sun mended. Titles are available from most (2013) 78 min. DVD: $24.98. Icarus Films Home (66 min., DVD: $14.98), Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed distributors unless otherwise noted. which finds fun pro- captioned. tagonist Strawberry and Emiko Omori’s documentary essay is a WordGirl: Monkey pals enjoying outdoor collective love letter to iconoclastic French Business (50 min., DVD: adventures in a compilation that includes filmmaker, writer, and intermedia artist $9.99) is the newest en- “No Blueberry Is an Island,” “Where the Chris Marker, who died in 2012. Known try in Scholastic and Berry Breeze Blows,” and “The Berry Best for his stylistic inventiveness and left-wing PBS’s educational series Vacation,” as well as a music video. See political views, Marker was a powerful about verbose elemen- review of Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet influence, evidenced by the interview ex- tary school student su- Dreams Movie in VL-5/07. cerpts included here from a wide variety of perhero Becky Botsford. friends, colleagues, and admirers (including See review of WordGirl: The most recent entry in Para- film critic David Thomson), most of whom Earth Day Girl in VL-5/10. Also newly mount and Nickelodeon’s long-run- especially emphasize the impact of Marker’s available at the same price are Between ning preschool-friendly cartoon series La Jetée (1962), an innovative short that the Lions: Vowel Power, Dinosaur is Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Magical combined a montage of stills, voiceover, and Train: Adventure Camp, and Wild Sleepover (71 min., DVD: $14.98), fea- sound to tell an impressionistic sci-fi tale Kratts: Tiny Trouble. turing Dora the Explorer and friends about post-war experiments in time travel Diego and Boots as they enjoy a whimsi- (it would serve as the inspiration for Terry The newest title in registered nurse cal sleepover at a museum, along with Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys). Attention is also paid Mary Ann Wilson’s Sit and Be Fit public two bonus episodes. See review of Dora to Marker’s idiosyncratic documentaries, television-aired gentle exercise series is Sit the Explorer: Big Sister Dora in VL-5/05. including the three-hour 1977 film A Grin and Be Fit: Season 13 (540 min., DVD: 4 Without a Cat (VL-5/09), the title of which discs, $78.95), which includes 20 episodes Also newly released by Paramount is reflects a feline theme that was common in from 2012. See review of Sit and Be Fit in SpongeBob, You’re Fired! (186 min., his work, and the controversial 1983 docu- VL-1/97. Available from: Sit and Be Fit, DVD: $14.98), which finds Krusty Krab mentary Sans Soleil (VL-7/93). Since Marker P.O. Box 8033, Spokane, WA 99203; tel: restaurant-owner Mr. Krabs putting not only avoided interviews but also refused 888-678-9438; web: sitandbefit.org. fry-cook SpongeBob’s career on the to appear on film himself, Omori—who line in the titular two-part episode, served as a cinematographer on Marker’s Recently released by PBS Home Video and serves up 13 other stories from 1989 miniseries L’Héritage de la Chouett—is is Craft in America: Industry (60 min., the Nickelodeon animated series. See compelled to treat her subject in a round- DVD: $19.99), the latest episode from the review of SpongeBob SquarePants: Tide about fashion. Omori’s approach mimics Peabody Award-winning series that ex- and Seek in VL-9/03. Marker’s imaginatively allusive visual style, plores the evolution and global influences overlaying the interviews with montages of handmade and modern crafts, here Newly available from PBS is Pioneers of newly-shot footage that is tangentially focusing on the relationship between the of Television: Season 4 (240 min., related to the words (and often situating consumer and the maker. See review of DVD: 2 discs, $24.99), which compiles clips from Marker’s films on laptops and Craft in America: Messages in VL-11/11. the 2014 fourth season of the insight- theatre screens rather than simply insert- ful documentary series chronicling ing them in the full frame, which creates a Newly available from Shout! Factory the evolution of popular TV genres, distancing effect). To Chris Marker: An Unsent Kids is Littlest Pet Shop: Strike a Pose! here narrated by Benjamin Bratt and Letter may seem more than a little precious (110 min., DVD: $14.98), which includes featuring the episodes “Standup to to the uninitiated, but those who appreci- five episodes featuring animal whisperer Sitcom,” “Acting Funny,” “Doctors and ate Marker’s work—admittedly an acquired Blythe and her creature pals, as well as a Nurses,” and “Breaking Barriers.” See taste—will find this to be a fitting tribute bonus sing-along. See review of Littlest review of Pioneers of Television: Season to an elusive artist. Recommended. Aud: C, Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades in VL-11/13. 2 in VL-5/11. P. (F. Swietek) Also newly available is The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Top Gear Trucks. Compiling the 2013 seventh season of the Shiva Rea: Medita- History-aired series Online tions (107 min., DVD: from Lionsgate Home Visit Video Librarian Online (www. $19.99) is the latest ad- Entertainment and videolibrarian.com) for more reviews dition to Acacia and RLJ A&E, The Universe: during July and August, including: At Entertainment’s work- Season 7: Ancient the Edge of Space, Bad Weather - Safe Driv- out series featuring yoga Mysteries Solved (176 ing: Lifesaving Tips, Beneath the Blindfold, expert Shiva Rea, who min., DVD: $19.98, Calorie Killer Yoga with Colleen Saidman, provides instruction for Blu-ray: $19.99) includes the episodes Desert Riders, Femme: Women Healing the several meditations culled from previous “Stonehenge,” “Pyramids,” “Heavenly World, The Ghosts in Our Machine, Mon- releases, along with a bonus “flow medi- Destruction,” and “Star of Bethlehem.” days at Racine, Plimpton! Starring George tation.” See review of Shiva Rea: Mama & See review of The Universe: The Complete Plimpton as Himself, and much more! Baby Yoga in VL-7/12. Season One in VL-3/08.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 67 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Japanese Anime Ebiten: Complete the Gekko rebels is not enthusiastically wel- From the New World, comed. While Eureka Seven deserves praise for Collection HH1/2 Collection 1 HHH1/2 (2012) 2 discs. 250 min. DVD: its thrilling mecha dogfight sequences and (2012) 325 min. DVD: 3 $49.98, Blu-ray: $59.98. Sentai the imaginative nature of its sci-fi storyline, discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, Filmworks (avail. from most its real strength lies in bringing a genuine $69.98. Sentai Filmworks distributors). ISBN: 978-1-6161- love story to the center of the action. The (avail. from most distributors). 5498-1 (dvd), 978-1-6161- relationship between Renton and Eureka ISBN: 978-1-6161-5505-6 5499-8 (blu-ray). (dvd), 978-1-6161-5506-3 is compelling and charming, with the pair (blu-ray). Not unlike the Scary Movie forming a genuine emotional bond that series, this is a burlesque mishmash drawing adds a depth and scope that is lacking in Derived from an acclaimed novel by Yu- upon Japanese fantasy, sci-fi, anime, manga, many anime protagonists. There is also a suke Kishi, this mind-blowing sci-fi anime and TV shows, referencing and spoofing remarkably mature subplot rivalry between series opens at a pastoral school complex Ultra Seven, DragonBall Z, Megazone 23, Sailor Renton and Holland, a would-be suitor of where adolescents practice telekinesis in a Moon, K-On!, and just about everything in Eureka—sparking a romantic triangle that Zen-like spiritual milieu. When five boys and between. An underpopulated high school leads to Renton leaving Gekkostate, a move girls leave the safe zone on a canoe trip they student-stargazing society composed of that creates unexpected developments as the accidentally learn their world’s secret history: one millennium ago—in 2011—a percentage BFF girls (thus the nickname “Asstronomi- story hurtles towards a superb cliffhanger. of the human race developed ESP superpow- cal Club”) is so irrelevant on campus that Presenting the first 26 episodes from 2005 in ers and plunged Earth into centuries of war its faculty advisor is a distracted teacher’s separately available dual-language DVD and and bloody rampages under homicidally cat. The group faces closure due to a lack Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, extras include psychic emperors, warlords, and bandits. of members and the fact that they really audio commentaries, and interviews with A surviving fragment of Japanese society don’t accomplish much. The parody-strewn voice actors. Highly recommended. [Note: maintains peace through Buddhist-inspired episodes (copying even the artwork style and Eureka Seven: Part Two is also newly avail- discipline, self-hypnosis, and reverence—and theme songs of the material being satirized) able.] (P. Hall) largely center on the young ladies—drawn in ruthlessly watches children for possible deviance, punishable by quick termination. hyper-cute “moe” style—embracing and/or The Familiar of Zero: tormenting would-be recruits, especially But in learning the truth, these kids have freshman Itsuki, who is really a boy, forced to Complete Collection transgressed badly. After escaping a clash cross-dress to maintain the female status quo. HHH between orc-like armies (who regard humans Itsuki also has a secret secondary personality (2006) 325 min. DVD: 3 as gods), the protagonists think that their discs, $49.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, escapade has gone unnoticed by authorities. as a supervillain (foretold by Nostradamus), $59.98. Sentai Filmworks who is plotting to Take Over the World But, of course, it hasn’t. The violence here is (avail. from most distributors). stylized and more suggested than shown (the with pheromones. In a meta-epilogue, our ISBN: 978-1-6161-5503-2 heroines invade the very anime and manga (dvd), 978-1-6161-5504-9 same goes for frankly acknowledged underage studios creating them. Given the mission of (blu-ray). sex and homoeroticism). Compiling the first sending up anime clichés, one should not be Misfit kids find trouble and intrigue at a 13 episodes from the 2012 debut season in surprised at the “fan service” panty flashes, magical school for budding wizards. Sound separately available dual-language DVD and breast gropes, gratuitous nudity, and gay-les- familiar? If cynics can stop making Harry Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, this is highly bian tropes trotted out. Almost none of this is Potter/Worst Witch comparisons (and there’s recommended. (C. Cassady) meant to be taken seriously, although it could a Dumbledore-lookalike headmaster), The have cult mojo amongst more knowledge- Familiar of Zero is a fairly entertaining com- Gatchaman: Complete able anime fans. Compiling all 10 episodes ics-derived series. On the distant planet of Collection HHH1/2 (and an OVA) from 2012 in separate Blu-ray Halkeginia, where magic-wielders form an (1974) 2,770 min. DVD: and DVD editions, in Japanese with English imperious ruling class (everyone else are 22 discs, $129.98; Blu-ray: 14 discs, $149.98. Sentai subtitles, rated TV-MA, extras include bonus “peasants”), Louise is a nobly-descended Filmworks (avail. from most shorts and music videos. A strong optional schoolgirl at Tristain Academy of Magic distributors). ISBN: 978-1-6161- purchase. (C. Cassady) whose spells chronically go awry. When the 5413-4 (dvd), 978-1-6161- student mages summon their permanent 5414-1 (blu-ray). Eureka Seven: Part One “familiars” (i.e. magical creatures/helpmates), Hailing from Tatsunoko Productions—the HHH1/2 Louise scandalizes both her peers and herself Japanese animation house behind Speed (2005) 650 min. DVD: 5 by materializing an ordinary boy—bewil- Racer—the 1970s cartoon fantasy Gatcha- discs, $34.98; Blu-ray: 4 discs, dered teen Hiraga Saito, who is teleported man first gained Western attention in the $44.98. Funimation (avail. from Tokyo. Saito adapts poorly to treatment drastically rewritten syndicated TV versions from most distributors). ISBN: as an abused servant in the alien culture, but G-Force and Battle of the Planets (shows that 1-4210-2792-5 (dvd). in typical harem-comedy fashion he winds were tweaked to be more like Star Wars). The Teenager Renton is a me- up being an object of affection and seduction simple premise finds a quintet of youthful chanic in a dreary, isolated town, which is for comely girls at the Academy, including his “Science Ninjas,” led by hothead Ken (aka particularly maddening for the lad, since “master”—temperamental, possessive Louise Gatchaman), fighting the all-purpose villain Renton’s father was part of a rebel pilot (and Saito may actually possess latent magic organization Galactor, whose henchmen tor- squadron called Gekkostate. A fortuitous mojo himself). The saucier elements (Saito ment Earth with their seemingly inexhaust- visit by the beautiful Eureka (who, in typical must wash Louise’s lingerie, emphasis on ible arsenal of high-tech weapons and giant anime fashion, literally falls out of the sky) panties) are not too grating, a minor magi- robots. Some of the more bizarre sets off a chain of events that allows Renton cal feat in itself. Compiling all 13 episodes include a molten-lava giant with the head of to live out his dreams as a Gekkostate pilot. from the 2006 first season in separately Jesus (!) and a colossal flying/laser-shooting However, the dream come true also leads to available dual-language DVD and Blu-ray Buddha (!!). Meanwhile, the teen fighters new and unexpected hazards—especially editions, rated TV-14, this is recommended. sport caped uniforms with the features of when Renton finds that his presence among (C. Cassady) various birds: eagle, condor, swan, swallow,

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 68 JULY/AUGUST 2014 and owl. Compiling all 105 episodes from the sion of sometimes nail-biting homicide Saint Seiya: Sanctuary 1972-74 series (along with three previously cases that are linked by a shadowy master HHH unreleased OVAs) in a dual-language set, rated villain who mentors murderers in the name (2014) 11 discs. 1,721 min. In TV-PG, extras include audio commentaries of free will. The noir-ish material borrows Japanese w/English subtitles. and behind-the-scenes featurettes. A hand- liberally from films such asMinority Report DVD: $99.95. Cinedigm somely presented old-school classic anime, and The Silence of the Lambs, but this title Entertainment (avail. from this is highly recommended. (C. Cassady) should also have crossover appeal for fans most distributors). of police procedurals (J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas This epic 1986 anime Maria Holic Alive: series comes to mind). The heavy violence series was first made available on this side of Complete Collection here includes dismemberments, as well the Pacific in a heavily edited and recklessly as briefly bared breasts in gruesome art dubbed broadcast in 2003 HHH installations/murder scenes. Compiling (that version, along with the original Japa- (2011) 300 min. DVD: 3 discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, the first 11 episodes from the 2012-13 first nese-language offering, was released on DVD $69.98. Sentai Filmworks season in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD in 2009, albeit only the first 60 episodes). (avail. from most distributors). Combo set, rated TV-MA, extras include Saint Seiya: Sanctuary is more comprehen- ISBN: 978-1-6161-5447-9 (dvd), audio commentaries, and interviews with sive, compiling the first 73 episodes. The 978-1-6161-5448-6 (blu-ray). the Japanese production team at a fan eponymous saints are Japanese boy warriors Despite frequent lesbian references—in- convention. Highly recommended. [Note: who wear sacred armor with designs derived cluding a hilarious opening anthem sung by a Psycho-Pass: Season One, Part Two is also from constellations. The deity at the center priest (!)—the raunch quotient is pretty tame newly available.] (C. Cassady) of their sacred devotion is the Greek goddess for the madcap Maria Holic anime comedy Athena, and these modern saints have sworn series (of which Alive is the second episode Ranma 1/2, Set 1 to defend her spirit against rival Hellenic deities. Actually, having Japanese lads engag- cycle). Kanako Miyamae, a “yuri girl” teen HHH1/2 lesbian who literally has allergic reactions to (2011) 3 discs. 530 min. DVD: ing in battle on behalf of the pre-Christian males, enrolls in the Catholic-run all-female $44.98, Blu-ray: $54.98. Greek deities is the least confusing aspect of Ame Kisaki Girls’ Academy in order to sate her Viz Media (avail. from most this noisy and frequently baffling show. But Sapphic urges. But nothing ever happens for distributors). while the series may be lacking in coherence her, except chronic nosebleeds triggered by Twenty-five years after and logic, it more than compensates with sexual stress. Worse, her roommate Mariya, a its initial TV appearance, imaginative and energetic battle sequences. wealthy blonde with a full-time maid named Rumiko Takahashi’s classic action/comedy/ Presented in a dual-language set, suitable for Matsurika, is actually a cross-dressing boy romance anime Ranma 1/2—based on the 13-up, this will be a must-watch for classic (for non-sex-fetish reasons, explained in equally popular manga—receives an over- anime addicts. Recommended. (P. Hall) the first series). Serving up an utterly daffy, due re-release, with cleaned-up animation anything-goes style of humor (reminiscent of that is both sharp and colorful, bringing Say I Love You: Complete America’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Maria Holic to life character designs that have aged Collection HHH Alive mocks Japanese fads and pop-culture, amazingly well. Ranma Saotome and his (2012) 325 min. DVD: 3 turns characters into mecha or SD (super- father, Genma, arrive in Tokyo following discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, deformed) versions, and throws in a cameo long years of martial arts training in China, $69.98. Sentai Filmworks by CSI Miami’s Horatio Caine. Presenting after which they visit Genma’s old friend (avail. from most distributors). all 12 episodes from 2011 in separate dual- ISBN: 978-1-6161-5427-1 (dvd), Soun Tendo. Before long, a simple marriage 978-1-6161-5428-8 (blu-ray). language DVD and Blu-ray editions, rated arrangement between Ranma and one of TV-14, extras include audio commentaries Soun’s three daughters grows complicated A super-vulnerable rather than super-powered heroine propels this non- by the Japanese vocal cast. Recommended. due to the effects of the mysterious cursed fantasy youth romance derived from “shojo” (C. Cassady) pools that Ranma and his dad both fell into manga (girls’-story comics). Mei Tachibana while in China, which causes Ranma to is a class loner and mopey outcast in a high- change into a girl whenever he encounters Psycho-Pass: Season school environment rife with gossip, mean cold water and Genma to be transformed One, Part One HHH1/2 girls, and bullying. She gets her surprise first (2012) 4 discs. 275 min. Blu- into a giant panda (hot water changes them kiss from Yamato Kurosawa—the school’s ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. back, but icy aqua is ridiculously prevalent most popular boy—leading to an impromptu Funimation (avail. from most everywhere). Ranma’s fiancée, Akane, relationship that shakes up the hothouse stu- distributors). ISBN: 1-4210- changes her mind, and turns her atten- 2855 -7. dent mini-society. A ladies’ man since junior tion to literally fighting off an assortment high, yet also good-hearted and sensitive, A century from now in of other suitors. Ranma is also pursued by Yamato has nonetheless gone from one sweet- a world of hologram-based environments, various women—each displaying her own heart to another, and love-starved Mei fears drone-robots, and 3D cosplay avatars, the quirky fighting technique and, like Ranma, she’ll just be another of his many exes, so she omnipotent Sibyl computer runs brain scans having the highly disconcerting habit of agonizes over whether their togetherness is on the populace, ever vigilant for deviant transforming (into, for instance, a cute pig indeed true and lasting. Mei’s neediness and thoughts and personalities. An elite corps and a cat). Confusion and hijinks follow, timidity are a bit grating at times, but these of inspectors—armed with mind-reading but the action is always grounded in the characters have depth—even the farfetched guns that can either stun or execute—hunt grudgingly friendly relationship between trope of a teen supermodel who abruptly such “latent criminals.” Naïve rookie police- Ranma and Akane. Compiling the first enrolls at school as a potential rival for poor woman Akane quickly discovers that officers 23 episodes in a dual-language set, rated melancholy Mei. Although the narrative aren’t immune either; a cop whose “crime TV-14 (due to boob flashes and occasional is snail-paced, teen American viewers will coefficient” goes too high is demoted to a stolen panties), extras include a 2012 New empathize with the issues here. Presenting all pariah caste of “enforcers.” Yet, Akane forms a York Comic Con highlights reel. Highly 13 episodes from 2012 in a dual-language set, strong bond with just such a tainted lawman, recommended. [Note: Ranma 1/2, Set 2 is rated TV-14, extras include comic vignettes. Kogami, as they work together on a succes- also newly available.] (L. Martincik) Recommended. (C. Cassady)

JULY/AUGUST 2014 69 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Music Dance

Boris Godunov HH1/2 in the Queen-themed musical We Will Rock 5.1, DTS 5.1, and PCM stereo on DVD, and (2013) 139 min. DVD: $29.99; You, has a strong voice, although her carefully DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this Blu-ray: $39.99. Bel Air controlled style draws more from the theater is recommended. (F. Swietek) Classiques (dist. by Naxos of tradition than the arena rock of Queen’s Fred- America). die Mercury. When she sings “,” in Coppélia HHH Musically, this 2013 recognition of Africa’s endangered lions, Ellis (2013) 88 min. DVD: $24.99, Bayerische Staatsoper pro- brings to mind Julie Andrews from The Sound Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts (dist. duction of Modest Muss- of Music era, while her later rendition of “The by Naxos of America). orgsky’s famed opera—the story of the 17th- Way We Were” underscores her link with bal- Modern directors seem century tsar whose murder of the rightful ladeers such as Barbra Streisand (by contrast, averse to traditional stag- heir to the throne leads to his own destruc- Ellis seems a little stiff on George Harrison’s ings of Léo Delibes’ popular tion—is quite good. The Munich orchestra “Something,” which calls for a more fluid ap- 1870 ballet about a man and chorus give their best to outgoing music proach). Although Ellis handles most of the who falls in love with a mechanical doll director Kent Nagano, who paces the score vocals, May joins her for a few songs, includ- that is fashioned by the ingenious Dr. Cop- well, while the vocalism is magnificent, ing the Queen audience favorites “Somebody pélius in a turn of events that threatens his with Alexander Tsymbalyuk a sonorous to Love” and “We Will Rock You.” Aside from relationship with his fiancée (a silly premise, Boris and the supporting cast strong across the vocal selections, May also plugs in his granted, but this is fantasy, after all). Un- the board. But there are also serious flaws: guitar for a fusion-oriented workout with like Patrice Bart’s production for the Paris the version used here is the 1869 original, Leach. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on Opera (VL-3/12), which not only altered the a relatively compact piece in seven tableaux the Blu-ray edition) and LPCM stereo, extras triangle (a single woman and two men) but that omits all of the additions from the include a music video of Virginia McKenna’s also replaced most of the original score with 1872 revision, including the Kromy Forest “Nothing Really Has Changed,” and the 12- other work by Delibes, Eduardo Lao’s rethink- sequence and the entire Polish-set act, as well song Acoustic by Candlelight live CD. Recom- ing for the Ballet Victor Ullate Comunidad as the sumptuous orchestration of the later mended. (K. Fennessy) de —filmed at the Opéra Royal du Rimsky-Korsakov editions. As a result, much Château de Versailles in 2013—isn’t quite marvelous music is missing. More seriously, Chaplin HHH so radical a revision (most of the 1870 music Calixto Bieito’s staging updates the action (2013) 100 min. DVD: $24.99, is included). Still, the three acts are here to today’s Russia, recasting it as a critique Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts (dist. compressed into two; the original libretto of politicians like Vladimir Putin who cater by Naxos of America). is substantially altered, with the action situ- to the wealthy while forcibly keeping the Many silent-screen come- ated in a modern factory where Franz, who populace in thrall. In the process, the work’s dians have been lauded for falls for Coppélia, is the chief janitor; and overtly spiritual overtones are reduced to near their physical grace, so it the automaton is magically transformed, negligibility—an example of a stage director’s seems perfectly reasonable like Pinocchio, into a real person to allow penchant for preferring his own message that Mario Schröder, director of the Leipzig for a happy ending. Whether these changes to the composer’s. The sets and costumes Ballet, would choose the most renowned of are improvements is debatable, but the piece also lack the splendor of more traditional silent-era comics as the subject of his latest retains its charm when danced as well as it is mountings such as Konchalovsky’s from work for the company. An imaginative 19- here by Sophie Cassegrain (Coppélia), Yester Turin (VL-11/11), which employs the 1869 part take on the life of Charlie Chaplin, the Mulens (Coppélius), Cristian Oliveri (Franz), score but includes the Kromy Forest sequence ballet begins with Chaplin’s childhood and and the rest of the company. The filming is (although not the Polish act). Presented in ends with his exile from the U.S. as a result of nicely done, with a short prologue in the halls Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, his unpopular political views. The music is a of the Versailles theater as Coppélius wends and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, pastiche: five of the segments are set to pieces his way toward the stage, but the orchestra this ultimately cannot be preferred to exist- Chaplin himself wrote for his movies, while and conductor oddly go unidentified, and the ing alternatives, and is therefore an optional the remaining 14 draw on compositions from sound is limited to PCM stereo only on both purchase. (F. Swietek) diverse composers—including a few from the the DVD and Blu-ray editions. Still, this can 19th century (Brahms, Wagner, Leoncavallo), be recommended. (F. Swietek) Brian May & Kerry but mostly more modern figures (including Ellis: The Candlelight Ives, Britten, Barber, Henze, Schnittke, and The Curse of the Gothic Concerts—Live at John Adams)—all played well by the Gewand- Symphony HHH HHH haus Orchestra under Matthias Foremny. (2011) 82 min. DVD: $24.95. Montreux 2013 Schröder’s overarching concept distinguishes First Run Features (avail. from (2013) 92 min. DVD: $19.98 most distributors). Closed (audio CD included), Blu-ray: between Chaplin the artist (danced by Tyler captioned. $24.98 (audio CD included). Galster) and his screen persona of the Little Eagle Rock Entertainment (avail. from most Tramp (Amelia Waller), and he surrounds the Havergal Brian (1876– distributors). two principals with other characters—par- 1972), a mostly self-taught When they aren’t playing Queen covers, ticularly Chaplin’s family and the women British composer, was 78 before any one of guitarist Brian May and vocalist in his life—while also folding in allusions his eventual 32 symphonies were performed. make music that’s as far from May’s iconic to Chaplin’s films, such asModern Times and The first—subtitledThe Gothic, and composed band as Robert Plant’s work with Alison The Great Dictator. This interesting conceit between 1919 and 1927—did not receive its Krauss was from Led Zeppelin. Remaining produces some striking moments, including first public airing until 1961. A sprawling seated through most of the show, May and ensembles in which lines of iconic tramps work in four movements (the last, a Te Deum Ellis perform a 16-song acoustic set at Switzer- and glamorous Hollywood stars parade across that spans more than an hour), The Gothic land’s Montreux Jazz Festival at the tail end the stage, but it does occasionally become requires an orchestra of 180 players, four of a tour that began in 2012. The duo alone heavy-handed—especially toward the close, brass bands, four vocal soloists, and four present the first song, Leiber and Stoller’s “I which is as sentimental as any of Chaplin’s mixed choirs (plus a children’s chorus!). Who Have Nothing,” before being joined by movies. All in all, however, this is an intrigu- Given these extraordinary demands, it’s not Jeff Leach on keyboards. Ellis, who starred ing modern ballet. Presented in Dolby Digital surprising that the work has taken on an

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 70 JULY/AUGUST 2014 almost mystical status for Brian devotees, as ‘60s went on to write and produce the stage madness, occultism, obsession, religious ma- well as generated vague talk of a “curse” on musical Time. It’s not quite autobiography, nia, and the destructive power of misguided those who try to perform it. Randall Wood’s but just as Clark controlled every aspect of love. Set in Cologne, Germany, circa 1534, engaging documentary follows a project led the band’s career, he’s now in essence con- the story focuses on the doomed union of the by Australian fan Gary Thorpe to mount a trolling its history. Even so, this is a solid knight Ruprecht and his fascination with the performance in Brisbane. Although Thorpe music documentary that will be a welcome emotional Renata, whose childhood visions had been working away for nearly a quarter- addition to pop culture collections. Extras of a fiery angel turned into the living vision century, it was the intervention of producer include extended interviews, performances, of a nobleman with whom she had a brief but Veronica Fury in 2005—including help with and archival footage from Time. Sure to find disastrous affair. Ruprecht’s attachment to fundraising and administration—that proved favor with Baby Boomers, this is recom- Renata makes him an outcast, while Renata’s instrumental, and in 2010 Thorpe finally mended. (S. Axmaker) use of alchemy and occult manuscripts to realized his dream. Wood shows here how locate and reunite with her aristocratic ex- the hundreds of singers and players were Don Quixote HHH1/2 lover unleashes events that test the bonds of assembled, and how a conductor and choral (2013) 125 min. DVD: $29.99, faith and sanity. Galina Gorchakova’s Renata director were persuaded to coordinate them. Blu-ray: $39.99. Opus Arte is a masterwork of mixed passions—her wild- Viewers will also see considerable rehearsal (dist. by Naxos of America). eyed gaze during fits of terror dissolves into coverage, as well as interview excerpts with Ludwig Minkus’s tuneful poised self-assurance as she mixes various participants, archival footage featuring 1869 ballet is loosely based potions to call back her lost love. Sergei Leif- Brian, and clips offering reminiscences by on Cervantes’s epic novel, erkus’ Ruprecht is a commanding study of a his elderly, tart-tongued daughter, Olga. Some although it doesn’t focus on once-sturdy figure’s slow-motion descent into comically spooky animation emphasizing the the wandering knight and his faithful squire, madness and tragedy. Stage director David aforementioned curse seems a bit silly, but Sancho Panza, but rather on handsome bar- Freeman frames the action with a squadron otherwise this is an entertaining record of ber Basilio and his beloved Kitri, who runs of muscular men (the St. Petersburg Mariin- a once-in-a- musical event, one that off with the impecunious haircutter even sky Acrobatic Troupe) covered in volcanic appears to come off quite successfully. DVD though her father plans to marry her off ash-color body paint, who represent the extras include a text bio of Brian, and a photo to a wealthy fop. Accompanied by Sancho, demons observing Renata and Ruprecht’s gallery. Recommended. (F. Swietek) Don Quixote is a secondary figure here, who self-destructive frenzy. Nicely performed intervenes to keep the lovers together. This by the house orchestra under the baton of The Dave Clark Five and 2013 production from London’s Royal Ballet Valéry Gergiev, this thoroughly entertaining Beyond: Glad All Over is the first to be mounted by the company in production—presented in PCM stereo—is HHH more than a decade, and it is a truly sump- highly recommended. (P. Hall) tuous one, featuring colorful costumes and (2014) 2 discs. 120 min. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99. inventive sets. It also boasts the star power A History of Dance on PBS Video (avail. from most of Carlos Acosta, who not only plays Basilio HHH distributors). SDH captioned. (one of Acosta’s signature roles in his native Screen ISBN: 978-1-62789-008-3 (2013) 90 min. DVD: $24.99. Cuba) but also choreographed this piece Arthaus Musik (dist. by Naxos (dvd), 978-1-62789-018-2 after Marius Petipa’s original. Even at the (blu-ray). of America). ISBN: 978-3- age of 40, Acosta is capable of astonishing 86923-156-3. Actor and drummer Dave Clark formed the physical feats, and he remains a charismatic Filmmaker Reiner E. Dave Clark Five during the musical explosion stage presence. He’s teamed with the lovely Moritz’s aptly-titled docu- known as the British Invasion, and he man- Marianela Nuñez, whose performance em- mentary traces the history of dance in cinema aged the group into becoming one of the phasizes Kitri’s sweetness and charm, while from the beginnings up through the present, most successful rock bands of its era. They Christopher Saunders and Philip Mosley play starting with clips from two very different had 15 straight Top 20 hits (including “Glad Don Quixote and Sancho less farcically than representations of Stravinsky’s 1913 ballet All Over”) between 1964 and 1966, more is often the case. The remaining dancers do masterpiece Le Sacre du Printemps—a modern than any other band except The Beatles, yet outstanding work in Minkus’s numerous their high-energy pop-oriented rock ‘n’ roll version and an attempted reconstruction divertissements, while the orchestra of the of the original staging. But the focus here has been overshadowed by less popular but Royal Opera House delivers the score— more inventive and influential bands. This is not simply on the classical, as Moritz adapted and re-orchestrated by conductor quickly moves on to the Lumière brothers’ documentary, directed and produced by Martin Yates—with both dash and delicacy. Clark himself for British TV and aired in the 1896 footage of Loie Fuller doing her famous Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu- Serpentine Dance. And throughout, Moritz U.S. on PBS, looks back at the band and their ray edition) and LPCM stereo, extras include influence through new interviews with such alternates between ballet and more popular introductions to Acts II and III, and a cast music legends as Elton John, Paul McCart- forms, featuring clips of Anna Pavlova and gallery. Offering a fine modern alternative ney, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, Isadora Duncan, Rudolf Nureyev and Fred to the 1973 Nureyev version (VL-7/12), this along with mainly archival interviews with Astaire. Analysis is offered here by a variety is highly recommended. (F. Swietek) members of the DC5 (most of whom had of commentators, most notably two Brits already died when Clark was making the who represent very different styles—Clem- film). It’s full of interesting information but The Fiery Angel HHH1/2 ent Crisp, the dean of English dance criti- little insight, more notable for its nostalgic (1993) 124 min. In Russian w/ cism, who delivers definitive judgments in wealth of archival performances and film English subtitles. DVD: $29.99. an almost comically oracular tone, and Bob Arthaus Musik (dist. by Naxos Lockyer, a mild-mannered BBC director who and TV clips, as well as the small spotlight it of America). shines on Mike Smith, the band’s underrated has specialized in dance films. Additional lead singer. But the real focus here is on Clark Presented at the Mariin- observations come from dancer-teachers himself, who wrote or co-wrote all of the sky Theatre in St. Petersburg, such as The BalletBoyz (Michael Nunn and group’s original songs, served as producer, this is a 1993 production of Billy Trevitt), who note how the qualities maintained ownership of their catalog, and Sergei Prokofiev’s operatic prized in dancers have changed over time, after disbanding the DC5 at the end of the adaptation of Valery Bryusov’s novel about and choreographers including Matthew

JULY/AUGUSTL 2014 71 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Bourne, who emphasizes the need for close Staatsoper Hamburg production, obviously concept. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital collaboration between choreographers and disagrees—here turning the opera, which is 5.1, and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD film directors.A History of Dance on Screen traditionally presented as a straightforward 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is highly serves up an eclectic mix, and while the tale of romantic betrayal and cultural preju- recommended. (F. Swietek) clips might have been longer, the tantalizing dice, into a psychological drama that em- glimpses presented of numerous works and phasizes the doomed heroine’s dark demons. Punk in Africa HHH performers might well encourage viewers to While the set—centered on a white spiral (2012) 82 min. DVD: $16.95. follow up on watching the films themselves. staircase—remains constant, video projec- Music Video Distributors (avail. Recommended. (F. Swietek) tions are used to indicate changes of season from most distributors). and mood, and a mixture of traditional and Punk in Africa bears an Juliet & Romeo HHH modern costumes lends a timeless feel to the accurate, if slightly mislead- (2013) 108 min. DVD: $24.99, tale. And by using a doll in the last act, Bous- ing title, since co-directors Blu-ray: $39.99. C Major (dist. sard suggests that Butterfly’s child might not Keith Jones and Deon Maas by Naxos of America). be real, but rather simply a fevered obsession. concentrate on South Africa rather than The title of Mats Ek’s com- This is an intriguing, if not entirely persua- the continent as a whole. To Benjy Mudie, mission for the Royal Swed- sive, take on the well-worn piece, nicely per- A&R representative for WEA Records, 1976’s ish Ballet clearly indicates formed by the cast, with Alexia Voulgaridou Soweto Uprising provided fertile ground for his desire to be different, a moving, well-sung Butterfly, and Teodor punk as years of oppression and required so it’s no surprise that his 2013 version of Ilincai a decent Pinkerton. The remainder military service had taken its toll on young Shakespeare’s classic romantic tragedy elects of the cast is also solid, as is the Hamburg people, black and white. Steve Moni of the not to use Prokofiev’s score, instead cobbling Philharmonic under the baton of Alexander Safari Suits also suggests that simple boredom together bits and pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Joel. Presented in PCM stereo on DVD and played a role: with nothing better to do, punk Fifth Symphony, First Piano Concerto, Capric- Blu-ray, this effort can’t displace previous turned out to be a great way to fill the time cio Italien, Variations on a Rococo Theme, entries—whether traditional (VL-11/11) or and to blow off steam. Nonetheless, most and other works. And a stripped-down re- minimalist (VL-7/06)—but it does make for of the acts shown here are white, possibly thought tale it is: gone are the swordfights, an interesting supplement, and therefore because segregation remained in effect until Friar Lawrence, Juliet’s sleeping potion, and should be considered a strong optional pur- 1994 (there are also few female players). The Romeo’s suicide. The setting isn’t Renaissance chase. (F. Swietek) band National Wake featured mixed member- Verona, although some of the costumes feel ship, however, although they would move in vaguely period—in marked contrast here to Porgy and Bess HHH1/2 a reggae direction in years to come. KOOS, a the prevailing jeans and hoodies, as well as (2009) 158 min. DVD: $24.99, group consisting of Afrikaans members, also Segways that characters ride around on. The Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts (dist. stands out for their avant garde approach to ambience is more reminiscent of West Side by Naxos of America). composition and performance (KOOS actu- Story, with the Duke striding about omi- George Gershwin’s popu- ally comes across as more post-punk than nously through a spare set, terrorizing a glum lar masterpiece about the punk for the way they integrated jazz and populace with his street soldiers—apparently unlikely romantic triangle theater into their act). The directors chart including Romeo and his comrades—who involving crippled beggar the punk movement through the 1980s as are considered beneath wealthy families like Porgy, “fallen woman” Bess, and her brutal apartheid comes to an end, Nelson Mandela Juliet’s. The dance moves also clash, veering lover Crown has always skirted the line leaves prison, and punk itself gives way to abruptly from angular thrusts to graceful between opera and musical theater, but this ska. The anger and energy fueling the early leaps. The performance itself is excellent, 2009 production from the San Francisco material mellows into the more party-ori- with Mariko Kida a delicate Juliet, Anthony Opera shows that with the right sort of perfor- ented music of 1990s acts like Hog Hoggidy Lomuljo an eager Romeo, and the remainder mance it fits easily into the former category. Hog and Sibling Rivalry. Outside of South of the soloists also strong. Nor can one fault Porgy and Bess is presented here in the 1935 Africa, the filmmakers also cover Pretoria’s the company dancers or the playing of the original form, restoring the omissions of later Sticky Antlers, Mozambique’s 340ml, and Royal Swedish Orchestra under Alexander versions as well as the sung recitative that has Zimbabwe’s Evicted. An off-the-beaten-path Polianichko. Although unlikely to displace often been replaced with spoken dialogue. punk documentary, this is recommended. more faithful adaptations of the famous tale The conductor is John DeMain, who helped (K. Fennessy) of doomed young love, this is an intriguing reconstruct the score for the now-famous new take. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 1976 mounting at the Houston Grand Opera, The Rise and Fall of the on the Blu-ray version), this is recommended. here eliciting a galvanizing performance Clash HH1/2 (F. Swietek) from the company orchestra and chorus (2014) 90 min. DVD: $14.98. that beautifully captures the work’s combi- Shout! Factory (avail. from Madama Butterfly nation of folk, jazz, and classical elements. most distributors). HH1/2 Eric Owens makes a powerful Porgy, in both Although the title sug- (2012) 137 min. In Italian w/ stature and voice, while Laquita Mitchell is gests a full reckoning, direc- English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, a passionate Bess (their duets are among the tor Danny Garcia’s The Rise Blu-ray: $39.99. Arthaus Musik high points of the production). For the most and Fall of the Clash concentrates more on the (dist. by Naxos of America). part, the secondary characters—including second half of the equation, with friends and You might think that Lester Lynch as Crown—deliver impressive associates providing most of the commentary, there’s nothing new to be performances as well (only Chauncey Packer, since only guitarist Mick Jones and drummer said concerning Puccini’s much-loved 1904 as sleazy drug dealer Sportin’ Life, is slightly Terry Chimes speak for the group (not count- tragic opera about lovely Cio-Cio San, the disappointing). Peter J. Davison’s set design, ing the hired guns that joined the band at geisha who commits suicide after being which makes Catfish Row a cavernous welter the end). Punk singer Pearl Harbour believes abandoned—along with their son—by her of corrugated metal walls, isn’t as evocative that the greatness of the Clash stemmed from husband, American naval officer Pinkerton. as one might expect, but it’s adequate for each member bringing a different influence Vincent Boussard, the director of this 2012 director Francesca Zambello’s traditional to the mix, from R&B (singer Joe Strummer)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 72 JULY/AUGUST 2014 to jazz (on-again, off-again drummer Top- Dolby Digital 5.0 and PCM stereo, this is paired with beefy Marco Berti, whose perfor- per Headon), although other speakers point highly recommended. (P. Hall) mance as Calaf—the man who eventually to the quality of the songwriting and the outwits Turandot and earns her love—hasn’t passion of the band’s politics. Some praise Suzanne Vega Live: improved much since his appearance in the manager Bernie Rhodes, but others believe Valencia production (VL-3/10). His tenor has he did more harm than good (Viv Albertine Solitude Standing HHH the proper timbre but sounds oddly strained, of the Slits dismisses him as “a rude, socially (2003) 62 min. DVD: $14.95. and his acting is virtually nonexistent. Music Video Distributors (avail. inept person”). While Strummer enjoyed a from most distributors). The supporting cast is excellent (with Eri close relationship with Rhodes, he alienated Nakamura a lovely, fragile Liù), and Henrik This intimate concert so many others that the group fired him Nánási conducts smartly. If only it boasted a captures neo-folk singer before eventually welcoming him back. The better Calaf, this would have been a stronger Suzanne Vega live at the players’ diverse interests would also cause contender in a curiously weak field. Presented Rome Auditorium in 2003 (the same year problems, as Jones moved more into hip-hop, in DTS 5.1 and LPCM stereo on DVD and that A&M released Retrospective: The Best of and Strummer gravitated towards rockabilly. Blu-ray, extras include a brief introduction Suzanne Vega). While the two-story venue When Headon became addicted to heroin, to the opera, a behind-the scenes featurette, is large, Vega’s calm, spare performance the band let him go. Strummer and bassist and a cast gallery. As good a performance makes it feel more like a nightclub or cof- Paul Simonon followed up by firing Jones as most that are currently available, this is fee shop. To her 13-song set, Vega adds four and bringing in new players (Vince White, recommended, overall. (F. Swietek) poems, performing the latter a capella and Nick Sheppard, and Pete Howard) who only the former with her own acoustic guitar, received a pittance for their efforts. When backed on bass by Michael Visceglia. Italian The Who—Sensation: Strummer left, the band was essentially done, singer-songwriter Valerio Piccolo translates The Story of Tommy although Rhodes made a last-ditch effort to the poems, including “Italy in Spring” and hire a new singer. Strummer (who died in HH1/2 “Anti-Hero,” which are consistent with (2013) 113 min. DVD: $14.98, 2002) and Jones would eventually make their the imagistic lyrics found in songs such as Blu-ray: $19.98. Eagle Vision peace—but not in time to save the Clash. A “Small Blue Thing” and “Marlene on the (avail. from most distributors). somewhat uneven account, this should still Wall.” Vega also performs the spoken-word 113 min. be considered a strong optional purchase. torch song “Tom’s Diner,” to which the Whether or not The (K. Fennessy) audience adds whistles and hand claps. Who’s groundbreaking 1969 tri-fold double- Regarding the readings, Vega explains to LP was the first rock opera is debatable, but Salome HHH1/2 the audience that she has previously gone there’s no doubt that Tommy instantly pro- (2010) 109 min. In German w/ on poetry tours through Italy and Spain, pelled the band to a new level of influence English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, while sealing their legacy as rock pioneers. Blu-ray: $39.99. Arthaus Musik and there is actually little distinction be- (dist. by Naxos of America). tween her conversational singing style and In this extended edition of a 2013 BBC TV her soft, yet steady speaking voice. Solitude documentary directed by Martin R. Smith, This innovative produc- guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer tion of Richard Strauss’s Standing offers a fine introduction to (or refresher course on) Vega, who here per- Roger Daltrey dig deep into their memory 1905 opera—inspired by banks to tell the tale of their younger selves Oscar Wilde’s play—was staged by Teatro forms all of her best-known songs, including “Luka.” Extras include a black-and-white (accompanied by archival clips of the late Comunale di Bologna and broadcast on Ital- other members—drummer Keith Moon and ian television in 2010. Stage director Gabriele slideshow that plays over a “Tom’s Diner” remix, and an interview with Piccolo and bassist John Entwistle). Townshend was tired Lavia opts for a modern-dress presentation, of writing singles that he felt were underap- which works since the story’s wild mix of Vega, who admits that, “the stage, for me, is like someone who is afraid of heights preciated and wanted to steer the foursome envelope-pushing political, religious, and deciding to become a parachute jumper.” toward a vanguard of progressive pop that emotional obsessions carries a deep reso- Presented in stereo on DVD, this is recom- blended his talent and intensely personal cre- nance in a contemporary world that is often mended. (K. Fennessy) ative need. He poured multiple threads of his terrified of ideas that dare to challenge the own life’s journey into a compelling narrative comfortable status quo. Set designer Alessan- Turandot HHH suite about a “deaf, dumb, and blind kid” dro Camera creates an astonishing opening whose anguished existence is upended when sequence with a huge crack in the floor of (2013) 125 min. In Italian w/ English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, he becomes a cult messiah. The exhaustive the stage, symbolizing the pit where Jocha- Blu-ray: $39.99. Opus Arte backstory presented here—including arcana naan (John the Baptist to English-speaking (dist. by Naxos of America). about Townshend’s tortured past and lots of viewers) is imprisoned—a scene suggesting This 2013 production of insider info regarding the concept, composi- that the complacency of Herod’s court has Puccini’s final opera from tion, production, and impact of Tommy—is been wrenched open by beliefs that the ruler the Royal Opera House in supplemented by talking-head remembrances futilely attempts to bury. Erika Sunnegårdh’s Covent Garden is presented with the standard from music critics and figures from The Salome is a bold mix of physical sophistica- version of the score (completed by Franco Who’s inner circle, along with tantalizingly tion and internal confusion: her fascination Alfano), but is actually a revival of Andrei Ser- brief performance clips from their early ca- with the imprisoned Jochanaan (played with ban’s utterly traditional 1984 staging—newly reer. These electrifying onstage moments intellectual ferocity by a hirsute Mark S. Doss) directed here with little imagination by An- make all the talk bearable but also leave one and her inability to grasp his religious mania drew Sinclair. The sets and costumes remain craving more of . Extras include ignite a riot of feelings that ultimately leads impressive, but musically this is somewhat footage from a 1969 Beat Club German TV to the famous sexually-charged dance that uneven. Lise Lindstrom possesses exactly episode (with studio performances and an brutally seals the prophet’s doom. The house the right sort of powerful and clear soprano interview with Townshend). Presented in DTS orchestra shines under the baton of Nicola voice to personify the cruel Chinese princess 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and Luisotti in this fascinating interpretation of who uses riddles to condemn her suitors DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, this Strauss’s celebrated work that boasts ample to death—and she masterfully conveys her is likely to appeal to only the most dedicated amounts of grace and style. Presented in character’s steely resolve. Unfortunately, she’s of Who fans. Optional. (T. Fr y)

JULY/AUGUSTL 2014 73 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Distributor Addresses

Contact information for distribu- Green Planet Films PRAGDA tors of titles reviewed in this issue P.O. Box 247 302 Bedford Ave., #136 Corte Madera, CA 94976 Brooklyn, NY 11249 are listed below. Some titles must Tel: (415) 377-5471 Tel: (347) 891-1788 be ordered direct, while others are Web: greenplanetfilms.org Web: pragda.com available from a wide variety of Human Relations Media Professor Child distributors. 41 Kensico Dr. 2671 Rainbow Ridge Dr. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 Bend, OR 97701 Tel: (800) 431-2050 Tel: (541) 598-4077 Web: hrmvideo.com Web: professorchild.com

Ambrose Video Publishing Icarus Films Seventh Art Releasing 145 W. 45th St., Ste. 1115 32 Court St., 21st Fl. 6579 Pickwick St. New York, NY 10036 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Los Angeles, CA 90042 Tel: (800) 526-4663 Tel: (800) 876-1710 Tel: (323) 259-8259 Web: ambrosevideo.com Web: icarusfilms.com Web: 7thart.com

Bennett-Watt HD Productions Janson Media ShadowLight Productions 13021 244th Ave. SE 118 Main St. 22 Chattanooga St. Issaquah, WA 98027 Tappan, NY 10983 San Francisco, CA 94114 Tel: (800) 327-2893 Tel: (845) 359-8488 Tel: (415) 648-4461 Web: bennett-watt.com Web: janson.com Web: shadowlight.org

Bullfrog Films Kino Lorber Edu Shelter Island/TDC P.O. Box 149 333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503 220 E. 23rd St., Ste. 405 Oley, PA 19547 New York, NY 10018 New York, NY 10010 Tel: (800) 543-3764 Tel: (212) 629-6880 Tel: (917) 402-0460 Web: bullfrogfilms.com Web: kinolorberedu.com Web: www.shelterisland.net

Choices, Inc. Kultur International Films Terra Nova Films 369 S. Doheny Dr. PMB 1105 195 Hwy. 36 9848 S. Winchester Ave. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Chicago, IL 60643 Tel: (888) 570-5400 Tel: (800) 573-3782 Tel: (800) 779-8491 Web: choicesvideo.net Web: kultur.com Web: terranova.org

The Cinema Guild Learning ZoneXpress Third World Newsreel 115 W. 30th St., Ste. 800 P.O. Box 1022 545 Eighth Ave., 5th Fl., Ste. 550 New York, NY 10001 Owatonna, MN 55060 New York, NY 10018 Tel: (800) 723-5522 Tel: (888) 455-7003 Tel: (212) 947-9277 Web: cinemaguild.com Web: learningzonexpress.com Web: twn.org

Collective Eye Master Communications The Video Project 2305 SE Yamhill St. 4480 Lake Forest Dr., Ste. 302 P.O. Box 411376 Portland, OR 97214 Cincinnati, OH 45242 San Francisco, CA 94141 Tel: (503) 232-5345 Tel: (800) 765-5885 Tel: (800) 475-2638 Web: collectiveeye.org Web: master-comm.com Web: videoproject.com

Dreamscape Media National Film Board of Canada Vision Video 6940 Hall St. P.O. Box 6100, Centre-Ville Station P.O. Box 540 Holland, OH 43528 Montreal, Quebec H3C 3H5 CANADA Worcester, PA 19490 Tel: (877) 983-7326 Tel: (800) 542-2164 Tel: (800) 523-0226 Web: dreamscapeab.com Web: nfb.ca Web: visionvideo.com

Entertainment One Naxos of America Weston Woods Studios 22 Harbor Park Dr. 1810 Columbia Ave., Ste. 28 90 Old Sherman Tpke. Port Washington, NY 11050 Franklin, TN 37064 Danbury, CT 06816 Tel: (516) 484-1000 Tel: (615) 771-9393 Tel: (800) 243-5020 Web: us.eonefilms.com Web: naxos.com Web: westonwoods.scholastic.com

Film Ideas New Day Films Women Make Movies 308 N. Wolf Rd. 190 Route 17M 115 W. 29th St., Ste. 1200 Wheeling, IL 60090 Harriman, NY 10926 New York, NY 10001 Tel: (800) 475-3456 Tel: (888) 367-9154 Tel: (212) 925-0606 Web: filmideas.com Web: newday.com Web: wmm.com

Film Movement Outcast Films Zeitgeist Films 109 West 27th St., Ste. 9B 511 Avenue of the Americas, Ste. 398 247 Centre St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10001 New York, NY 10011 New York, NY 10013 Tel: (866) 937-3456 Tel: (800) 343-5540 Tel: (800) 509-0448 Web: filmmovement.com Web: outcast-films.com Web: zeitgeistfilms.com

Films Media Group Passion River 132 West 31st St., 17th Fl. 154 Mt. Bethel Rd. New York, NY 10001 Warren, NJ 07059 Tel: (800) 322-8755 Tel: (732) 321-0711 Web: films.com Web: passionriver.com

First Run Features PBS Video 630 Ninth Ave., Ste. 1213 2100 Crystal Dr. New York, NY 10036 Arlington, VA 22202 Tel: (800) 229-8575 Tel: (800) 344-3337 Web: firstrunfeatures.com Web: pbs.org

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 74 JULY/AUGUST 2014 ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER JIM BROADBENT JEFF GOLDBLUM

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3 Days to Kill ...... 18 Curse of the Gothic Symphony, The ...... 70 Lost Town ...... 62 7 Boxes ...... 18 Dare to Cook: Seafood Basics ...... 56 Madama Butterfly ...... 72 12 O’Clock Boys ...... 18 Dave Clark Five and Beyond ...... 71 Maria Holic Alive: Complete Collection ...... 69 1964 ...... 62 David Brainerd ...... 47 Mayberry R.F.D.: Complete First Season ...... 41 Address, The ...... 52 Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts ...... 41 Men in War ...... 36 Adventure Time: Complete Third Season ...... 44 Death in St. Augustine, A ...... 52 Menstrual Man ...... 50 After Tiller ...... 18 Devil’s Knot ...... 22 Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America ...... 66 Afterlife ...... 40 Discoveries...America National Parks: Mount Rainier & Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: Series 2 ...... 42 Afternoon of a Faun ...... 65 Mount St. Helens ...... 64 Mr. Magoo: The Theatrical Collection 1949-1959 ...... 36 Agony and the Ecstasy, The ...... 33 Divergent ...... 22 Mr. Selfridge: Season 2 ...... 42 Alice ...... 33 Dom Hemingway ...... 22 Muppets Most Wanted ...... 28 Amazing Catfish, The ...... 18 Don Quixote ...... 71 Murder on the Home Front ...... 42 Amazing Science! Volume 1 ...... 53 Don’t Ask Me Questions ...... 22 New World ...... 29 Amish: Shunned ...... 47 Dragon City ...... 22 Noah ...... 29 Andy Griffith Show: Season 1 ...... 40 Dragons Love Tacos ...... 46 Norma Rae ...... 36 Approved for Adoption ...... 48 Earth Water Woman ...... 49 Off the Rez ...... 59 Arctic Hip Hop ...... 48 Earthflight ...... 53 Omar ...... 30 As High as the Sky ...... 19 Eastbound & Down: Fourth & Final Season ...... 41 Orange Is the New Black: Season One ...... 42 Atanasoff: Father of the Computer ...... 58 Ebiten: Complete Collection ...... 68 Oversimplification of Her Beauty ...... 30 Bastards ...... 19 Ethics of Fracking, The ...... 49 Parenting Principles ...... 56 Bayou Blue ...... 19 Eureka Seven: Part One ...... 68 Parents of the Revolution ...... 51 Being Ginger ...... 20 Everyday ...... 24 PAW Patrol ...... 46 Bella Sara: Emma’s Wings ...... 44 Falling Skies: Complete Third Season ...... 41 Pawnbroker, The ...... 37 Best Offer, The ...... 20 Familiar of Zero: Complete Collection ...... 68 People vs. Paul Crump, The ...... 37 Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures: Vol. 3 ...... 44 Fiery Angel, The ...... 71 Performance ...... 67 Beyond the Music ...... 54 First Comes Love ...... 56 Persona ...... 67 Bicycling With Molière ...... 20 Fists of Pride (Les Poings de la Fierté) ...... 49 Peter Simon’s Through the Lens ...... 66 Black Jack ...... 34 Forget Me Not ...... 54 Poisoner’s Handbook: Killer Chemistry ...... 52 Bletchley Circle: Season 2 ...... 40 Four Horsemen ...... 49 Poppy Cat: Birthday Treasure ...... 46 Bob Newhart Show: Complete Series ...... 40 Francis: The Pope from the New World ...... 66 Boris Godunov ...... 70 Porgy and Bess ...... 72 Frankie & Alice ...... 24 Psycho-Pass: Season One, Part One ...... 69 Breaking Through ...... 20 Free the Mind ...... 46 Brian May & Kerry Ellis ...... 70 Punk in Africa ...... 72 Freshman, The ...... 34 Quiet Ones, The ...... 30 Broadchurch: Complete First Season ...... 40 From the New World, Collection 1 ...... 68 Brownian Movement ...... 20 Radio Wars ...... 58 Gatchaman: Complete Collection ...... 68 Raid 2, The ...... 30 Burn ...... 48 Generation Iron ...... 24 Bushido Man: Seven Deadly Battles ...... 21 Ranma 1/2, Set 1 ...... 69 Ghosts of the River: Out of the Shadows ...... 59 Ray Donovan: Season One ...... 42 Call Me Crazy: A Five Film ...... 21 Gideon’s Army ...... 52 Calloused Hands ...... 21 Red River ...... 67 God Loves Uganda ...... 3 Reportero ...... 63 Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda ...... 48 God’s Not Dead ...... 24 Carol Dickman’s Bed Top Movement ...... 54 Revealing Mr. Maugham ...... 66 Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. / Godzilla: Final Wars ...... 34 Riot in Cell Block 11 ...... 38 Chaplin ...... 70 Goodbye Tibet ...... 49 Chasing Sarasota ...... 59 Rise and Fall of the Clash ...... 72 Grading the Teachers ...... 51 Rocket, The ...... 30 Chasing Shackleton ...... 61 Grand Budapest Hotel, The ...... 24 Children of Military Families ...... 56 Rodgers & Hammerstein Collection ...... 38 Grand Piano ...... 25 Ron Hazelton’s House Calls, Episodes 1 & 2 ...... 57 Child’s Pose ...... 21 Great African American Authors ...... 59 Saint Seiya: Sanctuary ...... 69 Cloudette ...... 44 Great Expectations ...... 25 Salome ...... 73 Color of Lies, The ...... 34 Gringo Trails ...... 64 Sand Wars ...... 54 Confession of Murder ...... 21 Growing Cities ...... 57 Say I Love You: Complete Collection ...... 69 Coppélia ...... 70 Gut Renovation ...... 50 Cuban Fury ...... 22 Harold’s Going Stiff ...... 25 Secret Pizza Party ...... 46 Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction ...... 25 Secret Policeman’s Ball—USA ...... 60 Hawking ...... 65 Selfish Giant, The ...... 32 Heaven Is for Real ...... 25 Separate But Equal ...... 43 Advertiser Directory Hidden Art of Islam, The ...... 60 Small Time ...... 32 Hidden Pictures ...... 47 Sorcerer ...... 38 Spider, The ...... 43 Action! Library Media Service ...... 65 Hide and Seek ...... 26 Spies of Mississippi ...... 63 Against the Grain ...... 8 History of Dance on Screen, A ...... 71 Stalingrad ...... 32 Alexander Street Press ...... 9 Hollywood’s Greatest Directors ...... 60 Home of the Brave ...... 34 Story of Medicine: Pain, Pus & Poison ...... 55 Apogee Communications Group ...... 53 Story of the Jews, The ...... 64 Baker & Taylor Entertainment ...... 2 Hooping Life, The ...... 59 Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator ...... 44 Strange Woman, The ...... 38 BayView Entertainment ...... 55 Suzanne Vega Live: Solitude Standing ...... 73 Bennett-Watt HD Productions ...... 65 Hot Guys with Guns ...... 26 How Am I Going to Pay for College? ...... 51 Tanta Agua ...... 32 Criterion ...... 77 These Birds Walk ...... 32 Dark Hollow Films ...... 57 I Love Lucy: Ultimate Season 1 ...... 41 I Will Be Murdered ...... 62 Think Before You Drink ...... 55 Disinformation/TDC ...... 4 Tim’s Vermeer ...... 32 Dreamscape ...... 45 Il Sorpasso ...... 36 In Search of Josephine ...... 65 Tiny: A Story About Living Small ...... 57 Entertainment One ...... 15, 19 To Catch a Trader ...... 58 Film Movement ...... 79 In the Name Of ...... 26 IT Networks ...... 58 To Chris Marker: An Unsent Letter ...... 67 Films Media Group ...... 61 Torture: Made In USA ...... 50 First Run Features ...... 7 Jesus: The Desire of Ages ...... 47 Jewish Cardinal, The ...... 26 Trouble Every Day ...... 39 Janson Media ...... 13 True Blood: Complete Sixth Season ...... 43 Kino Lorber Education ...... 35 Jock Troup & the Fishermen’s Revival ...... 48 Jodorowsky’s Dune ...... 26 True Detective ...... 43 KJ Releasing ...... 29 Joe ...... 27 Turandot ...... 73 Learning ZoneXpress ...... 53 Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons ...... 27 Unacceptable Levels ...... 51 Master Communications, Inc...... 6 Juliet & Romeo ...... 72 Under the Freedom Tree ...... 46 Midwest Tape ...... 80 Karama Has No Walls ...... 62 Under the Skin ...... 33 Music Box Films ...... 75 Korean Wedding Chest, The ...... 56 Vinylmania ...... 60 MVD Entertainment ...... 27 La Camioneta ...... 50 What’s In a Name? ...... 33 Oscilloscope Pictures ...... 31 Le Week-End ...... 27 Where Should the Birds Fly? ...... 63 Passion River Films ...... 11 Lego Movie, The ...... 28 Who—Sensation: Story of Tommy ...... 73 Strand Releasing ...... 23 Life According to Sam ...... 54 Who Is Dayani Cristal? ...... 51 TM Books & Video ...... 63 Like Someone in Love ...... 28 Worlds Together: Ecuador ...... 46 TMG Creative ...... 39 LinkedIn for Networking and Job Search ...... 58 You’re Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don’t ...... 55 True Mind/TDC ...... 5 Locke ...... 28 Young at Heart ...... 39 Vision Video ...... 17 Lone Survivor ...... 28 Yurumein (Homeland) ...... 64 Lost Rivers ...... 53 Zero Charisma ...... 33

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