July-August 2017

VOL. 32 THE VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE FOR LIBRARIES N O . 4

IN THIS ISSUE To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters | All Governments Lie | The Great War | Strike A Pose | Keep Quiet | Rachel Carson scene & heard

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800-775-2600 x2050 [email protected] www.baker-taylor.com Spotlight Review To Walk Invisible: and the delicate reticence of Anne (Charlie Murphy)—while also portraying Branwell The Brontë Sisters (Adam Nagaitis) and their father Patrick HHHH (Jonathan Pryce) with a touching degree of PBS, 120 min., not rated, sympathy, given the obvious flaws of both Publisher/Editor: Randy Pitman DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 men. In addition to the drama surrounding Associate Editor: Jazza Williams-Wood Branwell’s troubles, the narrative explores The most significant Editorial Assistant: Christopher Pitman the almost comical difficulties that the period (1845-48) in the sisters confronted in trying to protect their Graphic Designer: Carol Kaufman lives of 19th-century “intellectual property” interests while also British authors Anne, Marketing Director: Anne Williams preserving their anonymity after their nov- Charlotte, and Emily els became wildly popular. The film ends Brontë—when they were driven by both with brief written captions covering their Contributing Writers financial need and creative impulses to later lives (which, in the case of Emily and publish their first novels under assumed Anne, amounted to only a few months, and Carson Block, formerly with names—is brilliantly dramatized by writ- not much longer for Charlotte). Featuring Poudre River Public Library District er-director Sally Wainwright in this gritty striking Yorkshire locations, convincing per- Kathleen C. Fennessy, Reviewer, BBC telefilm, which was broadcast stateside formances, and great attention to detail, this The Stranger on PBS’s Masterpiece series. While To Walk is an outstanding drama that is unlike most Invisible does portray the sisters—along Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate romanticized biographical movies about with their doomed brother Branwell—as authors—and is all the better for it. Extras Donald Liebenson, Reviewer, youngsters who used their imaginations to Entertainment Weekly, Amazon.com include the behind-the-scenes featurette “An create elaborate fantasy worlds, the central Authentic Look” and the historical segment Stephen Rees, Librarian, formerly with focus is on how as adults they reacted to “The Brontë Story.” Highly recommended. Branwell’s sad decline into alcoholism and Bucks Co. Free Library, Levittown, PA Editor’s Choice. (F. Swietek) Frank Swietek, Associate Professor its impact on their cleric father, turning to of History, University of Dallas, TX writing as a means of sustaining the family, and perhaps saving their brother from him- self. The combination here of expert writing Cover Photo: © BBC/Gary Moyes. Additional Contributors: and powerful acting superbly captures the differences between the women—the stern Note: Video Librarian editor Randy Pitman is Sean Axmaker aggression of Emily (Chloe Pirrie), the sim- on vacation. His “Final Frame” column will Charles Cassady mering pugnacity of Charlotte (Finn Atkins), return in the next issue. Jose Cruz Phil Hall TABLE OF CONTENTS Tom Keogh Lisa Martincik Michael Sandlin Video Newsbriefs 4 Food & Spirits 52 Books Into Movies 6 Beauty & Fashion 52 Mixed Media 8 Business & Economic 53 Video Movies 14 Computers & Technology 53 Video Librarian (ISSN: 0887-6851) is pub- TV on Video 38 Sports, Games & Recreation 53 lished bi-monthly by Video Librarian, 3435 NE Nine Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370. Key to Star Ratings 40 The Arts 54 Subscriptions: $64 for one year in the Unit- ed States; $69 (US) in Canada (includes Video Reviews 40 History & Current Events 55 GST); $86 elsewhere. Address all correspon- dence to Video Librarian, 3435 NE Nine Children’s 40 Travel & Geography 57 Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370. Period- icals Postage Paid at Poulsbo, WA and at Psychology & Self-Help 42 Biography 58 additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Video Librarian, Religion & Philosophy 44 Series Update 59 3435 NE Nine Boulder Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370. Copyright © 2017 by Randy Pitman. Education 44 Japanese Anime 60 All rights reserved. Telephone/Fax/E-mail Law & Crime 45 Music/Dance 63 Subscriptions: (800) 692-2270 Social & Political Issues 46 Distributor Addresses 64 Editorial: (360) 626-1259 Advertising: (800) 265-7965 Nature, Math & Science 49 Title Index 66 Fax: (360) 626-1260 E-mail: [email protected] Health & Fitness 50 Advertiser Directory 66 Web: www.videolibrarian.com Relationships & Sexuality 52

JULY/AUGUST 2017 3 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Video Newsbriefs

“Sid & Nancy,” “Hopscotch,” photographs tak- en by some of the “Meantime” on Criterion most celebrated August Slate photojournalists of NEW RELEASE! the 20th century; The Criterion Collection’s August historic television releases lead off August 8 with Holly- broadcasts; evoc- wood master Michael Curtiz’s unsung ative home mov- 1950 classic The Breaking Point (DVD: ies; and revelatory $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95), a white-knuck- audio recordings le adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s from inside the charter-boat thriller To Have and Have Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon ad- Not that stars John Garfield and Pa- ministrations. With original music by tricia Neal. Coming August 15 is Brit- composer Trent Reznor and Yo-Yo Ma, ish filmmaker Ronald Neame’s 1980 among others, The Vietnam War will cat-and-mouse spy comedy Hopscotch also feature extras including additional (DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95), starring footage, a 45-minute preview program, Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson in and more. A companion book—written a nimble tale of international intrigue by Ward, with an introduction by Burns based on Brian Garfield’s bestselling and Novick—will be published by Alfred novel. Also arriving August 15 is a new A. Knopf, Burns’s longtime publisher, on 2K restoration of Mike Leigh’s 1984 September 5. drama Meantime (DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95), a slow-burning depiction of economic degradation in Thatcher’s En- “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” gland that stars Tim Roth and Gary Old- Complete Set Now Available man. Slated for August 22 is filmmaker BREAKING POINT: Sacha Guitry’s 1951 late-career black from Time Life THE WAR FOR DEMOCRACY comedy La poison (DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; Named by TV Guide as one of the IN UKRAINE Blu-ray: $39.95), the writer-director’s “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time,” From Academy Award Winning first collaboration with wildly expres- Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In: The Complete Director Mark Jonathan Harris sive performer Michel Simon in a quint- Series (DVD: 38 discs, $249.95) is now essential depiction of a marriage gone available exclusively from Time Life Just days after the revolution in Ukraine, the sour between a village gardener (Simon) (www.TimeLife.com/Laughin). Serving country was invaded by Russia. Ukrainians and his wife (Germaine Reuver)—who up a fast-moving barrage of rapid-fire of all backgrounds rallied to the country’s now plan how to do away with each one-liners, ongoing sketches, musical defense, in the process creating a new sense of other. Also coming August 22 is a new numbers, and hilarious social and po- Ukrainian nationhood. Breaking Point: The War 4K digital restoration of Alex Cox’s 1986 litical satire, the show was an instant for Democracy in Ukraine is the dramatic and crash-and-burn punk romance Sid & hit following its NBC primetime debut inspiring portrait of people willing to give up Nancy (DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; Blu-ray: their private, normal lives to unite in a collective in 1968. Hosted by Dan Rowan and Dick e ort to bring the rule of law and democracy to $39.95), which re-imagines the affair Martin, the unique variety series—a their country. between Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious psychedelic take-off of a ‘60s-style hap- (Gary Oldman) and his girlfriend, Nan- pening—perfectly captured the spirit of Run time: 98 minutes cy Spungen (Chloe Webb). an era while also launching the careers English Subtitles, Closed Captioned of many a comic actor and writer, and “Mark Jonathan Harris and Oles Sanin’s Ken Burns’ “The Vietnam War” introducing hip catchphrases like “Sock astonishing documentary presents edge-of-your- it to me!,” “You bet your sweet bippy!,” seat, you-are-there footage as thousands of Series Arrives September 19 and “Here come da judge!” The comic protesters in Kiev gather. . . . to demand the from PBS regulars included Goldie Hawn’s giggly removal of pro-Putin Ukraine president Viktor blonde, Lily Tomlin’s snorting telephone Yanukovych. . . . Highly recommended.” PBS Distribution has announced the operator, Judy Carne’s “Sock-It-To-Me” upcoming release of a highly anticipat- girl, Jo Anne Worley’s anti-chicken-joke —T. Keogh, Video Librarian Magazine ed new documentary series directed militant, Ruth Buzzi’s perpetually-frus- by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, The trated spinster, and Arte Johnson’s Vietnam War (DVD: 10 discs, $99.99; “verrry interesting” German soldier, to Blu-ray: 10 discs, $129.99), which will name a few. Over six seasons, the off- bow September 19. Ten years in the the-wall NBC staple would become a pop making, the series will feature testimo- culture phenomenon and the #1 rated ny from nearly 100 witnesses, includ- show during the 1968-69 and 1969-70 ing Americans who fought in the war television seasons. Never before avail- and others who opposed it, as well as able in its entirety in any format, the Vietnamese combatants and civilians. set includes all 140 original broadcast Written by Geoffrey C. Ward, the epic episodes plus the pilot, bonus featurettes Order the DVD, PPR, and streaming rights at: documentary series will include rarely and interviews, and a 32-page collectible seen, digitally re-mastered archival book featuring liner notes from produc- www.darkhollow lms.com footage from sources around the globe; er/creator George Schlatter.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 4 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Heat Up Summer with PBS! From thrilling dramas to insightful documentaries, PBS has something for everyone!

MY MOTHER AND FOOD: DELICIOUS THE TUNNEL: SABOTAGE, MUMMIES ALIVE OTHER STRANGERS SCIENCE SEASON 2 Londoner Rose Coyne is the Dr. Michael Mosley and botanist Elise (Clémence Poésy) and Mummies are turning up in only “stranger” in her rural James Wong celebrate the Karl (Stephen Dillane) are the most unexpected places. Northern Ireland town until physics, chemistry, and biology reunited to investigate the Most are in astonishingly 4,000 Americans arrive at inside every bite of your next abduction of a French couple good condition with great the nearby WWII airbase. meal. Take a global culinary from the Eurotunnel, leaving stories to tell. Discover their When she fi nds herself drawn adventure to reveal the science behind their young daughter. secrets and get a look into to young Captain Dreyfuss, that keeps our food healthy, The case is complicated by a lost civilizations. will Rose risk her family for delicious, and crave-worthy. plane crash in the Channel, forbidden love? killing all on board.

FOUR NEW POWER-PACKED FRONTLINE TITLES

AMERICAN PATRIOT POVERTY, POLITICS, AND PROFIT THE FISH ON MY PLATE SECOND CHANCE KIDS The Bundy family’s fi ght Investigate the billions of dollars Author Paul Greenberg spends Can juveniles who have been against the U.S. government. spent on housing the poor and why a year eating fi sh, investigating imprisoned for murder get a so few get the help they need. ocean health, and his own. second chance?

The PBS logo is a registered trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used with permission.

| Find these and other great DVDs at shopPBS.org/teachershop partners, as the show’s primary attention is The Road to Reentry: Meeting Your Basic Statistics, two-thirds of former inmates will on the job itself and the overall mission. A Needs HHH be rearrested within three years of release. solid behind-the-scenes documentary series (2016) 23 min. DVD: $149. DRA. JIST Career Having a plan to meet basic needs of the with an interesting compare-and-contrast Solutions. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1- newly freed is one way to help stop the global slant, this is recommended. Aud: C, 63332-149-6. revolving door of recidivism. Centered on P. (T. Keogh) According to the U.S Bureau of Justice the essentials of housing, transportation, clothing, identifi cation, and other necessities, The Road to Reentry: Meeting Your Basic Needs features interviews with professionals in Bystander Intervention: Putting a Stop to Sexual Assault the correction system and former prisoners, HHHH who offer straightforward instruction and (2017) 21 min. DVD: $149.95 (teacher’s guide included). Human advice on building a new life on the outside. Relations Media. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62706-064-6. In prison, food and shelter are a given, but This excellent guidance program provides viewers with help- many former prisoners have an extremely ful skills for stepping in safely when faced with an instance of hard time adjusting to a life of choices in sexual assault (with a sensible disclaimer not to put one’s self at the wider society. The key is to anticipate risk). Two hosts are referred back to often (with clips from experts needs, create a plan, and then stick to it. Even Robert Eckstein of the University of New Hampshire and social homecomings can be diffi cult: one woman worker Amy Edelstein) as they pick apart an alcohol-fueled teen interviewed here decided to move back into party scenario in which a boor becomes aggressive—trying to get her parents’ home so that her children could a girl to drink and separate her from the group—while two male and female partygoers get into a good school district, but she knew watch worriedly. Exploring ways to reduce the risk of sexual assaults (while noting it would be diffi cult, noting that “there were that one in fi ve females will be assaulted each year),Bystander Intervention explores issues I had to deal with like trust and my the concept of “active bystanders,” showing viewers several options: distracting either mom bringing up diffi cult things from the the perpetrator or victim (in order to get the latter away), telling it “like it is” (if one past.” Putting the needs of her family before happens to know the perpetrator and can help diffuse the situation), and calling a her own helped her prepare for tough conver- trusted adult, the police, or other security member if the situation can’t be handled sations and situations. For others, however, safely. Also offering advice on how to support a friend recovering from a bad experi- going “home” is a bad plan, especially if one ence, this exceptional program includes a PDF teacher’s guide. Highly recommended. will be surrounded by people and situations Editor’s Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood) that led to incarceration. Since a fi rst job upon release may not be in walking distance, trans- Books Into Movies

The following films based on books are Also scheduled for slated to open during July and August. September is Ameri- Movie release dates are subject to change. can Assassin, based on Vince Flynn’s 2010 spy Coming in July action thriller. Directed by Michael Cuesta, the Atomic Blonde (July film stars Michael Kea- 28) is based on Antony ton, Sanaa Lathan, Tay- Johnston’s 2012 graph- lor Kitsch, and Dylan ic novel The Coldest O’Brien as counterterrorist agent Mitch City. Directed by David Rapp. Leitch, the film features From Best-Selling Lincoln biographer a star-studded cast that Also arriving in Sep- Ronald C. White and Emmy-winning includes Charlize Ther- tember is Victoria & director Ken Kebow comes on, James McAvoy, John Abdul, about the re- Lincoln’s Greatest Speech Goodman, Toby Jones, and Sofia Boutella. lationship between Queen Victoria and Coming in August Indian servant Abdul Highly Recommended Karim, based on the ~Video Librarian The Dark Tower 2010 nonfiction book (Aug. 4) is inspired by by Shrabani Basu. Di- horror master Stephen rected by Stephen Frears, the film stars Available exclusively from King’s 1982-2004 dark Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, and fantasy series. Directed Olivia Williams. by Nikolaj Arcel, the film stars Idris Elba, Matthew Slated for October McConaughey, Kath- is The Mountain Be- eryn Winnick, Jackie tween Us, an adaptation Earle Haley, and Abbey Lee. of Charles Martin’s 2010 www.ActionLibraryMedia.com wilderness survival ro- The Glass Castle mance novel. Directed (Aug. 11) is based on the by Hany Abu-Assad, the New York Times bestsell- film stars Idris Elba, Kate ing 2005 memoir by gos- Winslet, Dermot Mul- MARCH/APRIL 2017 57 VIDEO LIBRARIAN ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS sip columnist and jour- roney, and Beau Bridges. DVDs | Streaming nalist Jeannette Walls. LIFE IS ONE The Return to the Wild for 3 Sun Bear Cubs is Directed by Destin Dan- Also coming in Oc- told by the foster parent of these cubs who accompanied them iel Cretton, this family tober is the oft-resched- to their independence. Viewers are placed in total immersion drama stars Woody Har- uled Same Kind of with the bears in the Indonesian rainforest. relson, Naomi Watts, Max Greenfield, and Different As Me, based From director Patrick Rouxel (GREEN and ALMA) Brie Larson as Walls. on the 2006 New York Times nonfiction best- Tulip Fever (Aug. seller by Ron Hall, Den- 25) is an adaptation of ver Moore, and Lynn Debora h Moggach’s Vincent, subtitled “A 1999 novel. Directed Modern-Day Slave, an International Art by Justin Chadwick, Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who this Netherlands-set Bound Them Together.” Directed by ESTEEM The Power of Vulnerability suggests that our 17th-century drama Michael Carney, the drama stars Renée destruction of the earth is a mirror of humanity’s psycho- stars Alicia Vikander, Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, and Greg logical and emotional state, and shows how we can heal this Dane DeHaan, Zach Gal- Kinnear. wound with vulnerability, compassion, love and mindfulness. ifianakis, Judi Dench, From the director of SURVIVING EARTH and ANIMA MUNDI Christoph Waltz, and Cara Delevingne. Also arriving in October is The Snow- Looking Ahead man, based on the 2007 seventh novel Slated for September in Norwegian crime is It, based on Stephen author Jo Nesbø’s pop- King’s 1986 epic horror ular Harry Hole series. novel. Directed by An- Directed by Tomas Al- drés Muschietti, the film fredson, the film stars www.greenplanetfilms.org stars Jaeden Lieberher, Michael Fassbender, J.K. Simmons, Sophia Lillis, and Bill Chloë Sevigny, Rebecca Ferguson, 415-377-5471 Skarsgård as murderous Charlotte Gainsbourg, Val Kilmer, and [email protected] Pennywise the clown. Jamie Clayton.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 6 JULY/AUGUST 2017

Mixed Media

Mixed Media features new release unique skill sets as they face seemingly action-adventure game features a wide information on upcoming video impossible challenges. selection of fan-favorite characters includ- games and TV series on DVD/Blu-ray, ing Ryu Hayabusa from Ninja Gaiden and as well as notable older titles that are August 6—August 12 Kasumi from Dead or Alive. re-priced or new to DVD/Blu-ray. Mega Man Legacy Yakuza Kiwami (Sega, PS4: $29.99, Collection 2 (Capcom, Rated: M). This remake of the original Video Games PS4/XOne: $19.99, Rated: PS2-era third-person action game puts E10+). The firstMega Man players in the role of Kazuma Kiryu, who Note: Entertainment Software Ratings Legacy Collection focused must fight his way up through the ranks Board (ESRB) ratings for video games are: E on Mega Man’s original of the Yakuza. (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), third-person side-scroll- M (Mature), and RP (Rating Pending). ing 8-bit adventures, TV on DVD/Blu-ray Some titles are not rated until just prior while this second set compiles Mega Man to release date. 7, 8, 9, and 10, which appeared on platforms ranging from the Super Nintendo to the Available Now Available Now Xbox 360. Bones: The Final Chapter (Fox, DVD: ARMS (Nintendo, August 13—August 19 3 discs, $29.98). This 2017 12th and Switch: $59.99, Rated: final season wraps up the escapades of E10+). In this fighting Agents of Mayhem (Deep Silver, PS4/ crime-solving couple Bones and Booth game using Nintendo XOne: $59.99, Rated: M). From the makers (Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz). Switch motion control- of the Saints Row series, this third-person lers, players choose a action superhero game pits agents of the Grimm: Season Six fighting champion, and titular group against the evil members of (Universal, DVD: 4 discs, then equip extendable the LEGION organization in South Korea’s $44.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, arms for battle. bustling capital city of Seoul. $59.98). Oregon homi- cide cop Nick (David Gi- The Surge (Focus, PS4/XOne: $59.99, August 20—August 26 untoli) must protect the Rated: M). In this challenging third-per- city of Portland from a son sci-fi action-RPG from the creators of F1 2017 (Codemasters, PS4/XOne: villainous new mayor Lords of the Fallen, players explore and fight $59.99, Rated: E). This official racing sim- (Sasha Roiz) in this 2017 sixth season of through a dystopian wasteland overrun by ulation game of the 2017 FIA Formula One the police procedural fantasy hybrid series. malfunctioning machines and fearsome World Championship features the full 2017 enemies. season calendar and the option to drive Incorporated (Paramount, DVD: 3 classic iconic cars. discs, $39.98). Co-executive produced by July 9—July 15 Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, this Sy- Madden NFL 18 (EA, fy-aired futuristic corporate drama series Final Fantasy XII: The PS4/XOne: $59.99, Rated: starring Sean Teale, Julia Ormond, and Zodiac Age (Square Enix, RP). The latest release in Dennis Haysbert only ran for one 2016-17 PS4: $49.99, Rated: T). the most popular football season. This high-definition re- franchise series features master of the classic 2006 “Play Now Live!”, which The Jamie Foxx Show: The Complete third-person fantasy-RPG allows players to cue up Third Season (Warner, DVD: 3 discs, game takes players on a the best real-world NFL $29.99). This 1998-99 third season of the grand adventure in the match-ups each week. sitcom starring Jamie Foxx as a Hollywood dangerous world of Ivalice. hopeful features guest appearances by Jo Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (Naughty Marie Payton and Gerald Levert. July 16—July 22 Dog, PS4: $39.99, Rated: RP). Set during the year prior to the events of Uncharted 4, this Power: The Complete Splatoon 2 (Nintendo, Switch: $59.99, add-on third-person action-adventure side Third Season (Anchor Rated: E10+). The squid-like Inklings story finds Chloe and Nadine teaming up Bay, DVD: 3 discs, $49.98; return in this colorful and chaotic, fam- in search of an ancient treasure in India. Blu-ray: 3 discs, $59.99). ily-friendly, third-person action-shooter Co-produced by Curtis sequel in which players splat ink and August 27—September 2 “50 Cent” Jackson, this claim turf. 2016 third season of the Everybody’s Golf (Sony, PS4: $39.99, Manhattan nightclub July 30—August 5 Rated: E). This golf simulation game fea- drama stars Omari Hardwick, Naturi turing a simple three-button click system Naughton, and Lela Loren. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun will appeal to both Hot Shot Golf fans and (Kalypso, PS4/XOne: $49.99, Rated: M). In new players. Prison Break: Event Series (Fox, DVD: 3 this third-person top-down tactical stealth discs, $29.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $39.99). This game set in Japan’s Edo period, players can Warriors All-Stars (Koei Tecmo, PS4: 2017 event series is essentially the de facto be one of five characters with their own $59.99, Rated: RP). This third-person fifth season of the 2005-09 drama series

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starring Wentworth Miller and Dominic season of the crime drama series follow- (Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges) enjoy Purcell. ing the mystery of a missing German girl life with their white adoptive family in stars David Morrissey, Keeley Hawes, and this 1983-84 sixth season of the sitcom, South Park: The Complete Twentieth Roger Allam. which features guest appearances by Mr. Season (Paramount, DVD: 2 discs, $29.98; T, Janet Jackson, David Hasselhoff, and Blu-ray: 2 discs, $39.99). This 2016 20th The Tunnel—Sabo- Milton Berle. season of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s tage: The Complete Sec- long-running Comedy Central animated ond Season (PBS, DVD: Emerald City: Season series includes the episodes “Member Ber- 3 discs, $49.99; Blu-ray: 3 One (Universal, DVD: 3 ries,” “Skank Hunt,” and “Wieners Out.” discs, $59.99). Clémence discs, $44.98; Blu-ray: 3 Poésy and Stephen Dil- discs, $49.98). Twenty- The Strain: Season 3 (Fox, DVD: 3 discs, lane are back as French something nurse Dorothy $39.98). Based on the vampire horror novel and English investigators Gale (Adria Arjona) is trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck who reunite to tackle a transported to the whim- Hogan, this 2016 third season of the FX new crime committed in the Eurotunnel sical Land of Oz in this series stars Corey Stoll and David Bradley. in this 2016 second season of the remake of short-lived 2017 fantasy the Scandinavian series The Bridge. series that also stars Joely Richardson and Workaholics: The Final Season (Para- Vincent D’Onofrio. mount, DVD: 2 discs, $19.99). Co-workers Underground: Season Two (Sony, DVD: and roommates (Adam Devine, Blake An- 3 discs, $30.99). Aired on WGN America, Girls: The Final Season (HBO, DVD: derson, Anders Holm) wrap things up in this 2017 second and final season of the 2 discs, $24.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $34.98). this 2017 seventh and final season of the short-lived pre-Civil War period drama Brooklyn friends tie up loose ends in this Comedy Central-aired series. stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge. 2017 sixth and final season of Lena Dun- ham’s acclaimed HBO drama. The Young Pope (HBO, July 18 DVD: 3 discs, $49.99; Blu- Pretty Little Liars: ray: 3 discs, $59.99). Di- The 100: The Complete Fourth Season The Seventh and Final rected by Paolo Sorrenti- (Warner, DVD: 3 discs, $24.98). The survi- Season (Warner, DVD: 4 no, this dramatic series vors of a post-apocalyptic trauma begin to discs, $49.99). Picking up starring Diane Keaton and turn against each other in this 2017 fourth five years after the previ- James Cromwell tells the season of the sci-fi series starring Eliza ous finale, this 2016-17 fictional story of Lenny Taylor and Paige Turco. seventh and final season Belardo (Jude Law), aka of the Freeform-aired dra- Pius XIII, the first-ever American Pope. The Expanse: Season ma series stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Two (Universal, DVD: 4 Benson, Tyler Blackburn, and Lucy Hale. July 11 discs, $39.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $49.99). Based on August 1 Class: Series One (BBC, DVD: 2 discs, novels by James S. A. Co- $29.99; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $35.99). A spin-off rey, this 2017 second sea- Big Little Lies (HBO, DVD: 3 discs, from Doctor Who, the 2016 debut season of son of the series centered $39.99; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $49.99). Created this sci-fi drama follows students dealing on colonizing the solar by David E. Kelley, this 2017 black dram- with the effects of time travel, aliens, and system stars Shohreh Agh- edy HBO-aired miniseries centers on the teen life at Coal Hill Academy. dashloo, Thomas Jane, and Steven Strait. murderous secrets of mothers of first-grade students, and stars Reese Witherspoon, The Magicians: Season Two (Univer- Grantchester: The Complete Third Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley. sal, DVD: 4 discs, $39.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, Season (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: $44.98). Based on the 2009 fantasy novel 3 discs, $49.99). This 2017 third season of Crashing: The Complete First Season by Lev Grossman, this 2017 sophomore the drama series based on James Runcie’s (HBO, DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: $24.98). season of the Syfy-aired series set at a mag- Grantchester Mysteries books reunites a Co-executive produced by Judd Apatow, ical college stars Jason Ralph, Stella Maeve, small village priest (James Norton) and a this 2017 first season about a down-and- Hale Appleman, and Olivia Taylor Dudley. DCI (Robson Green) who join together to out standup comic (Pete Holmes) also solve crimes. features Artie Lange, T.J. Miller, and Sarah Prime Suspect Tenni- Silverman. son (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, Teen Wolf: Season 6, Part 1 (Fox, DVD: $39.99; Blu-ray: 2 discs, 3 discs, $29.98). The pack finishes up their Remember Me (PBS, DVD: $34.99). This $49.99). This 2017 debut last days of high school and an ally is lost 2014 three-part mystery serial focusing on season of the prequel to in this first set of episodes from the 2016- a Yorkshire retiree (Michael Palin) who the long-running Prime 17 sixth and final season of the MTV-aired is the common denominator for various Suspect series follows Jane supernatural drama. strange happenings also stars Jodie Comer Tennison (Stefanie Marti- and Julia Sawalha. ni) as she comes up in the ranks as a North July 25 London police recruit in 1973. August 8 Diff’rent Strokes: The Complete Sixth The Missing: Season 2 (Anchor Bay, Season (Shout! Factory, DVD: 3 discs, Blindspot: The Complete Second Sea- DVD: 2 discs, $39.98). This 2016 second $19.95). Black teens Arnold and Willis son (Warner, DVD: 5 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray:

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 10 JULY/AUGUST 2017

4 discs, $44.98). An FBI team and a tattooed ogy series includes guest appearances by season of the supernatural crime series. amnesiac work together to solve crimes in James Farentino, Tina Louise, Frankie this 2016-17 sophomore season starring Avalon, Jackie Cooper, Shelley Fabares, Supergirl: The Com- Jaimie Alexander, Sullivan Stapleton, and and Lloyd Bridges. plete Second Season Audrey Esparza. (Warner, DVD: 5 discs, Rhoda: The Final Season (Shout! $49.99; Blu-ray: 4 discs, Cinematic Titanic: Factory, DVD: 2 discs, $22.98). Valerie $54.98). Superman’s The Complete Collec- Harper’s stint as buoyant divorcée Rhoda cousin Kara Zor-El (Me- tion (Shout! Factory, Morgenstern comes to an end with this lissa Benoist) uses her DVD: 6 discs, $49.95). In 1978 fifth and final season of theMary powers to help the people 2007, five of the original Tyler Moore Show spin-off. of National City in this 2016-17 second cast/writers of Mystery Sci- season of the action series that also stars ence Theatre 3000—Joel Riverdale: The Com- Mehcad Brooks and Chyler Leigh. Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, plete First Season (War- J. Elvis Weinstein, Mary ner, DVD: 4 discs, $39.99; August 29 Jo Pehl, and Frank Conniff—launched a Blu-ray: 3 discs, $39.99). six-year comedic tour with a critically ac- The titular Archie Comics Chicago Fire: Season Five (Universal, claimed live show, and all 12 movies riffed safe haven is the setting DVD: 6 discs, $44.98). This 2016-17 fifth by the troupe are collected here. for a dramatic retelling season following the workers of Chicago in this 2017 debut season Firehouse 51 features various high-tension August 15 that stars Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart, Luke storylines and stars Jesse Spencer, Taylor Perry, and K.J. Apa as Archie Andrews. Kinney, and Monica Raymund. Billions: Season Two (Paramount, DVD: 4 discs, $42.99). A U.S. Attorney (Paul August 22 Chicago Med: Season Two (Universal, Giamatti) looks to bust a shady hedge DVD: 6 discs, $44.98). The ER department fund manager (Damian Lewis) in this 800 Words: Season 2, Volume 2 of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is the 2017 second season of the Showtime-aired (Acorn, DVD: 2 discs, $49.99). A widower setting of this 2016-17 second season of drama series. newspaper columnist tries to heal his fam- the Dick Wolf drama spin-off featuring ily in a wacky small town in this 2016-17 Nick Gehlfuss, Yaya DaCosta, and Torrey Bull: Season One (Par- second set from the sophomore season of DeVitto. amount, DVD: 6 discs, the dramedy series starring Erik Thomson $49.99). Michael Weath- and Melina Vidler. Delicious: Series One (Acorn, DVD: erly stars as the head of a $34.99). Acclaimed chef Leo (Iain Glen) is jury consulting group in Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season Four caught between his friendly ex and current this 2016-17 debut season (Universal, DVD: 3 discs, $39.98). The wife (Dawn French and Emilia Fox) in this based on the early years crazy employees of an NYC precinct are 2016-17 first series of episodes from the of executive producer Dr. back with this 2016-17 fourth season culinary Britcom. Phil and also featuring that includes guest appearances by Maya Freddy Rodríguez and Geneva Carr. Rudolph and Eric Roberts. Gotham: The Com- plete Third Season DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Com- Dominion Creek: Series Two (Acorn, (Warner, DVD: 6 discs, plete Second Season (Warner, DVD: 4 DVD: 2 discs, $39.99). The next set of $49.99; Blu-ray: 4 discs, discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: 3 discs, $44.98). The challenges for an Irish family searching $54.98). The secrets be- titular crime-fighting team travel through for riches during the 1890s Gold Rush in hind the criminal Court history in this 2016-17 second season of America is presented in this 2017 second of the Owls set the stage the DC action series starring Victor Garber, season starring Owen McDonnell, Dara for this 2016-17 third sea- Brandon Routh, and Arthur Darvill. Devaney, and Seán T. Ó Meallaigh. son of the DC Comics-based crime-drama that stars Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, and Murdoch Mysteries: Season 10 (Acorn, Just Shoot Me: The David Mazouz. DVD: 5 discs, $59.99; Blu-ray: 4 discs, Complete Series (Shout! $59.99). This 2016-17 10th season featur- Factory, DVD: 19 discs, The Originals: The Complete Fourth ing Toronto detective William Murdoch $79.98). This 1997-2003 Season (Warner, DVD: 3 discs, $24.98). An (Yannick Bisson) and his crew includes Emmy-nominated en- ancient vampire family reigns supreme in the two-part opener “Great Balls of Fire.” semble comedy series contemporary New Orleans in this 2017 following the staff of a fourth season of the supernatural Vampire NCIS: New Orleans—The Third Season fashion magazine stars Diaries spin-off that stars Joseph Morgan (Paramount, DVD: 6 discs, $49.99). Scott Laura San Giacomo, David Spade, Wendie and Claire Holt. Bakula, C.C.H. Pounder, and Lucas Black Malick, and George Segal. are back in this Louisiana-set spin-off of Looking Ahead the long-running series built around cases Lucifer: The Complete Second Season involving military personnel. (Warner, DVD: 3 discs, $44.98). An L.A. de- Slated for September is the debut season tective (Lauren German) and the human of Lethal Weapon, the third season of The Police Story: Season Two (Shout! Fac- personification of the Devil (Tom Ellis) Flash, the fifth season ofArrow , and the tory, DVD: 6 discs, $34.99). This 1974-75 balance a growing personal attraction 12th season of Supernatural. Coming in second season from the LAPD-set anthol- with crime-solving in this 2016-17 second October is the second season of Humans.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 12 JULY/AUGUST 2017 VL_Ad_0717_VisionVideo 5/2/17 9:01 AM Page 1

★★★ ★★★ Video Librarian Video Librarian

This Changed Everything Torchlighters: Reformation Dramas 5-Pack This Changed Everything: 500 Years of the The Martin Luther Story This set includes five classic dramas on key Reformation celebrates the fruits of the Martin Luther didn’t mean to spark the leaders of the Reformation (over seven hours Reformation while exploring difficult questions Reformation with his 95 Theses, but his total): about the cost of division: Could schism have realization that salvation comes through faith John Wycliffe: The Morningstar been avoided? Is there hope for reunification? and not works ignited the revolution that God’s Outlaw: William Tyndale In this visually rich, three-part series hosted by changed the world. As Pope Leo X hounds and Martin Luther actor David Suchet, leading historians share fights him at every turn, will Luther have the The Radicals (Michael and Margaretha fascinating insights and pose vital questions courage to stand strong—even to death? Find Sattler and the Anabaptists) about unity, truth, and the future of the out with the fifteenth episode of the John Hus Christian church. Documentary, three one- Torchlighters for children ages eight and up. #501689D, $29.99, UPC 7 27985 01689 4 hour programs plus many extras on two discs. Animated, 30 minutes. #501646D, $29.99, UPC 7 27985 01646 7 #501682D, $12.99, UPC 7 27985 01682 5 ★★★

1 ★★★ /2 ★★★ Video Librarian

A Man Named Martin, Knox Calvin, Zwingli, and Br. Klaus: Parts 1 and 2 Renegade. Reformer. Revolutionary. Five Shapers of the Faith Part 1 examines the life and teaching of this centuries after his birth, the influence of John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and Brother Klaus great reformer who stood against unbiblical John Knox can still be felt across his native (Niklaus von Flüe) were three very different teaching, refusing to back down even when Scotland and throughout the world. men who shaped the Christian faith in threatened. Documentary, 80 minutes. Presented by Scottish actor Phillip Todd, Switzerland. John Calvin was as an intellectual Knox takes another look at the life and #501661D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01661 0 giant of the Reformation, Ulrich Zwingli was a legacy of one of Christianity’s great humble priest who brought reform to the Part 2 examines the oft-times unethical reformers. Incorporating dramatic church and died in battle, and Brother Klaus teachings and doctrines of the late Medieval animations and interviews with leading was a mystic who left everything to seek God in Church and how Luther addressed them. experts, the story of John Knox is brought to the wilderness. In comparing and contrasting Documentary, 65 minutes. you as you’ve never seen it before. these three figures, we see how the practice of Documentary, 77 minutes. #501713D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01713 6 the faith changed in Switzerland in the late #501677D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01677 1 Middle Ages. Docu-drama, 60 minutes. #501730D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01730 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 Baker and E-mail: [email protected] Taylor, Midwest Tape, or directly from Vision Video. Web: www.VisionVideo.com Video Movies

ground resistance during Apprentice HHH This section features reviews of current and the Japanese occupation Film Movement, 96 min., in classic studio, independent, and foreign feature of Korea in the 1920s, Malay w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99 films. Each review includes pricing information, is inspired by a real-life bombing in Seoul in 1923, A gripping psychological as well as running time, rating, subtitling infor- but the plot is complete drama from Singapore, writ- mation, and street dates for yet-to-be-released fantasy, a double agent er-director Boo Junfeng’s titles. Most titles reviewed here are widely cloak-and-dagger tale of Apprentice begins as an un- available through most distributors. loyalty, betrayal, shifting usual stalker tale but ends up being about allegiances, feints, blackmail, and all sorts implacable destinies. Aiman (Fir Rahman) is of unexpected twists. Song Kang-ho stars HHHH= Excellent a former gang member who found discipline as a Korean-born police detective working and purpose while in the military. Now a HHH= Good for the occupying Japanese police to root civilian, Aiman has become a guard at a out the resistance and he engages in a cat- maximum security prison, performing his job HH= Fair and-mouse game with a cagey agent (Gong with unsmiling efficiency. But soon he begins H= Poor Yoo) who is on a mission to bomb a major pursuing a private agenda, studying files in Japanese stronghold. The story travels from off-limits rooms and intentionally catching Seoul to Shanghai and back, and features the eye of the prison’s longtime executioner, a superbly directed sequence on a train as Rahim (Wan Hanafi Su), who begins teaching the Japanese police search for the Korean Aiman tricks of the hangman’s trade. As the Current Films resistance agents. Song’s conflicted officer— two begin to bond, it’s clear that Rahim has the most interesting character in a cast of been leading a lonely life and suppressing an Actor Martinez HH1/2 driven Koreans fighting for liberation and accrued sense of guilt for killing so many over Breaking Glass, 75 min., not sadistic Japanese occupiers who torture so long. He welcomes the presence of Aiman, rated, DVD: $21.99 and kill Korean suspects—keeps audiences in whom he sees some resemblance to his Ostensibly a ménage of guessing where his allegiances ultimately own younger, once-hopeful self. But Aiman behind-the-scenes footage lie, right up to the satisfying climax. South is after something more then mentorship: and raw film from a fiction- Korea’s submission for the Academy Awards, Rahim executed Aiman’s father decades be- alized documentary chron- this is recommended. (S. Axmaker) fore. What Aiman intends to do about Rahim icling the life of small- is something that even Aiman doesn’t know, time Denver actor Arthur Alena HH1/2 but a cat-and-mouse game ensues between Martinez, Mike Ott and Nathan Silver’s KimStim, 83 min., in Swedish the two as Rahim becomes wise to Aiman’s meta-film-within-a-film is an alternatively w/English subtitles, not rated, backstory. Junfeng maintains a suspenseful intriguing and off-putting exploration into DVD: $29.99 edge, contrasting the clockwork rhythms of the deceptive art of performance. Martinez, Based on a graphic nov- Aiman’s job with the character’s more chaotic who like the other cast members seems to el by Kim W. Andersson, private life in this gripping character study. be playing a version of himself here, makes Daniel di Grado’s film— Recommended. (T. Keogh) for an interesting and challenging choice part psychological thriller, for a documentarian’s subject, at turns part horror movie—inevi- Beauty and the Beast withdrawn, selfish, and given to talking tably invites comparisons to Stephen King’s HHH in maddening circles about his craft while Carrie. The title character, played by Amalia Disney, 129 min., PG, DVD: conversely displaying occasional moments Holm, is a student from the local public $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: of compassion. Ott and Silver also appear high school who arrives at a posh girls’ $39.99 as “themselves,” driving the conflict of the academy after suffering a terrible traumatic Director Bill Condon’s “plot” by holding a casting call for Arthur’s experience that she cannot talk about—even hybrid live-action/digital onscreen girlfriend (Lindsay Burdge), a with the therapist who arranged her trans- remake of the “tale as old as woman they intentionally try to model after fer. Once there, she is bullied by rich mean time” boasts sumptuous special effects and Arthur’s ex-wife in a bid to provoke some girl Filippa (Molly Nutley), who despises enhanced character backstories. Set in rural emotional honesty from their subject. But Alena’s low-class background and is jealous France in 1740, the story quickly introduces in an industry built upon constant fabrica- of her skill on the lacrosse field, where until brainy Belle (Emma Watson), whose father tion and obfuscation, how can these film- now Filippa has been the dominant player. (Kevin Kline) has been imprisoned in the makers possibly get anywhere close to the Although befriended by sympathetic class- Beast’s labyrinthine castle. Because he was truth? Narrative traditionalists are likely to mate Fabienne (Felice Jankel), Alena’s real once a spoiled young prince—spurning pleas balk at trying to navigate the film’s constant protector is Josefin (Rebecka Nyman), her for assistance from an old lady witch—the digressions and questioning of reality, but best friend from public school, who myste- ghastly, horned Beast (Dan Stevens) has been those willing to take a journey into a land riously appears whenever she is in trouble cursed until he can find true love. Eager to of experimental disorientation will find this and deals forcefully with her tormentors. escape the confines of her provincial vil- refreshingly challenging and not without Josefin reacts badly, however, to Alena’s lage and unwelcome romantic advances by its beguiling moments. A strong optional new friendship with Fabienne. Di Grado is a boorish, boastful Gaston (Luke Evans), Belle purchase. (J. Cruz) stylish filmmaker, but secrets of Alena’s past offers to exchange places with her beloved that are meant to come as shocking surprises father. Belle is immediately welcomed by the The Age of Shadows HHH will be obvious to most viewers long before Beast’s anthropomorphic household (voiced Warner, 140 min., in Korean w/English subtitles or they are revealed, and Nutley’s one-note by Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, Ian English-dubbed, not rated, DVD: $17.99, Blu-ray/ villainy is so over-the-top that it often seems McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra Mc- DVD Combo: $19.99 unintentionally comic rather than frighten- Donald, and Stanley Tucci) with a dazzling, South Korean director Kim Jee-woon’s ing. Still, this should be considered a strong Busby Berkeley-like “Be Our Guest” musical sprawling spy thriller, set in the under- optional purchase. (F. Swietek) number. Watson exudes feisty cleverness,

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 14 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Award-Winning Cinema Since 2002

The critically-acclaimed new film by HIROKAZU KORE-EDA (Our Little Sister, Still Walking, Nobody Knows)

“HHHH… “WARMLY FUNNY… UNDOUBTEDLY ONE BEAUTIFULLY ACTED, it’s a OF KORE-EDA’S BEST.” film that STICKS WITH YOU.” –John Bleasdale, CineVue –Glenn Kenny, The New York Times

When a typhoon strikes, Ryota (Hiroshi Abe), a failed writer and third-rate detective, unexpectedly spends the night together with his son, ex-wife (Yoko Maki) and aging mother (legendary actress Kirin Kiki), allowing the estranged family the opportunity to believe in each other once again.

AFTER THE STORM (AVAILABLE 8/15)* Asian Cinema, Drama DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 UPC: 859686006185 *ALSO AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™

JACKET COVER - DVD CASE 10.75 x 7.1875 1/8" BLEED ZONE JACKET COVER - DVD CASE 10.75 x 7.1875 1/8" BLEED ZONE ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR DOC-001617 DOC-001617 02/05/02 1/16" SAFETY ZONE 02/05/02 1/16" SAFETY ZONE Rev. 5 Rev. 5

“ A touching look at unrequited love MARTHE KELLER Optional - 1/8" Radius onMAX all cor RIEMELTners. Optional - 1/8" Radius on all corners. Heartache never and neglected memory.” “ –Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter ” On Ibiza in the early nineties, Jo is a twenty-fi ve-year-old music composer from Berlin, who wants sounded so good. to be part of the nascent electronic music revolution. Martha has been living alone in her house –CHRIS KNIGHT, NATIONAL POST facing the sea for forty years. One night Jo knocks on her door. Her solitude intrigues him. They become friends even as the mysteries around her accumulate: that cello in the corner she refuses Embark on a musical pilgrimage from the swamps of the Louisiana Bayou to the juke joints to play, the German language she refuses to speak… As Jo draws her into the new world of techno music, Martha puts everything she had previously lived by into question. of the Mississippi Delta and the moonshine-soaked BBQs in the North Mississippi Hill Country. “Examines profound subjects in a I AM THE BLUES travels the backroads of the deep south with the blues musicians dramatically coherent intelligent way.” rooted in the genre’s heyday – many now in their 80s – and still touring the Chitlin’ Circuit. –Peter Belsito, IndieWire a fi lm by BARBETLet 2017 SCHROEDER GRAMMY® Award winner Bobby Rush, Barbara Lynn, Henry Gray, Carol Fran, Little Freddie King, Lazy Lester, Bilbo Walker, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, RL Boyce, LC Ulmer, T FOLD T FOLD Lil’ Buck Sinegal and their friends awaken the blues in all of us.

BACK PANEL FRONT PANELBACK PANEL FRONT PANEL 7 3/16 (7.1875") 7 3/16 (7.1875")

BONUS SHORT FILM YOUR MOTHER AND I Directed by Anna Maguire Includes 30 Minutes of Bonus Footage! Canada, United Kingdom | English language | 13 minutes Julia Sarah Stone and the one and only Don McKellar are in top form as a skeptical daughter and her impressively loquacious father, in Anna Maguire’s funny and poignant adaptation of a Dave Eggers story. SPINE GRAPHICS AREA - DOES NO SPINE GRAPHICS AREA - DOES NO

ENGLISH OPTIONAL ENGLISH SUBTITLES 5.1 SOUND SOUND / 2.0 DOLBY DIGITAL 1.78:1 ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH, SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES 5.1 SURROUND SOUND / 2.0 STEREO 1.78:1 USA, CANADAwith the participation of 116 MINUTES 1.78:1 WIDESCREEN FRANCE, SWITZERLAND 96 MINUTES 1.78:1 WIDESCREEN BRUNO GANZ ©2016 Film Movement, LLC For private use only. Unauthorized reproduction, exhibition or sale of this fi lm is expressly forbidden by law. iamthebluesmovie.com © 2017 Film Movement, LLC For private use only. Unauthorized reproduction, exhibition or sale of this fi lm is I AM THE BLUES is not rated. www.FilmMovement.com expressly forbidden by law. AMNESIA is not rated. www.FilmMovement.com

9/16" (.5625") 9/16" (.5625") 5 3/32 "(5.09375") 5 3/32 "(5.09375") 5 3/32 "(5.09375") 5 3/32 "(5.09375") A wealthy businessman searches for a In director Barbet Schroeder’s cinematic 10 3/4 (10.75)Embark on a musical pilgrimage from 10 3/4 (10.75)valentine to his mother, a twenty-five- the swamps of the Louisiana Bayou to therapeutic assistant after an accident year-old aspiring DJ moves to the island the juke joints of the Mississippi Delta leaves him paralyzed. A remake of of Ibiza and befriends a woman who is and beyond. Featuring 2017 GRAMMY the breakout international hit trying to forget her past. Award-winner Bobby Rush. The Intouchables. AMNESIA (AVAILABLE 8/1) I AM THE BLUES (AVAILABLE 8/1) INSEPARABLES (AVAILABLE 8/1) German, Spain, Drama English Language, Documentary, Music Spanish Language, Comedy, Drama DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 UPC: 859686006116 UPC: 859686006345 UPC: 859686006246

INDIVIDUAL TITLES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE WITH PPR AND DRL. TO SUBSCRIBE OR LEARN MORE, contact Maxwell Wolkin [email protected] • 212.941.7744 x211 • filmmovement.com/libraries Academy Award® is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

FM_JulyAUG_VidLIBr.indd 1 6/14/17 4:54 PM while Stevens personifies the gruff yet in- backyard accident, and he is estranged from tries to keep space between herself and Car- tellectual Beast via “Mova,” a facial capture his exceptionally patient wife (De’Adre Aziza), ole, but something about this unhappy if suc- system. Beauty and Beast bond over their surfing the web and looking for ways to make cessful woman awakens Marithé to her own shared love of literature here, but too much anonymous sexual connections with men. sense of emptiness. The Chef’s Wife evolves has been made of Gaston’s admiring sidekick Eventually, Brad finds what he’s looking for into sophisticated farce as Marithé falls for LeFou (Josh Gad) being gay; it’s a subtle and in Yenny (Jimmy Brooks), a young man liv- Sam and begins morphing into Carole’s life, welcome nuance that reflects contemporary ing in Jamaica who is 20 years Brad’s junior. just as the latter seriously begins a fresh start. social consciousness, which has been raised The two establish a flirtatious rapport, with Co-writer and director Anne Le Ny knows since 1991, when Disney’s animated version Yenny taking on the persona of a bad-boy son that the film’s comic energy largely lies in the was an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. Four looking for a paternal lover. Brad becomes charged scenes with Viard and Devos, who new songs have been added—including the increasingly fixated on communicating with riff off each other’s ever-shifting emotional Celine Dion bittersweet ballad “How Does Yenny all hours of the day via text messaging tones. A handsome-looking film that will also a Moment Last Forever”—in this elegant, and Skype. And, not surprisingly, this makes appeal to foodies with its array of mouthwa- nostalgic, and enchanting remake. Recom- Brad an ideal mark for a scam that viewers tering dishes, this is recommended. (T. Keogh) mended. (S. Granger) will see coming from a mile away. Optional. (T. Keogh) Contemporary Color Bodyslam: Revenge of HHH1/2 the Banana HH CatfightHH 1/2 Oscilloscope, 97 min., PG-13, Virgil, 86 min., not rated, DVD: MPI, 95 min., not rated, DVD: DVD: $34.99, Blu-ray: $39.99, $19.99 $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 July 11 Presented by Morgan Writer-director Onur David Byrne was the driv- Spurlock, filmmakers Ryan Tukel’s schematic dark com- ing force behind this 2015 Harvie and John Paul Horst- edy isn’t as clever as it pre- extravaganza presented at mann’s Bodyslam centers on tends to be but still has a few Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which featured the Seattle Semi-Pro (SSP) wrestling league, breathtakingly transgressive 10 color guard (or “winter guard”) troupes which trains amateurs to perform—in a moments. Said to have been influenced by from various East Coast high schools per- community theater-like club setting—all of the Brat Pack era farce Class, of all things, the forming elaborate flag-spinning routines set the exaggerated flips, falls, and mock violence three-act storyline features reunions of two to music composed for the occasion and per- that the big boys and girls do on national former college frenemies that are marked by formed by various artists, including Lucius, television. If there is any fun to this, it’s in vicious physical battles. Veronica (Sandra Oh) Nico Muhly (working with NPR’s Ira Glass), the bizarre costumes and personas—such is the trophy wife of a government contractor, Nelly Furtado, St. Vincent, Devonté Hynes, as mad clown Ronald McFondle (real name who is about to get even wealthier with a How to Dress Well, Zola Jesus, Ad-Rock & Josh Black)—that the wrestlers don before looming Gulf War-style military action; at a Money Mark, Tune-Yards, and Byrne himself. small but enthusiastic crowds. Much of the NYC banquet she re-encounters Ashley (Anne The combination of exuberant choreography documentary focuses on the sense of family Heche), a lesbian artist who specializes in vi- and sometimes wild, sometimes soulful and community that SSP gives to members, olent imagery, but is forced to cater meals for music will likely be as infectious for viewers who largely seem to be misfits in search of a a living. They wind up in a brutal, drunken as it was for the raucously appreciative live secondary identity. Viewers witness a few in brawl that leaves Veronica comatose for two audience, not just thanks to the energy of their day jobs or riding bikes or doing home years. Miraculously she revives—only to learn the participants but also because directors Bill chores, ordinary activities that stand in sharp that she is now penniless and her family is and Turner Ross work hard to give the docu- contrast to their work with the SSP. A height- destroyed, while Ashley’s gruesome canvases mentary a “you are there” feel, with cameras ened drama begins about halfway through (actually completed by her abused assistant) that swoop and swirl around the stage, and Bodyslam when a rogue SSP wrestler called the have won her former sparring partner fame sometimes focus on the jumbotrons. Along Banana (Paul Richards) becomes disgruntled and fortune. It’s no great surprise what the way, interview excerpts with dancers and lodges a complaint with Washington happens when they next meet… A strong from the squads—as well as fly-on-the-wall state’s sports licensing board. The result is a optional purchase. (C. Cassady) backstage footage—are inserted to emphasize lot of legal problems for the SSP, including the immediacy of the extraordinary “happen- an absurd scene in which a stone-faced cop The Chef’s Wife ing.” Byrne, meanwhile, is glimpsed prowling watches a wrestling match and takes notes. HHH1/2 the arena, obviously pleased to watch what Unfortunately, while the wrestling action is Icarus, 91 min., in French w/ he sees as a distinctive, underappreciated suitably visceral, both the oddball subject and English subtitles, not rated, art form—and a celebration of the diversity the participants themselves are not particu- DVD: $26.99 that the color guards represent—unfold so vi- larly captivating. Optional. (T. Keogh) From the school of frothy brantly. An eye-popping spectacle brimming French comedies comes this over with youthful high spirits, this is highly bwoy HH enjoyable film pairing two recommended. (F. Swietek) Breaking Glass, 87 min., not renowned actresses, Karin Viard and Emman- rated, DVD: $24.99 uelle Devos, as not-quite-friends who never- Counting for Thunder Broadway actor Anthony theless alter one another’s destinies. Marithé HH1/2 Rapp plays the lead charac- (Viard) is a career counselor who maintains Wolfe, 103 min., not rated, ter in writer-director John G. a distance from her clients’ personal lives. DVD: $26.99 Young’s low-budget, fitfully But that proves difficult with Carole (Devos), Actor-turned-writer-di- interesting bwoy, a story of a bored and restless co-owner of a gourmet rector Phillip Irwin Cooper repressed guilt and desire rolling over into restaurant, who rushes toward Marithé like a stars in this autobiograph- obsession. Rapp is Brad, an unemployed speeding comet, caught up in a professional ical passion project about physician who is biding his time as a bill and personal midlife crisis. Carole’s business an aging actor named Phillip (Cooper), who collector for a credit card company. He’s also partner is her moody, dissatisfied husband, abandons a nowhere career in Los Angeles a grieving father whose young son died in a Sam (Roschdy Zem), a famous chef. Marithé to return to his Alabama family and help

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 16 JULY/AUGUST 2017 LY0000DVD Lightyear / DVD Amaray Outside NEW FROM LIGHTYEAR ENTERTAINMENT

BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING NOVEL BY STEPHEN FRY LIT-DV-56498 THE ROGER ALLAM WITH MATTHEW MODINE AND FIONA SHAW HIPPOPOTAMUS “ FRANKLY TERRIFIC! IN FACT, “ FUN, BAWDY, RUDE AND Based on the novel by Stephen Fry THE PROBABLY BETTER THAN THE TERRIBLY, TERRIBLY ENGLISH…” The Hippopotamus stars three time Olivier Award winner Roger Allam (Endeavor, The Queen, V for Vendetta) as the disgruntled, cantankerous semi-famous HIPPOPOTAMUS ORIGINAL SOURCE MATERIAL.” –Total Film poet Ted Wallace who is hired to investigate strange doings at Lord and Lady Logan’s country manor, Swafford Hall. Golden Globe® Winner Matthew Modine –Stephen Fry (Stranger Things, Dark Knight Rises, Full Metal Jacket) plays the stupendously rich and gregarious Lord Michael Logan. Fiona Shaw (5 Harry Potter movies) co-stars as the doting mother Lady Logan. Tim McInnerny (Notting Hill, Game Three-time Olivier Award-winner of Thrones) plays the flamboyant and gullible theater director Oliver Mills. This THE is the first Stephen Fry novel to be adapted as a feature film. Roger Allam (Endeavor, The Queen,

HIPPOPOTAMUS V for Vendetta) stars as Ted Wallace, a disgruntled, cantankerous semi-famous poet, who is summoned to a country manor estate to investigate a series of unexplained miracle healings. Also starring Golden Globe-winner Matthew Modine Special Features Include: (Stranger Things, Dark Knight Rises, Full Making Of Book To Screen Metal Jacket), Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter) Interviews and Tim McInnerny (Notting Hill, Game of Thrones), this is the fi rst novel by STARRING ROGER ALLAM, TOMMY KNIGHT, EMILY BERRINGTON, DEAN RIDGE, EMMA CURTIS Stephen Fry to be adapted as a BONUS TIM MCINNERNY, GERALDINE SOMERVILLE, LYNE RENEE, JOHN STANDING WITH FIONA SHAW AND MATTHEW MODINE feature fi lm. Making-of, ORIGINAL MUSIC BY SAMUEL KARL BOHN FEATURING MUSIC BY ANTONIO SANCHEZ Book to Screen, EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS CHRISTOPHER LITTLE, STEVE CLARK-HALL AND HAL BROTHERTON-RATCLIFFE THE HIPPOPOTAMUS PRODUCERS JAY TAYLOR AND ALEXA SELIGMAN Interviews (AVAILABLE AUGUST 1) WRITERS BLANCHE MCINTYRE AND TOM HODGSON DIRECTED BY JOHN JENCKS

“FRANKLY TERRIFIC! IN FACT, PROBABLY BETTER British, Comedy, Mystery BLU-RAY ONLY: AUDIO: THAN THE ORIGINAL SOURCE MATERIAL.” LANGUAGE: 5.1 SURROUND SOUND/ SINGLE GENRE: ASPECT RATIO: RUNNING TIME: @ DVD Cat#: LIT-DV-56498 Q&A with ENGLISH STEREO, 2.0 LAYER URBAN WIDESCREEN 88 MINS. – STEPHEN FRY @ [ UPC: 085365649828 • SRP: $19.99 Stephen Fry & © 2017 The Electric Shadow Company Limited. All Rights Reserved. A Lightyear Entertainment Release. Dolby and the ]symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. ; BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING COMEDY NOVEL BY STEPHEN FRY Blu-ray Cat#: LIT-BD-56499 Golden Globe(s)® is a registered trademark of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Adult situations, language LIT-DV-56498 Filmmakers UPC: 085365649927 • SRP: $25.99

BACK PANEL FRONT PANEL “[THE FILM] RACE SHOWS US

TITLE: DVD Wrap-Vivendi Visual Ent. STEPHAN JAMES COULD BE A MOVIE STAR. 10-3/4”” X 7-3/16” (10.75” X 7.1875”) DATE: 7/7/08 DIE NUMBER: IDV_ACROSS 0 THE LINE MINTS HIM AS AN ACTOR.” –Now Toronto “TORONTO’S DIRECTOR X, HOT VIDEO MAKER FOR DRAKE (“HOTLINE BLING”), RIHANNA (“WORK”) AND MANY OTHERS, MAKES AN AUSPICIOUS FEATURE DIRECTING DEBUT.” –Toronto Star Stephan James (Race, Selma, Shots Fired) is Mattie, a talented hockey player selected by a top NHL team, but his plans are jeopardized by his hustling brother and the corrosive racial tension at his school. Sarah Jeffery (Shades of Blue, Wayward Based on real events… Stephan JamesPines) is Jayme, ( aRace, beautiful but Selma tough young, woman Shots who is Firedstanding squarely) is Mattie,on the line between a talented two cultures and hockey must player selected by a top NHL team,decide but which hisone she plans belongs in. areBased onjeopardizedby real events. his hustling brother and the corrosive racial tension at his school. Sarah Jeffery (Shades of Blue, Wayward Pines) is Jayme, a beautiful but tough young woman who is standing squarely on the line between two cultures and must decide which A71 ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A FREDDIE FILMS INC AND CIRCLE BLUE MEDIA LIMITED AND DHX MEDIA INC PRODUCTIONone “ACROSS sheTHE LINE” belongs in. STARRING STEPHAN JAMES SARAH JEFFERY STEVEN LOVE LANETTE WARE JEREMIAH SPARKS SHAMIER ANDERSON DENIS THERIAULT SIMON-PAUL MUTUYIMANA CASTING JIM CODRINGTON JACKIE TORRENS CARA RICKETTS DIRECTOR JON COMERFORD C.D.C. CASTING (HALIFAX) SHEILA LANE C.D.C. ≠KATE ROSE EDITOR DEV SINGH ÒBILL FLEMING ASSOCIATE ¬SAMY INAYEH C.S.C. ÅMICHAEL A PERLMUTTER ÏMENALON æEVANDER KANE PRODUCER TAJ CRITCHLOW ÓELIZABETHACROSS GUILFORD PRODUCER FLOYD THE KANE LINE PRODUCERS MICHAEL DONOVAN AND MARK GOSINE PRODUCER AMOS ADETUYI ÂFLOYD KANE ˚DIRECTOR(AVAILABLE X AUGUST 1) PRODUCED IN PARTICIPATION WITH TELEFILM CANADA. PRODUCED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF FILM NOVA SCOTIA.

© 2017 Cole Harbor Productions, Inc./DHX. © 2017 Lightyear Entertainment, L.P. All Rights Reserved. DolbyUrban, and the double D symbolComing are trademarks ofof Dolby Age, Laboratories. Drama DVD Cat#: LIT-DV-56252 ENGLISH 5.1 DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND 16x9 1.85 WIDESCREEN 88 MINUTES AUDIO FORMAT UPC: 085365625228RUN TIME • SRP: $19.99 Blu-ray Cat#: LIT-BD-56251 UPC: 085365625129 • SRP: $25.99LIT-DV-56252

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Lightyear_JULapl_VidLIBr.indd 1 6/8/17 10:06 AM his mother, Tina (Mariette Hartley), in her Frantz HHH1/2 about the company begin to dovetail with battle with cancer. Phillip returns home Music Box, 113 min., in French glitches in Major’s brain that make her more as an outsider who left his troubled sister & German w/English subtitles, self-aware and increasingly curious about and difficult father, Garrett (John Heard), PG-13, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: discovering her true identity, a quest that is in a dysfunctional relationship with the $34.95 only amplified by the insistence of her creator sophisticated Tina. Bringing a little New The first half of François (Juliette Binoche) that memory is irrelevant. Age/New Medicine wisdom from L.A. with Ozon’s remarkable Frantz is Director Rupert Sanders pays homage to the him, Phillip touts the magic of releasing basically a remake of Ernst original film, with many scenes coming di- deeply-held secrets, and eating seaweed as Lubitsch’s 1932 pacifist dra- rectly from the comic-book source, but there a panacea for curbing disease. Tina, who ma Broken Lullaby. Adrien (Pierre Niney), a was an uproar over casting a Caucasian actress loves Phillip very much, is open to try sad-faced Frenchman, is discovered visiting in an iconic Japanese story, and the fact is anything, but the others roll their eyes. the grave of Frantz, a young German killed in that Johansson is never convincing in her Over a two-year period, Tina’s health goes World War I. Claiming to have been a friend character’s struggle to discover her humanity. up and down, but it is Phillip who does of the dead man, Adrien gradually wins over Optional. (S. Granger) some significant healing, crossing a deep Frantz’s grieving parents (Ernst Stötzner and divide between himself and Garrett, while Marie Gruber) and develops a close relation- The Girl from the Brothel also learning that he can’t take meaningful ship with Frantz’s fiancée, Anna (Paula Beer), HH relationships with lovers for granted. Un- despite the hostility of the townspeople. Cinema Libre, 88 min., in fortunately, Counting for Thunder is full of It will come as no surprise that, as Adrien English & Khmer w/English recycled tropes, although Cooper benefits confesses to Anna, his actual connection subtitles, not rated, DVD: from outstanding casting, especially Peter to Frantz was very different. Lubitsch’s film $19.99 Stebbings in the role of an old school chum ended at that point, but Ozon adds a second Too pretty for its own who sees through Phillip’s hollowness half in which Adrien returns to France, while good, The Girl from the Broth- but still desires him. The weak link here, Anna, who is obviously in love with Adrien, el delivers a mixed message about the sex ironically, is Cooper’s acting, which is full travels to Paris to look for him, only to discov- trafficking of children in Cambodia (and, of mannerisms and tics. A strong optional er that things are not quite what she expected. by implication, elsewhere). Written, direct- purchase. (T. Keogh) Frantz repeats many of Lubitsch’s themes— ed by, and starring Ilaria Borrelli, the film the horror of war, the reality of grief, and the clearly condemns the practice, but Borrelli’s The Daughter HHH necessity of forgiveness, as well as the notion insistence on spending half the movie fram- Kino Lorber, 95 min., not rated, that well-meaning deception is sometimes ing lush, memorable images of Cambodia’s DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 preferable to harsh, brutal truth—but Ozon rural beauty is at aesthetic odds with the Christian (Paul Schnei- adds layers of ambiguity to the tale. And his grim subject matter. Borrelli plays a French der), the estranged Ameri- sense of style is nicely displayed in both the photographer named Mia, who discovers her can son of Australian mill impeccable period detail and the shifts from husband having sex with 11-year-old Srey owner Henry (Geoffrey black-and-white to color to reflect changes in (Setha Monyroth) at a broken-down brothel Rush), returns Down Under emotional states. A beautifully crafted, deeply on a river. Shaken and appalled, Mia col- for his father’s marriage to his much young- moving film whose ostensibly placid surface lapses into a catatonic swoon at the brothel, er housekeeper (Anna Torv). Christian re- opens to reveal powerful undercurrents of exhibiting behavior that eventually begins connects with his childhood buddy Oliver pain, hopefulness, and—ultimately—peace, to look a tad self-indulgent given the horrors (Ewen Leslie), who is now happily married this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek) experienced by the captive kids. When she and has a bright teenage daughter, Hedvig finally rallies, Mia takes Srey and two others (Odessa Young), but Christian figures out a Ghost in the Shell HH with her on a mission to return them to secret that Oliver’s wife (Miranda Otto) has Paramount, 106 min., PG-13, their original homes, unaware that brothel kept all these years. As Christian’s marriage DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD children in some cases will be rejected by the falls apart back in the U.S., he gives up his Combo: $39.99, July 25 family as tainted and shameful. In response, sobriety and divulges the secret with a bit- A live-action remake of the brothel pimp, various thugs, and crooked ter vindictiveness, resulting in tragedy for Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 cyber- cops launch a hunt to bring them all back, the only truly innocent person in the whole punk anime classic, based forcing the fugitives to stay one step ahead drama. Although writer-director Simon on Masamune Shirow’s of the bad guys. Despite her heroic actions, Stone’s The Daughter is an adaptation of popular 1989 manga series, this frenetic, Mia is a hard character to like, her altruism Henrik Ibsen’s 1884 play The Wild Duck— dystopian sci-fi thriller favors style over at odds with her pouty, petty vindictiveness here transferred to a present-day depressed substance. Scarlett Johansson appears to be toward her charges. But the real trouble lies Australian mill town—viewers do not have almost naked, dashing around a futuristic in the heroine’s photographer’s eye, which to be familiar with the original in order cityscape in a flesh-colored, skintight casing essentially captures disturbingly glossy im- to appreciate Stone’s modern take, which as a cyborg law-enforcement officer known as ages of a tourist’s fantasies about Cambodia serves up a powerful drama featuring vivid the “Major.” The gimmick is that when she that feel out of place in a movie about child characters brought to life in uniformly fine dons this “thermoptic” suit, she is basically sex slaves. Optional. (T. Keogh) performances, especially from Young as a invisible. Major Mira Killian is the first of her girl coming of age in a difficult time. Sam kind: a military-designed robot with a human The Girl with All the Gifts Neill costars as Hedvig’s grandfather, who brain; she’s an integral part of a counter-cy- HHH rescues injured animals, including Ibsen’s berterrorist task force operating under Chief Lionsgate, 111 min., R, DVD: titular wild duck. Beautifully shot in rural Daisuke Aramaki (Takeshi Kitano). The group $19.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: Australia—capturing both the wild beauty is in pursuit of a villain named Kuze (Michael $24.99 of the countryside and the desolation of Carmen Pitt), who has been eliminating The zombie genre receives the failing economy—the film betrays no Hanka Robotics scientists by hacking into a revitalizing shot in the arm evidence of its stage origins. Recommended. the consciousness of different accomplices to in this engaging adaptation (S. Axmaker) make them commit murder. Kuze’s warnings of M.R. Carey’s bestselling 2014 sci-fi nov-

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While meeting his girlfriend’s family for the first When Kirby Lane's SUV stalls in the desert, she time, Ryan must prove his intentions to her must overcome the elements...and the lurking judgmental father. However, as a blizzard undead that surround her. Her only companion descends on Lake Alice, bizarre things start to is Max, the Emergency Car Service rep trapped happen around the secluded cabin, and soon, in his office by the zombie apocalypse, and the the family's cozy getaway turns into a fight for lone voice guiding her home. survival as they struggle to live through the night. “BREAKDOWN LANE DEFINITELY BLOWS SOME NEW AIR INTO THE GENRE, COMBINING ZOMBIE AND “LAKE ALICE COMBINES STRONG HOME INVASION ROAD MOVIE MAINSTAYS, SOME VERY DARK IRONY ELEMENTS WITH VINTAGE SLASHER VIOLENCE” AND BADASS ACTION.” - SEARCH MY TRASH - ADDICTED TO HORROR MOVIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RICHARD ROSS AT [email protected] VISIT US AT BGPICS.COM el. In a future where a majority of Earth’s along the way, they’ve aroused the suspicions and tries to improve his chilly relationship population has succumbed to a contagious of an FBI agent (Matt Dillon). Directed by with his wife following the birth of their fungus that attacks the neural centers—re- Zach Braff, this crime caper is a remake of son. Heli’s 12-year-old sister, Estela (Andrea ducing humans to cannibalistic ravagers Martin Brest’s superior 1979 movie, which Vergera), inadvertently triggers a crisis when called “hungries”—the British military has starred George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee her manipulative older boyfriend—who undertaken a special project to rehabilitate Strasberg. A mildly amusing slapstick comedy, is simultaneously training to be a cop and and teach a group of hybrid children (dis- full of scrappy banter, this is a strong optional acting as a drug dealer—stashes drugs in her ease carriers born to human mothers) in purchase. (S. Granger) home without Heli’s knowledge. A brutal order to find a means of curing the plague. home invasion soon follows, followed by One of these children is Melanie (Sennia Heidi HH1/2 tremendous risk as Heli attempts to extricate Nanua), an exceptionally bright adolescent Film Movement, 111 min., in his family from further danger. Filmmaker who forms a strong bond with one of the German w/English subtitles Amat Escalante captures the stifling world of kinder instructors, Helen Justineau (Gemma and English-dubbed, not rated, crime and deceit that can engulf people who Arterton). When hungries overwhelm the DVD: $24.99 are simply trying to live their lives, as well as base, Melanie manages to escape with Helen, Johanna Spyri’s 1881 chil- the unspeakable tortures inflicted by cartels strict Sgt. Eddie Parks (Paddy Considine), dren’s classic about a darling and gangs. Recommended. (T. Keogh) lead researcher Dr. Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Swiss orphan, her gruff but Close), and several others. This ragtag group loving grandfather, and her I, Olga Hepnarova HH must put aside their fears and prejudices as goatherd friend Peter has been adapted for Strand, 105 min., in Czech w/ they pick their way across a hostile landscape the screen numerous times, most notably as English subtitles, not rated, filled with motion-sensing hungries, roving a vehicle for Shirley Temple in 1937. Director DVD: $27.99, July 25 packs of feral children, and massive growths Alain Gsponer’s new version, starring Anuk In July of 1973, a young of the fungus spores that just might spell Steffen in the title role and Bruno Ganz as woman named Olga Hepna- Armageddon for the human race as we know her granddad, sticks closely to the original rova drove a truck onto a it. Although it sticks to a character schematic narrative, aside from jettisoning the religi- busy sidewalk in Prague and seen all too often in end-of-the-world epics, osity (a major element in the book). After hit 20 people, eight of whom died. Filmmak- the film keeps a sense of danger and intrigue bonding with her grandfather and Peter ers Tomas Weinreb and Petr Kazda’s Czech running high. The two real stars here are new- (Quirin Agrippi), Heidi is literally kidnapped filmI, Olga Hepnarova offers a fictional tale of comer Nanua, and the pulsing tribal chant by her greedy aunt and deposited with a how her life could have led to such a terrible musical score composed by Cristobal Tapia wealthy urban family as a playmate for their crime. Olga (Michalina Olszanska) is intro- de Veer. Recommended. (J. Cruz) wheelchair-bound daughter, Klara (Isabelle duced as a rebellious teen who is seen by her Ottmann). Heidi is taught to read and write, emotionally distant mother as a sinkhole for Going in Style HH1/2 but despite the opulent lifestyle and Klara’s time and money—i.e., as a problem instead Warner, 96 min., PG-13, DVD: friendship, she becomes so homesick that of a daughter. Scenes that are set in boarding $28.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: she begins to sleepwalk, and is eventually school and during an awkward young adult- $35.99, Aug. 1 returned to the Alpine farm she loves. Klara hood reveal an embittered girl-woman who In the wake of the 2008 will eventually visit her there and undergo alternately wants to withdraw into herself, recession, bankers and a transformation. Gsponer presents the tale explore a demanding sexuality (Olga’s few banks have become popu- in straightforward fashion, depending on lovers ultimately reject her), and commit lar cinematic villains. Here, the cast’s charm and the lovely locations to suicide. Ultimately, Olga comes across as not three Brooklyn-based se- win over viewers. In today’s environment of sympathetic, but rather icy and merciless, niors suddenly realize that—thanks to a frantic family entertainment, children might which might be what Weinreb and Kazda are nefarious bank—they are going to be broke find themselves a bit bored here, and the arti- aiming for: a peek into the terrifying mind and homeless. Joe (Michael Caine) comes up ficial-sounding English dubbing sounds pon- of a true killer. Still, this film inspired by an with the idea of an armed robbery after con- derous (English subtitles are also provided, early example of vehicular manslaughter feels ferring with a sleazy Williamsburg Savings although they differ from the dubbed track). uncomfortably timely given the recent uptick Bank manager (Josh Pais) about his adjustable Still, this is a reasonably pleasant addition to in these types of attacks. Optional. (T. Keogh) mortgage that has suddenly tripled, which the already groaning shelf of movies and TV threatens Joe, his divorced daughter, and his shows based on Spyri’s book, so consider it a Kiki, Love to Love HH1/2 granddaughter with foreclosure and eviction. strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek) Strand, 102 min., in Spanish Along with longtime friends Willie (Morgan w/English subtitles, not rated, Freeman) and Al (Alan Arkin), Joe discovers Heli HHH DVD: $24.99 that the steel company where they’ve worked Strand, 105 min., in Spanish Four couples and a single for years has outsourced operations to Viet- w/English subtitles, not rated, woman seek sexual satis- nam and their pensions will be confiscated by DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 faction in strange places in the same Williamsburg bank. Suffering renal Winner of the director’s filmmaker Paco León’s re- failure, Willie needs a kidney transplant, and prize at Cannes in 2013, Heli make of the 2014 Australian comedy The Little cantankerous Al, a jazz saxophonist, is tired delivers a brutal indictment Death. Natalia (Natalia de Molina) fantasizes of teaching music to talentless kids, includ- of daily life in parts of Mex- about a convenience store robbery, so her ing the son of a saucy grocery store clerk ico characterized by drug-related viciousness, boyfriend, Alex (Alex García), tries to recreate (Ann-Margret). Watching Dog Day Afternoon a feckless and often corrupt government bu- the experience, but things don’t go according as a cautionary tale, they also seek advice reaucracy, and the bland reliability of factory to plan. Paco (director León) and Ana (Ana from a professional thief (John Ortiz). After work for a foreign corporation. Navigating Katz) share their mutual disappointments several trial runs, they work out watertight al- through this labyrinth of close-at-hand with a therapist. A visit to a sex club fails to ibis and disguise themselves in rubber masks danger, Heli (Armando Espitia) works the reignite the spark, but then Ana finds herself depicting the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean night shift at a car-manufacturing plant, attracted to lesbian barmaid Belén (Belén Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.), unaware that looks after his younger sister and his father, Cuesta), who Paco believes might offer the

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 20 JULY/AUGUST 2017 New Releases From OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES

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As Eyal finishes the traditional Jewish week of mourning for his late son, his wife Vicky urges him to return to their routine – but just because the shiva has ended doesn’t mean it’s life as usual. AUGUST 8TH SEPTEMBER 5TH www.oscilloscope.net solution to their problems. Maria (Candela the millions of land mines breeds nail-biting horror. (Full disclosure: Peña) and Antonio (Luis Callejo) have an that the Nazis buried along my son, Don Granger, is executive producer). active sex life, but she hasn’t been able to Denmark’s western coast Recommended. (S. Granger) get pregnant, even though her gynecologist in mistaken anticipation can’t find anything wrong. She believes of an Allied invasion. After The Lost City of Z HH1/2 the inability to conceive is tied to a lack of the war, the Danes decided Broad Green, 141 min., PG-13, orgasms, but the first time Maria sees An- that German POWs should DVD: $26.99, Blu-ray: $34.99, tonio cry, it turns her on, so she keeps him be conscripted to clear the July 11 supplied with tear-inducing stimuli. In the beaches, and the film dra- Based on David Grann’s most underdeveloped story, Sandra (Alex- matizes the three months that a group of 2009 nonfiction bestseller, andra Jiménez), a sign-language interpreter, teens who were drafted in the war’s waning this sprawling saga chron- fears that she will never find a partner who days spent probing a swath of coast, using icles the incredible adven- is able to get past her quirks—such as an iron rods to locate and defuse the bombs. tures of status-seeking British soldier Col. irresistible attraction to silk fabric. Finally, Promised safe conduct back to Germany Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who José Luis (Luis Bermejo), a plastic surgeon, if they survive, the group serves under an explored the Amazon River a full century talks more about intimate matters with his initially contemptuous Danish sergeant ago. Dispatched in 1906 by the Royal Geo- assistant, Maite (Maite Sandoval), than with (Roland Møller) who shows little concern graphical Society, Fawcett’s mission is to his wheelchair-bound wife, Paloma (Mari about whether they live or die. Inevitably map the dangerous, uncharted realms of Paz Sayago). His solution involves knockout he experiences a change of heart toward his eastern Bolivia, where it borders with Brazil. drops and non-consensual sex, which León charges as some perish in accidental explo- Thrashing through the South American presents as more amusing than disturbing— sions, becoming especially protective of the rainforest with his Army comrades—Henry casting a pall over the rest of this otherwise most sensitive boy (Louis Hofmann), who Costin (Robert Pattinson) and Arthur Manley engaging film. A strong optional purchase. helps rescue a little girl wandering into the (Edward Ashley)—plus guides and porters, (K. Fennessy) minefield. Land of Mine is unquestionably Fawcett discovers not only the source of the manipulative, generating nerve-wracking Rio Verde River but also tribal pottery and Killa HHH tension as the fresh-faced, naive young men carvings that indicate the existence of an Kino Lorber, 107 min., in crisscross the sand, nervously unscrewing ancient city and long-lost civilization hid- Marathi w/English subtitles, not detonators. But it works here, thanks to den somewhere in the dense foliage—and rated, DVD: $29.99 strong acting by Møller and Hofmann. he is determined to find it. Driven by this A Marathi-language film Recommended. (F. Swietek) mystical, near-maniacal obsession, Fawcett that confidently takes on endures an excruciating second expedition in the subject of pre-adoles- Life HHH 1911, accompanied by scornful James Murray cent childhood, director Sony, 104 min., R, DVD: (Angus Macfadyen), who becomes a danger- Avinash Arun’s Killa presents the decep- $30.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 ous liability. Meanwhile, back in England, tively simple tale of 11-year-old Chinmay’s After mission specialist his dutiful wife (Sienna Miller) and children (Archit Devadhar) itinerant life with his Rory Adams’s (Ryan Reyn- grow accustomed to Percy’s long absences, mother (Amruta Subhash)—who has just olds) risky retrieval of a although eventually, Fawcett’s eldest son, Jack landed a new job after the death of her damaged capsule contain- (Tom Holland), joins his third expedition in husband—as they move to a small coastal ing valuable soil samples 1925. Reverentially directed by James Gray, town, away from the bustling, populous from Mars, the crew of the International The Lost City of Z musters surprisingly little urban center of Pune. From the opening Space Station’s Pilgrim 7 has reason to cele- emotional involvement, nor does it offer any shot, Arun conveys a palpable visual sense brate, as astronauts Miranda North (Rebecca critique of England’s patronizing imperial- of isolation and alienation from the point Ferguson), David Jordan (Jake Gyllenhaal), ism. A strong optional purchase. (S. Granger) of view of fish-out-of-water Chinmay, who Sho Murakami (Hiroyuki Sanada), Ekaterina must vie for acceptance in a strange new Golovinka (Olga Dihovichnaya), and Hugh Millie & the Lords rural environment, slowly but surely com- Derry (Ariyon Bakare) are concluding their HHH ing to grips with the stressful challenges eight-month exploratory mission. When Indiepix, 90 min., in English & brought on by extreme social change. In the science officer isolates a microscopic Spanish w/English subtitles, not one central scene, Chinmay and his new single-cell organism in a petri dish and feeds rated, DVD: $24.95 acquaintances take part in a bicycle race to it glycerin, it becomes the first proof of extra- Sisters Jessica and Jennica the titular ancient fortress, which is meant terrestrial life. Satellite viewers from Earth Carmona co-produced this to be a bonding activity, but winds up just cheer, and a group of New York children name compelling drama about a adding to Chinmay’s feelings of being a the specimen “Calvin” after Calvin Coolidge mid-1920s Spanish Harlem woman named social outcast. And just as Chinmay and School. Resembling a translucent, star-shaped Millie, whose dead-end life in a part-time job his mother begin to find their footing in octopus, Calvin begins to grow, quickly while living under the authoritarian eye of an the provincial village, their lives will be dis- adapting to its environment, becoming stron- angry father has left her embittered and hope- rupted by further change. Killa is a strangely ger and smarter. Before long, Calvin escapes less. A closet writer, Millie (Jessica Carmona) affecting and bittersweet film, which holds containment, becoming a multi-tentacled yearns to break free, and she finds her voice out an inkling of hope for Chinmay’s predator, extinguishing members of the crew in an unexpected place: a community center approaching adolescence. Recommended. one-by-one, despite their often foolhardy at- class focused on the history of 1960s-‘70s Lati- (M. Sandlin) tempts to save one another. Stylishly directed no activist group the Young Lords, a real-life by Daniel Espinosa, with Seamus McGarvey’s organization that fought for community Land of Mine HHH sweeping cinematography capturing the rights and suffered brutal punishment from Sony, 101 min., in German, Danish & English w/ claustrophobically cramped containment of white authorities. Bonding with fellow stu- English subtitles, R, DVD: $26.99 the eerie space station, and Jon Ekstrand’s dents and learning from a former Lord who Writer-director Martin Zandvliet’s Os- score enhancing the sinister suspense, Life’s teaches that revolution is still a possibility, car-nominated foreign drama centers on scientifically plausible futuristic concept Millie blossoms as a nascent organizer and

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 22 JULY/AUGUST 2017 “ A searing performance from Cynthia Nixon” – Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent

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www.musicboxfi lms.com @musicboxfi lms independent adult. Jennica Carmona wrote their lives and longings. Other characters—a Viens’s Punching Henry—seems to revel in and directed this blend of original narrative fast food clerk, an old man in a hospital the loserdom that naturally comes to guys and documentary elements that offers rich waiting room, a chatty elderly woman on who perform milquetoast comedy songs in context about the Young Lords (including the subway—occasionally intervene, but the dive clubs. Phillips’s agent gets a call from a detailed interviews with past members). emphasis is on how Théo and Hugo grow Hollywood insider bigwig (J.K. Simmons), Recommended. (T. Keogh) closer even as they deal with a crisis: the fact who gets the comedian a shot at a pilot for a that Hugo is HIV-positive and Théo did not TV sitcom. Once Phillips is in L.A., however, Neruda HHH1/2 use a condom, which sparks an argument and his car is stolen, he succumbs to a heckler Sony, 108 min., in Spanish a visit to a clinic for treatment. The excellent onstage, he accidentally puts a lit cigarette w/English subtitles, R, DVD: script shifts effortlessly from joking banter to in his ear during a performance, and he $14.99 serious confrontation, while the natural per- can’t get laid—except when his lesbian best Pablo Larraín’s film about formances by Couët and Nambot make this friend asks him to inseminate her wife after Chilean poet Pablo Neruda a surprisingly touching story about the start they decide against in vitro fertilization (but serves up an imaginative of a relationship. Recommended for more even this task is bungled by unintentional portrait that, while highly adventurous collections. (F. Swietek) coitus interruptus). There is some industry speculative and inventive, satire here that is more clever than funny: stylistically mimics its subject’s own work. Population Zero HHH social-media-obsessed studio execs want to The film focuses exclusively on the late 1940s, Virgil, 84 min., not rated, DVD: sign Phillips not because of his act but due when Neruda (Luis Gnecco) is not only a $19.99 to an amateur YouTube video (the notorious national icon due to the popularity of his Jeff Staranchuk’s script burning ear incident) that has gone viral. poetry but also an important figure in the for Adam Levins’s mock- Although Phillips wants his musical comedy Chilean Communist Party. When the pres- umentary exploits a legal to speak for itself, the artistic gap between his ident bans Communists from the country, loophole that was first noted hackneyed joke songs and the embarrassing Neruda is forced to flee across the mountains in 2005 by Michigan State slapstick web fame that he decries is not wide to Argentina. Up to this point, the narrative University law professor Brian Kalt. Because enough to make us take Phillips’s sudden hews closely to historical reality—even the the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution embrace of dignified integrity seriously. Still, portrayal of Neruda as a vain, demanding specifies that jurors in a federal trial must this offbeat indie film that also features Sarah man conscious of his legendary status feels live in both the judicial district and the state Silverman, Tig Notaro, and Jim Jeffries should accurate—but Larraín now adds the totally in which an alleged crime was committed, a be considered a strong optional purchase. fictional character of police inspector Oscar 50-square-mile Idaho stretch of Yellowstone (M. Sandlin) Peluchonneau (Gael García Bernal), who is National Park is an area where no jury could assigned to track Neruda down. As played by legally be empanelled—because it is a) unin- Resident Evil: The Final Bernal in the style of a ‘40s film noir gum- habited, and b) the entire park falls within Chapter HH shoe (who also narrates), the cop becomes a the Wyoming judicial district. Which means Sony, 107 min., R, DVD: Nerudian literary device, consumed by the the perpetrator of a crime committed in this $26.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 fear that he might actually be no more than small slice of wilderness could not be legally Despite the promising a creation of the poet and destined to play a prosecuted. Population Zero invents a case subtitle, this sixth install- subordinate role. By the time the two men involving Dwayne Nelson (Duane Murray), ment of Paul W.S. Ander- finally meet in the snow-covered mountains, a North Dakota man who supposedly mur- son’s action franchise based the supposed biography has become a flam- dered three young campers but went scot-free on a popular series of video games ends boyant self-portrait of a man who constructed because the killings occurred in the Idaho with heroine Alice bluntly stating that her his own mythic persona, told here with the section of the park. The story focuses on work is not yet done. Fans who have been same sort of artifice the poet employed in his the investigative efforts of reporter/director following the series since 2002 will find poems. A challenging but engrossing film, Julian T. Pinder. Cunningly mimicking the that this entry offers just what they expect: this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek) style of a typical true-crime TV program, the virtually non-stop action choreographed film offers clips from fake news broadcasts with lots of computer-generated pizzazz, Paris 05:59: Théo & Hugo and dogged reconstructions of the lives of showcasing the athleticism of Anderson’s HHH Nelson and the dead men, along with inter- wife Milla Jovovich, who gives leather-clad Wolfe, 97 min., in French w/ views—with police, prosecutors, and defense Alice every bit of the kick-ass punch that the English subtitles, not rated, attorneys, as well as Nelson’s neighbors and character demands. For newcomers, the film DVD or Blu-ray: $29.95 the victims’ relatives—to raise the question thoughtfully includes a prologue recapping The home video release of of whether Nelson’s act was, as he claimed, the premise: the Umbrella Corporation has Olivier Ducastel and Jacques an inexplicable psychological breakdown or unleashed a virus on the world that turns Martineau’s film about a gay instead premeditated murder. The answer people into ravenous zombies. Alice and couple’s first meeting begins with a warning turns out to be extremely convoluted, but her comrades must fight through hordes of about explicit sexual content, which certainly the cast and crew make this journey one the undead and company security men to applies to the first quarter of the film, as Théo that fans of mystery novels will enjoy taking. reach the corporate headquarters in Raccoon (Geoffrey Couët) and Hugo (François Nam- Recommended. (F. Swietek) City—or the Hive, as it’s called—to confront bot) encounter one another amid gyrating its villainous CEO (Iain Glen). Alice is aided naked bodies in a Paris sex club and quickly Punching Henry HH1/2 by an artificial-intelligence program that has become very intimate. The sequence, howev- Well Go USA, 95 min., not the face of a young girl called the Red Queen er, is choreographed so artistically that it takes rated, Blu-ray: $29.99 (Ever Anderson, daughter of Paul and Milla, on a dreamlike tone, and the remainder of Musical comedy acts are making the movie a full family affair). The the film is romantic in a much more subdued a dime a dozen, although Final Chapter is loaded with frantic, garish manner. The story follows the two men as acoustic-guitar-hugging re- set pieces, but still manages to feel tired. they spend the night walking and bicycling al-life comedian Henry Phil- Palatable only to die-hard fans, this is not a through the city, telling each other about lips—the luckless star of filmmaker Gregori necessary purchase. (F. Swietek)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 24 JULY/AUGUST 2017

Suntan HHH an upscale brothel by scamming a European the undead—he kills strangers in order to Strand, 100 min., in Greek w/ Union development grant. And the ill-tem- secure the blood that he thinks he needs English subtitles, not rated, pered, impotent psychopath Begbie (Robert for food. Milo’s obsession frightens Sophie DVD: $27.99 Carlyle) has escaped from prison, determined (Chloe Levine), a girl who befriends Milo Suntan is hardly the first to wreak revenge. T2 is a bitterly cynical and even though he dismisses as unrealistic the movie about a fleshy, mid- somewhat redundant feeling film that also Twilight series, which she likes. Meanwhile, dle-aged man’s desperate at- works in some contemporary commentary his attempts to frame the gang members who traction to a much younger, on urban gentrification, noting the rise of harass him for crimes that he himself com- beautiful woman. But it is certainly among the populist movement that fueled Brexit. A mits ultimately dovetails with his conviction the most disturbing and explosive films on strong optional purchase. (S. Granger) that a vampire can only escape his condition that theme, with no redemptive lifeline (as in by circuitous means. The Transfiguration is a American Beauty) for the bewitched (and pa- Tommy’s Honour HH1/2 low-budget film, slow-moving and visually thetic) anti-hero. Seemingly repressed family Lionsgate, 110 min., PG, DVD: threadbare, but O’Shea’s gritty, naturalistic doctor Kostis (Makis Papadimitriou) arrives $19.98, July 18 approach makes its farfetched premise more on the Greek island of Antiparos in time to Filmmaker Jason Con- persuasive than you might expect, and the treat patients during the sunny tourist season. nery’s 19th-century drama young Ruffin delivers a quietly intense, un- He is assured by a local rake that women will about golf pioneers centers derstated performance. Likely to appeal more soon be his to conquer, but Kostis seems more on Tom Morris, known as to art house patrons than genre devotees, interested in shutting down his medical office Old Tom (Peter Mullan), and this should be considered a strong optional at 3 p.m. sharp every day and getting a meal his son, Young Tommy (Jack Lowden). Sup- purchase. (F. Swietek) at a nearby café. Everything about him is sub- porting his family of six, Old Tom works as a dued, and his habit of clubbing or drinking humble greens-keeper, caddy, and instructor Unforgettable HH in strict moderation makes him seem like a at Scotland’s renowned Royal and Ancient Warner, 100 min., R, DVD: paragon of virtue. But he’s actually a time- Golf Club of St. Andrews, where he’s known $28.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: bomb waiting to be activated, which occurs as a superb competitor and four-time winner $35.99, July 25 when he meets Anna (Ellie Tringou), a lovely of the British Open. So it’s not surprising that When David Connover and whip-smart sensualist in her early 20s. Young Tom makes his auspicious amateur (Geoff Stults) takes up with Traveling the island on a motor scooter with debut in 1868 at the age of 17. Rebelling Julia Banks (Rosario Daw- her fellow free spirits, Anna does what she against authority, which is epitomized by son) after his divorce from wants without inhibition. After treating her the United Kingdom’s stratified class divi- Tessa (Katherine Heigl), he has no idea what for a leg injury, Kostis falls in with her crowd sion, Young Tom is determined to become a kind of can of mean-spirited worms he’s about and becomes a tolerated mascot, showing up professional golfer instead of lugging clubs, to open. As this flimsy psycho-sexual thriller for the group’s youthful gambols on a nude teeing up balls, and catering to ill-mannered begins, battered Julia is being interrogated beach with cold beers in hand. After an im- aristocrats. “Your station in life was set before as the only suspect in the murder of her pulsive sexual encounter between Anna and you were born,” chides the club captain (Sam abusive ex-boyfriend, Michael Vargas (Simon Kostis, however, the latter becomes demand- Neill). Inspired by Kevin Cook’s titular 2007 Kassianides), who she once had a restraining ing and obsessive, inclined toward rage and nonfiction book, the film captures the rugged order against. Skip back six months to when danger. Co-writer and director Argyris Papad- magnificence of Scotland’s rustic links (which Julia left San Francisco to begin a new life imitropoulos’s Suntan is a fascinating study of form a stark contrast to today’s well-mani- in Southern California suburb with her psychological descent into monstrousness, cured courses). Challenging tradition with new fiancé David and his young daughter, set against a balmy, Eden-like environment. innovation, the Morrises embody the gener- Lily (Isabella Kai Rice). A former Wall Street Recommended. (T. Keogh) ational struggle between a dour, deferential hotshot, hunky David has just opened a bou- father and a willful, ambitious son, throwing tique microbrewery, but when icy, embittered T2 Trainspotting HH1/2 in additional conflict when Young Tom falls Tessa sees how happy David is with amiable Sony, 117 min., R, DVD: in love with a spunky older woman (Ophelia Julia, she is devastated. Her vulnerability $25.99, Blu-ray: $30.99 Lovibond) who has a scandalous past. Un- is heightened because she has never been In 1996, Scottish film- fortunately, neither Mullan nor Lowden are able to satisfy the expectations of her rigid, maker Danny Boyle cele- real-life golfers, although Connery tries hard perfectionist mother, Helen (Cheryl Ladd). brated sneering, rebellious, to disguise their ineptitude. A strong optional Julia doesn’t use Facebook, which is rather drug-drenched youth in purchase. (S. Granger) bizarre since she was an editor for an online Trainspotting. In Boyle’s se- literary publication in San Francisco, but quel, the Leith lads segue into middle age. The Transfiguration this omission leaves a portal open for Tessa Re-visiting the same characters 20 years later, HH1/2 to cyberstalk Julia, shrewdly creating a fake T2 recalls how Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) Strand, 97 min., not rated, FB profile and utilizing it to contact Julia’s ripped off his friends in a lucrative drug deal, DVD: $27.99, Aug. 8 ex, as her devious revenge plot takes shape. apparently taking the money and fleeing to Amid the current glut of “Everyone’s got a weird ex, but this Psycho Amsterdam, where he kicked his heroin habit vampire movies, writer-di- Barbie is something else,” warns Julia’s best and plunged into respectability, including rector Michael O’Shea’s The friend (Whitney Cummings). Suffering from a failed marriage. When Renton returns to Transfiguration brings an an implausibly convoluted script, longtime Edinburgh after his mother’s death, only unusual twist to the tired genre, although producer Denise Di Novi’s maiden directorial the sniveling junkie Spud (Ewen Bremner) his script obviously owes a bit of a debt to effort is actually fairly forgettable. Optional. welcomes him. Feigning friendship, Simon George Romero’s 1978 cult favorite Martin. (S. Granger) (Jonny Lee Miller)—aka Sick Boy—is still Milo (Eric Ruffin) is a shy African-American furious over Renton’s betrayal. Attempting to teen who is bullied by thugs in the Queens Utopians HHH atone for his sins, Renton tries to help Simon projects where he lives with his elder brother, Breaking Glass, 88 min., in Cantonese w/English and his Bulgarian prostitute partner (Anjela a sullen veteran. Milo finds refuge in vampire subtitles, not rated, DVD: $21.99 Nedyalkova) turn a decrepit family pub into lore, and—believing himself to be one of Hong Kong writer-director Danny Cheng

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 26 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Wan-Cheung—who goes a mockumentary. While not who is living in a nearby suburb with her by the professional name overtly funny, the film’s adoptive parents. Stalking overweight, alien- “Scud”—serves up a cele- high dramas surrounding ated Claire at the mall, Wilson watches her bration of pan-sexuality in the aging Japanese heavy being bullied by classmates and chooses this Utopians, which features lots metal rock/progressive band bizarre moment to introduce himself, not- of casual nudity and depic- X Japan are so operatic as ing: “I’m sure they picked on Copernicus… tions of various sexual activ- to border on satire. But X it’s a badge of honor.” Claire joins Wilson ities. In this coming-of-age Japan is very much for real, and Pippi for a disastrous weekend trip to tale, Hins (Adonis), a college as is the group’s long trail visit Pippi’s judgmental sister Polly (Cheryl student with a rigidly religious girlfriend, is of personal disaster over a 40-year history. Hines). Clumsily directed by Craig Johnson, disturbed by vivid, graphic dreams in which We Are X isn’t a concert movie, per se, but Wilson is memorable mostly for Harrelson’s male-on-male sex dominates (as in the film’s it does focus on events surrounding a string ineffable charm and multi-faceted perfor- garish opening—a hallucinatory episode with of recent shows (some in the U.S.), featuring mance. Optional. (S. Granger) a crucifixion motif). Ming (Jackie Chow), interviews with founding members that are one of Hins’s professors, introduces himself often confessional. If there is a star here, it’s A Woman, a Part HHH to his class as a homosexual, and offers up the group’s drummer, Yoshiki, whose relent- Strand, 98 min., not rated, provocative ideas about utopian sexuality, less speed-pounding on his kit over decades DVD: $24.99, July 11 adopting a laissez-faire attitude toward all now requires constant shots of cortisone for Middle-aged Anna forms of sexual expression. Hins and Ming pain and—no exaggeration—oxygen tanks (Maggie Siff) is a successful will eventually develop a relationship, but it on stage to revive him when he passes out TV star hitting a burnout will hardly be exclusive, incorporating bisex- from exertion. While Yoshiki talks about phase in her life, health, uality and group sex. Scud scatters allusions X Japan’s history and the evolution of his and career. Rejecting the to gay icons Yukio Mishima, Rainer Werner musicianship and songwriting style, it is his advice of her manager, Fassbinder, and Derek Jarman—to whom he backstory as an asthmatic kid who overcame she bolts from Hollywood to reconnect dedicates the film—throughout Utopians, childhood tragedy (his father died when Yo- with her roots in New York’s fringe theater which concludes with a melodramatic cri- shiki was a young boy) through music that is scene—not so much in search of an acting tique of a Hong Kong statute that criminalizes most compelling. So, too, is his lifelong mu- experience but to find her way back into the homosexual relations with anyone under sical partnership with X Japan vocalist Toshi, familiar fold of a friendship with onetime the age of 21. A well-made film with a strong a slightly weird figure who left the band for a collaborators Kate (Cara Seymour) and Isaac message of tolerance, this is recommended decade, a period in which he describes himself (John Ortiz). After 20 years, however, that is for more adventurous collections. (F. Swietek) as “brainwashed.” Other X Japan members easier said than done. Confronted with some who have come and gone and/or died are suspicion, lingering resentments from the eulogized here, adding to an overhanging HH1/2 past, and desperation (neither Kate nor Isaac Violet sense of doom. But what’s also clear is the Altered Innocence, 83 min., in are doing well financially or professionally), Flemish & Dutch w/English passion felt by fans—old and new—and even Anna goes on a bumpy journey of reconcilia- subtitles, not rated, DVD: if there isn’t a complete song performed here, tion with the one-time allies she left behind, $21.99, Blu-ray: $24.99, July it’s easy to see why X Japan still excites the and in the process discovers more about 11 crowds. Recommended. (T. Keogh) her own motivations and the limitations of Flemish filmmaker Bas being an artist in an industry that doesn’t Devos’s laconic and often Wilson HH value women of a certain age. Directed by inscrutable Belgian-Dutch Fox, 94 min., R, DVD: $29.99, Elisabeth Subrin, A Woman, a Part could drama Violet is a highly mannered work that Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.99 have easily been numbingly insular, but relies heavily on portentous visuals and min- Based on Daniel Clow- there is a distinct melancholy here that feels imal dialogue. Buried in the blur is the story es’s 2010 graphic novel, universal, centering on the reckoning of of a 15-year-old boy named Jesse (Cesar De this dark comedy revolves old and new ambitions with the narrowing Sutter) who witnesses the murder of a friend around an eccentric, mid- window of age. Recommended. (T. Keogh) and does nothing to step in and save him. dle-aged misanthrope who Viewers mostly experience this action from lives in a shabby apartment with Pepper, his Worlds Apart HHH the emotional distance of several security engaging wire fox terrier. Wilson (Woody Cinema Libre, 115 min., in cameras, and the film’s half-dream aesthetic Harrelson) is prone to befriend and then English & Greek w/English continues as the young anti-hero deals with brusquely criticize strangers when man subtitles, not rated, DVD: the parents and friends of his fallen chum, and dog are out for a walk. After his father $24.99 as well as the ambivalent support of his own dies and his only friend moves away, iras- Somewhat like Babel, parents. When people speak here—a relative- cible Wilson—who is far too forthright and the triptych film Worlds ly rare occurrence—the film becomes much honest—makes a half-hearted attempt to Apart by writer-director more interesting and accessible, but the au- socialize, mentioning to a lonely compan- Christopher Papakaliatis dience is largely left to try to glean the inner ion (Margo Martindale) that he misses his seems to be made up of discrete, unrelated lives of characters through the precious and ex-wife Pippi (Laura Dern), who left him 17 stories with disparate characters—until often distorting lens of Devos’s self-conscious years ago. Leaving Pepper with a sweet-na- interconnecting threads begin to appear. (albeit often visually striking) artistry. A tured dog-sitter (Judy Greer), he re-connects The first third of the film, which is set in strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh) with Pippi, who has conquered her crack Athens against a backdrop of contemporary addiction and is now working as a waitress. problems including a dissolving middle class We Are X HHH Warily, she informs Wilson that the baby he and resentment towards Syrian refugees, Magnolia, 95 min., R, DVD: $26.99, Blu-ray: thought she aborted was actually given up concerns a sweet romance between a young $29.99 for adoption, and is now a teenager. After Syrian immigrant (Tawfeek Barhom) and a A naïve viewer could be forgiven for won- some sleuthing, Wilson and Pippi track local Greek girl (Niki Vakali) he rescues from dering if this rock documentary is not, in fact, down 17-year-old Claire (Isabella Amara), an assault. Also in the mix—for reasons that

JULY/AUGUST 2017 27 VIDEO LIBRARIAN will become clear over time—is a middle-age a painting, and only brief glimpses of the vigilante expressing his rage over Greece’s Classic Films vast ocean and waves crashing on the rocky economic collapse by bashing refugees in shore show the “real” world). Apart from the the dark, and mounting raids with fellow 36 Hours HHH English narration, the dialogue is entirely fascists on gathering spots for Syrians. The Warner, 115 min., not rated, in Japanese with no subtitles, although the second story stars Papakaliatis himself as a DVD: $17.99, Blu-ray: $21.99 drama is clear from the commentary and department manager in a big corporation Psychological warfare gets imagery. Anatahan feels emotionally muted going through extreme downsizing. As his a twist in this 1965 World and directed at a remove, like a remembrance character watches colleagues dissolve into War II-espionage mind- of a survivor suffused in regret, and Sternberg fear and even suicidal despair after being game drama starring James cited it as his favorite film. The 1958 direc- laid off, he embarks on a chilly extramarital Garner as Maj. Jefferson tor’s cut debuts here in a new 2K restoration affair with the Swedish executive (Andrea Pike, an Allied intelligence officer with top edition, with extras including the original Osvárt) making all of those cuts. The final secret D-Day plans, who is kidnapped by the 1953 version, a “making-of” featurette with tale is of a German scholar (J.K. Simmons) Nazis and dropped into an elaborate scheme. the director’s son Nicholas von Sternberg, a who develops a friendship and romance Rod Taylor costars as Maj. Walter Gerber, an visual essay by film historian Tag Gallagher, with an unfulfilled wife and mother (Maria American-born German patriot who master- a comparison of the 1953 and 1958 cuts, ar- Kavoyianni) yearning for a second chance. minds the psy-ops ploy to convince Pike that chival footage, and outtakes. Recommended. As these narratives gradually roll into one, the war is over and that he’s in a mental hospi- (S. Axmaker) the film transcends its structural gimmick tal in U.S.-occupied Germany with amnesia. to capture the ripples of Greece’s national Gerber plays his “best friend” and therapist in The Assassin HHH crisis, which are felt in everything from the an elaborate piece of living theater, trying to Arrow, 97 min., in Italian w/ high price of cherry tomatoes to outright extract the D-Day plans as a mental exercise English subtitles, not rated, Blu- inhumanity. Recommended. (T. Keogh) in Pike’s rehabilitation. Eva Marie Saint is a ray/DVD Combo: $39.99 concentration camp prisoner who is offered Marcello Mastroianni The Zookeeper’s Wife freedom in exchange for playing a role in the stars as Alfredo Martelli, HH1/2 ploy. Director George Seaton adapts the script an unscrupulous antiques Universal, 126 min., PG-13, from Roald Dahl’s 1944 short story “Beware dealer and opportunist who is hauled into DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD of the Dog,” although the premise is better the police station for questioning but not told Combo: $34.98, July 4 than the dramatic execution. Still, Garner what crime he’s suspected of committing. Based on Diane Ack- gets the opportunity to shift from his familiar As he’s asked about his life and recent move- erman’s titular haunting affable, easygoing persona to play a desperate ments, flashbacks sketch in Martelli’s rather 2007 nonfiction book,The hero who risks his life to protect the invasion loose moral code in business and romance: Zookeeper’s Wife begins on a beautiful day plans. Fans of 1960s TV will recognize John his business was staked by Adalgisa de Matteis in 1939 at Poland’s Warsaw Zoo, where Banner (who was the bumbling Sgt. Schultz (Micheline Presle)—an older lover—but he Antonina Zabinska (Jessica Chastain) helps in Hogan’s Heroes) and Alan Napier (Alfred in is now engaged to a much younger (and not her husband Jan (Johan Heldenbergh) the 1960s Batman TV series). An entertaining too bright) woman (Cristina Gaioni). After tend the animals, resuscitating a newborn thriller, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker) Martelli finally learns that Adalgisa is dead elephant calf who cannot breathe. Sud- and that he is actually the prime suspect, the denly, German aircraft appear overhead Anatahan HHH police pull out all of the stops to produce a and bombs reign down, killing many of Kino Lorber, 91 min., in English confession. Co-written and directed by Elio the terrified beasts, while others escape & Japanese, not rated, DVD: Petri, the first act ofThe Assassin (1961) mir- to roam the city’s streets. Led by Berlin’s $29.95, Blu-ray: $34.99 rors Kafka’s The Trial by way of a cop drama, chief zoologist—sinister Lutz Heck (Dan- Inspired by the true story with a suspect kept off balance, but then it iel Brühl)—the Nazis commandeer the of Japanese sailors stranded shifts into a kind of cat-and-mouse game grounds, saving only “prize specimens” on a deserted island during between charming cad Martelli and Com- for selective breeding, while savagely World War II, Anatahan missario Palumbo (Salvo Randone), the lead slaughtering the rest. Meanwhile, within (1953) was the final film completed by Amer- detective who is convinced that the slippery, the city, the Jewish population is herded ican émigré filmmaker Josef von Sternberg. insincere Martelli is a con-man and a murder- into a ghetto, locked behind barbed wire The story takes place almost entirely on er—a conviction based on his gut and a little to starve or, later, be loaded onto boxcars Anatahan, a former plantation island in circumstantial evidence. A handsome, smart, and sent to concentration camps. Appalled the South Pacific where the 12 Japanese and witty satire of cop dramas, anchored by a at the brutality, Antonina and Jan hatch survivors of a shipwreck discover a couple characteristically charismatic performance by a defiant plan: since the German soldiers who stayed behind when the island was Mastroianni, The Assassin is remastered from love pork, they’ll turn the zoo into a pig evacuated. “We were to be here for seven a new 4K restoration for this Blu-ray/DVD farm, feeding the animals the Jews’ garbage. long years,” reports the narrator (Sternberg Combo set, which features extras including While Antonina cares for their dwindling himself), and as they await their rescue, their an introduction by critic Pasquale Iannone, menagerie, Jan drives his truck into the discipline breaks down, as desire for Keiko a documentary on co-screenwriter Tonino ghetto, hiding Jews by covering them with (Akemi Negishi)—the lone woman in this Guerra, and a booklet. Recommended. refuse and smuggling them into his human society of men—makes them aggressive and (S. Axmaker) sanctuary until the Resistance is able to leads to murder. After years of compromised transport them to safety. While Chastain productions, Sternberg had complete control Behind the Door HHH radiates beatific compassion, Angela Work- over Anatahan, which is based on a novel by Flicker Alley, 70 min., not rated, Blu-ray/DVD man’s perfunctory script is a flaccid, almost Michiro Maruyama (translated and published Combo: $39.99 antiseptic adaption, although the film is in English in 1954), and shot entirely in a This recently reconstructed and restored sensitively helmed by New Zealand director film studio in Kyoto, Japan, where Sternberg 1919 World War I drama has a well-earned Niki Caro (Whale Rider). A strong optional recreated the tropical island jungle as an arti- notorious reputation. Hobart Bosworth purchase. (S. Granger) ficial set (long shots of the island are actually plays Captain Krug, an American seaman

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 28 JULY/AUGUST 2017 of German ancestry who bosses. Dead or Alive: Final (2002) leaps 300 fellow New Wave filmmak- left the sea for the love of a years ahead into a dystopian Blade Runner-es- ers Jean-Luc Godard, Claude woman—a banker’s daugh- que future where Aikawa plays a genetically Chabrol, and Eric Rohmer, ter named Alice (Jane No- engineered soldier who joins the rebellion but his career was just as re- vak)—but he enlists when against a maniacal mayor and Takeuchi is a silient and interesting. The war is declared. Alice stows tough militia cop (their climactic collision is three films in this collec- aboard his ship, which is unlike any action film clash you’ve ever seen). tion, never before released torpedoed by a German The Dead or Alive films make no logical nar- on home video in the U.S., submarine, after which she is taken prisoner rative sense but explode onscreen in bizarre present Rivette at his most idiosyncratic, with while Krug vows to take revenge on the sa- flights of audacity that cemented Miike’s the first two being examples of the director’s distic commander (Wallace Beery) who leaves reputation as a cult filmmaker. Presented in a love of fabulism—creating worlds of myth him to drown. The film both confronts the Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, extras include audio and fantasy within a familiar material world. anti-German sentiment in America during commentary by Miike biographer Tom Mes, Noroît (1976), starring Geraldine Chaplin as the war in its portrait of Krug as a brave and archival and new cast and crew interviews, a woman on a mission of vengeance against committed American and it embraces the and archival behind-the-scenes featurettes. a vicious pirate queen (Bernadette Lafont), stereotype of the bloodthirsty German “Hun” Recommended. (S. Axmaker) is a Jacobean drama that reworks the early with Beery’s U-boat captain, who preys upon 17th-century play The Revenger’s Tragedy into the helpless Alice, tossing her to his sex- The Handmaid’s Tale a femme-centric pirate movie. Duelle (1976) starved men to be raped and murdered. Krug HH1/2 begins as a murder mystery about a hotel clerk eventually takes his vengeance offscreen, Shout! Factory, 109 min., R, (Hermine Karagheuz) searching for a missing but the intertitles leave no doubt about the Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.99 man and ends up as a battle between two transgressive nature of his revenge: “I told This 1990 screen adapta- capricious gods (a Sun spirit played by Bulle him if I ever caught him I’d skin him alive. tion of Margaret Atwood’s Ogier and an earthier Moon spirit played by But he died before I finished.” A minor classic dystopian novel stars Nata- Juliet Berto) searching for a magical stone. with a brutal edge, Behind the Door features a sha Richardson as Kate, a wife and mother Both are odd films in which figuring out the vivid performance by Bosworth as a stalwart living in a dystopian future where most stories and the motivations are part of the hero driven to violence, and strong direction women have been rendered infertile under mystery. Rivette made two more films before by filmmaker Irvin Willat. This Blu-ray/DVD a theocratic dictatorship. Fertile women are he suffered from nervous exhaustion and Combo set presents the new restoration held captive, indoctrinated with a twisted re- took a break, returning with Merry-Go-Round (with missing footage reconstructed using ligion, and made to bear the children of pow- (1981), which reworked ideas from the earlier film stills) along with an alternate, re-edited erful men while becoming servants to their films into a modern mystery of conspiracies, Russian version—both with a lovely score infertile wives. After Kate is separated from secrets, and a scavenger hunt of sorts, with by Stephen Horne—and extras that include her daughter, she is assigned to a powerful Maria Schneider and Joe Dallesandro sent an interview with silent film historian Kevin military commander (Robert Duvall) whose scurrying after clues to a dead man and Brownlow, a restoration featurette, outtakes, wife (Faye Dunaway) is wary of her husband’s the fortune he left behind. These surreal, a gallery of stills and artwork, and a booklet attraction to young handmaids. Aiden Quinn enigmatic films are minor Rivette, of interest with photos and essays. Recommended. costars as the groundskeeper and chauffeur, largely to aficionados, but they receive red (S. Axmaker) a wily character who seduces Kate and intro- carpet treatment here with new restorations duces her to the rebellion. The Handmaid’s and extras that include interviews with Dead or Alive Trilogy Tale is more metaphorical than realistic, a film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, Rivette, HHH caricature of a modern Fascist takeover (the and actors, as well as a book with writings Arrow, 291 min., in Japanese fictional country is called Gilead) that also on the films. A strong optional purchase. w/English subtitles, not rated, serves up a commentary on the oppression of (S. Axmaker) DVD: 3 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: women by a hypocritical patriarchy. Women 2 discs, $49.99 are officially considered sacred vessels of life Ludwig HH1/2 The titular gonzo gang- but treated like sexual objects and property, Arrow, 4 discs, 257 min., in ster trilogy from Takashi Miike, Japan’s and the men revel in the decadence that Italian & English w/English master of action movie madness, is remas- they ban. Playwright Harold Pinter wrote subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/ tered for this complete collection. In the the script, while Volker Schlöndorff directs, DVD Combo: $49.99 original Dead or Alive (1999), Miike whips giving the film an emotionally cool quality Helmut Berger stars as the usual tired yakuza clichés into a brutal, and a color scheme drained of bright colors 19th-century King Ludwig bloody meringue, as a small-time hood (Riki except for the scarlet robes of the handmaids, II, the notorious “mad king” Takeuchi)—a sneering tough in black leather but this is ultimately more of an intellectual of Bavaria, in Luchino Visconti’s melancholy and a retro pompadour—tries to muscle in exercise than a dynamic drama. Ironically, 1973 study of madness and decadence. Ludwig on the Tokyo heroin trade while a morally the fact that this landmark feminist novel is an epic production, following the life of the bankrupt cop (Sho Aikawa) takes him on. was brought to the screen by men may ex- king who was crowned in 1864 at the age of The furious opening montage could be its plain the passionless production. Debuting 19 and then isolated himself from the world own film—with mob hits, heists, strip shows, on Blu-ray to coincide with the acclaimed as he focused interest on the arts—including a sodomy assassination, and the gut-busting new TV adaptation aired on Hulu, this is a a sponsorship of composer Richard Wagner murder of a noodle-gobbling thug—and strong optional purchase, particularly given (Trevor Howard) that ends in scandal—and the finale boasts apocalyptic dimensions. the increased interest in Atwood’s novel since built castles while withdrawing into his fan- Takeuchi and Aikawa return as different Trump’s election. (S. Axmaker) tasy fairy-tale kingdom during his decline. At characters in the two sequels. In Dead or Alive the same time, he essentially ignored matters 2: Birds (2000), Aikawa plays a mob assassin The Jacques Rivette Collection HH1/2 of state, which finally drove the government who discovers that his rival (Takeuchi) is his Arrow, 6 discs, 415 min., in French w/English to call a tribunal and have him deposed as childhood best buddy, after which the pair subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $99.95 mentally unfit. Romy Schneider costars as team up to take on their former gangster Jacques Rivette is less well known than his his cousin, who psychologically leverages

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 30 JULY/AUGUST 2017

Ludwig’s attraction to her. Ludwig is not a from a story by Tennessee The “claw monsters” are actually common traditional historical epic; Visconti favors Williams focuses on the crustaceans, turned into giants by a local intimate scenes that reveal the troubled na- Barlows, a clan of mod- evil scientist to scare intruders away from ture of his main character over big set pieces ern-day migrant workers a diamond mine. The scientist’s henchmen marking historical turning points, and he who follow a longstanding fight running battles with the good guys, structures the film in long, often dreamlike annual routine of picking amid interpolations of loads of stock footage flashbacks. A lavish production, this is the and packaging produce, and Jungle Girl clips. Trick scenes of crawfish third film in Visconti’s unofficial “German traveling in caravans from filmed in close-up amidst dollhouse-sized trilogy” (following The Damned and Death in the South to the North. Son Lyle (Ron How- props aren’t the best serial f/x, but they’re Venice), and running at nearly four hours it ard) scrimps and saves in order to buy the not the worst either; much the same could be is sometimes lugubrious and self-indulgent, family out of their running debts to their said for the characterizations of the “African” but always beautiful. Winner of the David straw boss. But while near Cincinnati, Lyle natives who are friend and foe alike to the di Donatello Awards (Italy’s equivalent to meets a town girl (Howard’s own American Panther Girl. The innocent, naïve charm here the Oscar) for Best Film and Best Director, Graffiti costar Cindy Williams) who inspires partially compensates for the weak/clunky Ludwig makes its high-def debut in this Blu- the boy to try striking out on his own, break- plot and budget-minded antics. A strong ray/DVD Combo set that features both the ing the cycle that seems to keep him trapped optional purchase. (C. Cassady) 235-minute director’s cut and a longer five- in rootlessness and poverty. Cloris Leachman part TV version, along with extras including and Ed Lauter are the Barlow parents, while Property Is No Longer a archival documentaries, new and archival Sissy Spacek plays their daughter. Directed by Theft HHH cast and crew interviews, and a booklet. A Tom Gries, The Migrants is a classic TV movie, Arrow, 126 min., in Italian w/ strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) one that will be a revelation for viewers who English subtitles, not rated, Blu- only associate Howard with Happy Days or as ray/DVD Combo: $39.99 Marjorie Morningstar a director of Hollywood blockbusters. Highly Elio Petri spent his career HH1/2 recommended. (C. Cassady) making smart and witty Kino Lorber, 128 min., not films that engaged with the social and polit- rated, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: The Optimists HHH ical issues of his day and featured a satirical $29.95 Kino Lorber, 110 min., PG, edge. Property Is No Longer a Theft (1973) is Based on the famous 1955 DVD: $14.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 one of Petri’s most aggressive commentaries novel by Herman Wouk, This loosely plotted 1973 on capitalism, privilege, and power in 1970s this occasionally stirring feature film from director Italy, told through a comic revenge tale. 1958 melodrama is worth viewing for the Anthony Simmons—adapt- When Total (Flavio Bucci), a bank clerk who engrossing performances of its central players ing his own 1964 novel The is allergic to paper money, is refused a loan alone. Marjorie Morgenstern (Natalie Wood) Optimists of Nine Elms—fea- because he has no collateral, he quits his job is the 18-year-old daughter of a prosperous tures comic actor Peter Sellers as Sam, who and declares war on the Butcher (Ugo Tognaz- Jewish family living in Manhattan’s Upper was once a headlining comic entertainer in zi)—the bank’s star customer—by robbing his West Side whose intelligence and worldly the vanished London music-hall scene. Now, personal items: a knife, his mistress’s jewelry, desires keep her from settling down with the Sam ekes out a living as a street musician. and his mistress (Daria Nicolodi) herself. “I’m affluent boy her parents have arranged for her Two Cockney children (Donna Mullane and a Mandrakian Marxist,” he proclaims. “I only to marry. Instead, Marjorie has an affair with John Chaffey) befriend the curmudgeonly steal what I need.” The Butcher uses the thefts older composer Noel Airman (Gene Kelly) showman and plan to give Sam’s ailing old to cover insurance fraud but then realizes during her stint as a dramatic counselor at a dog a fitting burial in the landmark Victori- that his empire of illegal businesses could be summer camp. Their love is as rocky as it is an-era pet cemetery that is tucked into Hyde exposed if the police catch the robber. There fiery, with the requisite push/pull dynamic Park (the film has many London sights that is no attempt at realism here: the Butcher’s occurring like clockwork between the aim- most tourists never see). Oliver composer shop has the sleek glamour of a jewelry store, less Noel, who sees himself as a failure for Lionel Bart contributed the songs and music an anti-theft exhibition features devices out being unable to stage his pet musical, and for this bittersweet, working-class sleeper, in of a James Bond movie, Total looks through the determined Marjorie, who is attempting which Sellers avoids Inspector Clouseau–like police mug shots to recruit a seasoned thief to recognize her own worth as an actress pratfalls and slapstick in favor of comedy for his latest plan, and in between sequences while simultaneously trying to rehabilitate with a more delicate appeal. Recommended. the characters address the camera for brief, her damaged lover and navigate the turgid (C. Cassady) often comic commentaries on socioeconom- waters of sex and domesticity in the modern ics. Remastered from a new 4K restoration for age. Although the narrative doesn’t offer Panther Girl of the this Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, extras include much in the way of surprise, Wood and Kelly Kongo HH1/2 new interviews with Bucci, producer Claudio are both captivating, with Wood bringing Olive, 168 min., not rated, Mancini, and makeup artist Pierantonio Me- warmth to a character that can come across DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 cacci. Likely to appeal to fans of offbeat and as the archetype of the blessed chaste virgin, One of the very last of brainy foreign cinema, this is recommended. and Kelly shining in a number of scenes that the storied Republic Pictures (S. Axmaker) show him as a pitiful lost soul underneath all cliffhanger serials, Panther of the superficial charm. And Max Steiner’s Girl of the Kongo debuted Ride the High Country lush theme music has the power to move the in 1955 as a loose follow-up to the same HHH1/2 viewer even when the film itself does not. A studio’s 1941 Edgar Rice Burroughs adapta- Warner, 94 min., not rated, strong optional purchase. (J. Cruz) tion Jungle Girl. The title character is a leggy Blu-ray: $21.99 buckskin-clad adventuress (Phyllis Coates, Filmmaker Sam Peck- The Migrants HHH1/2 whose stunt double does some impressive inpah’s 1962 second fea- Kino Lorber, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99 acrobatic vine-swinging) who is determined ture (and first unqualified A quality CBS-TV movie, this Emmy-win- to get on film the “devil beasts” that are masterpiece) is a laconic tale about the end ning 1974 drama scripted by Lanford Wilson suddenly terrorizing her section of Africa. of the frontier that both celebrates and de-

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 32 JULY/AUGUST 2017 NEW RELEASES FROM THE CRITERION COLLECTION

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AVAILABLE AT WWW.CRITERION.COM Visit www.baker-taylor.com/criterioncollection for the complete Criterion Collection. 8 BOLD INDIE RELEASES powerful documentary and narrative films award-winning new and international movies

DVDs available through Ingram Entertainment, Midwest Tapes, Amazon, and wherever fine films are sold. PPR/DSL & non-theatrical licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners– soundviewmediapartners.com Find additional indie titles and more at INDIEPIXFILMS.com #supportindiefilm @indiepixfilms Background stills are from the film ROARING ABYSS. Cover art as shown may vary on actual product. 8 BOLD INDIE RELEASES powerful documentary and narrative films award-winning new and international movies

DVDs available through Ingram Entertainment, Midwest Tapes, Amazon, and wherever fine films are sold. PPR/DSL & non-theatrical licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners– soundviewmediapartners.com Find additional indie titles and more at INDIEPIXFILMS.com #supportindiefilm @indiepixfilms Background stills are from the film ROARING ABYSS. Cover art as shown may vary on actual product. constructs the romantic view of Old West world.” Newly remastered for its high-def the rumble of an elevated train. The film’s nobility and heroism. Peckinpah casts two debut (and clearly superior to earlier DVD attitude and style are set during an exhila- veteran hands of the genre—Randolph Scott editions), extras include audio commentary rating opening sequence that is edited to a and Joel McCrea—as longtime friends and by film historian Imogen Sara Smith. A strong driving rock and roll beat. The plot is simple lawmen in their sunset years at the turn of optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) and the characters are archetypes—the sullen the 20th century. McCrea is former marshal loner hero, the smart-talking sidekick (Amy and straight shooter Steve Judd, who just Story of Sin HH Madigan, in a role originally written for a wants to complete one last job—transport- Arrow, 130 min., in Polish w/ man), the glamorous heroine with the look ing and guarding a shipment of gold from a English subtitles, not rated, Blu- of a femme fatale and the tough assurance of mountain mine to the company office. And ray/DVD Combo: $39.99 a survivor, the smiling villain who makes the Scott is Gil Westrum, now reduced to playing Set in turn-of-the-20th- fight personal—but Hill makes the familiar a sharpshooter in a sideshow, who signs on as century Warsaw, this sexy tropes interesting by creatively mixing genres Judd’s backup but schemes to steal the gold 1975 drama by anima- and stirring in a soundtrack of rock songs and for himself. Mariette Hartley costars and tor-turned-erotic-filmmaker Walerian Borow- a guitar-based score by Ry Cooder. Bowing on Peckinpah fills the supporting cast with ac- czyk—adapted from a novel by Polish author Blu-ray in a newly remastered edition, extras tors who would go on to become his familiar Stefan Zeromski—follows Ewa (Grazyna include behind-the-scenes documentaries stock company, including R.G. Armstrong, Dlugolecka), a beautiful and religious young and featurettes, music videos, and a stills L.Q. Jones, and Warren Oates. Ride the High virgin who gives in to carnal temptation gallery. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) Country has a hard edge but none of the sav- when a handsome young boarder (Jerzy age violence that would define the director’s Zelnik) moves into her parents’ home. While Theatre of Mr. & Mrs. later films, and the finale anticipatesThe Wild he’s trying to obtain a divorce from his wife Kabal HHH Bunch—albeit in a more old-school vein— back in Italy, he introduces Ewa to the joy of Olive, 78 min., in French w/ with the tired elders standing up to a scruffy sex and they embark on a passionate affair. English subtitles, not rated, gang one last time to give themselves a shot at Ending up pregnant, Ewa follows her lover DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 redemption. This role marked the end of the back to Italy, where she finds that he has Polish-born Walerian trail for Scott, who retired, and it was the final moved on, after which she falls into ques- Borowczyk may be best leading turn for McCrea. A lovely Western tionable company as she plots her vengeance. known for his erotic (some that is also an American classic, Ride the High Although less sexually explicit than Borow- would say pornographic) live-action movies Country makes its Blu-ray debut, remastered czyk’s more notorious films (such asThe Beast, (such as The Beast) made between 1968 and from a gorgeous new 2K scan, with extras made the same year), Story of Sin does feature his death in 2006. From the mid-1950s to including audio commentary by a handful copious nudity and erotic imagery set against the late ‘60s, however, Borowczyk’s specialty of Peckinpah biographers/documentarians, a ravishing backdrop of period elegance, shot was animation, culminating in this 1967 and a behind-the-scenes featurette. Highly in a languid manner that sometimes drags feature-length oddity featuring a series of recommended. (S. Axmaker) while contrasting with Ewa’s spiral into surrealistic vignettes representing a day in degradation. The film also satirizes piety and the life of the title couple. The cut-out and The Scar HH1/2 morality as the innocent Ewa is seduced and hand-drawn segments are occasionally mixed Kino Lorber, 72 min., not rated, betrayed by a series of men and is forced to with filmed scenes, including an opening DVD: $14.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 turn mercenary and opportunistic in order gag in which Borowczyk himself appears in Originally released under to survive. A minor cult film,Story of Sin is person to plead with Mrs. Kabal to act natural. the title Hollow Triumph, presented here in a newly remastered Blu-ray/ That in itself is a joke, since she is actually a this 1948 film noir plays on DVD Combo release, with extras including mechanical construct who, after choosing the theme of doubles with an introduction by poster designer Andrzej her own head, communicates in beeps and romantic European émigré Klimowski, three newly restored animated gurgles that require subtitles to decipher. In Paul Henreid starring in two roles: as criminal shorts by Borowczyk, new interviews with stilted black-and-white drawings she lords it mastermind John Muller, a medical school Dlugolecka and others, and a booklet. Not a over a mute, pipsqueak husband who spends dropout who exits prison with a scheme necessary purchase. (S. Axmaker) much of his time peering through binoculars to rob a casino owned by a vindictive mob at beautiful women (filmed in live-action), boss, and as Dr. Bartok, a chilly psychiatrist Streets of Fire HHH only to have his enjoyment ruined by a who is Muller’s exact double except for the Shout! Factory, 2 discs, 93 surly bearded man who bursts into every jagged scar running down Bartok’s cheek. min., PG, Blu-ray: $34.99 scene. Nevertheless, Mr. Kabal is a devoted The heist inevitably goes bad and Muller A self-described “rock and mate: in one scene he shrinks himself to goes into hiding, hatching a plan to kill the roll fable” from “another enter his wife’s metal body when she falls doctor and put his medical training to use time, another place,” Walter ill from eating butterflies (after he watches a by taking over the doc’s identity—complete Hill’s 1984 Streets of Fire is a live-action documentary about the internal with a scar carved into his cheek. Henreid mix of Western, motorcycle workings of the human body as preparation). produced this independent production and movie, and film noir done up in comic book A dark, bizarre take on married life, Theatre of worked closely with Hungarian-born director style. Michael Paré plays soldier of fortune Mr. & Mrs. Kabal will definitely not appeal to Steve Sekely on the tone and style. The Scar hero Tom Cody, who rides with a small posse everyone, but those interested in the history is a low-budget film noir that has a couple into the lawless territory of a biker gang led of animation will find it fascinating. Recom- of clever twists, some marvelous nocturnal by the villainous Raven (Willem Dafoe) in mended. (F. Swietek) Los Angeles locations shot by the great noir order to rescue a kidnapped rock star (Diane stylist John Alton, and a confident Joan Lane), who was once his lover. Rick Moranis The Valley of Gwangi HH1/2 Bennett in a supporting role as a savvy single costars as the sneering manager who clashes Warner, 95 min., G, Blu-ray: $21.99 woman who has no illusions about dating the with Tom over the woman they both love. It’s cowboys vs. dinosaurs in this entertain- seductive but shady Muller. It’s an enjoyable Streets of Fire plays out in a fantasy version ing 1969 adventure tale from producer and but minor film noir that spawned one of the of a 1950s city, an urban neighborhood of special effects legend Ray Harryhausen. The greatest lines in the genre: “It’s a bitter little diners and brick storefronts gathered under basic premise here combines elements of The

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 36 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Lost World and King Kong, rarely seen segment in which the villagers’ decides that her marriage is more important. with a prehistoric realm torches are boldly hand-colored in fiery hues. While this decision might disappoint some preserved in a hidden valley Extras include audio commentary by film modern viewers, Tess’s triumphant return in the American southwest historian Sam Sherman, and a featurette with does feature one of cinema’s great comic desert at the turn of the Douglas’s eldest son, Gregory Hesselberg. A sequences as Tess—a virtual illiterate in the 20th century. James Fran- strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) kitchen—tries to make breakfast for Sam, ciscus stars as a charismatic with disastrously funny results. Hepburn entrepreneur who comes to The Wheeler Dealers was nominated for Best Actress, and Ring a failing Wild West show with the intent to HH1/2 Lardner, Jr. picked up an Oscar for his witty poach talent and is accused of stealing their Warner, 105 min., not rated, and biting script. Making its high-def debut new attraction—a tiny prehistoric horse DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $21.99 in a handsome Criterion Collection edition, thought long extinct—which was actually James Garner is perfectly extras include George Stevens, Jr.’s (the direc- abducted by gypsies who wanted to return cast as Texas oilman Henry tor’s son) 1984 documentary George Stevens: it to a secret region. The missing horse is Tyroon, who heads to New A Filmmaker’s Journey, the 1986 documentary tracked back to this land that time forgot, York City to raise money The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine and a fierce allosaurus (called a Gwangi by the when his newly-drilled wells all come up dry, Hepburn, new and archival interviews, and gypsies) is captured as the new star attraction. and Lee Remick costars as Molly Thatcher, an essay by film critic Stephanie Zacharek. Harryhausen’s creature animation is blended an aspiring stockbroker trying to chip away Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. beautifully with the live-action cowboys on at the glass ceiling in an all-male firm, in di- (R. Pitman) horseback as they try to lasso the titular lizard rector Arthur Hiller’s 1963 romantic comedy in an impressive sequence, topped only by the about a savvy good old boy courting Wall World Without End HH inevitable escape from its cage during the big Street and New York high society. Henry is Warner, 80 min., not rated, show. It’s a simple story that features typical close to being a con-man, but he’s less inter- Blu-ray: $21.99 Hollywood degrading clichés of gypsy char- ested in money than in putting together deals A team of four astronauts acters. But the visuals dazzle, Franciscus is a in which everyone makes a profit. Henry is on a mission to Mars los- magnetic leading man, the score by Jerome also very much taken with Molly, a modern es contact with Earth and Moross is grand, and the sight of cowboys woman with a frank attitude toward sex (the crash lands on a mystery battling a dinosaur is irresistible. Although films plays like a Doris Day/Rock Hudson planet. “We could be any- not one of Harryhausen’s most famous films, 1960s sex comedy with a Texas drawl). Henry where,” confesses their navigator, but the it is a fun minor cult classic. Bowing on Blu- shows the bigwigs that he’s no rube as he cuts discovery of gravestones confirms what the ray with extras including a behind-the-scenes through the hype with appropriately folksy familiar scrub wilderness of Southern Califor- featurette, this is a strong optional purchase. aphorisms, which turns out to be a put-on of nia hints at: this is Earth, hundreds of years (S. Axmaker) its own kind. For a film that at least pretends in the future. The group are attacked by brut- to confront women’s rights and equanimity ish, one-eyed cavemen in animal skins and The Vampire Bat HH1/2 in the workplace, The Wheeler Dealers cer- by giant spiders (charmingly cheesy rubber Film Detective, 63 min., not tainly falls back on sexist assumptions and puppets) mutated from a nuclear war, and rated, DVD: $12.99, Blu-ray: they find the civilized but timid remnants $19.99 romantic clichés. But it is also entertaining, thanks to Garner’s grinning charm, Remick’s of humankind living underground. This dy- Frank R. Strayer’s 1933 modernity, and a supporting cast of comic ing society is populated by beautiful young film features a bewildering actors that include Jim Backus as a Wall women clad in revealing outfits (designed by mixture of horror, mystery Street boss, Louis Nye as a bohemian artist, pin-up artist Alberto Vargas) and impotent, and low comedy. The setting is a small John Astin as a financial prosecutor, and frail men, which creates sparks between the German village where a series of murders Phil Harris, Chill Wills, and Pat Harrington women and the virile astronauts (especially have taken place involving vampire-type Jr. as a trio of Texas investors who try to play Hugh Marlowe and Rod Taylor, who doffs punctures on the neck and the draining of cupid for Henry. A strong optional purchase. his shirt for a little beefcake). Although victims’ blood. The superstitious villagers (S. Axmaker) Allied Artists produced this 1956 film in suspect that a local half-wit with a fondness CinemaScope and Technicolor, it’s basically for bats is the culprit, but the real villain is a low-budget feature with cheap and recycled not that difficult to unmask. After all, when Woman of the Year special effects, purely functional direction by you have Lionel Atwill playing a mad sci- HHHH B-movie veteran Edward Bernds, and a plot entist, it quickly becomes obvious that his Criterion, 114 min., not rated, that shamelessly lifts ideas from H.G. Wells’s laboratory is not being used for therapeutic DVD: 2 discs, $29.95, Blu-ray: classic novel The Time Machine. A minor, $39.95 research. The low-budget Majestic Pictures often dull example of 1950s sci-fi, this is not studio tried to give this production an A-list Katharine Hepburn and a necessary purchase. (S. Axmaker) pedigree, bringing in Melvyn Douglas to Spencer Tracy were paired play a police inspector investigating the case for the first time in director and Fay Wray as Atwill’s lab assistant, while George Stevens’s incisive 1942 portrait of a also recycling the elaborate sets from James two-career marriage (long before these were Online Whale’s Frankenstein and The Old Dark House. common). Tracy plays Sam Craig, a laidback Visit Video Librarian Online (www. Unfortunately, the acting is often too broad, sportswriter who falls for social and political videolibrarian.com) during July and Au- especially the over-the-top antics of Maude journalist Tess Harding (Hepburn), who lives gust for DVD/Blu-ray-specific comments Eburne as Wray’s outrageously hypochon- and breathes her work. With a little juggling, added to the video movies reviewed driac aunt and Dwight Frye as the creepy workaholic Tess is able to squeeze in a few mo- here, as well as new reviews of current simpleton accused of being the killer. Still, ments to marry Sam, but she also entertains and classic films, including: The Belko the visual quality of this digitally remastered guests on their wedding night. The marriage Experiment, The Boss Baby, Fate of the and restored version is greatly superior to the takes a nosedive as Tess’s star continues to Furious, Kong: Skull Island, Norman, The shabby public domain prints that have circu- rise, and Sam is pushed to the periphery of Promise, Their Finest, and much more! lated for years, and this edition includes the her life. When the breakup finally comes, Tess

JULY/AUGUST 2017 37 VIDEO LIBRARIAN TV on Video Animal Kingdom: The has the hots for—becomes a central figure in Divorce: The Complete Complete First Season the season’s overriding narrative arc, which First Season HHH HHH concludes with a Sunset Boulevard-style HBO, 2 discs, 300 min., TV- cliffhanger involving a swimming pool MA, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: Warner, 500 min., not rated, and a floating and apparently dead Archer DVD: 3 discs, $29.99; Blu-ray: $24.99 2 discs, $39.99 (no spoiler alert: this is also shown in the HBO’s second series star- season’s opening episode). Along for the ride Ellen Barkin plays Smurf ring Sarah Jessica Parker has are the rest of the office crazies: Pam (Amber Cody, the controlling matriarch of a South- not been welcomed with Nash), the queen of inappropriate remarks; ern California crime family that includes her the same degree of enthusiasm as her first the rather creepy Cheryl (Judy Greer); and four sons, in this American TV adaptation (Sex and the City), but Sharon Horgan’s dark the decidedly creepier Dr. Krieger (Lucky of David Michôd’s titular Australian crime comedy about a marital breakup is a better Yates)—as well as returning guests Barry the drama. Relocated to the California coast than average show. The major strength of surfing culture, the series opens with teen- cyborg (Dave Willis) and CIA agent Slater Divorce lies in the chemistry between Parker, age Joshua, nicknamed J (Finn Cole), taken (Christian Slater). The humor here is often playing Frances, the high-strung wife who in by his grandmother Smurf (whom he hit and miss (Archer pushes the envelope abruptly announces that she wants a divorce hasn’t seen in 12 years) following the drug as one of the nastiest shows on TV), but during a friend’s disastrous birthday party, overdose death of his mother. She slowly in- the good laughs are really good laughs. and Thomas Haden Church as her husband troduces him to the family business: namely, Presenting all 10 episodes from the 2016 Robert, whose glumly bovine exterior masks knocking off banks, jewelry stores, and other seventh season, extras include a live Archer a smugly sarcastic streak that explodes when big-money targets. Baz (Scott Speedman) episode reading, and a series of shorts in he discovers that Frances has been having leads the crew of brothers, which includes which Archer reviews various James Bond an affair with a college professor (Jemaine the hyperactive Craig (Ben Robson), the films. Recommended. R.( Pitman) Clement). Some secondary characters are surf-bum Deran (Jake Weary)—who hides drawn very broadly—Molly Shannon and a secret gay life from the family—and the The Bureau: Season 2 Tracy Letts come on too strong as the cou- angry, unstable Pope (Shawn Hatosy), who HHH1/2 ple whose party sets off the separation, as gets out of prison just as J is settling in. The Kino Lorber, 3 discs, 520 min., do the cutthroat lawyers (Jeffrey DeMunn, culture of machismo and alpha male com- in French w/English subtitles, Dean Winters, and J. Smith-Cameron). On petitiveness is nurtured by Smurf, who fixes not rated, DVD: $29.99 the other hand, the writing dealing with snacks and family meals as the siblings plot The second season of the central couple’s teen children (Sterling their next scores, maintaining her control the French TV spy drama Jerins and Charlie Kilgore) is sensitive and through mind games, emotional manipula- about a clandestine branch perceptive, and the plot threads touching tion, and restricted access to the money. It’s of the DGSE (the French answer to the on the parents’ professional lives (plans a gritty crime show in the bright California CIA) that handles deep cover agents begins to revive his failing business ultimately surf and sun, full of sex and violence, and with legendary agent Malotru (Mathieu fall short, while her dream of ditching a reckless, raw characters with few redeeming Kassovitz)—now Deputy Director of the well-paying but unfulfilling job to open an qualities but plenty of explosive energy. And division—betraying the DGSE to the CIA in art gallery is suddenly shattered) are incisive- it provides a showcase for Barkin to create order to save his Syrian lover (Zineb Triki). ly drawn. The narrative follows a canny arc a steely character with a savage edge. Pre- While he puts the mission of Phénomène as Frances and Robert’s attitudes shift from senting all 10 episodes from the 2016 debut (Sara Giraudeau), a newly-trained undercov- searching for ways to end things amicably season, extras include behind-the-scenes er agent in Iran, in danger to satisfy the CIA, to essentially embracing what threatens to featurettes and deleted scenes. Recommend- another team focuses on a French ISIS jihad- become an all-out war—setting the stage ed. (S. Axmaker) ist who has been executing prisoners and for what promises to be an eventful second posting the killings on the web. This series, season. Presenting all 10 episodes from the Archer: The Complete which continues the gripping storytelling 2016 debut season, extras include episode Season Seven HHH and unexpected twists of the first season commentaries. Recommended. (F. Swietek) Fox, 2 discs, 218 min., not while delving deeper into the characters, rated, DVD: $29.98 is built on practical technology and real Home Fires: The After a failed stint run- world situations (with none of the fantasy Complete Second Season ning a drug cartel, the dis- of action-heavy American spy thrillers), HH1/2 graced spies at the center of focusing on the long, drawn-out process PBS, 2 discs, 360 min., not the primitively animated, of intelligence gathering and communi- rated, DVD: $39.99, Blu-ray: FX-aired Archer are transformed into the cation. Details matter here and can mean $49.99 Figgis Agency, a group of L.A. private inves- the difference between life and death. Even The second season of this tigators headed up by Cyril Figgis (voiced with numerous stories playing out, Malotru British drama about life in by Chris Parnell). Top op Sterling Archer remains the hub of the show, tackling moral the rural community of Cheshire during (H. Jon Benjamin) has mad spy skills, but is quandaries with an impassive face that be- the early years of World War II slips into a also a socially inept alcoholic who is poor at trays no emotion (Kassovitz’s performance more conventional period drama mode. The relationships, possibly due to the influence is superb and at times heartbreaking) while focus still lies on the women on the home of his cold heartless mother, Malory (Jessica he also pours out his sins in a secret jour- front and in particular the leaders of the Walter). The new season opens with a two- nal. One of the most acclaimed shows on Women’s Institute, a social organization that parter in which lush Archer, his Amazonian French TV, The Bureau airs in the U.S. on takes an active role in organizing civilian girlfriend Lana (Aisha Tyler), and gay, snarky the Sundance Now streaming service. Fans support for the war effort. Frances (Saman- Ray (show creator/writer Adam Reed) break of John le Carré’s spy stories who appreci- tha Bond) takes over her husband’s business into a mansion to retrieve a sensitive disc be- ate smart, challenging storytelling will be after his death and discovers that he had a longing to middle-aged screen siren Veronica drawn to this. Presenting all 10 episodes mistress and a child; Pat (Claire Rushbrook) Deane. But the disc turns out to be a MacGuf- from the 2016 second season, this is highly has an affair with a Czech officer after her fin, although Deane—who Archer naturally recommended. (S. Axmaker) bullying husband comes back from the

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 38 JULY/AUGUST 2017 front and continues his cruel behavior; and Silicon Valley: The aide. While there is nothing inspirational haughty aristocrat Joyce (Francesca Annis) Complete Third Season about this shallow politician whose drive returns from her vacation home exhibiting for office is guided only by ego and power, humility, compassion, and commitment HHH Emyy-winner Louis-Dreyfus makes her a that she previously lacked. Along the way, HBO, 2 discs, 300 min., TV- riveting political monster. But the show’s MA, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: there’s romance, affairs, secrets, destructive $34.99 real strength lies in its ensemble cast, who gossip, black market crime, bigotry, and all exhibit an easy, improvisational quality that The third season of sorts of trials that both create divisions and makes everything look like it’s been captured HBO’s satire of software bring the women closer together. The war by a stray documentary camera. Season five start-ups begins with Richard (Thomas comes home when German bombers hit makes no direct references to the current po- Middleditch), a genius software developer the village, and the first casualties return, litical circus (it ran during the 2016 election with terrible social skills and no mind for injured in mind, body, or both. The familiar campaign), but it is one of the few running business, demoted to chief technology offi- stories and journeys of the characters don’t political satires able to provide surprises that cer in his own company, Pied Piper, while break any new dramatic ground or challenge at least approach the craziness of the current the new CEO (Stephen Tobolowsky) charts a any historical preconceptions, but Home reality we live in. Presenting all 10 episodes new direction. The problem is that this fresh Fires does underscore a rousing display of from the 2016 fifth season, extras include path has nothing to do with the possibilities communal support as class divisions and select episode commentaries and deleted of the software, so Richard and his friends go personal conflicts are set aside for the war scenes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) behind the CEO’s back to develop their own effort. Aired on PBS’s Masterpiece series, the ideas. Meanwhile, their corporate nemesis, show was cancelled after the six episodes of Gavin Belson (Matt Ross) at the Google-like The Witness for the this 2016 second season. A strong optional Hooli, faces a disastrous new launch; self-pro- Prosecution HHH purchase. (S. Axmaker) claimed mentor Erlich (T.J. Miller) manages Acorn, 122 min., not rated, to blow through the millions of dollars that DVD: $34.99, Apr. 25 Orange Is the New Black: the lovable but dim Big Head (Josh Brener) This 2016 version of the Season Four HHH1/2 received when he was let go from Hooli; and classic Agatha Christie dra- Lionsgate, 778 min., not rated, Pied Piper is offered for sale when the top ma returns to the original DVD: 4 discs, $34.99; Blu-ray: shareholders lose faith in Richard’s disastrous 1925 short story to create 3 discs, $34.99 track record as a businessman…just as Dinesh a telefilm that is very different from the The fourth season of (Kumail Nanjiani) finds a promising new famous play and film versions. The Witness the hit Netflix series opens application for Richard’s technology. The for the Prosecution is set in post-World War I with a jailbreak, of sorts— humor of this Mike Judge-created savvy take London, where Leonard Vole (Billy Howle), a there’s a hole in the fence and the inmates on the 21st-century version of the American former soldier struggling to get by, is taken as go swimming in a nearby river—and Alex Dream revolves around the techies’ arrest- a lover by a rich woman (Kim Cattrall) and (Laura Prepon) turning the tables on a ed-adolescence-driven behavior in an osten- is arrested for her murder. Toby Jones plays hitman hired to kill her, which leaves a sibly grown-up world of business plans and barrister John Mayhew, also a former soldier, dead body to get rid of. Orange Is the New public relations. Compiling all 10 episodes of who believes the key to Vole’s defense lies in Black initially focused on Piper (Taylor the 2016 third season, extras include deleted the testimony of Romaine (Andrea Risebor- Schilling), a middle-class drug runner sent scenes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) ough), an Austrian showgirl who lives with to a minimum security prison on a plea Vole as his common-law wife—until she turns deal, but the narrative has since expanded Veep: The Complete Fifth on him and testifies for the prosecution. Just across the entire prison population and HHH when it looks like her testimony will destroy now she is just another character in an Season his chances, evidence that undercuts both HBO, 2 discs, 285 min., TV- her story and her credibility surfaces. This ensemble comedy-drama, which contin- MA, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: ues to get bigger now that a new influx of $34.99 production, a collaboration between Acorn (majority owner of the Agatha Christie estate) inmates hits the overcrowded facility. This The fifth season of the is the result of a private prison contractor and the BBC, upends expectations with a Emmy-winning political grim, serious tone and a story that surprises trying to squeeze out the maximum profit, comedy begins with Presi- and the stories here come out of the cut- audiences with a very different third act. dent Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)—the Directed by Julian Jarrold, the film contrasts backs and complications as Caputo (Nick comically ineffectual and self-defeating Vice Sandow), the well-meaning new warden, the decadence of the wealthy few with the President who was elevated to the Oval Of- desperation and poverty of the rest of the na- struggles with budget slashes and corporate fice after the prez’s resignation—facing a tie demands. Racial tensions also continue tion. And unlike the witty, brilliant barrister in the Electoral College in the Presidential played by Charles Laughton in the great 1957 to simmer; a new head of guards (Brad election, contesting a recount in a close state William Henke) instills a brutal sense of film, Jones’s Mayhew gets no respect from his tally, and rallying support in Congress when boss and struggles in an unhappy marriage. obedience through harassment and abuse; the election is thrown to the Senate. Created and Blair Brown costars as a Martha Stew- Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes by British satirist Armando Iannucci, Veep and interviews. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) art-type. This season takes a swerve into is a savage satire of American politics that tragedy when a nonviolent protest ends in serves up a hilarious portrait of political dys- the death of an inmate, and it once again function and the people who feed the chaos. ends on a cliffhanger. The series remains David Mandel takes over as showrunner this one of the most popular on Netflix, with season and makes Selina even more merce- Visit Video Librarian Online (www. high quality writing and storytelling that nary and self-involved as she deals with the videolibrarian.com) for more reviews is built around an entertaining cast of char- death of her mother and the attempts made during July and August, including: Code acters. Compiling all 13 episodes from the by her daughter (Sarah Sutherland) to repair of a Killer, Ice: Season One, Kingdom: Seasons 2016 third season, extras include episode their own relationship. One of Selina’s only One and Two, Legend of Bruce Lee: Volume commentaries, a set tour, and a gag reel. redeeming features is her loyalty to Amy Two, Rake: Series 1, and much more! Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker) (Anna Chlumsky), her longtime political

JULY/AUGUST 2017 39 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Video Reviews

Duck on a Bike HHH1/2 to Elena winds up with the young princess Ordering information for the titles reviewed in (2017) 8 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). trapped in an amulet for 40 years. And so it this section can be found in the “Distributor Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed captioned. is off to Avalor for Sofia and her royal family, ISBN: 978-1-33818-702-1. where Shuriki rules and magic (other than the Addresses” listings at the back of the magazine. Featuring both English and Spanish narra- sorceress’s own) is forbidden. As fans of the tion (by Walter Mayes and Jorge Reyes, respec- series know, Sofia is a plucky and resourceful HHHH= Excellent tively), this animated adaptation of author role model. And in typical Disney fashion, HHH= Good and illustrator David Shannon’s 2002 picture there are catchy, empowering tunes, talking book is backed by a twangy soundtrack from and flying animals, and positive (albeit rote) HH= Fair Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young. Duck runs off messages about the importance of family, with a child’s bike at his farm and melodra- friends, and perseverance when all seems H= Poor matically rides around, showing off for the lost. But the animation is strictly basic cable. PPR = Public Performance Rights other creatures. Cow thinks he’s silly, Sheep Extras include four bonus episodes and a predicts Duck is going to get hurt, Dog is im- music video. A strong optional purchase. Aud: DRA = Digital Rights Available pressed, Horse knows Duck is still not as fast P. (D. Liebenson) Aud = Audience as him, and Goat muses “I’d like to eat that bike,” among other animal opinions. And How a House is Built HHH K = Preschool-Kindergarten when a passel of dirt-kicking biking children (2016) 9 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-52004-576-4. E = Elementary (grades 1-3) leave their bicycles unattended, the rest of the animal gang might not be able to help them- This iconographic-animated adaptation I = Intermediate (grades 4-6) selves. Presented with optional read-along of nonfiction children’s wunderkind Gail subtitles, this funny and fun short is highly Gibbons’s 1990 book uses clean lines and J = Jr. High (grades 7-8) recommended. [Note: Also newly available is simple diagrams and descriptions to illustrate H = High School (grades 9-12) an animated adaptation of Shannon’s 2016 how a house is built. Identifying various companion story Duck on a Tractor.] Aud: K, styles of homes (including log cabin, stone, C = Colleges & Universities E, P. (J. Williams-Wood) and adobe), the program focuses on a frame P = Public Libraries house, detailing the jobs of the various work- Elena and the Secret of Avalor: The ers (such as the general contractor, surveyor, Magic Within HH1/2 carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, (2017) 109 min. DVD: $19.99. Buena Vista Home and others). Including sound effects such Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). SDH as machinery and hammering, as well as CHILDREN’S captioned. onscreen vocabulary for the step-by-step First there was Sofia, as in Sofia the First, a processes (“the foundation will support the Disney Junior animated series featuring the weight of the house”), the short also brief- studio’s first Hispanic princess, a commoner ly looks at shelters of the past (including All About Allergies HHH whose mother married a king. And that begat cave, igloo, and teepee). Offering a solid (2017) 70 min. DVD: $6.99. PBS Distribution Elena of Avalor. Some marketing-savvy Disney overview of the topic, this short—narrated (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-1-5317- exec got the brilliant idea to bring these by Jon Bennett, with optional read-along 0153-6. two young heroines together in a crossover subtitles—is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. Exploring the topic of allergies in a movie that tells Elena’s backstory about how (J. Williams-Wood) kid-friendly manner, this compilation she became trapped in the amulet worn by includes five stories featuring popular Sofia and how Sofia was charged to help free Kuu Kuu Harajuku: Music, Baby! HH1/2 characters from PBS Kids shows. Two of her. Jane Fonda is the voice of the sorceress (2017) 154 min. DVD: $14.98. Shout! Factory the episodes are from the Mister Rogers’ Shuriki, who presumably killed Elena’s royal (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. Neighborhood spin-off Daniel Tiger’s Neigh- parents (a deed discreetly shrouded in sinister Executive produced by No Doubt singer borhood. “Daniel’s Allergy” incorporates green smoke). Shuriki’s attempt to do likewise and The Voice judge Gwen Stefani—who also interactive segments (“Can you open your mouth and say ahhhh?”) as the titular ti- ger cub learns about his newfound allergy to peaches and is counseled to tell an adult How to Catch the Tooth Fairy HHH if he feels sick after trying something new. (2017) 5 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. PPR. Closed captioned. The follow-up “Allergies at School” men- ISBN: 978-1-52006-943-2. tions Daniel’s new allergy as the class gath- Narrated by Elizabeth Cottle, this iconographic-animated ers to celebrate 100 days of school with a adaptation of the 2016 picture book by author Adam Wallace picnic. Based on the books by Marc Brown, and illustrator Andy Elkerton follows the titular whimsical crea- the Arthur segment “Binky Goes Nuts” ture—clad in a hip aviator hat and glasses—as she goes about follows aardvark Arthur’s rabbit pal, whose her nightly tasks, averaging a pickup of around 300,000 teeth peanut allergy flares up, sending him to an evening. Against a twinkly backdrop of rich fairy-tale colors, the library (yay!) to do more research. Also the pink-haired, flying-toothbrush-riding T.F. is seen here getting including the math-based Peg + Cat’s “The out of various scrapes due to traps that are set by children who Allergy Problem” (the dynamic duo worry hope to catch a glimpse of the sprite. Along with the usual dangers of being mired in that Peg is allergic to her feline friend) drool, cotton candy, and floss, the T.F. faces a Venus flytrap and a Rube Goldberg-style and the phonics program WordWorld’s contraption. Part of the creators’ How to Catch… series—which also includes How to “Achoo!” (Sheep, Dog, and other friends Catch an Elf, How to Catch a Leprechaun, and How to Catch the Easter Bunny, all available try to find out why Pig is such a sneezy on video from Dreamscape Media—this fun short that also features read-along subtitles mess), this is easily recommended. Aud: is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood) K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 40 JULY/AUGUST 2017 sings the theme song—this volume from the where Douglass rides up in a creaky buggy involving movement and music are really Nickelodeon-aired animated series includes and Anthony prepares tea and cake. Pre- helping. While the ultimate performance for seven two-part episodes. The series follows sented as paper-doll-looking characters, the friends and family borders on chaos, the kids the pastel exploits of girl band HJ5, a group of two figures talk about shared obstacles: both bask in the attention. Less compelling than five little ladies who go by the names of Love, were denied education (in Anthony’s case, the similarly-themed Autism: The Musical Angel, Music, Baby, and G (not so subtle, “girls didn’t need to know about important (VL-7/08), this is still recommended, overall. Gwen) and are rarely seen actually singing subjects”) and endured oppression. Both Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) but are often involved in shenanigans related also were committed to the goal of helping to their performing gigs. “Totally Teen Genie” others learn about rights (“so many minds to Becoming Johanna HHH finds the gang trying to support inept group change…”). Narrated by Dion Graham—with (2016) 27 min. DVD: $95: high schools & public manager Rudie Roads and coming across a snippets of actual quotes from Anthony and libraries; $225: colleges & universities. New Day snotty genie who might help them win a Douglass—this simple portrait (featuring op- Films. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-57448- “Golden Hoodie Award.” “Angel’s Flight” tional read-along subtitles) of two titans who 421-2. focuses on a party for awesome record pro- fought for the rights of women and African Jonathan Skurnick’s documentary starts ducer Twisty T’s triplet nieces and nephews, Americans is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. out as a film about a transgender girl and during which some in the group entertain (J. Williams-Wood) her mother, but ends up somewhere else. the youngsters and others chase a large sur- Sixteen-year-old Johanna, who lives in the prise cake across the town of Harajuku City. Los Angeles area, introduces herself by saying, “Music, Baby” portrays a rebellion against a PSYCHOLOGY & SELF-HELP “Biologically, I’m a boy, but I’m a girl—I’m Nazi-esque Ministry of No-Fun-Land, and going to be a girl.” Initially, Johanna told her “Wanted: Audience” includes an alien water- mother she was gay because of her attraction melon and notably absent crowd for a sold- As One HHH to boys, but she knew there was more to it out show. Also featured are “Drums of Doom” (2014) 82 min. In English & Arabic w/English than that. As a child, she played with dolls (involving a three-fingered magician from a subtitles. DVD: $29.95. Kino Lorber (avail. from and role-played as a girl. By her teens, she had creepy traveling carnival) and “Adventures in most distributors). Closed captioned. come out as transgender. Her relationship Housesitting” (offering more hijinks at Twisty Another entry in the growing list of upbeat with her Guatemalan-born mother here de- T’s place). Extras include a behind-the-scenes documentaries about tackling autism with volves to the point that Johanna ends up in a featurette. A silly and sometimes fun series creative forms of engagement, filmmaker mental hospital for three days, an experience designed to sell toy dolls, this is a strong Hana Makki’s sprightly As One was produced that she finds traumatic. Afterward, there’s a optional purchase. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood) in the United Arab Emirates and focuses on physical altercation with her mother and Jo- that nation’s autistic kids. Actually, the “Au- hanna moves in with a foster family. She also Two Friends HHH tism Project” at the center of the film brings transfers from a public high school, where (2017) 7 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). in autistic children from all over the world to she is not allowed to use the girls’ restroom, Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed captioned. work together in putting on a musical. The to a school for at-risk youth. While her foster ISBN: 978-1-33816-200-4. film traces developments over 12 weeks as family offers support, Johanna clashes with Based on the 2016 picture book by author the boys and girls meet the music director, her new principal, Deb Smith, and an English Dean Robbins and co-illustrator husband- choreographer, and other artists in the mix. teacher who remembers that she would swear and-wife team Sean Qualls and Selina Alko, The rehearsals look more like herding cats and miss deadlines. But Smith refuses to give this iconographic-animated adaptation than making any distinct progress, but the up on her, and Johanna’s attitude and grades envisions a visit between friends—activists children’s parents along with interviewed improve. During the two years Skurnick fol- Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. experts take note of the gradual, positive lows her, Johanna attends a support group, The story is set in snowy Rochester, NY, signs suggesting that the repetition of tasks models for a calendar, prepares to change her name, considers sexual-reassignment surgery, and graduates from high school. By the end, The Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1 HHH1/2 she has a boyfriend, and says “I’m in a good (2016) 2 discs. 305 min. DVD: $16.99. Paramount Home Entertainment place.” It remains to be seen whether she (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. and her mother will ever reconcile, but this This adorable Nickelodeon series boasts a nifty premise: sympathetic documentary shows how much protagonist white-haired ‘tween Lincoln Loud—the lone boy of a difference mentors can make in the lives in a houseful of 10 dissimilar sisters—spends much of his time of transgender youth. Recommended. Aud: negotiating for a place in the hierarchy and playing to each girl’s C, P. (K. Fennessy) particularities. “Left in the Dark” finds Lincoln wrestling for TV time for his favorite show—trying to distract his sisters with White Rage HHH everything from a tea party, to a helium football, to a zit—and (2016) 72 min. In English & Finnish w/English then turning heroic to protect them during a power outage. In subtitles. DVD: $300. DRA. Film Platform (avail. “Get the Message,” Lincoln’s teen sis Lori breaks his special gaming glasses, prompting from www.filmplatform.net). PPR. Lincoln to leave a nasty cell phone message for her—which he must try to erase after he In this quasi-documentary, Finnish film- discovers that she’s more thoughtful than he realizes. Other episodes in this 26-story maker Arto Halonen imaginatively investi- first volume from the 2016 debut season include “Picture Perfect” (a mini-tearjerker with gates the link between bullying and acts of Lincoln ticking everyone off while trying to mold them for a family photo anniversary horrific school violence. White Rage’s cen- gift), “Undie Pressure” (a silly tale in which the siblings make the most of a rainy day terpiece is running narration by an unseen and bet on who can avoid their most annoying habits), “For Bros About to Rock” (Linc’s man named Lauri, who describes how the musical sis Luna is overbearing at her brother’s first concert), and “It’s a Loud Loud treatment he received from his father at home Loud Loud House” (featuring a treasure hunt put together by the Loud parents to keep and classmates at school resulted in what—as the kids from fighting). A sweet series with solid lessons about accepting siblings and now a social scientist himself researching enjoying family life, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood) the origins of human aggression—Lauri calls “white rage,” or a long-simmering lust for

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 42 JULY/AUGUST 2017 d-Winn s Awar ing Storie f Hope and Pe e o rseveranc These acclaimed children’s books come to life in new videos that teach children the power behind what it means to overcome, to never let go of their hopes and dreams.

Based on the Newbery & Coretta Based on the 2017 Caldecott Based on the Schneider Family Scott King Author & Illustrator & Coretta Scott King Honor Award-Winning Book Honor Award Book Award Book

This moving and powerful A poetic, nonfiction story The inspiring biography of story contrasts the monetary about a little-known piece of Louis Braille, a blind boy so value of a slave with the African-American history. determined to read that he priceless value of life. invented his own alphabet. ISBN 9781520079714 ISBN 9781520079066 ISBN 9781520079745

Order today at midwesttape.com Library digital available on revenge. Lauri says that “white rage” can not in infrastructure decades from now. Siwek up sentencing him to death. An Inquisitor only eventually explode in school shootings brings the same approach to interviews about named Allio, sent to witness the proceedings, but also might explain the mindset of young church infrastructure: what will happen to all is instead swayed by Hus that the Church has men seduced into joining terrorist groups. In- those buildings and properties, and what will strayed from Holy Scripture. The two men terwoven with Lauri’s self-revelations (which keep them relevant in years ahead. The viewer form a friendship that is sustained through- are accompanied by dreamlike recreations) senses right away that Siwek is on the wrong out Hus’s sufferings, which gives comfort to are references to the perpetrators of Finland’s track with these questions, and indeed he both. A subplot about Allio’s relationship two school shootings at Jokela in 2007 and continues to distract himself with secondary with a prostitute adds a little warmth, if also Kauhajoki in 2008, which are shown through issues while numerous pastors give him pieces a bit of a Hollywood touch. But the gritty set- similarly subtle recreations but also via more of the answers he seeks. Eventually, Siwek tings—with, rain, mud, shadows, and blazing brusque news reports. Also included are allu- wises up, going back to the Bible to find the torches—certainly give the film an elemental sions to tragedies elsewhere, from Columbine answers. An inspirational documentary that authenticity that matches the grim narrative. in the U.S. to Utøya in Norway. White Rage will likely appeal to Christian audiences, this Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) is technically a documentary that presents a is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) sociological argument positing a long train of mistreatment lying at the root of terrible John Hus: A Journey of No Return EDUCATION acts, but it does so in a style that can best be HHH described as semi-phantasmagorical. Recom- (2017) 51 min. DVD: $14.99. DRA. Vision Video mended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) (avail. from most distributors). Cultivating Kids HHH After John Wycliffe, a founder of the (2016) 23 min. DVD: $195. Bullfrog Films. PPR. RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY Protestant Reformation that criticized the SDH captioned. ISBN: 1-941545-65-3. Catholic Church for corruption, John Hus Filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark (aka Jan Hus)—who was burned at the stake Dworkin’s documentary focuses on a pro- in 1415—is the most significant figure in the gram on South Whidbey Island in Washing- Future of the Church HHH movement during the century before Martin ton state where the classroom is literally a (2017) 93 min. DVD: $19.99. DRA. Vision Video Luther. A Journey of No Return could have of- garden. Students from kindergarten through (avail. from most distributors). fered a dry history lesson on Hus’s writings, high school learn the entire process of grow- In the documentary Future of the Church, teachings, and his extraordinary legacy in ing organic veggies, as well as get a literal taste filmmaker Steven Siwek spends three years Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), which of the fruits of their labor. The curriculum traveling around the U.S., interviewing pas- would ultimately stave off multiple crusades is science-rich—including soil composition, tors from various Christian denominations sent by Rome to put down the “Hussites” effects of sun and moisture, and other aspects and asking how the American church (in the following Hus’s martyrdom. But filmmaker that fit neatly into current STEM initiatives. broadest sense of the term) will survive in the Lubomír Hlavsa’s docudrama instead puts And much of it is just plain fun, such as future and what it will look like. Siwek’s quest a uniquely human face on the story, begin- when a teacher tells students, “These kale was inspired by the time he spent as part of ning at a rather late chapter in the life of Hus plants are old and we need to plant other a similar study for ExxonMobil, which was (played here by Vladimír Javorský), during things here. Guess what you get to do? Pull trying to answer questions about the possi- a series of imprisonments preceding trials them.”—which produces squeals of delight in ble outcomes of the company’s investment that would declare him a heretic and wind the kids. The food here not only ends up in students’ mouths in the field but also on the lunch plates of the school district: tomatoes, Wings of an Eagle HHH carrots, broccoli, beans, onions—and yes, kale (2017) 98 min. DVD: $14.99. DRA. Vision Video (avail. from most (the kids love their “kale tacos”), which are all distributors). part of what looks like a healthy and delicious A feature-length documentary about a middle-aged, Canadian lunch experience for students. With experi- singer-songwriter in the Christian music genre might sound like ential learning gaining increasing traction something aimed at a niche audience. But however one feels about nationwide, this short film offers a unique the tunes and ministering lyrics of Steve Bell, Wings of an Eagle look at a successful school garden program. delivers an interesting primer on several aspects of the music Recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (C. Block) business that should draw secular as well as faith-based viewers. Despite recording over a dozen albums, exhibiting outstanding On the Way to School HHH musicianship (he’s a whiz on acoustic guitar), having a singing (2013) 77 min. In French w/English subtitles. DVD: voice reminiscent of the Eagles’ Timothy B. Schmit, and winning two Juno Awards— $26.98. Icarus Films Home Video (available from among other career achievements—Bell has never broken into the mainstream. It’s not most distributors). for want of trying: Bell has had teams of hardworking marketers, record label executives, We’ve all heard running jokes about our managers, and others striving to push him uphill. But market forces, industry manipu- elders walking for miles to school through lators (well-paid “consultants” who make and break stars), perceptions, and sheer bad snow drifts and other discomforts. Filmmaker luck have consistently pulled Bell back to his roots as an itinerant performer to small Pascal Plisson’s documentary illustrates how audiences in church halls. After all of his up-and-down success, Bell still acts as his own for some children in different parts of the roadie, setting up and breaking down his concert gear. The film also looks at Bell’s life: world, making their way to classroom instruc- his childhood in a family band supporting the mission of his chaplain father, early days tion is indeed a long and daunting process. in a late-1970s band, marriage to a childhood sweetheart, and process of transforming In Kenya, a boy named Jackson and his sister into a Christian-music artist. Here, opportunity comes knocking when Bell gets the are warned by their father to steer clear of chance to perform in concert at CBS Studios at the request of the company’s president. dangerous elephant herds as they stumble Ultimately, as one peer puts it, if success for Bell can be measured in the amount of over nine miles to get to school (at one point, light that he’s brought into the world, then he’s a giant. A fine inspirational portrait, the siblings choose to circle around giraffes). this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) In Morocco, determined Zahira struggles over mountainous terrain for more than 13

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 44 JULY/AUGUST 2017 hadmiles rejected to arrive his at heradvances, classes. andOver that in India, the mentary,tunity to details join a his research journey team to respectability bound for inventiveanimated editing,Madagascar and moviea dreamy series score over from the documentarythe disabled Samuel had included is pushed interviews to school ofin afterAntarctica, years as subsequently a member of spending the yakuza a year(i.e., Cibopast Matto’sdozen yearsMiho Hatori,know thatthis is the recommend island of- thea wheelchair judges and by prosecutors his brothers who for conducted almost 90 thein an Japanese underground mob). chamber In June Bride from—the which title he ed.Madagascar—located Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy off the) Southeast coast theminutes. trials. ButAnd while in Argentina, it fails to coveryoung all Carlito sides, comesmapped from the landthe bar-turned-church beneath the ice. Over where the of Africa in the Indian Ocean—is a scien- theand film his sisternevertheless ride a horse presents for 11 a milespowerful over Tatsuyayears, Lorius preaches began the to gospel—Tatsuya study snow crystals, recalls Theytific curiosity.Call Us Monsters That is because HHH the remote andPatagonian compelling backdrops brief on to behalfsee their of teachers.the San thatwhich he led first to turned drilling to into crime the as ice a teenager,and dis- (2016)nation 82 harbors min. DVD: various $59.95 species($399 w/PPR of animals from AntonioThe visually Four. exotic Extras On include the Way additional to School disappointingcovering that corehis mother layers revealedso thoroughly historical that edu.passionriver.com).and plants that evolved Passion thereRiver (avail. exclusively, from courtroomrecords a day footage in the and life later of these interviews youngsters with shetemperatures, confesses, “This which might proved sound that harsh, while but I mostindependent distributors). and apart from the influence theas they freed push women. through Recommended. their exhausting Aud: C,treks P. thoughtcycles of of warmkilling andhim coldand myself.”eras occurred Tatsuya of Benthe nearbyLear, son continent. of legendary Filmmaker TV producer Cyrille (inF. Swietekorder to) get an education. But in some soldpredictably drugs and until then about became a century an addict. ago, After the andCornu’s leading documentary Hollywood liberal Baobabs: Norman Between Lear, ways, the film feels a bit dubious—like those spendingrate of warming time inover prison, the last he hundred found yearsGod, directedLand and this Sea unsettlingcenters on documentarya French ecological about classic Disney nature films in which the raw wentmarkedly to seminary departed school, from and the now pattern strives and to juvenilessurvey of chargedthe baobab, as adults an upside-down-look for felonies they- materialNATURE, of life isMATH tweaked & to SCIENCE tell a glorified helpmust other therefore ex-cons be getascribed their lives to increased together. committeding tree with as younga crown as 11of branchesyears of age. that After re- version of the facts. Here, camera placement, Atactivity first no on one the attended part of his humankind. church, but now By aminds general one introduction of entangled to roots. the controversial The baobab multiple angles, and cued action all blur the heallowing has 20 Loriusmembers. to recount He aims his to makelong polarthem subject,appears includingin several footage varieties, of children but all share clearly a Antarctica:line between Ice fact and and Sky narrative. HHH Yet it’s hard feeladventure, welcome Jacquet and productive, not only courtesiescelebrates thatthe confusedbulbous trunk by the that, legal in system some and cases, hard-right is enor- (2016)not to 89 be min. stirred In French by the & commitment English w/English of these Japaneseman’s contribution society often to denies the scientificex-cons (some un- politiciansmous and hollow.spewing (At thoughtless one point, rhetoric, a scientist, the subtitles.little travelers DVD: $29.95. to get Musicto their Box desksFilms (avail.on time. establishmentsderstanding of even the climaticfeature signs realities that read,that filmhis translator, focuses on aand handful a film of crew teen boysstep lockedinside fromRecommended, most distributors). overall. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) “Nothreaten tattoos, the no future yakuza”). of the Tatsuya planet also but speaks also upa gigantic in a Sylmar, trunk, CA, where juvenile an hall.entire Jarad family is a Filmmaker Luc Jacquet (March of the atcaptures schools his and enthusiastic prisons and devotionprovides tempo to his- puppyish-lookingfound shelter for a prisonerwhile.) Here, whose Cornu ongoing and Penguins) takes viewers to the Antarctic rarylife’s housing work. Extras for some include of the mena “making-of” while they trialWilfried proceedings Ramahafaly concern explore his shootingMadagascar’s of a for this portraitLAW of French& CRIME explorer Claude lookfeaturette, for work. a film He festival regrets Q&A that with his criminal Jacquet, girlcoast who by is boat—relying now wheelchair-bound. on sailors Antonio from Lorius, whose six-decade exploration of pastand akept stills him gallery. away Recommended. from his daughter Aud: forH, isamong surprised the toindigenous learn that Vezo he is peoplebeing released to take polar glaciers, conducted over 20-plus years,C, P. ( F.but Swietek after )the latter had a falling out andthem he over vows rough to make currents—finding something of his that life— not expeditions,June Bride: Redemptionis credited with of a first Yakuza demon - with her mother, she moved in with Tatsuya, untilevery hebaobab finds sitehimself is a happy mired one. once Slash-and- again in stratingHHH that climate change must be andBaobabs: the two Between seem to getLand along and well. Sea Shimoda theburn same agricultural desperate policies situation in someat home regions that attributed(2015) 80 min. to DVD:human $24.99: activity. individuals, Combining $99: alsoHHH profiles seven of Tatsuya’s parishioners, ledhave to left earlier a number troubles. of theAnd trees Juan deprived is a young of Englishhigh schools narration & public libraries;in the “voice” $349: colleges of Lorius & some(2015) of 56 whom min. DVD: land $49: jobs, public while libraries; others $99:do not fathertheir barkwho willand not suffering likely get premature a chance todeath. raise (actuallyuniversities. MichelFirst Pond Papineschi) Entertainment. withPPR. new (andhigh schools; one returns $225: tocolleges prison). & universities. June Bride DRA. makes hisAn intriguing,son, since he visually will be appealing deported ecologicalfollowing andTatsuya archival Shindo, footage, the the charismatic film recalls subject how clearGreen thatPlanet it’s Films. hard PPR. to be Closed ex-yakuza—but captioned. not completiontravelogue, of this his isterm. recommended. Together, their Aud: stories H, aof 23-year-old filmmaker DerekLorius Shimoda’s jumped at stylish the oppor docu-- impossible.Kids and Featuring adults who artful have cinematography, enjoyed the formC, P. (theT. Keogh core )of They Call Us Monsters, and

MJUA LY Y/ J/AU UN GE U 2S0T1 27 017 5145 V I D E O L I BRARIAN while Lear is hardly blind to the damage that each has done to others, he clearly favors the spirit behind legal efforts to create paths to- All Governments Lie HHH (2016) 91 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most ward release for some minors. A thought-pro- distributors). voking film, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) Subtitled “Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone,” the title of filmmaker Fred Peabody’s timely documentary comes from independent journalist I.F. Stone (1907-1989), author of the SOCIAL & POLITICAL ISSUES influential newsletter I.F. Stone’s Weekly, who simply pronounced that “all governments lie.” Co-executive produced by Oliver Stone, this film pays tribute to I.F. Stone’s brand of investigative reporting, spotlighting the work of some who are following in All the Difference HHH1/2 the writer’s footsteps, including Ralph Nader, Rolling Stone feature (2017) 83 min. DVD: $50 ($125 w/PPR): public writer Matt Taibbi, Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman, Glenn Greenwald (who broke libraries; DVD or Blu-ray: $195 w/PPR: colleges & universities. DRA. Collective Eye Films. Closed the Edward Snowden story), reporter John Carlos Frey (The Texas Observer), Young Turks captioned. host Cenk Uygur, filmmaker Jeremy Scahill (Dirty Wars), and all-around provocateur Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tod Lending’s Michael Moore. While Richard Nixon, George Bush, Colin Powell, and LBJ are all seen PBS-aired P.O.V. documentary chronicles five in clips telling whoppers, the film’s most prominent (and prescient) example of con- years in the lives of South Side Chicago teens temporary fibbing is then-candidate Donald Trump (Taibbi, in particular, has written scathing—and often raucous—high-octane takedowns of Trump). Robert Henderson and Krishaun Branch All Governments Lie is a bit scattershot, bouncing between Trump coverage, Frey’s exposé of a mass burial as they graduate from Urban Prep Charter of illegal migrants in south Texas, Uygur’s short stint on MSNBC, and Scahill working Academy and pursue higher education. on a piece about German involvement in U.S. drone operations, among other stories Raised by his grandmother—after she took (along the way, various other figures praise Stone’s trailblazing work, including Noam in seven children when their mother was Chomsky). But the film successfully makes its overriding point: all governments lie—the killed by their father—Robert wants to be a Obama administration as well as the Trump administration—and with mainstream doctor, but his grades fall short and he must media somewhat tied to corporate interests, independent journalism similar to I.F. redirect his studies at Lake Forest College. Stone’s is critical to American democracy. Also featuring extended interviews, this is Krishaun’s mother worried about his possible recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman) gang affiliation but his turnaround led him to want to major in sociology at Tennessee’s Fisk University with the hopes of becoming a U.S. Marshal. Over the years, both young the course of the film, larger than life bipolar the concerns and hopes carried by each side, men experience financial difficulties, shifts Olivia stops taking her antipsychotics, wants but it has united warring factions in one in studies and extracurricular activities to drop hints to her family, and is bullied unfortunate way: both the wider Israeli and (Krishaun isn’t accepted through the frat by a group of disrespectful schoolchildren. Palestinian populations are not supportive of process), race issues on campus (Robert is very Urban chic Morgin is fully transitioned, and its goals. Disturbing the Peace offers a rueful aware of the lack of diversity at his school), her story includes homelessness, drugs, foster assessment of the major challenges to ending relationships, and added responsibilities—all care, and trouble with maintaining her new the friction in the Middle East, while still leading up to their second graduations and genitalia. Also featuring archival photos and holding out hope that the goal is not im- updates that tug at the heart strings. Offering home movies, along with commentary from possible. Recommended. [Note: this is also an inspiring look at the positive results that experts including author Andrew Solomon, available with public performance rights for can come from hard work and a good support this intimate look at transgendered young $350 from Bullfrog Films, www.bullfrogfilms. group despite the considerable socioeconomic adults is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. com.] Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) barriers for young black men, this is highly Williams-Wood) recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood) I Am, Or How Jack Became Black HH1/2 Disturbing the Peace HHH (2017) 97 min. DVD: $19.99 ($300 w/PPR), Becoming More Visible HHH1/2 (2016) 87 min. In English, Arabic & Hebrew w/ Blu-ray: $24.99 ($310 w/PPR). Man of Steele (2016) 73 min. DVD: $89: public libraries & high English subtitles. DVD: $19.99. Virgil Films (avail. Productions (avail. from www.IAmDocFilm.com). schools; $250: colleges & universities. DRA. The from most distributors). Closed captioned. PPR. Closed captioned. Video Project. PPR. Closed captioned. Filmmakers Stephen Apkon and Andrew Initially, Eli Steele’s documentary appears Director Pamela French’s Becoming More Young’s documentary looks at Combatants to be about the dilemmas faced by mixed- Visible, a documentary focusing on the trans- for Peace, a sociopolitical advocacy group race Americans like himself and his children, gender experience, bounces back and forth created by Israelis and Palestinians, which who must cope with a social system that only between four engaging participants who live pushes for a nonviolent reconciliation that operates in clear-cut racial distinctions. But in New York City. Born in Bangladesh, Katha- has eluded Middle East leaders for decades. there is an Ayn Rand-ian hyper-individual- rine hides her secret from her parents but has The movement’s most prominent figures istic, anti-affirmative action message at the received support from a teacher (who gave detail the life-altering emotional events heart of the film. What the doc plays down her a first dress); here, there’s an intimately that made them turn away from violence as is that Steele is a chip off the old block of his uncomfortable translated exchange between members of the Israeli Defense Force and the ultra-conservative father, Shelby Steele, an Katherine and her mother (as well as a little Palestinian intifadas. The film also provides academic known for his anti-affirmative-ac- brother who when asked if he minds about a quick overview of historical events that tion stances. Steele is willing to jeopardize the transition says, “Not really…they wanted shaped the contemporary Holy Land, and ex- his children’s academic future by refusing a girl,” but maybe not “that kind”). Sean’s amines the difficulties faced by Palestinians to tick routine racial identification boxes on upbringing in a rural area served as backdrop who live under Israeli military occupation primary school enrollment forms due to his for being called a “tomboy.” His supportive in the West Bank. Combatants for Peace at- personal conviction that the U.S. should be mom struggles with administering the shots tempts to offer a platform where Israelis and a post-racial meritocratic society. Interviews that Sean uses to help his transition. Over Palestinians can speak to each other about are presented with folks on both sides of

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 46 JULY/AUGUST 2017 this hot-button issue, and Steele makes some results in Uganda’s parliament moving to shut to identify people onscreen, which makes effort not to appear politically biased—the down their work. And Ritta has bittersweet it hard to weigh the degrees of difference film definitely suggests that conservatives emotions over her plans to retire from social experienced by residents of the five countries are just as good at playing the “race” card work and return to Finland—even though in the spotlight. Regardless, this is a bold and as liberals. But there is still an undeniable her bonds to her homeland have grown thin. often disturbing view of race in today’s Latino political slant, and while the film highlights A powerful portrait of a pair of strong-willed world. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) how the Trayvon Martin murder case was women trying to create positive social change unfairly portrayed as a white vs. black media in an extremely negative environment, this is A New High HHH issue, there is an eerie silence here about the recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) (2015) 100 min. DVD: $59.95 ($299 w/PPR from rise in racially-motivated police violence in edu.passionriver.com). Passion River (avail. from the U.S. toward the black community. And Nana Dijo: Irresolute Radiography of most distributors). the suggestion that the so-called racial order- Black Consciousness HHH The last thing you might expect to see in ing of the U.S. education and welfare system (2015) 40 min. In Spanish & English w/English a documentary about homelessness is spec- will lead to the kind of society that produced subtitles. DVD: $80: public libraries; $300: colleges tacular images from the 14,400-foot summit Nazi extermination camps in WWII smacks & universities. DRA. Third World Newsreel. PPR. of Mount Rainier in Washington state. But of Alex Jones-style libertarian paranoia at its This documentary made by the musicians A New High offers no ordinary overview of worst. Still, the subject matter alone makes Bocafloja and Cambiowashere considers race contemporary urban displacement as it tells this a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. relations and the acceptance of the African di- the story of a special program offered at the (M. Sandlin) aspora within contemporary Latin American Union Gospel Mission, a longtime shelter and Hispanic American cultures. Nana Dijo for the city’s homeless men. Run by an Leaving Africa HHH presents interviews conducted in Argentina, ex-Army Ranger named Mike Johnson, the (2015) 84 min. In English, Finnish & Luganda w/ Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay, and the U.S. project invites residents of UGM, and from English subtitles. DVD: $300. DRA. Film Platform with people who claim African heritage. a similar facility for women, to participate (avail. from www.filmplatform.net). PPR. Many of the subjects either reject or deflect in a year of training to climb Mt. Rainier—a Filmmaker Iiris Härmä’s documentary the notion of being black because of a single daunting task even for experienced moun- focuses on two women struggling to achieve ancestor with African roots—one woman taineers. Filmmaker Samuel Miron captures social change in today’s Uganda. Ritta, a evasively refers to a “dark” grandmother but various aspects of preparation for the climb, 66-year-old Finnish doctor has lived in will not self-identify as having a connection including rappelling off freeway onramps, Uganda for over a quarter-century, and Kata to the African diaspora. Many bitterly recall laboring up stairs, and a trial hike up nearby is a 63-year-old local with whom Ritta shares racist remarks or treatment that was aimed Mt. Hood. Along the way, a number of partic- a home and runs the nonprofit COFCAWE, at them or their loved ones, with one man ipants drop out, driven away by the rigor of which aims to provide sex education curric- angrily relating a childhood incident when the endeavor or succumbing to addiction or ulums to rural villages. Ritta and Kata run his family was denied service in a Las Vegas other issues. For those who manage to stick into continuous obstacles: both Christian and ice cream parlor. The wider view presented with it, however, the climb and the conquest Muslim leaders are appalled at the COFCAWE in Nana Dijo is the not-so-subtle attempt to of Rainier become a symbol of enormous mission, while many Ugandan men are baf- eradicate a sense of blackness from the Lati- personal success and courage. The message fled over the concept of gender equality. The no culture, which stems from the Spanish of self-empowerment is persuasive in this women face a serious challenge when they colonial era. It is a fascinating subject, and gorgeous but often harrowing travelogue of are anonymously and falsely accused of being the black-and-white cinematography here a dangerous trek. Recommended. Aud: C, P. lesbians who are trying to impose a homo- reinforces the monochromatic view of racial (T. Keogh) sexual political agenda on the country, which identity, but the filmmakers curiously fail Remembering “The Normal Heart” Controversy in Springfield, Missouri The Boomer Revolution HHH HHH1/2 (2017) 43 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199 w/PPR). Dreamscape Media. Closed (2016) 60 min. DVD: $20. As We Are Productions. captioned. PPR. Enjoying a life expectancy some 25 years longer than that of While AIDS continues to be a major health their parents, baby boomers (the flood of children born in post- issue today, the disease itself is no longer WWII North America) are hitting retirement age. And, like all a serious flashpoint for social controversy. things boomer, this ain’t your grandparent’s golden years. Among That was not the case in 1989 when Larry other pursuits, continuing physical competition is a hallmark Kramer’s stage play The Normal Heart—which of boomers—even in their senior years—as evidenced here, for depicts the early days of the AIDS epidemic example, in the Canadian Master’s Swimming Championships. in New York City—was performed at South- In the past, swimmers over 50 would see few others in their age west Missouri State University. Some were group, but now more than half of the competitors are 45-65 years old. And it’s not just outraged, while others rushed to a defense swimming: all sports, including road and mountain biking, skiing, and even women’s of freedom of speech in an era when the hockey now feature boomers, and the growing pace is expected to continue for the disease was mistakenly referred to as “gay next 20 years. The sheer number of boomers is also shaking the advertising industry cancer.” Then state legislator Jean Dixon (boomers account for two-thirds of consumer spending in the U.S.), with many mar- formed “Citizens Demanding Standards” to keters following boomers from their youth up through their golden years (gold in the protest the use of public funds (via university sense of the trillions of dollars that boomers either spend or leave to their families). The funding) to perform the play, trying to shut boomer’s approach to life can be traced back to the influence of Dr. Benjamin Spock, it down through direct request, media, and who in his writings encouraged parents to encourage self-esteem and independence political pressure. The university refused to in their children. Boomers will certainly enjoy this tribute, while their children and bow to censorship demands. Community grandchildren may learn more about where our next generation of seniors came from, tensions ran at fever pitch—with protests and where they are headed. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block) on both sides of the issue, heated public and private debates, harassing phone calls, and

JULY/AUGUST 2017 47 VIDEO LIBRARIAN for a visit to America. That trip becomes the focus of the second half of the film, as Sarno Keep Quiet HHH1/2 reconnects with his brother Steven and with (2015) 96 min. In Hungarian & English w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.95 (avail. from most distributors), $349 w/PPR (avail. from www. old friends such as film director Jim Jarmusch kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber. (a college classmate), while the boy is intro- At the center of filmmakers Sam Blair and Joseph Martin’s duced to the wonders of New York City and documentary lies the amazing transformation of Hungarian the Jersey Shore. Featuring a soundtrack that politician Csanad Szegedi, but his personal journey also leads to a offers a taste of Bayakan music but also the broader consideration here of his country’s recent political history Renaissance polyphony that Sarno particular- and present-day racial attitudes. Szegedi was an important leader ly loved, the beautifully filmedSong from the in the nationalist (and definitely anti-Semitic) Jobbik political Forest presents an almost too-idyllic depiction party, as well as a founding member of its paramilitary wing; of the Bayakan lifestyle that, as Sarno himself he was even elected to the European Parliament. In 2012, however, rumors began to observed, seems doomed to soon disappear, circulate that he had Jewish ancestry, which his maternal grandmother later confirmed. not least due to environmental degradation In fact, she was a survivor of Auschwitz, and she says that she refrained from telling affecting their territory. Recommended. Aud: Szegedi about his lineage because of hostility that persisted in Hungary after the war, C, P. (F. Swietek) even though she was pained by his political choices. Ostracized from Jobbik, he turned to sympathetic Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, leader of Chabad Lubavitch in Budapest, for Victory Day HHH instruction, and he now lives as an Orthodox Jew, seeking forgiveness for his past ac- (2015) 30 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries tions and testifying publicly about his life experience. Szegedi’s story reveals the strong & high schools; $325: colleges & universities. Grasshopper Film. PPR. strain of anti-Semitism that remains in Hungarian right-wing political circles—where he is treated as a pariah. But, somewhat ironically, the virulently anti-Semitic position Alina Rudnitskaya’s documentary fo- he took while in Jobbik also makes him suspect to many fellow Jews, some of whom cuses on the challenges faced by six LGBT denounce him as a charlatan during a speech in Canada. Interviews with Szegedi and Moscow couples living in a Russian society Oberlander, along with the man who “outed” Szegedi, are interspersed with archival that is increasingly hostile to the concept footage and film of Szegedi with his grandmother and mother, as well as of his visit to of gay rights. The couples are interviewed Auschwitz. Telling a powerful personal and political story, this is highly recommended. in their claustrophobic apartments against Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) the backdrop of the annual Victory Day WWII celebrations that fill Moscow’s streets with military parade festivities. Each couple speaks briefly about how they met, followed even suspected arson of one play supporter’s and Palestinian conceptions of their mutual by detailed descriptions of the difficulties home. This documentary from filmmak- history. Daum tries to bridge the gap by bring- they contend with, both in maintaining their ers Dax Bedell and Patricia Moore offers a ing Odeh together with Holocaust survivor individual identities and in the maintenance compelling look at this historical battle over Dasha Rittenberg for a walk through the of their relationships. One woman speaks of community notions of decency, freedom of ruins, but as that visit and Daum’s interviews losing her job due to homophobic attitudes, speech, religion, lifestyles, and human rights. with other Jews and Palestinians demonstrate, while a male couple recall being harassed on Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block) the opposing positions are so hardened that the subway after kissing in public. The 2013 altering them even slightly is difficult (Daum legislation forbidding “propaganda” that The Ruins of Lifta HHH is occasionally dismissed as either misguided supports “non-traditional sexual relations (2016) 77 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features or naïve for even attempting to do so). In among minors” is repeatedly cited as fueling (avail. from most distributors). the end, however, these kinds of small but homophobic attitudes, and the film includes In an earlier documentary called Hiding stubborn efforts still offer a chance of inching footage of an LGBT rally that is broken up by and Seeking (VL-3/05) that Menachem Daum towards a solution to what seems intractable a violent mob. While the film cannot plumb made with filmmaker Oren Rudavsky, the hostility in the Middle East. Recommended. the full spectrum of each couple’s experiences Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn took his sons Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) in a mere half-hour, it does offer a compel- to Poland to track down the elderly gentile ling overview of the courage exhibited by couple who had saved their grandfather from Song from the Forest HHH ordinary people in the face of intolerance. the Nazis. Daum continues his crusade for (2016) 96 min. DVD: $24.99: individuals, $99: Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) mutual understanding in this equally power- high schools & public libraries; $349: colleges & ful follow-up by the duo, which centers on the universities. First Pond Entertainment. PPR. Vieques: An Endless Battle HHH ruins of the Arab village Lifta—located on the Filmmaker Michael Obert’s impressionistic (2016) 68 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. outskirts of Jerusalem—that was depopulated documentary centers on the dramatic alter- DVD: $80: public libraries; $300: colleges & during the 1948 war, and now offers the only ation in the life of late American musicologist universities. DRA. Third World Newsreel. PPR. remaining evidence of the previous Palestin- Louis Sarno (1954-2017), brought about by Filmmaker Juan C. Dávila’s insightful ian presence in the area. Daum interviews the siren call of the music of the Bayaka, a documentary examines a decades-long Yacoub Odeh, a gentlemanly Palestinian tribe in the Central African Republic. As a struggle by the people living on the Puerto among those evicted from Lifta, who now young man Sarno heard a Bayakan piece Rican island of Vieques to regain control of leads a group protesting a plan to bulldoze on the radio and felt compelled to track it the land from the federal government. The Lifta and build luxury homes. Odeh’s glowing to its source. After encountering the tribe, root of the problem began in 1941 when reminiscences about Lifta—a place where Sarno remained with them for three decades, the U.S. Navy took over two-thirds of the Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in ami- recording an estimated 1,000 hours of their island ahead of World War II. After the war, ty—are contrasted with the recollections of music while also becoming a much-respected the Navy stayed on, using Vieques for troop Jews who argue it was a center of resistance member of their community, noted particu- training and bombing exercises. Over the that heroic Zionists (including Daum’s own larly for his medical knowledge. Sarno also years, protest percolated among locals, but uncle) helped clear of dangerous fighters, married a native woman by whom he had a Puerto Rico’s government consistently sided highlighting the chasm that separates Jewish son named Samedi, who he promised to take with Washington regarding the military

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 48 JULY/AUGUST 2017 presence. The 1999 death of a civilian Puer- National Geographic miniseries from execu- Polar Bear Town HHH to Rican security guard during a bombing tive producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard (2015) 2 discs. 300 min. DVD: $29.99. mishap sparked a more aggressive campaign juxtaposes a dramatic narrative centered Smithsonian Channel (avail. from most of civil disobedience—and several violent on a problem-plagued manned mission to distributors). SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789- protests—that gained global attention. After colonize the Red Planet with interviews 931-4. many prominent celebrities and activists from experts who talk about the challeng- For two months every winter, the small traveled to Vieques to join the protests, the ing technical aspects of such a complicated town of Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, federal government began to cave in and the venture. The 2016 interviews—with NASA is transformed, becoming the “polar bear Navy eventually withdrew in 2003. But the officials and talking heads ranging from capital of the world.” The bears and their Navy failed to clean up much of the damage Apollo 13 commander James Lovell and cubs have been driven off the thinning sea left behind (including lots of unexploded celebrity science guy Neil deGrasse Tyson ice—their preferred hunting spot for seals— bombs), and the federal government abruptly to novelist Andy Weir (author of The Mar- putting them into direct contact and conflict declared much of the island a National Wild- tian) and entrepreneur Elon Musk—are with humans, as the bears try to forage for life Sanctuary under the control of the U.S. genuinely informative, even if the series food scraps before returning to the ice. This Fish and Wildlife Service, thus denying resi- embraces Musk’s company SpaceX with Smithsonian Channel-aired six-episode series dents access to these lands. Vieques explores excessive enthusiasm. But the fictional Mars portrays life in “polar bear town,” where the how Puerto Ricans have faced second-class trip—while impressive from a purely visual bears present risks and opportunities for the citizenship in their own land, while also perspective—is hobbled by sketchy charac- locals. Polar bears can be deadly, and with questioning whether Puerto Rico’s leaders terization, stilted acting, leaden dialogue, their bulk and speed (the latter clocked at 35 have the best interests of the people in mind. and melodramatic plot turns, beginning miles per hour), things can go wrong fast (a Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) with the death of the mission commander local was attacked after returning home from during a landing in 2033 and extending a late night party). The series presents guides into 2037, when a devastating tragedy in who struggle to earn a living showing tour- NATURE, MATH & SCIENCE the struggling colony threatens to derail the ists and photographers bear sites, which is a entire project (until a shocking discovery complex and risky procedure, as mother bears promises to revitalize it). Mars is a hand- are fiercely protective of their cubs, guarding Mars HH1/2 some, ambitious production, but its hybrid them not only from humans, but also from (2017) 3 discs. 283 min. DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: structure ultimately works against it. Extras rogue predator bears, who have been known $29.98. Fox Home Entertainment (avail. from most include behind-the-scenes featurettes, as to kill a cub when hungry enough. One lo- distributors). SDH captioned. well as cast and crew interviews. A strong cal rescues endangered Eskimo dogs, which Blending sci-fi and sci-fact, this six-part optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek) coexist in an uneasy, watchful truce with the

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 49 VIDEO LIBRARIAN bears who come to feed on scraps and leav- for a small local community—has become in the same situation. Kincaid first meets with ings (the shelter owner feeds the dogs with a de facto canal for industry pollution, so Mark, a 27-year-old doctor who survived skin money raised from tourists who come to see bad that cancer is rampant among riverside cancer when he was a child, only to have it and photograph the scene). One of the most dwellers (and a boy who accidentally fell into return in terminal form. Mark calls it his interesting segments concerns Halloween the river while playing a few years ago died worst nightmare, but when she catches up night, where everyone is on guard, both for days later of arsenic poisoning). Silent River with him sometime later, he states that he’s the safety of trick-or-treating children and documents these issues, taking a darker turn “living with cancer” rather than dying from the bears (any marauding bear must be de- when the story focuses on pro-river activists it. She also meets with 23-year-old Beth who stroyed). Other topics include the “polar bear whose lives are threatened for taking a stand. has inoperable brain tumors, and Tim, a jail,” a cooling-off facility where roving bears The film follow the travails of one family husband and father with cystic fibrosis. Now are housed for 30 days before being returned driven out of town and living incognito, over 40, Tim knows that the end could come to the wild, and the “polar bear paparazzi” who ultimately decide to go back and face at any time, so he lives each day as if it was who crowd in to see the bears on release the fight. Filmmakers Jason Jaacks and Steve his last. Although Kincaid has the support day. Featuring some crossover material with Fisher offer a comprehensive account of the of her sister, she isn’t married and doesn’t The Great Polar Feast (VL Online-10/16), this Santiago River’s devastation and the courage have children. Before she became ill, her life series offers a binge-worthy blend of nature of those fighting back. But they are also good revolved around her job. Now, in between facts and human and animal interest stories. reporters, making sure to add the voices of meeting people and her chemotherapy rou- Highly recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees) the town’s mayor and a spokesperson for tine, she socializes with friends (her social economic development. Spotlighting an circle is helping her to check off items on her Silent River HHH alarming example of the consequences of bucket list). Kincaid also plans her funeral and (2014) 25 min. In Spanish & English w/English lax environmental regulations, this is recom- ponders whether she wants to be buried or subtitles. DVD: $50: public libraries; $150: colleges mended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) cremated. Her condition fluctuates, but she & universities. EPF Media. PPR. ISBN: 978-1- makes it to 40, which is the biggest item on 930545-88-5. her bucket list. Cusack’s documentary aired There is something weirdly beautiful in HEALTH & FITNESS in 2015; Kincaid died the following year after the sight of white foam piled high, floating having raised thousands of dollars for cancer along the briskly moving Santiago River, research. An inspirational portrait, this is which flows on the outskirts of Guadalajara, recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) Mexico. But you would not want to get near Before I Kick the Bucket HHH the stuff: it’s created by one or more of the (2016) 59 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199 w/PPR). Chemical Highs: Flakka and the Rise of approximately 1,000 toxic chemicals that Dreamscape Media. Closed captioned. are daily dumped by the 300 American and Rowena Kincaid, the 39-year-old subject of Synthetic Drugs HHH Japanese brand-name businesses (IBM, Levi’s, Jody Cusack’s documentary, has a sunny de- (2016) 17 min. DVD: $149.95 (teacher’s guide included). Human Relations Media. PPR. Closed Honda, Hershey) that have been exploiting meanor but a short time left to live. Diagnosed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62706-055-4. cheap labor and porous environmental reg- with Stage 4 breast cancer, Kincaid worked as ulations for 40 years (and particularly since a BBC Wales weather presenter prior to her Produced in cooperation with Flori- NAFTA). The river—a grand sight seen from diagnosis. Afterward, she posts her story on da-based JC’s Recovery House and the Bro- the sky, and once an important trade lifeline social media in hopes of hearing from others ward County Sheriff’s Office, this program focuses on the synthetic drug known as “Flakka.” Described by a user as “kinda like crack on steroids, almost,” Flakka (aka “grav- Saving Jamaica Bay HHH el”) originated in China, mimics the effects (2017) 77 min. DVD: $59.95 ($250 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). of other hard drugs, and can be smoked, Passion River (avail. from most distributors). snorted, shot, or swallowed. The addictive Long known as New York’s dumping ground, Jamaica Bay is properties of Flakka combined with its rel- portrayed as something more beneficial in David Sigal’s docu- ative ease to manufacture and very cheap mentary. As narrator Susan Sarandon states, it’s home to one of price make the drug a nightmare for law the country’s busiest airports, JFK, and the “secluded marshes enforcement and health workers—including favored by the Mob.” Although cleanup efforts have been taking JC’s director Ray Rapaglia and Dr. Michael place, much remains to be done. Dan Mundy, the president of Estereicher, who deal with related violence, Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, grew up in the area. Since retiring seizures, and other detrimental effects. The from the New York City Fire Department, he has devoted his program includes diagrams that illustrate the life to conservation. Both he and his son, Dan, are particularly concerned about the potential damage to the brain and body, as expansion of the airport and the erosion of marshes that are protecting the coastline, well as news footage, startling YouTube clips which has been a victim of devastation by severe storms. Dan is the vice president of of people on Flakka, comments from past Ecowatchers, and he describes Jamaica Bay as being 10 times the size of Central Park. users, and—unfortunately—lame dramatic Don Riepe, another local resident, has been involved with cleanup efforts for 30 years, vignettes of actors shivering, grabbing their helping to organize groups of people—sometimes as many as 200-300—to work shifts. hair, and doing fake drug deals. Still, this is The return of the osprey, which has thrived since the ban of DDT, represents a positive an eye-opening look at a scary drug. Recom- development, although U.S. Fish & Wildlife agents have occasionally had to cull birds mended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood) due to overpopulation (Riepe has also noticed an increase in snowy owls). And then comes 2012’s Hurricane Sandy—during the filming—devastating the homes of Riepe A Dark Room HHH and the Mundys. As Riepe notes, “We have so many people living along the coast now (2016) 52 min. DVD: $159. National Film Board of that it is a recipe for disaster.” The men rebuild their homes, while also working harder Canada. PPR. than ever to improve and safeguard their region. As Dan puts it, “We’re staying. We’re Concussions in the world of professional not going anywhere,” which bodes well for Jamaica Bay. An inspirational portrait of football have been at the center of numerous regional environmental activism, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) recent documentaries, as well as the feature film Concussion starring Will Smith, but

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 50 JULY/AUGUST 2017 and curvy fixture in the gossip pages. But the responsibilities of single parenthood Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts HHH1/2 with her daughter reportedly reformed her. (2017) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1- When Stein then adopted a second child, 5317-0021-8. a boy named Ren (who turned out to be a Filmmaker Elizabeth Arledge’s PBS-aired documentary offers “black-market baby,” cuing an entire sidebar), an urgent snapshot of the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has she discovered that he had ASM, a cruel, on the national economy and individual families. According congenital degenerative spinal disease. In to the medical professionals interviewed here, the near-future a narrative spanning several years, Stein costs of Alzheimer’s care threaten to bankrupt both Medicare becomes one of many frightened mothers and Medicaid while rivaling the Department of Defense’s budget and fathers hoping to qualify for clinical for the sheer level of spending. Largely this is because medical trials of possible drug treatments. She brings researchers have achieved no breakthrough in Alzheimer’s her larger-than-life personality to Washing- treatments—unlike heart disease, cancer, or HIV/AIDS, nobody survives the disease ton D.C. to campaign for more urgency on once it begins to take its lethal toll. But related federal spending on research is much behalf of the FDA, and she circulates among smaller when compared to other medical categories. Putting a human face on this ASM parental support groups and events. An situation with stories of the devastating effects that Alzheimer’s has on families, inspiring and often heartrending real-life the documentary follows one Missouri woman who needed to sell her business and drama, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, become a full-time caregiver to her mother, whose failing health is detailed here. P. (C. Cassady) Another profile concerns a Florida man who places his Alzheimer’s-stricken mother in a care facility. Although she is treated very well, the mother is not happy in her HHH new surroundings, and her son is panicked that the costs of her care will deplete the A Matter of Time (2016) 85 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features family’s savings. A powerful film about a heartrending medical crisis, this is highly (avail. from most distributors). recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) Canadian singer-songwriter Kathryn Calder is at the center of this touching doc- umentary. Fans of the popular rock band filmmaker Joseph Recupero’sA Dark Room McCarthy and the late Joan Rivers. Regard- The New Pornographers will recognize her reminds viewers of what a brutal sport ice less, more information about menopause can as a key member of the group who brings hockey can be on the human brain. Players only be a good thing. The true driving force distinctive vocals and songwriting flair to routinely take blows to the head via phys- behind the documentary, Dr. Pamela Dee the ensemble. In this documentary by Ca- ical contact with other players, collisions Gaudry, conducts the interviews, provides the sey Cohen, we see Calder during a period of with the ice, and even being hit by flying data, and sets the tone. Dr. Dee started out crisis, when her mother, Lynn, is diagnosed pucks. Psychiatrists studying the role of in OB-GYN before transitioning to become a with ALS—otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s sports concussions on long-term brain menopause care specialist. She describes the disease—and given a short period of time to health tell us that the culture of hockey is change of life as “no periods for 12 straight live. Calder elects to take a hiatus from the still dominated by a tough-it-out mentality months,” although the age of onset varies. band and care for Lynn (whom we never see that understates the severity of concussions For most women, perimenopause begins in on camera), creating a deepened relationship and links injury with weakness. The fact is the 40s, while menopause itself starts in the between mother and daughter while also that many players attempt to carry on in 50s. Other specialists include Dr. Mary Jane spurring reflection that leads Calder to new practices and competition despite dizziness, Minkin, sex therapist Mary Jo Rapini, and chapters in music-making. Cohen surrounds nausea, cognitive dysfunction, and other psychiatrist Madeleine Castellanos. The doc- this core story with an abundance of context, psychological problems, sometimes leading tors agree with Dr. Dee that medical schools including a detailed history of Calder’s rise to drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. The don’t pay as much attention to menopause to prominence (leaving behind some dis- film interviews several players who gave up as they should, which leaves patients with- gruntled early collaborators), her personal the sport following repeat concussions, as out the support they need (and, as Minkin life (with family, friends, and a lover), and a well as the father of a deceased player who notes, more women go through menopause detailed explanation of ALS (footage of the had arranged for his brain to be donated to than pregnancy). The symptoms under famous farewell tribute to baseball legend research. Fortunately, there is some positive discussion include hot flashes, lack of sleep, Gehrig is also included here). Most interesting news here about research that will more ac- and issues with intimacy, while potential is a story thread about Calder recording a solo curately measure brain injuries than simply alleviators include sex toys, vaginal cream, album in her mother’s living room between relying on patient reporting. A powerful and hormone replacement therapy. To spice episodes of caring for Lynn. A powerful, look at a subject of growing concern, this is things up, Jacobs also employs on-the-street intimate film, this is recommended. Aud: C, recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh) interviews, dramatic re-enactments, and an- P. (T. Keogh) imated sequences. It’s a bit of a hodgepodge, Love, Sweat & Tears HH1/2 but there’s useful information here, making No Matter Where HHH (2017) 82 min. DVD: $29.95 (avail. from most this a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (2016) 76 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199.99 w/PPR). distributors on Aug. 22), $349 w/PPR (avail. from (K. Fennessy) Dreamscape Media. Closed captioned. www.kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber. Filmmaker Barry Simmons’s documentary Filmmaker Scott Jacobs’s Love, Sweat & Magnificent BurdenHHH 1/2 argues that over 20,000 people in the U.S. Tears takes a breezy approach to the subject (2016) 87 min. DVD: $99: public libraries & die each year because hospitals and medical of menopause, a condition affecting as many high schools; $350 w/PPR: colleges & universities. centers lack the technological infrastructure as 60 million American women at any given Seventh Art Releasing. to instantly share patient data between dif- time. The use of portentous music and spooky Filmmaker Rob Nelson profiles a most ferent institutions. As a solution, the film graphics during the opening credits suggests unlikely activist-crusader: California’s Taylor touts the creation of a Health Information a horror film, but Jacobs soon segues to an Stein, who is described as a former Manhat- Exchange, a new high-tech fix that will al- infomercial-meets-daytime-talk-show vibe tan nightlife mainstay in the Paris Hilton low doctors anywhere to pull up a patient’s with celebrity participants such as Jenny mode—a spoiled, hard-drinking heiress charts and history from any medical location

JULY/AUGUST 2017 51 VIDEO LIBRARIAN to be open about their sexual orientation. But much of the stress involves mothers who are Impossible Dreamers HHH1/2 either concerned for their daughters’ safety (2016) 75 min. DVD: $16.99, Blu-ray: $19.99. Gravitas Ventures (avail. or are impatient they are not yet married from most distributors). Closed captioned. with children. Gumnit follows a number of The image of seniors heading into decline after a certain women through daily activities without any age is thoroughly thrashed in this excellent documentary by incident, but these sequences feel more like filmmakers Eric Goldfarb and Erik Howell that focuses on a travelogue featuring average women going elders who keep themselves healthy by constantly moving. In about quotidian activities without attracting an age where meds of all stripes are peddled for health woes, attention, let alone generating derision. An Impossible Dreamers underscores the healing and rejuvenating uneven but often interesting portrait of les- power of pedaling (and walking, jogging, swimming, playing bian life in Thailand, this is a strong optional tennis, golfing, and other activities) as a common-sense alter- purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) native. Especially inspiring here is octogenarian Doc Cheek, who is (as his students call him) a “dope-ass professor” of critical thinking at Fresno State University who is just as concerned about getting off the starting block as he races the 100-yard dash as FOOD & SPIRITS he is about his students. As he puts it, unlike some seniors “I don’t sit around talking about my [health ills]; I talk about being cutting edge in what I’m doing.” Doc’s story is echoed throughout as many senior athletes discuss how they approach—and are in control of—their own health in their golden years. There are some serious competitors Seed: The Untold Story HHH1/2 featured here (as in record-breaking serious), but the message reaches across varying (2016) 94 min. DVD: $50 ($125 w/PPR): public libraries; $295 w/PPR: colleges & universities. DRA. levels of physical abilities and skills: moving keeps us all young, so keep on truckin’. Collective Eye Films. Closed captioned. Highly recommended. [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for Filmmakers Taggart Siegel and Jon Betz’s public libraries for $129 and for colleges and universities for $249 from Better World documentary about contemporary agricul- Film Group at www.impossibledreamers.org.] Aud: P. (C. Block) ture points out that 94 percent of seed variet- ies have disappeared during the last century, while financially and politically dominant in the country. No Matter Where insists that Congress in favor of 2013’s Safe Cosmetics biotech chemical companies such as Dow and the Health Information Exchange is the and Personal Care Products Act. During Monsanto have taken near-complete control successor to the Union Pacific Railroad and her remarks, Van notes frequent headaches, over the nation’s seed supply. Seed argues that the Interstate Highway System in terms of persistent coughing, and two miscarriages. industrial farming has created environmental connecting the nation along a new and vital Fortunately, her doctor doesn’t detect any hazards while also threatening the health of path, drawing on comments from healthcare problems with her latest pregnancy, which the population through genetically modified and technology advocates. It is a compelling results in a healthy baby boy. The film- foods and the pesticides used to keep crops argument, but Simmons unwisely overuses makers, who originally planned to make a free from insects. The film profiles efforts cutesy animated effects that are supposed to documentary about salon customers, also made by small farms to remain independent depict several of the experts in the film as well interview several New York Nail regulars. As of corporate encroachment, and it features as the narrator, British actress Caroline Jane— one puts it, “Women want to get pampered. numerous interviews with experts—includ- an approach that trivializes the subject rather They want to be treated like a queen for a ing, somewhat surprisingly, primatologist Dr. than enhancing its seriousness. Still, this is day.” In profiling one particular professional Jane Goodall—who comment on this state of an important topic that deserves widespread who provides that service, Jordan and Griffin affairs. Featuring an imaginative visual style attention. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) also shed light on a health and safety issue and carefully layered storytelling that does that warrants more attention. Recommended. not dumb down the complex subject, Seed is Painted Nails HHH Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) presented here both in its full-length version (2016) 58 min. DVD: $350. DigAll Media. PPR. and an hour-long abridged edition. Highly SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-63587-952-0. recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall) Filmmakers Erica Jordan and Dianne Grif- RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUALITY fin’s documentary centers on Van Hoang, a shy Vietnamese nail salon owner in San BEAUTY & FASHION Francisco who becomes an accidental activist. Visible Silence HH1/2 Van and her husband, Triet, an airbrush artist, (2015) 43 min. In English & Thai w/English moved to the U.S. from Saigon in hopes of subtitles. DVD: $320. DRA. Documentary Guido Models HH1/2 a better life. At their salon, New York Nail, Educational Resources. PPR. Closed captioned. (2015) 68 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. they work long days and take little time off, Filmmaker Ruth Gumnit’s documentary DVD: $99: high schools & public libraries; $425: but have a loyal, working-class clientele who offers insight into Thailand’s lesbian commu- colleges & universities. PRAGDA. PPR. value the services they provide. Nonetheless, nity. According to Visible Silence, lesbians in Guido Fuentes, who lives in Buenos Aires, is Van envisions a different life for her daughter, Thailand can be divided into two categories: a one-man design firm and modeling agency. one free from the toxic chemicals of her trade, “toms” (short for tomboys) who wear boyish From his humble apartment in the low-in- which calls for a face mask when applying haircuts and prefer masculine clothing, and come district of Villa 31, the Bolivian im- acrylic nails. Van testifies on behalf of the “dees” (the origin of the nickname is un- migrant designs dresses and puts on fashion Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Ordinance clear), who play up their feminine persona shows at public markets and town squares. He to encourage safer products. She also worries while enjoying the romantic company of the calls his line Guido Models and through his that she may have to raise her prices if she tough-looking toms. Thailand’s traditionally shows he aims to present Villa 31 in a positive upgrades her inventory, but knows the health conservative Buddhist society is nowhere light. As he sees it, “Success for one means risks are too serious to ignore. The Bay Area near as tolerant as Western countries in regard success for all of us.” His efforts have earned group Asian Health Services selects Van to to LGBT rights, and the women interviewed him appearances on the radio, TV, and now in travel to Washington D.C. to speak before experience some degree of struggle in trying this documentary by filmmaker Julieta Sans.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 52 JULY/AUGUST 2017 In the film, he sketches designs, shops for cases create) startups located in Detroit. Johns non-narrative visual essay entirely. Philosoph- fabric, stitches garments by hand, and teaches Hopkins engineering grad Labib is assigned ical questions are raised regarding the mean- his models how to walk down a runway. Sans to a company looking to design phones and ing of identity and even human memory also follows Guido’s two favorite models, tablets for commercial clients; Cornell alum (everything can now be recorded objectively Sonia León and Delia Cáceres, as they attend Avery joins an operation founded by fellow as uploaded bits and bytes, so to whom do school, get tattoos, and spend time with subject Brian that will produce and market those memories belong?). Meandering narra- their families. The trio take a trip to Bolivia, pasta made from chickpeas; MIT-trained tion (in English) proposes that the Internet is a where Guido recruits local models through a Dextina has returned to her hometown to self-aware, sentient organism. One intriguing free workshop and stages a fashion show. It’s work at a firm that offers aid to other small segment that unfortunately gets short shrift clear that moneymaking isn’t Guido’s primary local startups; Gonzaga-trained Kate joins involves a certain Paul Miller, who—with his aim, but Sans fails to include any financial an office providing tech training for other employer’s permission—is spending a year information about how he earns income or potential entrepreneurs, particularly women; offline. Miller says he is feeling normal, but whether he pays his models. She also avoids and Wesleyan grad Max leads a group called lacking instant-information access that was any clues to his personal life, including his Castle, which wants to write software for formerly just a click or keypad away, he also age and educational background (he appears property managers. All six subjects are likable feels less smart than everybody else. While to be single, but there’s no mention of his and the ups-and-downs of their work expe- this is an intriguing subject, the too-artsy marital status or sexual orientation). Unin- rience is interesting, but Dextina and Labib approach works against the material. A better, tentionally or not, this paucity of detail shifts are especially fascinating: Dextina describes similarly-themed documentary is Werner the focus from Guido to Sonia and Delia, who sacrifices made by her mother, a single parent Herzog’s Lo and Behold (VL-11/16). A strong emerge as more fully-rounded individuals. An from Guyana, while Labib’s hard-pressed optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) uneven but often interesting documentary, parents fret over his decision to sacrifice more this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. lucrative opportunities for a far riskier route. (K. Fennessy) With its emphasis on successful ventures in SPORTS, GAMES & RECREATION an environment where most actually fail, Generation Startup sometimes feels like a PSA BUSINESS & ECONOMICS for Ventures for America, but it can serve as The Free Man HH1/2 encouragement for young dreamers. A strong (2017) 84 min. DVD: $19.98. Universal optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) Pictures Home Entertainment (avail. from most Generation Startup HH1/2 distributors). (2016) 93 min. DVD or Blu-ray: $95: public Filmmaker Toa Fraser’s documentary libraries & high schools; $395: colleges & COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY focuses on Jossi Wells, a freestyle skier who universities. DRA. Tugg. PPR. represented New Zealand at the 2014 Winter How do you instill a spirit of entrepreneur- Olympics. Wells teams up with the Flying ship in young Americans at a time when the In Limbo HH1/2 Frenchies, a group of athletes who stage not-so-far-distant bursting of the dot.com (2015) 85 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries astonishing performance stunts at extreme bubble might lead them to choose safer, more & high schools; $375: colleges & universities. Grasshopper Film. PPR. altitudes—and only occasionally wear safety conventional paths? Venture for America is harnesses. Wells’s experience is framed as a non-profit that places recent college grads French filmmaker Antoine Viviani’s artsy, both a celebration of physical daring and with startups, aiming to stimulate innovation abstruse reflection on data technology and as an existential debate on what it means to while also helping embryonic businesses the Internet—and where it is taking us—calls jettison fears and become a truly free person flourish and contribute to the revitalization to mind the mondo-digital documentaries in a world ruled by limitations (Wells joins of various cities. Filmmakers Cynthia Wade of Iara Lee (Synthetic Pleasures, VL-7/97), but the Flying Frenchies after surviving a serious and Cheryl Miller Houser’s documentary is even more freeform, layered with digital skiing accident). To its credit, the film offers focuses on six recruits who join (or in some optical effects that threaten to overwhelm the a dazzling view of the extreme sports team at work and play high atop the French Alps, and one can’t help but be impressed with Concrete Love HHH1/2 their ability to seemingly defy gravity for (2015) 88 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most the sake of applause and admiration—one distributors). segment features a tightrope walk across a Swiss filmmaker Maurizius Staerkle-Drux’s documentary serves wire suspended between two hot air balloons up a portrait of the Böhms, a three-generation family of German that is utterly breathtaking to behold. But the architects. Gottfried Böhm, the son of master church builder film also tends to get bogged down in endless Dominkus Böhm, is widely regarded as his country’s leading philosophical ruminations on what it means architect, while his wife Elisabeth is a significant architect in to be truly living. Extras include behind-the- her own right. The film opens with Elisabeth’s illness and her scenes featurettes. A strong optional purchase. husband’s semi-retirement—Gottfried is still present at his firm, Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) but his sons Stephen, Peter, and Paul handle the company’s busi- ness dealings. A relatively serene family existence is put to the challenge as Elisabeth’s Speed Sisters HHH health fails, creating significant emotional and professional challenges for her husband (2016) 80 min. In English & Arabic w/English and sons. Gottfried looks back on his career and the difficulties of moving out of his subtitles. DVD: $19.95. First Run Features (avail. father’s shadow to create a distinctive style to match the post-World War II mood. from most distributors). His sons each have their own problems relating to thorny projects that are not going Vroom vroom! The five women of the smoothly. Concrete Love deftly mixes insightful commentary on the business of building “Speed Sisters” Middle Eastern racecar team design and construction together with meditative segments on the fragility of life and show off their fancy motor skills and share the power of love. Serving up a family history, a study of contemporary architecture, their lives in this documentary from direc- and a tribute to the creative spirit, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) tor Amber Fares. Speed Sisters focuses on the ladies’ varied backgrounds (“I noticed her

JULY/AUGUST 2017 53 VIDEO LIBRARIAN talent since the day she stole the car when between a Dallas drum collective and Stew- I Think You’re Totally Wrong: A Quarrel she was 11 years old!”), as well as family art Copeland, drummer for The Police. The HHH support (or non-support), and relationships members of D’Drum, including director (2014) 87 min. DVD: $24.99: individuals, $99: (romance issues and wedding preparations are John Bryant, originally got together for the high schools & public libraries; $349: colleges & involved here). Viewers are often reminded of fun of it. Since then, they’ve scoured the universities. DRA. First Pond Entertainment. PPR. the rough West Bank wartime conditions of world looking for unusual instruments, Two writers meet for a feature-length the Israeli occupation, with constant fighting, such as the Hungarian cimbalom, and they argument in James Franco’s My Dinner with curfews, and stringent ID checks. At one have developed a reputation for delivering Andre-inspired documentary. Seattle novelist point, as the women head to practice near electric live performances, which leads to David Shields describes former student Caleb the Qalandia military checkpoint, a team a 2007 commission to perform a new work Powell as someone who actively dislikes his member is hit with a teargas shot (although, with an orchestra. Bryant is a music profes- work. As Shields puts it, “He’s one of the most as another says with bravado, “Why would I sor at Southern Methodist University, Doug quarrelsome guys I’ve ever met.” Shields first stop practicing because of Israeli soldiers?”). Howard (who also teaches) and Ron Snider contacted Powell in 2010 about collaborating Chronicling two racing seasons, Fares follows are percussionists with the Dallas Symphony on a 2015 book in which they argued about the women as they work on their vehicles Orchestra, Ed Smith teaches Balinese gamelan life and art, and this film is an extension of and race against each other, with onscreen at the University of North Texas, and Jamal that project. Judging only by appearances, commentary and footage shot inside and Mohamed directs the World Music Ensemble these bald, white, middle-aged men have outside the cars. A poignant slice-of-life at SMU. The musicians are excited to learn portrait touching on competitive sports, more in common than not. Nonetheless, that they will be working with Copeland— Powell is a stay-at-home dad with three kids, stereotypes about femininity, and Middle fresh off a two-year reunion tour with his old East conflict, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. while Shields’s prodigious output hasn’t band—who begins by playing and sampling (J. Williams-Wood) left any time for children. Throughout the D’Drum’s instruments in order to incorporate film, Franco uses split screens to depict their sounds into his concerto. Copeland and the arguing, whether in a car, a cabin, or while THE ARTS group continue to trade ideas for the next walking around a lake. If Powell is more couple of years and then in 2009 they have combative, Shields is more pedantic, correct- instruments made to record and perform ing Powell when he mispronounces Jackson HHH the piece. In 2011, the group prepares for Pollock’s surname or accidentally uses the Almost There the world premiere with conductor Jaap van word “attention” instead of “tension.” Shields (2015) 85 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries & high schools; $350: colleges & universities. The Sweden and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. also makes a joke about Powell’s sexual orien- Cinema Guild. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: Copeland praises D’Drum’s chemistry, not- tation, which backfires when Powell points 0-7815-1550-5. ing, “A drummer never feels crowded out. out that his wife’s first husband was gay (not Filmmakers Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wick- He feels empowered by all the other rhythm him). Mostly, they argue about the differ enden discovered Peter Anton by accident as going around.” Although an ice storm hits ences between popular art and fine art. Pow- the latter was drawing portraits of passersby the city before the big day, the show goes ell wants to make a difference through his during an Indiana pierogi festival. Upon on and is met with a sustained standing work, while he believes that Shields would closer examination of Anton’s work, the ovation. Extras include the full performance rather flatter the intelligence of his audience. filmmakers believed that they had stumbled of the concerto. Recommended. Aud: C, P. The way Shields sees it, Powell initiates proj- upon a major under-the-radar presence in (K. Fennessy) ects through the chaos of life while he does the realm of outsider art. Anton turned out to be very far under the radar: he lived in poverty in a dilapidated home in East Chi- HHH cago, IN, that lacked heat and electricity. Saving Banksy (2017) 69 min. DVD: $24.95 ($250 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). In fact, Anton’s creative output—paintings Passion River (avail. from most distributors). and autobiographical scrapbooks—were in Filmmaker Colin M. Day’s documentary follows the efforts danger of being destroyed by the hazardous of Brian Greif, a local TV executive and passionate devotee of conditions in his home. While working on a biographical documentary about Anton’s street art, to not only preserve one of the large murals that life, the filmmakers worked to preserve and anonymous British provocateur Banksy surreptitiously plastered restore much of his work and arrange for on building walls during a 2010 visit to San Francisco, but also a solo exhibit at a Chicago gallery. But the to find a permanent home for it in a museum. The object of last-second discovery of a serious criminal Greif’s obsession is “Haight Street Rat,” which depicted one of charge in Anton’s past nearly derails both Banksy’s signature rodents, wearing a Che Guevara hat and holding a can of spray the exhibit and the film project. Almost There paint. Situated on the wooden wall of a Victorian hotel, the piece would ordinarily offers a fascinating lesson in what happens have been quickly painted over by city crews in accordance with municipal policies when nonfiction filmmakers become too on unauthorized graffiti. Part of Day’s fast-paced film features Greif’s recollections of closely entwined with their subjects. And, to his negotiations with the building owner, which ultimately resulted in permission for be blunt, the filmmakers are clearly exploiting him to remove the mural piece by piece and store it in his apartment closet. It then Anton long before any serious effort is made documents his frustration in trying to find a museum willing to accept the mural to rescue him from his miserable living con- for public display, followed by a purchase offer from Stephan Keszler, a dealer who ditions. A provocative and often disturbing has built a thriving business taking down street art and selling it to collectors at high production, this is recommended. Aud: C, prices. Punctuating the story are interviews with other noted graffiti artists—includ- P. (P. Hall) ing Ben Eine, RISK, and Anthony Lister—who offer stinging opinions of Keszler and other profiteers, but also question the propriety of attempts to preserve intentionally HHH ephemeral art. Saving Banksy tells an engaging personal story while also raising major Dare to Drum issues about the contemporary art trade. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. (2016) 85 min. DVD: $149 ($349 w/PPR). DRA. Kino Lorber Edu. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) Dare to Drum captures a collaboration

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 54 JULY/AUGUST 2017 so through the cathedral of art. Franco enters the fray on three different occasions to serve HHH as a mediator, but for the most part, this is Strike a Pose (2016) 85 min. DVD: $29.95. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). just two guys arguing about art and life, and Closed captioned. that turns out to be pretty interesting. Rec- Most who saw the 1991 documentary Truth or Dare, which ommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) followed the on-and-offstage culture of Madonna’s “Blond Ambition” tour, will likely recall the male dancers who threw King Lear HHH themselves into the fierce choreography, spotlighting vibrant (2016) 181 min. DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99. male sexuality at the peak of the AIDS crisis. Filmmakers Ester Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Gould and Reijer Zwaan’s Strike a Pose reflects back on that sen- It is practically a professional ritual for dis- sational and sometimes controversial tour, catching up with six tinguished Shakespearean actors of a certain of those surviving dancers today (we also learn about a seventh age to assume the title role in the Bard’s great member, Gabriel Trupin, who died of AIDS in 1995). The result is an entertaining and tragedy about an elderly king who unwisely insightful look at these iconic performers a quarter-century after their brief time in doles out his realm to his three daughters on the limelight, with some surprising details about the aftermath of “Blond Ambition.” the basis of their professions of love, only to Madonna herself does not appear here, except through a generous sampling of footage learn that actions speak louder than words. from Truth or Dare, and the documentary largely consists of a series of interviews with This 2016 Royal Shakespeare Company pro- the former dancers, who have (to varying degrees) aged fairly well, some having dealt duction gave Sir Antony Sher, then 67, the with drugs and alcohol, and a couple coping with being HIV positive. Familiar faces Luis opportunity to take on the dramatic equiv- Camacho and Jose Gutierez (veterans of the vogue-ing scene that Madonna celebrated alent of scaling Everest. On the whole his is in song), hip-hop dancer Oliver Crumes III (the only heterosexual in the group), and an impressive Lear, particularly in terms of Carlton Wilborn are among those we hear from and see reunite for an evening of—what diction and projection: his treatment of the else—a game of Truth or Dare. More surprising is word of the lawsuits that three of these verse is precise, and even during diatribes he dancers brought against Madonna following “Blond Ambition.” Not every memory never degenerates into mere ranting. At the here is a happy one. Extras include additional interviews. Recommended. [Note: this same time, however, there is a studied, slight- is also available with public performance rights for $349 from Bond Educator, www. ly affected tone to his approach that keeps bondeducator.com]. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) this portrayal from reaching a shatteringly poignant level. Sher is surrounded by a sup- porting cast that ranges from the remarkable ley’s “Rock Around the Clock”), Casino—in resulted in arrests and convictions. In New (Paapa Essiedu’s Edmund, David Troughton’s which dancers form a wheel, revolving to- York, on the other hand, administrators Gloucester) to the merely competent (Na- gether while still dancing with a partner—was opted for negotiation rather than confron- talie Simpson’s Cordelia, Graham Turner’s solidified as a social and cultural phenome- tation, a tactic that avoided violence but Fool), while Gregory Doran’s staging, which non. Rodríguez is not only full of memories, also drew criticism. Dawson and Ginzberg sometimes situates the king in a transparent but as a very fit and healthy septuagenarian combine archival footage of the events on cubicle and swathes him in mounds of fur, is he continues to dance today. The film ends each campus with excerpts from present-day often more forced than revelatory. Although with a look at Casino dancing in the streets all interviews with some who participated in this represents a signal achievement for one around the world, from Malaysia to Germany the demonstrations (a few were sentenced to of the most accomplished Shakespearean to China. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) prison terms) and former administrators. The actors of our time, it ultimately fails to match film also points out how these events in the the impact of either Trevor Nunn’s RSC pro- ‘60s laid the groundwork for current campus duction with Ian McKellen (VL Online-7/09) HISTORY & CURRENT EVENTS movements related to equal treatment and or Richard Eyre’s Royal National Theatre curricular development. A solid historical ap- version starring Ian Holm (VL-1/05). Extras preciation of the origins of the student fight include an audio commentary by Doran, an Agents of Change HHH for meaningful changes on college campuses, interview with Sher, a behind-the-scenes (2016) 66 min. DVD: $49.95: public libraries this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) featurette, and a cast gallery. Recommended, & high schools; $295: colleges & universities. overall. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek) California Newsreel. PPR. SDH captioned. Half-Life in Fukushima HH1/2 The 1960s were a period of unrest on U.S. (2016) 60 min. DVD: $375. Grasshopper Film. La Rueda de La Vida (The Wheel of Life) college campuses that was primarily spurred PPR. HHH by opposition to the Vietnam War but also The 2011 nuclear plant disaster in Fukushi- (2016) 15 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. involved demands for substantive change ma, Japan, resulted in a 20-kilometer “exclu- DVD: $49: high schools & public libraries; $150: in American society. This documentary by sion zone” around the facility that people colleges & universities. PatchWorks Films. PPR. Frank Dawson and Abby Ginzberg focuses are prohibited from entering without official Filmmakers Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schnei- on an issue that arose from the more general permission while cleanup crews continue der’s brief but delightful documentary tells Civil Rights movement—the adequacy of their slow, laborious work. The title of Mark the story of Joaquin Roche “El Oso” Rodrí- university admissions policies and curricula. Olexa and Francesca Scalisi’s documentary guez, one of the founders of Cuban salsa Agents of Change contrasts how officials re- refers to the length of time that the danger- dancing, or Casino de Rueda. A bright and sponded to student strikes at San Francisco ous radiation will persist in the area, but also positive 70-year-old, El Oso (“the Bear”) takes State and Cornell in New York at the close of describes the life of a farmer named Naoto, viewers on a well-choreographed tour of his the decade as pushes were made for increased one of few locals who have not evacuated the native Havana, underscoring the populist, enrollment of African Americans and other region. Living just outside the zone with his street-level nature of Casino dance and ex- minorities, along with the establishment of elderly father in the increasingly forlorn hope plaining how it evolved in pre-Castro Cuba Black and Ethnic Studies programs. In Califor- that the cleanup will eventually allow them because non-whites were not allowed into nia, newly-appointed university president S.I. to return to their land, Naoto periodically clubs. With the advent of rock ‘n’ roll (some Hayakawa, encouraged by Governor Ronald drives through the deserted streets of his elders here recall the huge impact of Bill Ha- Reagan, responded with harsh tactics that hometown, where prerecorded messages fill

JULY/AUGUST 2017 55 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Ninth Floor HHH The Great War HHH1/2 (2015) 81 min. DVD: $250. National Film Board (2017) 3 discs. 360 min. DVD: $34.99 ($64.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: of Canada. PPR. 978-1-5317-0142-0. This startling documentary from filmmak- Although he was not associated with this three-part, six-hour er Mina Shum sheds light on a disturbing PBS documentary series, the template established by Ken Burns chapter of Canadian history. In 1969, several is evident here in the combination of archival material, sober hundred students at the Sir George Williams narration (delivered by Oliver Platt), and commentary from not- University (now Concordia University) in ed historians that aims to both inform and entertain. The title Montreal occupied the school’s computer lab is actually overly expansive: The Great War does not cover the following a failed, yearlong effort by black entirety of World War I, concentrating instead on America’s role students to be taken seriously over charges in the conflict—which explains why it was broadcast not in 2014, of racism leveled at a white biology professor. a hundred years after the war’s outbreak, but rather in 2017, the centennial of the U.S. Ninth Floor (the title refers to the floor in a entrance. The first episode centers on the isolationist attitude that dominated in America building where occupiers gathered) com- prior to 1917—along with a prevailing anti-immigrant bias—followed by a look at the bines new interviews with former students extraordinary hostility that abruptly arose against those deemed insufficiently patriotic (and others present at the time) coupled once the nation had declared war on Germany, as the government set up what amounted with plentiful archival footage to construct to concentration camps and sent dissidents to prison. Other subjects accorded special a mosaic examining the antecedents and attention are the massive propaganda campaign that the administration developed to consequences of what would turn into a promote the war effort, the continuing drive for female suffrage, and the impact that violent episode. Whatever the validity of military service in Europe had on African-American soldiers, who were accustomed the original charges against that professor, to ingrained racism back home. President Woodrow Wilson emerges as a tragic figure, it seems clear that the university dragged its a man of high principle whose domestic policies became increasingly repressive and feet in conducting a proper hearing, causing whose dreams of creating a new world order after the war were thwarted not only by friction between the complainants and two opposition from European leaders and congressional critics but also by his own refusal black professors who were on the original to compromise. Also featuring revealing anecdotes and insightful character sketches, investigatory board. Following more delays, The Great War offers an enlightening, engrossing, and very timely history lesson. Highly a sit-in commenced that was interpreted as recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek) unlawful confinement of an official, which grew into an occupation of the computer lab, erupting at one point into the destruction of the air advising former residents to take care and then stayed on to make a contribution property and the surreal sight of punched when visiting their erstwhile homes. Some- to society, politics, and history. Actress Eliz- cards from a Fortran computer program times Naoto goes to a decrepit barn where abeth McGovern hosts this Smithsonian raining from windows like paper hail. Shum he practices driving golf balls into the over- Channel-aired six-part series, which looks is very good at piecing together the timeline grown fields or he simply observes the flora at some of the 200 American heiresses who of these incidents, although her approach is and fauna (in one scene he enters a deserted married European nobility. The American often over-stylized (such as a panning shot karaoke bar). Naoto’s narration serves as an women weren’t always well educated, but of a telephone cord while we listen in on a elegy to what he has lost, while shots of debris they knew how to dress and make conver- call). Charges that Montreal police started a abandoned during the rush to escape and tubs sation, entertain, and entrance potential potentially lethal fire that drove students off stacked high with contaminated soil offer suitors. Jennie Churchill helped shore up her the ninth floor aren’t proved here but seem mute testimony to the scale of destruction. husband’s fortune, founding a dynasty that to have some merit. What is most unsettling While the filmmakers do not directly address included Winston Churchill, that stalwart is testimony concerning the sheer terror of the dangers of nuclear power, that message defender of the British homeland during the students and cops alike, as many whites on seems obvious here. Half-Life in Fukushima is dark days of WWII. An heiress to the Singer the street below chanted racist slogans. A slow and repetitive, but its nightmarish por- Sewing Machine empire became a patron powerful revisiting of an ugly racial incident, trait of a once-thriving community that has of the arts. In the 1930s, American divorcee this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) literally been snuffed out carries substantial Wallis Warfield Simpson sparked an abdica- cumulative power. A strong optional pur- tion crisis, when King Edward VIII declared Oklahoma City HHH1/2 chase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) it impossible to reign “without the woman (2017) 101 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). I love.” (Churchill, among others, later de- PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0143-7. Million Dollar Princesses: The Complete clared that the nation owed Wallis a debt of At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, a van packed Series HHH gratitude for removing the weak, possibly with explosives detonated in front of the (2015) 2 discs. 360 min. DVD: $29.99. pro-German king from the throne before Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, Smithsonian Channel (avail. from most WWII.) Other episodes track the familiar shearing off the front of the structure and distributors). SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789- story of Philadelphia-born movie star Grace killing 168 people, including 19 children in 932-1. Kelly’s marriage to the Prince of Monaco, a daycare facility in what remains the worst During America’s Gilded Age, Manhattan as well as “poor little rich girl” Woolworth homegrown domestic terror attack on record. and other cities were home to New York’s heir Barbara Hutton, who married seven Directed by Barak Goodman, this PBS-aired nouveau riche, who were often scorned by times, but never found love, and Kennedy American Experience documentary serves the “Knickerbocker class,” i.e., old-money clan member Kathleen (known as “Kick”), up a graphic cautionary tale of how hate aristocrats who found these upstart retailers who married outside her faith and died in can quickly escalate into tragedy. The story and industrialists to be both loud and crude. a plane crash. From Peggy Guggenheim’s begins in the 1980s, with an anti-Semitic Ambitious parents looked to Europe in a role as “queen of culture” and art collector, white separatist militia known as “the Order,” “cash for class” scheme, offering money and to an American founder of the English who financed their activities—including the dowries to down on their luck noblemen in country house look, these women all made killing of a controversial liberal radio talk exchange for a title. Although these American lasting contributions. Recommended. Aud: show host—with a series of bank robberies. “princesses” rarely found love, many married P. (S. Rees) After the leaders were killed or captured, a

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 56 JULY/AUGUST 2017 sympathizer named Randy Weaver found himself besieged at Ruby Ridge, ID, which resulted in the deaths of Weaver’s wife and son. Shortly after, in 1992, David Koresh and his Branch Davidian cult faced off with agents of the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in Waco, TX, in a botched raid that STREAMING VIDEO FOR ALL LIBRARIES left dead four agents and several Davidians. Watching from a distance at Waco was Tim- othy McVeigh, a Gulf War veteran who left the army with no job prospects, a passion for guns and gun rights, and a growing obsession that the federal government was the enemy. Although not a militia member, McVeigh fed his resentments by reading William Luther Pierce’s 1978 novel The Turner Diaries, cen- tering on a right-wing bomb plot against FBI headquarters. After the bloody conclusion of the Waco siege on April 19, 1993, McVeigh set his plan into action, slowly acquiring bomb-making materials, converting auto- matic weapons, and casing possible attack sites. Viewing this as an act of self-defense, McVeigh visited gun shows, bought into anti-government conspiracy theories, and hoped to achieve a massive casualty body count as revenge for Waco. The documentary New & Notable! interviews survivors, fi rst responders, and government offi cials, while McVeigh (who was executed in 2001) is heard in recordings We continue to update Films On explaining his plan, and expressing no re- Demand with powerful new features morse for the innocent lives taken. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) and functionality. Here are some of TRAVEL & GEOGRAPHY the many recent enhancements! u New Searchable and Embeddable Discoveries…America National Parks: Great Basin ★★★ Playlists (2017) 56 min. DVD or Blu-ray: $24.95. DRA. Bennett-Watt HD Productions. PPR. ISBN: 978-1- u New Social Sharing Tools 60490-211-2 (dvd), 978-1-60490-234-1 (blu-ray). Subtitled “Caves, Trains & Wide Open u Spaces,” the latest entry in fi lmmakers Jim New Citation Export Tools and Kelly Watt’s high-def fi lmed Discoveries… America National Parks series takes viewers to u Add a Video Intro to Your Playlists the Great Basin—a vast, 200,000-plus square mile area of the Western United States’ high u desert region. With its boundaries stretching Add Your Own Custom Content over most of Nevada, and parts of Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and a slice of eastern California, and Web Channels the Great Basin covers more than 20 percent u of U.S. land. What makes it a basin? Instead of And More! waterways draining into the ocean, all of the water in the Great Basin drains into itself— with moisture either working back into the soil, or evaporating under the hot sun. The FREE Trial: Great Basin National Heritage Area is featured www.Infobase.com/TrialAD17 here, which preserves what is considered the classic Western landscape, and includes what is termed America’s loneliest road—U.S. Route 50, which has a 350-mile stretch with only six towns (meaning 60-100 miles between gas stations and munchie stops). Within the Heritage Area lies Great Basin National Park, (800) 322-8755 • [email protected] • www.Infobase.com a microcosm of the Great Basin, with groves

JULY/AUGUST 2017 57 VIDEO LIBRARIAN of indigenous bristlecone pines (some dating back more than 4,000 years) and the spec- HHH tacular Lehman Caves (formed from marble Rachel Carson 1/2 (2017) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1- and limestone 550 million years ago), among 62789-781-5. other notable features. A majestic travelogue sure to appeal to armchair travelers, this is Few books can be said to have changed the world, but when recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block) Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published in 1962, it launched an environmental revolution, the effects of which are still being felt today. Narrated by Oliver Platt, filmmaker Michelle Ferrari’s PBS-aired American Experience documentary examines Carson’s BIOGRAPHY relatively short life (1907-1964), mostly spent out of the public spotlight. Carson, who was always close to her mother, inherited her love of nature. She grew up in a time when people had faith Eva Hesse HHH that science would make life better with “miracle substances” while humankind mas- (2015) 108 min. DVD: $249. DRA. Zeitgeist Films. PPR. tered and subdued the natural world. DDT, a pesticide used during World War II and in the 1950s, was hailed for its role in eradicating diseases such as typhus and malaria, Filmmaker Marcie Begleiter revisits the as well as killing pests that destroyed or limited crop yields needed to feed a hungry vibrant 1960s NYC art world with this bi- world. Unfortunately, there was little testing on the side effects of these chemicals. ography of German-American Eva Hesse Carson felt that nature, animals, and humans were all interconnected. After graduating (1936-1970), who made her name as an ac- from college, she landed a job as a government wildlife biologist, but her passion was claimed abstract/experimental artist before always for writing. She submitted freelance pieces to Reader’s Digest and other magazines, dying young. A Hamburg-born German Jew winning a National Book Award for her 1951 bestseller The Sea Around Us, which was and child refugee who was haunted by the praised for its poetic language. After realizing her dream of buying a home on Maine’s absence of a mentally-ill mother who com- coast, she became lifelong friends and soulmates with teacher Dorothy Freeman and mitted suicide, Eva was determined to excel her husband. Against the advice of Dorothy and others, Carson became consumed by at art school. Discarding the rules, she created the “indiscriminate” use of pesticides, and began writing Silent Spring, during which three-dimensional works that combined ele- she was diagnosed with breast cancer and struggled to finish the book as her health ments of sculpture and flat renderings. Hesse declined. Following publication, many called Carson an anti-business Communist, avoided the trends of pop art, op art, and but the book led to important legislation and reforms. A stirring tribute to Carson as harsh minimalism to create “plastic art” using a prescient critic of the hidden costs of progress, this is highly recommended. Aud: polymers, fiberglass, and industrial materials, H, C, P. (S. Rees) which won her plaudits in the male-dom-

inated Manhattan gallery realm before a another camp survivor and moved with her brain tumor took her life. Interviewees here to America, settling in Skokie, IL, a suburb include sculptor (and ex-husband) Tom Doyle of Chicago with a predominantly Jewish and author Gioia Timpanelli. While some population. In 1977, Stern helped organize a viewers may be bewildered by Hesse’s tubes, local effort to pass an ordinance preventing a wires, and crinkled sheets, actress Selma march through the town by a neo-Nazi group, Blair’s narration (reading the artist’s own a law that was overturned in the courts. In a journals) effectively brings this heroine to particularly wrenching moment, Stern admits life. Also touching on themes of feminism to acquiring a gun that he could use in the and Judaica in addition to modern art, this event the marchers turned violent in the face biographical portrait is recommended. Aud: of a counter-demonstration the townspeople C, P. (C. Cassady) were planning (he destroyed the weapon after the march was cancelled). Daughter Near Normal Man HHH1/2 Charlene’s film celebrates the courage and (2016) 28 min. DVD: $295. DRA. Filmakers tenacity of her father, whose first-person Library (dist. by Alexander Street Press). PPR. narration—like the writings of the late Elie Filmmaker Charlene Y. Stern presents a Wiesel—offers searing testimony regarding bracing interview with her father, 95-year- the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime. old Holocaust survivor Ben Stern. Framed Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) off-center in a static camera shot, the elderly Stern speaks with simple eloquence about President Trump HH1/2 the experience of being rounded up with (2017) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS other Polish Jews after the Nazi invasion of Video. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0036-2. 1939 and then enduring life in the ghetto In the 2016 election real-estate developer followed by a succession of concentration and self-proclaimed “outsider” Donald Trump camps before emerging as one of the few sur- ran for President, vowing to “make Amer- vivors liberated by American troops in 1945. ica great again.” Filmmaker Michael Kirk’s Stern’s wartime recollections, accompanied PBS-aired Frontline documentary (shown by archival footage and family photographs, shortly before Trump’s inauguration) looks are extraordinarily moving—especially when at Trump’s upbringing, personality, business he remembers the loss of his grandparents, deals, divorces, and more, all leading up to his parents, and siblings—but also historically stunning upset victory. Trump is depicted as pointed, as in his recounting of an episode reflecting the cool, aloof personality of his fa- involving Josef Mengele. The film continues ther, who believed in the “racehorse theory,” into the postwar years, when Stern married which divides the world between winners and

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 58 JULY/AUGUST 2017 losers. Always wanting to please his father, history, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, young Trump found himself shipped off to a P. (C. Cassady) military boarding school that was character- Series Update ized by hazing, barracks humor, and a Playboy Van Gogh’s Ear HHH view of women and life. In business, Trump (2016) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS The following titles are new additions quickly set his sights on Manhattan as his Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789-993-2. to series that were previously recom- ticket out of Queens, NY, and towards a life Depressed, almost friendless, and haunted mended. Titles are available from most of success. Entering a mentored relationship by feelings of sexual inadequacy, Vincent van distributors unless otherwise noted. with notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, Trump Gogh slashed one of his ears in December adopted a “never settle, take no prisoners” 1888, only months before committing sui- Dreamscape Me- view of life. Perfecting the art of the deal, cide. Filmmaker Jack MacInnes’s PBS-aired dia’s latest title from Trump espoused the philosophy of “truthful documentary from the Secrets of the Dead bestselling author hyperbole,” and noted that all publicity is series examines van Gogh’s self-mutilation, Anne Perry’s series of- good publicity (Trump has always enjoyed along with the turbulent but productive last fering tips and advice being in the spotlight). The documentary months of his life. Bolstered by the patronage for aspiring writers is covers Trump’s high profile marriages and of his brother Theo, Vincent moved to the Put Your Heart on divorces, lawsuits, bankruptcies, and his Arles region of southern France, attracted by the Page: Developing comeback through branding (slapping his the moderate climate, colorful Spanish heri- Your Characters (66 name on buildings and products), followed tage of the region, and hopes of establishing min., DVD: $24.99 [$199.99 w/PPR]). by his long-running Apprentice TV series. a mutually supportive “artistic brotherhood” See review of Anne Perry: Put Your Heart Also examined here is Trump’s relationship there. Van Gogh was inspired by the fields on the Page in VL-11/14. with former President Barack Obama, most and sunflowers of Arles, but it remained an notably the birther controversy and his seeth- insular place, with some neighbors scorning Aired on the National Geographic ing resentment at what he felt was Obama’s Vincent as that “redheaded madman.” The Channel, Twentieth Century Fox Home public humiliation of him at a White House impoverished artist was always driven by a Entertainment’s Years of Living Dan- Correspondents’ Dinner (Trump has few need to make money. With his brother’s help, gerously: Season 2 (409 min., DVD: friends, and above all dreads being ridiculed artist Paul Gauguin moved in with van Gogh, 3 discs, $14.98)—from the nonfiction and shamed). Unfortunately, there is almost but this proved to be something of a disas- global warming series—features seg- no coverage of Trump’s 2016 campaign, a ma- trous case of clashing personalities. In short ments by David Letterman, Jack Black, jor shortcoming since much of the material order, van Gogh found that Theo planned to Sigourney Weaver, Don Cheadle, and here was already presented in the superior be married. Afraid of losing Theo’s financial Arnold Schwarzenegger. See review of PBS documentary The Choice: 2016 (VL-3/17). support, he also learned that Gauguin had Years of Living Dangerously in VL-1/15. Still, the title alone should make this a strong decided to move out. Maddened by this “be- optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) trayal,” van Gogh cut off his ear, delivering Paramount is releasing Bubble Gup- it to a woman in a local brothel. Modern pies: Super Guppies (114 min., DVD: Underfire: The Untold Story of PFC. Tony day local resident Bernadette Murphy has $14.99), the latest title in Nickelodeon’s Vaccaro HHH1/2 spent decades studying van Gogh’s break- animated preschool series about the (2016) 70 min. DVD: $99: public libraries & down—scouring archives and census rolls, underwater-dwelling Bubble Guppies. high schools; $350 w/PPR: colleges & universities. as well as visiting surviving landmarks in the See review of Bubble Guppies in VL-7/12. Seventh Art Releasing. Arles region. While contradictions abound, Filmmaker Max Lewkowicz’s HBO-aired there is now agreement about the extent of Newly available from Warner Bros. documentary serves up a profile of nonage- Vincent’s injuries, although the reasons for Home Entertainment is Peanuts by narian photographer Tony Vaccaro, who as a his self-harm still remain in the realm of Schulz: Go Team Go! (140 min., DVD: young infantryman in WWII witnessed the speculation. Surprisingly, the film does not 2 discs, $18.95), based on Charles M. D-Day landing, the Battle of the Bulge, and cover van Gogh’s suicide (recent research has Schulz’s comic strip, featuring 19 sports- VE Day without becoming a casualty—a feat even cast doubt on whether it was suicide or themed shorts. See review of Peanuts by in itself. Vaccaro was also an enthusiastic injuries suffered after being assaulted by local Schulz: Snoopy Tales in VL-3/17. shutterbug who, after being rejected for a toughs). Also featuring trips with Murphy photographer position by the Army Signal to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum in Three Points Pub- Corps, became determined to capture the war Amsterdam, this documentary effectively lishing is releasing himself via an Argus 3C amateur-level (but explores an intriguing artistic and medical the latest in artist and compact and tough) 35mm camera. Here, the mystery. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) host Jeff Miracola’s art elder Vaccaro retraces his footsteps through instruction series, Jeff Europe, while his thousands of images— Miracola’s Fantasy which, unlike official Army pictures, are not Art Workshop: Oil posed or propaganda—tell harrowing tales Painting Techniques of death, destruction, narrow escapes, and (399 min., DVD: 4 resilience at close quarters. Pulitzer-winning Visit Video Librarian Online (www. discs, $49.95), which covers topics war photographers (and author-historian Alex videolibrarian.com) for more reviews including thumbnail drawing, color Kershaw) evaluate the portfolio, commenting during July and August, including: After study, and basic supplies for beginners. that as a member of a proverbial “band of Spring, Before the Flood, City in the Sky, Gun See review of Jeff Miracola’s Fantasy Art brothers” Vaccaro had access to and intimacy Runners, Hell Below, I Am the Ambassador, Workshop: Acrylic Painting Techniques in with his comrades in situations where an La Laguna, Maiko: Dancing Child, Martin VL Online-10/16. Available from: Three outsider would not have been tolerated. Vac- Clunes’ Islands of Australia, Nada’s Revolu- Points Publishing, P.O. Box 210861, caro himself is a thoughtful and transfixing tion, The Race Underground, Snowbound: Milwaukee, WI 53221; tel: 414-426- storyteller, one long haunted by choices he Animals of Winter, Table Songs of Kakheti, 3805; web: threepointspublishing.com. made and the invisible wounds of warfare. Visitor’s Day, and much more! Blending artistic appreciation with military

JULY/AUGUST 2017 59 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Japanese Anime Ajin: Demi-Human bemoan their divorces) while also dealing throne in an attempt to prevent violence by HHH with incursions by questionable magic folk. occupiers, but further bullying by the sadistic (2016) 325 min. DVD: 4 The mild sexual innuendo (and scantily-clad Kouran forces him to join rebels and make a discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 3 discs, fairies) supply some fan-service, but seldom to pact with the dragon: Ibuki will be able to $69.98. Sentai Filmworks excess. Presenting all 13 episodes from 2014 fight with immense power, but at the cost of (avail. from most distributors). plus a 2015 OVA in separate dual-language heartbreaking human sacrifice (key charac- In this anime adaptation DVD and Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, this ters die regularly). Others—including a sort based on Gamon Sakurai’s is recommended. (C. Cassady) of steampunk cyborg—are also hunting for manga about a breed of immortal beings the Red Dragon and the source of its magic who appear to be human but have the ability The Betrayal Knows My and madness. Featuring stylized bloodshed to continuously regenerate, the titular Ajin Name: The Complete and peek-a-boo nudity, this epic tale boast- ing an imaginative array of weapons and can immobilize enemies with their screams HH1/2 Series warriors will likely find favor with anime and they manifest powerful spectral entities (2010) 4 discs. 600 min. In called “black ghosts,” which are normally Japanese w/English subtitles. fans. Presenting all 12 episodes from 2015 invisible to all but their own kind. These DVD: $59.98. Funimation in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, supernatural powers come in handy because (avail. from most distributors). rated TV-MA, extras include a music video. the Ajin have been declared dangerous by The central focus of this Recommended. (C. Cassady) the government and must now defend them- anime series is Yuki Sakurai, a teenager who selves against both ordinary people who are was abandoned by his mother during his Gatchaman II: Complete seduced by rewards offered for identifying infancy and raised in an orphanage. Yuki Collection HHH1/2 Ajin and agents who aim to confine them has the ability to read a person’s emotions (1978) 9 discs. 1,300 min. In in torturous testing facilities. Kei Nagai is a through touch, but this creates lots of angst Japanese w/English subtitles. teen who discovers that he is an Ajin when for the sensitive youth. Yuki finds himself DVD: $79.98. Sentai Filmworks he emerges unscathed after being run down befriended by the handsome yet mysterious (avail. from most distributors). by a truck. Kei must go on the run, targeted Luka, who is revealed to be a member of a Old-school anime lovers by both government agents and Sato, the demonic breed known as Duras. Luka had will savor this 1978 series, leader of an Ajin resistance group who con- known Yuki in previous lifetimes, but does which continues the adventures of the siders the boy insufficiently dedicated to their not immediately reveal the fact of their Science Ninja Team in their original uncut cause. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2016 previous incarnations to Yuki. From this format. Gatchaman II begins two years after in separate dual-language DVD and Blu-ray foundation, the series goes on a wild and the initial series, with the nefarious Leader X editions, rated TV-MA, extras include a bonus wholly unpredictable odyssey involving leading a grisly attack on a cruise ship. One feature film (covering the same ground as the reincarnation, demonic battles, schoolgirls of the survivors is a child, who is captured by series), and a featurette on the animatic sto- in trouble, long-lost siblings, and pending Leader X, scientifically mutated into an adult ryboarding process. An exciting Fugitive-style apocalypse. And there is a spooky edifice and renamed Gel Sadra, and installed as head series with a surprisingly dark, cynical tone that is appropriately named the Twilight of the terrorist group Galactor. The Science and striking animation, this is recommended. Mansion, where all sorts of craziness is going Ninja Team is called on to fight Galactor, (F. Swietek) on. The bewildering swirl of plots, themes, with new member Hawk Getz recruited to and frequently inane characters makes for take the place of Joe Condor, who ended the Amagi Brilliant Park: something of an endurance test, and by first series on his deathbed. But (spoiler alert) Complete Collection the halfway point one is tempted to just Getz is really a Galactor spy and Joe actually HHH ignore the story and enjoy the very stylish survived with the help of a former Galactor animation and imaginative spurts of violent scientist. And that’s just a couple of the wacky (2014) 350 min. DVD: 3 plot twists in this kaleidoscopic 52-episode discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, action. Compiling all 24 episodes from 2010 $69.98. Sentai Filmworks in a DVD edition, rated TV-14, and presented story arc. A wonderful treasure from a bygone (avail. from most distributors). in Japanese with English subtitles, this is a era—with its lineup of superheroes wearing A novel series and con- strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) avian-inspired costumes—Gatchaman II is sequent manga adaptations inspired this presented in a DVD set, rated TV-PG, and consistently amusing comedy-fantasy. Seiya Chaos Dragon: The in Japanese with English subtitles. Highly recommended. (P. Hall) Kanie is a former child-star actor now at- Complete Series HHH tending high school who is headstrong and (2015) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- brash—qualities that ultimately lead to his ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick being forced by mystery-girl classmate Isuzu Funimation (avail. from most Up Girls in a Dungeon?: to visit a dreary local amusement park that is distributors). Complete Collection in need of help. Amagi Brilliant Park’s dispir- A Japanese role-playing HH1/2 ited costumed mascot-characters and mal- game—the Nippon equiva- (2015) 325 min. DVD: 3 functioning animatrons are actually not fakes lent of Dungeons & Dragons, if you will—in- discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, but rather genuine magical creatures. In fact, spired this TV series featuring a rich panthe- $69.98. Sentai Filmworks the theme park is a disguised haven for fairy- on of strange fantasy characters. The central (avail. from most distributors). tale-like beings, and if Amagi Brilliant Park figure is Ibuki, a boy prince of Nil Kamui, In the medieval-esque city of Orario, goes out of business, the loss of sustaining an island nation conquered by the arrogant humans interact with gods from ancient human emotions will cause the denizens to Kouran empire. Nil Kamui was supposedly mythology, and a sprawling, multi-level die—including the park’s languishing, sylph- being protected through strategic political “dungeon” holds various monsters for the like princess. Seiya accepts the challenge of alliances—as well as a guardian deity, the dangerous training of a select few to become hyping and rehabbing the place, inspiring monstrous Red Dragon. But the human allies heroes, with most of the latter enjoying the and disciplining the bizarre staff (many of turn out to be unreliable, and the reptilian magic-endowing sponsorship of various gods, them cute-animal-shaped humanoids who god has gone rogue, indiscriminately laying in an arrangement called “Familia.” Young sometimes talk dirty, have bad attitudes, and swaths of destruction. Ibuki renounces his Bell Cranel, although he is an undersized

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 60 JULY/AUGUST 2017 and unlikely candidate, has just such an who represents the nation. After spending friend Yutaka and a trans- alliance (and sexy co-habiting relation- time with their families, the quartet become fer student named Rikako, ship) with the shapely, petite goddess paratroopers sent on a special mission: to the latter a girl who seems Hestia. Even though Bell must be rescued take control of a British fort on an occupied poised and sophisticated to repeatedly when he gets in over his head island. Their surprise attack is successful— the boys in Kochi but snob- during boss-monster fights (typically by one enemy soldier who immediately gives bish and unfriendly to the Valkyrie-like female hero Ais Wallenstein), up is Popeye the Sailor, dropping his sig- local girls. What could be a other deities (Freya, Loki, Hermes, etc.) nature can of spinach—and Momotaro de- simple romantic melodrama and attractive adventurers take an interest mands that the sniveling general surrender turns out to be delicate portrait of the turbu- in the “rookie,” sparking Hestia’s jealousy. at once, while back home children are seen lent emotions under the surface of the social The narrative occasionally reaches greater pretending to parachute onto the American landscape of high school, with jealousies and depth than just one monster battle after mainland. Made when Japan’s fortunes were frustrations, as well as the anxieties of home another (plus lots of fan service), although looking decidedly bleak, the film’s upbeat life that Taku never discusses. The story here not quite enough to make this truly worth- tone is certainly ironic, but its Disney-esque is told in a gentle, naturalistic style (even the while. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2015 artistry is undeniable, as is its purpose both emotional outbursts are relatively subdued) in separate dual-language DVD and Blu-ray to educate (often through simple children’s that is both simple and graceful. Presented in editions, rated TV-MA, this is a strong op- songs) and indoctrinate. Presented in a Blu- separate DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo edi- tional purchase. (C. Cassady) ray/DVD Combo set, rated PG, in Japanese tions, rated PG-13, in Japanese with English with English subtitles, extras include Kenzo subtitles, extras include a behind-the-scenes K: Missing Kings HH Masaoka’s 1943 animated film Spider and featurette, and a bonus animated short (exclu- (2015) 75 min. DVD: $19.98, Tulip. Recommended. (F. Swietek) sive to the Blu-ray release is a feature-length Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.99. gallery of artwork and layouts that are set Viz Media (avail. from most My Hero Academia: to the film soundtrack). Recommended. (S. distributors). HH Axmaker) A strikingly animated Season One 1/2 (2016) 4 discs. 325 min. Blu- theatrical feature, K: Miss- ray/DVD Combo: $49.99. Phantasy Star Online ing Kings is a follow-up to a Funimation (avail. from most paranormal/sci-fi animat- 2: The Animation, distributors). Complete Collection ed TV series, although viewers not up to The debut season of this speed on K the serial (also recently released anime series introduces HH1/2 stateside on home video) may need psychic viewers to middle-school (2016) 300 min. In Japanese powers themselves to figure out what is w/English subtitles. DVD: 3 student Izuku Midoriya, who is living in a discs, $49.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, going on in the one-year-later timeline. world where superheroes have special powers $59.98. Sentai Filmworks The setting is a futuristic Japan where known as “quirks.” Naturally, Izuku longs to (avail. from most distributors). young warriors represent seven different be a superhero, but he has no super abilities. Anime—and Hollywood movies, for that color-coded clans allied to Kings—i.e., One day, Izuku is saved from an assault by matter—based on video games commonly humans who have inherited incredible All Might, the world’s greatest superhero, and just dramatize the game premise, for good super-being abilities. The mysterious as- when Izuku later proves his heroism by rush- or (usually) ill. This series takes a post-mod- sassination of a King in the original serial ing in to save a schoolmate, All Might decides ern approach, admitting up front the ex- sent shock waves through the clans and to pass his quirk on to Izuku. But All Might is istence of the popular Sega space-fighting inspired war in their shadowy subculture. also concerned that Izuku is not physically or game Phantasy Star. In a near-future Japan, Here, characters return, some in search of emotionally ready for this new power. Thus, schoolboy Itsuki’s grades suffer because he the King gone missing in the climax of the Izuku must undergo extensive training before indulges in PSO2 on the web too often. But first go-round, while others seek to kidnap being enrolled in a special high school for he is pleasantly surprised when no-nonsense and exploit a magical girl named Anna for young superheroes. The concept of My Hero female class president Rina actually orders their own clans. Presented in separate du- Academia is cute, and the series does boast a him to play more. It turns out that inside al-language DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo goofy charm, but ultimately the plots become the game’s virtual reality, Rina is secretly a editions, rated TV-14, this is a negligible predictable and the story trajectory seems mighty “mecha” avatar. For awhile things title except for collections already owning stuck in endless variations of how misfit transpire like a non-paranormal homeroom the original K. Optional. (C. Cassady) Izuku will be able to save the day. Presenting comedy, but the arrival of a sexy “transfer all 13 episodes from the 2016 first season in a student” with super powers who is clueless Momotaro, Sacred dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated over human customs (she joins a scandalized Sailors HHH TV-14, extras include “Inside the Episode” Itsuki nude in the hot-springs bath) hints (1945) 90 min. Blu-ray/DVD segments, and Anime Expo 2016 events that the creatures from the game are, in fact, Combo: $34.98. Funimation (interviews, a panel discussion, and artist real—and crossing over to Earth, including (avail. from most distributors). sketches). A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) the monstrous villain “Darkers.” Loaded with Anime aficionados familiar gameplay characters, it’s a toss-up should appreciate this lov- Ocean Waves HHH whether this is a big fat Sega promo or an ingly restored release of (2017) 76 min. In Japanese w/English subtitles. entertaining standalone, although it certainly Mitsuyo Seo’s 1945 film, the first-ever fea- DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.98. boasts a clever teen-sitcom vibe—before being ture-length example of the genre. But be Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (avail. overwhelmed by battle sequences. Compiling forewarned: this is a piece of fairly crude from most distributors). all 12 episodes from 2016 in separate DVD and wartime propaganda, commissioned by the Produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, in Japanese with Imperial Japanese Navy as a recruitment in 1993, Ocean Waves offers a wistful re- English subtitles, extras include commentary tool, in which a bear, a monkey, a bird, membrance of high school days, framed as a by Japanese voiceover actors during a short and a puppy train for combat under the flashback by Taku, a college student return- highlight reel. A strong optional purchase. leadership of Japanese folk hero Momotaro, ing home from Tokyo. Taku recalls his best (C. Cassady)

JULY/AUGUST 2017 61 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Sailor Moon R: The Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: non-stop double-entendres, contraband girlie magazines, phallic symbols, and sex-toy R&D. Movie HHH1/2 Seasons 1 & 2 + OVAs (2014) 90 min. DVD: $19.98, HH Presenting all 12 episodes from 2015 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.99. (2011) 4 discs. 650 min. Blu- Viz Media (avail. from most ray/DVD Combo: $59.98. TV-MA, extras include episode commentaries, distributors). Funimation (avail. from most and a “Moms Watch Shimoneta” featurette in This 1993 anime feature distributors). which real mothers are shocked by the show’s was originally released in This anime series is part content. Definitely aimed at older viewers, the U.S. in 2000 in an edited version under of the yaoi genre of gay male love stories this very rude blast of anti-censorship fun is the title Sailor Moon R: The Movie: The Promise created by women and (at least in Japan) recommended. (C. Cassady) of the Rose. In this adventure from the pop- marketed to a female audience. Ritsu Onodera ular franchise, Mamoru Chiba is reunited is a young literary editor who finds himself STARMYU: Season One with his childhood friend Fiore, an alien to in a job editing manga at a publishing com- HHH whom he once gave a rose as a present. As an pany. His new boss, Masamune Takano, is (2015) 4 discs. 300 min. In adult, Fiore searched for Mamoru to repay the unpleasant and Onodera considers quitting, Japanese w/English subtitles. long-ago kindness with a floral gift. However, but decides to ride out the situation and prove Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $54.98. the Xenian flower that Fiore presents comes his worth. Onodera later learns that Takano’s Funimation (avail. from most distributors). with a deadly power that can drain life from surname was originally Saga—it was changed humans. But this is nothing personal against following his parents’ divorce—and that they When Yuta Hoshitani Mamoru, who was one of the few humans both attended the same high school. This sees a beautiful high school boy dancing in to show Fiore kindness during his difficult knowledge brings back difficult memories the rain, he wants to meet him. To fulfill this childhood—his parents were killed in an for the two, because they were briefly in love dream he enrolls in the music school Ayan- automobile accident, and he had to leave during their youth, until a misunderstanding agi Academy, where he is probably the least Earth due to his inability to assimilate with ended their friendship. Takano’s increasingly experienced but most earnest and optimistic its atmosphere. Luckily, Usagi Tsukino (aka aggressive pursuit of Onodera to rekindle of the students. Senior Kao Council member Sailor Moon) and her Sailor Guardians are their teenage relationship and the latter’s Otori places Hoshitani on a team with four on hand to save humanity from intergalactic mixed feelings over this new attention creates other misfits, where he’ll prove to be the glue that pulls the underdog group together, over- botanical mayhem. A sweet story with several workplace tension. Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi might coming their own weaknesses, other teams, surprising plot twists, Sailor Moon R: The Movie have been more effective as a standalone fea- and Kao Council politics. None of the char- is presented in a dual-language DVD edition, ture film, but the 24-episode storyline drags acters are groundbreaking—including the shy rated TV-14, with extras including the bonus on endlessly, featuring numerous supporting short “Make Up! Sailor Guardians.” Recom- motherly friend, the rude but warm Kabuki characters who often dilute and derail the mended. (P. Hall) star, the cold-shouldered talent with family central drama. Compiling all 24 episodes issues, and the quiet mysterious guy—but from the 2011 first and second seasons in a watching them all come together as a team Scrapped Princess: The DVD edition, rated TV-MA, in Japanese with is heartening. Boasting good animation and Complete Series HHH English subtitles, extras include bonus OVAs. eye-catching design-work, bolstered by inter- (2003) 7 discs. 600 min. Blu- Optional. (P. Hall) ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. esting dance numbers, STARMYU is almost Funimation (avail. from most entirely male—the exception being twin distributors). Shimoneta: A Boring sisters who save Team Otori’s bacon—but Adapted from a YA light World Where the the yaoi romance undertones are in the novel series by Ichiro Sakaki, Scrapped Princess Concept of Dirty Jokes background for the most part. Compiling centers on Pacifica Casull, a princess proph- Doesn’t Exist HHH all 12 episodes from 2015 in a Blu-ray/DVD esied to be the “poison that will destroy the (2015) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- Combo edition, rated TV-14, in Japanese world” if she survives to reach her 16th birth- ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. with English subtitles, this is recommended. day. Although believed to have been killed as Funimation (avail. from most (L. Martincik) an infant—due to the curse—Pacifica was ac- distributors). tually rescued (thanks to a change of heart by Shimoneta mainly operates on the level of Coming Soon her would-be executioner) and then adopted the American Pie sex comedies, although it is by a peasant family. After being discovered, notably smarter with its high-energy jabs at Pacifica must go on the run, pursued by both Big Brother repression. The series is set in a Gatchaman Fighter (Sen- soldiers of the realm and the followers of a near-future Japan where the digitization of tai, DVD: 9 discs, $79.98). religious cult, but protected by her adoptive all literature means that pornography can The battle against Leader siblings: Shannon, a master swordsman, and be censored by a new puritanical leadership X continues with the emer- Raquel, a powerful sorceress. As the journey armed with surveillance tech that even tracks gence of the evil Leader Z as continues, the trio encounter various other and bans lewd language and hand gestures. the Gatchaman crew gains characters—some friendly, others hostile, It’s now 16 years after the “Law for Public fresh allies and new weap- and a few both—while partial revelations Order and Morals in Healthy Child-Raising” ons in this 48-episode series. are made about the world around them and was enacted, and Japanese teens don’t even what it is about Pacifica that might be so know where babies come from. “Blue Snow,” Hyouka: Part One (Fun- dangerous. Featuring vibrant animation, a foulmouthed agitator with panties over her imation, Blu-ray/DVD Com- strong characterizations, and an engaging face, is a “dirty joke terrorist” who illegally bo: 4 discs, $59.98). In this narrative, Scrapped Princess is a classic series restores raunch and sexual awareness. In first set of episodes from the well deserving of revival. Presenting all reality, she’s Ayame, a seemingly demure romantic mystery anime se- 24 episodes from 2003 in a dual-language schoolgirl who blackmails Tanukichi Okuma, ries, skeptical high schooler Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, this is a prudish classmate from a scandalous family, Houtarou Oreki meets kind recommended. (F. Swietek) into joining her growing rebel cell called and intelligent Eru Chitan- “SOX.” Bewildered Tanukichi is subjected to da in a literature club.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 62 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Music Dance

Carousel HHH1/2 virile Romeo, and Pascal Molat as Mercutio bassist Ged Grimes, guitarist Gordy Goudie, (2013) 130 min. DVD: $19.99. makes an especially strong impression among and vocalists Sarah Brown and Catherine PBS Video. SDH captioned. the excellent supporting cast. Jens-Jacob Davies. The mellifluous Kerr is the only older ISBN: 978-1-5317-0041-6. Worsaae’s sets and costumes favor muted member who looks his age, sporting close- While many audio re- colors but remain elegant. Overall, this is cropped gray hair, which—ageism charges, cordings exist of Rodgers an estimable production that is competitive notwithstanding—makes him stand out as and Hammerstein’s gor- with the Royal Ballet’s mounting of Kenneth an oldster performing young music; in fact, geous 1945 musical drama, MacMillan’s version (VL-9/13). Presented in the once heavily propulsive driving sound the only DVD option avail- DTS 5.0 (DTS-HD 5.0 on the Blu-ray release) feels much more sedated here without the able until now was the 1956 film starring Gor- and PCM stereo, extras include behind-the- synthesizers. Drawing primarily from a trio don MacRae as Billy Bigelow, the tough carni- scenes featurettes. Recommended. (F. Swietek) of hit ‘80s LPs—New Gold Dream (81-82- val barker who tries, unsuccessfully, to change 83-84), Sparkle in the Rain, and Once Upon his ways after marrying pretty young mill Shake the Dust HHH a Time—the band first really engages the worker Julie Jordan, played by Shirley Jones. (2015) 83 min. DVD: $29.95. audience with the fifth track “Waterfront” (a Although the movie is remarkably faithful to Kino Lorber (avail. from most more stately song to begin with), eventually the play—Billy is killed in a robbery attempt distributors). Closed captioned. followed by the favorites “Speed Your Love and allowed to return to Earth to help his As with similar break- to Me,” “Promised You a Miracle,” “Alive troubled daughter—and beautifully sung, this dancing documentaries, and Kicking,” and the mega-hit “Don’t You 2013 concert performance from New York’s Shake the Dust offers testi- (Forget About Me).” But the set’s highlight Lincoln Center offers a strong alternative. mony to the self-esteem and is the closing number: guest guitarist/vo- Even with just a few sticks of furniture posi- sense of escape that hip-hop dance affords calist Steve Harley singing “Make Me Smile tioned in front of the onstage orchestra, the some impoverished younger people, only here (Come Up and See Me)”—which is not even cast are able to bring their characters vividly in different parts of the world. Filmmaker a Simple Minds song. Presented in DTS 5.1, to life with magnificent vocalism, especially Adam Sjöberg takes an enthusiastic tour of Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, extras include a from Kelli O’Hare as Julie, Stephanie Blythe as four developing countries (Colombia, Ugan- bonus audio CD. A strong optional purchase. her cousin Nettie, Jessie Mueller as her flighty da, Yemen, and Cambodia) where he finds (R. Pitman) friend Carrie, Jason Danieley as Carrie’s fin- communities of kids who entertain one an- icky beau Enoch Snow, and Shuler Hensley other (and happy passersby) by breakdancing The Who: Live at Isle as villainous Jigger Craigin. Nathan Gunn, wherever there happens to be an available of Wight Festival 2004 the operatic baritone who plays Billy, is a fine surface, whether it’s the dusty ground of HHH a crumbling building or a corner in some actor, but his vocal performance—especially (2016) 132 min. DVD: $24.98 in Bigelow’s famous “Soliloquy”—is a trifle public square. The quality of dance may vary (2 audio CDs included), Blu- stiff. A similar heaviness pervades the playing greatly from one person to the next, but the ray: $29.98 (2 audio CDs included). Eagle Rock of the New York Philharmonic, which under cultural and political accessibility of hip-hop Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Rob Fisher offers a gorgeous rendition of the and street dancing extends to all comers—so Returning to the Isle of Wight 34 years opening “Carousel Waltz” but even with a even though the best dancers are widely ad- after their electrifying 1970 performance slimmed-down 71 players can still sound mired as local legends, everyone who enters minus two members (drummer Keith Moon a bit beefy elsewhere. Also featuring bonus the center of the circle to spin and tumble is and bassist John Entwistle, the latter dying segments with show highlights, this produc- a star. Sjöberg talks to extremely well-spoken in 2002), The Who’s remaining original tion—presented in stereo—can still be highly youngsters (often speaking in English) who power duo—vocalist Roger Daltrey and recommended. (F. Swietek) explain what breakdancing means and how guitarist-songwriter Pete Townshend—serve it helps fill out the narrative of a life charac- up a generous 23-song set before a festival Romeo & Juliet HHH terized by feelings of hopelessness or more audience. Featuring drummer Zak Starkey, (2015) 128 min. DVD: $24.99, dangerous temptations. While Sjöberg gives keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick, bassist Blu-ray: $34.99. C Major (dist. viewers the big picture during the first half- Pino Palladino, and backup guitarist Simon by Naxos of America). hour, he subsequently focuses on individual Townshend (Pete’s brother), the band plays Shakespeare’s timeless stories of adversity and triumph, such as that one hit after another, kicking off with the ear- tale about doomed young of a Ugandan boy who danced at his mother’s ly standards “I Can’t Explain,” “Substitute,” lovers caught in the middle funeral. Executive-produced by rapper Nas, and “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” before of clan warfare in Renais- this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) delivering classics from Who’s Next (“Baba sance Verona has been a staple of the San O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Bargain”), as Francisco Ballet since artistic director Helgi Simple Minds: Acoustic well as the hard-rocking “Who Are You.” The Tomasson’s acclaimed production premiered in Concert HH1/2 last two-thirds of the concert leans heavily on in 1994. Thomas Grimm’s film of the 2015 (2016) 88 min. DVD: $19.99 selections from the rock operas Tommy and revival is a worthy addition to the Lincoln (audio CD included). Eagle Rock Quadrophenia—including “Love Reign O’er Center at the Movies’ “Great American Dance” Entertainment (avail. from Me,” “5:15,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Amazing series. This Romeo & Juliet features a judicious- most distributors). Journey”—along with the all-time favorites ly trimmed version of the classic 1935 score Coinciding with the re- “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Magic Bus.” by Sergei Prokofiev, robustly played under lease of their 2016 Acoustic The Who are less physical here—Daltrey Martin West’s baton. Tomasson’s choreog- CD, the Scottish band Sim- does less mic twirling and Townshend no raphy is more classical than innovative, but ple Minds deliver a 16-song set at London’s longer runs and slides on his knees across the boasts moments of brilliance—particularly Hackney Empire for a BBC Radio 2 concert. stage—but musically the group sounds good, during the final scenes of Act III, which offer a Popular during the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, the albeit not quite as unrestrained. Presented shattering conclusion to the melancholy tale New Wave synth-pop group features two re- in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on (Martino Pistone’s staging of the swordfights maining original members—lead vocalist Jim DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on is also quite exciting). Maria Kochetkova Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill—who are Blu-ray, extras include two bonus audio CDs. is a winsome Juliet, Davit Karapetyan is a here backed by percussionist Cherisse Osei, Recommended. (R. Pitman)

JULY/AUGUST 2017 63 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Distributor Addresses

Contact information for distribu- Film Movement PBS Video tors of titles reviewed in this issue 109 West 27th St., Ste. 9B 2100 Crystal Dr. New York, NY 10001 Arlington, VA 22202 are listed below. Some titles must Tel: (866) 937-3456 Tel: (800) 344-3337 be ordered direct, while others are Web: filmmovement.com Web: pbs.org available from a wide variety of First Pond Entertainment PRAGDA distributors. 3532 Sawtelle Blvd., #2 302 Bedford Ave., #136 Los Angeles, CA 90066 Brooklyn, NY 11249 Tel: (213) 545-6851 Tel: (718) 473-0647 Web: firstpond.com Web: pragda.com

First Run Features Seventh Art Releasing Alexander Street Press 630 Ninth Ave., Ste. 1213 6579 Pickwick St. 3212 Duke St. New York, NY 10036 Los Angeles, CA 90042 Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: (800) 229-8575 Tel: (323) 259-8259 Tel: (800) 889-5937 Web: firstrunfeatures.com Web: 7thart.com Web: academicvideostore.com Grasshopper Film Third World Newsreel As We Are Productions 12 East 32nd St., 4th Fl. 545 Eighth Ave., 5th Fl., Ste. 550 3429 E. Sheffield Ct. New York, NY 10016 New York, NY 10018 Springfield MO 65802 Tel: (646) 586-3060 Tel: (212) 947-9277 Web: rememberingthenormalheart.com Web: grasshopperfilm.com Web: twn.org

Bennett-Watt HD Productions Green Planet Films Tugg 13021 244th Ave. SE P.O. Box 247 4210 Spicewood Springs Rd. Issaquah, WA 98027 Corte Madera, CA 94976 Austin, TX 78759 Tel: (800) 327-2893 Tel: (415) 377-5471 Tel: (855) 321-8844 Web: bennett-watt.com Web: greenplanetfilms.org Web: edu.tugg.com

Bond Educator Human Relations Media The Video Project 1841 Broadway, Ste. 508 41 Kensico Dr. 145 Ninth St., Ste. 102 New York, NY 10023 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (212) 354-2650 Tel: (800) 431-2050 Tel: (800) 475-2638 Web: bondeducator.com Web: hrmvideo.com Web: videoproject.com

Bullfrog Films Icarus Films Vision Video P.O. Box 149 32 Court St., 21st Fl. P.O. Box 540 Oley, PA 19547 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Worcester, PA 19490 Tel: (800) 543-3764 Tel: (800) 876-1710 Tel: (800) 523-0226 Web: bullfrogfilms.com Web: icarusfilms.com Web: visionvideo.com

California Newsreel Kino Lorber Edu Weston Woods Studios P.O. Box 3400 333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503 90 Old Sherman Tpke. Lancaster, PA 17601 New York, NY 10018 Danbury, CT 06816 Tel: (877) 811-7495 Tel: (800) 562-3330 Tel: (800) 243-5020 Web: newsreel.org Web: kinolorberedu.com Web: westonwoods.scholastic.com

The Cinema Guild Music Box Films Zeitgeist Films 115 W. 30th St., Ste. 800 173 N. Morgan St. 247 Centre St., 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10001 Chicago, IL 60607 New York, NY 10013 Tel: (800) 723-5522 Tel: (312) 241-1320 Tel: (800) 509-0448 Web: cinemaguild.com Web: musicboxfilms.com Web: zeitgeistfilms.com

Collective Eye Films National Film Board of Canada 2305 SE Yamhill St., Ste. 101 P.O. Box 6100, Centre-Ville Station Portland, OR 97214 Montreal, Quebec H3C 3H5 CANADA Tel: (503) 232-5345 Tel: (800) 542-2164 Web: collectiveeye.org Web: nfb.ca

DigAll Media Naxos of America 15 Seal Rock Dr. 1810 Columbia Ave., Ste. 28 San Francisco, CA 94121 Franklin, TN 37064 Tel: (415) 999-6425 Tel: (615) 771-9393 Web: digallmedia.org Web: naxos.com

Documentary Educational Resources New Day Films 101 Morse St. P.O. Box 165 Watertown, MA 02472 Blooming Grove, NY 10914 Tel: (800) 569-6621 Tel: (888) 367-9154 Web: der.org Web: newday.com

Dreamscape Media Passion River 1417 Timberwolf Dr. 154 Mt. Bethel Rd. Holland, OH 43528 Warren, NJ 07059 Tel: (877) 983-7326 Tel: (732) 321-0711 Web: dreamscapeab.com Web: passionriver.com

EPF Media PatchWorks Films 324 S. Beverly Dr., PMB 437 663 7th Ave. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel: (310) 839-1500 Tel: (415) 387-5912 Web: epfmedia.com Web: patchworksfilms.net

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 64 JULY/AUGUST 2017 Aretha Franklin: Divas Live This all-star tribute recorded live at Radio City Music Hall pays tribute to one of this country’s national treasures — the undisputed Queen of Soul.

Available on DVD, CD/DVD, CD and Vinyl

Available July 21st at MVDshop.com & MAJOR RETAILERS A DIVISION OF MVD ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

Al Green: Sonny Rollins: Gospel According to Al Green Saxophone Colossus Robert Mugge examines the turbulent Robert Mugge’s dazzling homage career of soul singer and gospel to Sonny Rollins, the greatest preacher Al Green. living jazz improviser.

Available July 7th at MVDshop.com & MAJOR RETAILERS A DIVISION OF MVD ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Title Index

36 Hours ...... 28 Dark Room, A ...... 50 Oklahoma City ...... 56 Actor Martinez ...... 14 Daughter, The ...... 18 On the Way to School ...... 44 Age of Shadows, The ...... 14 Dead or Alive Trilogy ...... 30 Optimists, The ...... 32 Agents of Change ...... 55 Discoveries…America National Parks: Great Orange Is the New Black: Season Four ...... 39 Ajin: Demi-Human ...... 60 Basin ...... 57 Painted Nails ...... 52 Alena ...... 14 Disturbing the Peace ...... 46 Panther Girl of the Kongo ...... 32 All About Allergies ...... 40 Divorce: Complete First Season ...... 38 Paris 05:59: Théo & Hugo ...... 24 All Governments Lie ...... 46 Duck on a Bike ...... 40 Phantasy Star Online 2: Animation ...... 61 All the Difference ...... 46 Elena and the Secret of Avalor ...... 40 Polar Bear Town ...... 49 Almost There ...... 54 Eva Hesse ...... 58 Population Zero ...... 24 Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts ...... 51 Frantz ...... 18 President Trump ...... 58 Amagi Brilliant Park: Complete Collection ...... 60 Free Man, The ...... 53 Property Is No Longer a Theft ...... 32 Anatahan ...... 28 Future of the Church ...... 44 Punching Henry ...... 24 Animal Kingdom: Complete First Season ...... 38 Gatchaman II: Complete Collection ...... 60 Rachel Carson ...... 58 Apprentice ...... 14 Generation Startup ...... 53 Remembering “The Normal Heart” ...... 47 Archer: Complete Season Seven ...... 38 Ghost in the Shell ...... 18 Resident Evil: The Final Chapter ...... 24 As One ...... 42 Girl from the Brothel, The 1 ...... 8 Ride the High Country ...... 32 Assassin, The ...... 28 Girl with All the Gifts, The ...... 18 Romeo & Juliet ...... 63 Beauty and the Beast ...... 14 Going in Style ...... 20 Ruins of Lifta, The ...... 48 Becoming Johanna ...... 42 Great War, The ...... 56 Sailor Moon R: The Movie ...... 62 Becoming More Visible ...... 46 Guido Models ...... 52 Saving Banksy ...... 54 Before I Kick the Bucket ...... 50 Half-Life in Fukushima ...... 55 Saving Jamaica Bay ...... 50 Behind the Door ...... 28 Handmaid’s Tale, The ...... 30 Scar, The ...... 36 Betrayal Knows My Name: Complete Series ...... 60 Heidi ...... 20 Scrapped Princess: Complete Series ...... 62 Bodyslam: Revenge of the Banana ...... 16 Heli ...... 20 Seed: The Untold Story ...... 52 Boomer Revolution, The ...... 47 Home Fires: Complete Second Season ...... 38 Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: Seasons 1 & 2 + OVAs ...... 62 Bureau: Season 2 ...... 38 How a House is Built ...... 40 Shake the Dust ...... 63 bwoy ...... 16 How to Catch the Tooth Fairy ...... 40 Shimoneta ...... 62 Carousel ...... 63 I Am, Or How Jack Became Black ...... 46 Silent River ...... 50 Catfight ...... 16 I, Olga Hepnarova ...... 20 Silicon Valley: Complete Third Season ...... 39 Chaos Dragon: Complete Series ...... 60 I Think You’re Totally Wrong ...... 54 Simple Minds: Acoustic in Concert ...... 63 Chef’s Wife, The ...... 16 Impossible Dreamers ...... 52 Song from the Forest ...... 48 Chemical Highs: Flakka and the Rise of Synthetic In Limbo ...... 53 Speed Sisters ...... 53 Drugs ...... 50 Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a STARMYU: Season One ...... 62 Concrete Love ...... 53 Dungeon? ...... 60 Story of Sin ...... 36 Contemporary Color ...... 16 Jacques Rivette Collection ...... 30 Streets of Fire ...... 36 Counting for Thunder ...... 16 John Hus: A Journey of No Return ...... 44 Strike a Pose ...... 55 Cultivating Kids ...... 44 June Bride: Redemption of a Yakuza ...... 45 Suntan ...... 26 Dare to Drum ...... 54 K: Missing Kings ...... 61 T2 Trainspotting ...... 26 Keep Quiet ...... 48 Theatre of Mr. & Mrs. Kabal ...... 36 Kiki, Love to Love ...... 20 They Call Us Monsters ...... 45 Killa ...... 22 To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters ...... 3 Advertiser Directory King Lear ...... 55 Tommy’s Honour ...... 26 Action! Library Media Service ...... 6 Kuu Kuu Harajuku: Music, Baby! ...... 40 Transfiguration, The ...... 26 Baker & Taylor Entertainment ...... 2 La Rueda de La Vida (The Wheel of Life) ...... 55 Two Friends ...... 42 Bennett-Watt HD Productions ...... 58 Land of Mine ...... 22 Underfire: The Untold Story of PFC ...... 59 Breaking Glass ...... 19 Leaving Africa ...... 47 Unforgettable ...... 26 Criterion ...... 33 Life ...... 22 Utopians ...... 26 Dark Hollow Films ...... 4 Lost City of Z, The ...... 22 Valley of Gwangi, The ...... 36 Dreamscape ...... 43 Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1 ...... 42 Vampire Bat, The ...... 37 Entertainment One ...... 17 Van Gogh’s Ear ...... 59 EPF Media ...... 49 Love, Sweat & Tears ...... 51 Film Movement ...... 15 Ludwig ...... 30 Veep: Complete Fifth Season ...... 39 Films Media Group ...... 57 Magnificent Burden ...... 51 Victory Day ...... 48 First Run Features ...... 7 Marjorie Morningstar ...... 32 Vieques: An Endless Battle ...... 48 Green Planet Films ...... 6 Mars ...... 49 Violet ...... 27 Icarus Films ...... 31 Matter of Time, A ...... 51 Visible Silence ...... 52 IndiePix Films ...... 34, 35 Migrants, The ...... 32 We Are X ...... 27 Kino Lorber Education ...... 9 Millie & the Lords ...... 22 Wheeler Dealers, The ...... 37 Midwest Tape ...... 68 Million Dollar Princesses ...... 56 White Rage ...... 42 Music Box Films ...... 23 MVD Entertainment Group ...... 65 Momotaro, Sacred Sailors ...... 61 Who: Live at Isle of Wight Festival 2004 ...... 63 NCircle Entertainment ...... 11, 41 My Hero Academia: Season One ...... 61 Wilson ...... 27 Oscilloscope Pictures ...... 21 Nana Dijo ...... 47 Wings of an Eagle ...... 44 Passion River Films ...... 67 Near Normal Man ...... 58 Witness for the Prosecution ...... 39 PBS Video ...... 5 Neruda ...... 24 Woman, a Part, A ...... 27 Speak to Win American English ...... 45 New High, A ...... 47 Woman of the Year ...... 37 Strand Releasing ...... 29 Ninth Floor ...... 56 World Without End ...... 37 Vision Video ...... 13 No Matter Where ...... 51 Worlds Apart ...... 27 Wolfe Video ...... 25 Ocean Waves ...... 61 Zookeeper’s Wife, The ...... 28

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 66 JULY/AUGUST 2017 DOES YOUR LIBRARY HAVE THESE BEST-SELLERS?

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Kareem leads an aimless life between odd jobs and hanging out with his buddies in a In a country famous for its success in international beauty pageants, three young women crime-ridden Arab ghetto. A family tragedy brings him closer to his singer girlfriend, are fighting to participate in their nation's most celebrated cultural institution. Women Manar, and motivates him to do something more with his life. When Kareem and his must endure grueling diets, consent to intensive plastic surgery, and find the resources group finally get a chance to perform in a Tel Aviv hip-hop club, the star potential of the necessary to transform themselves from ordinary citizens into famous and illustrious 'first Arab rapper' is quickly noticed. Kareem and the group use music to express their Misses. TO BE A MISS is a character-driven documentary that takes the viewer through the tough life as Palestinian youth. But the road to success is never easy. Kareem and his inner workings of Venezuela's renowned beauty factory, revealing the risks and rewards group must face violent nationalistic Jewish rappers, government-imposed gentrification associated with this multi-billion dollar industry while exposing what nationalism, and troubled drug-dealing friends. personal ambition, and the influence of mass media has meant for women in the country. Narrative | Drama | Foreign | Rap | Romance | Religion | Politics | Middle East Documentary | Women & Gender Studies | Latin American Studies | Cultural Studies 97 min. | UPC: 888608666930 | SRP: $24.95 | PPR: $299.00 | Closed Captioned 84 min. | UPC: 602573364529 | SRP: $59.95 | PPR: $299.00 Exclusively Available For Libraries

REAL BOY KINGS, QUEENS & IN-BETWEENS “Charming, funny & insightful “An optimistic scene-setter for newbies throughout” and drag fans alike.”

“a heartfelt and open look at Bennett’s life as a transgender youth in modern America.” “...an undeniably worthy gallery of portraits of courage” “A heartwarming tale of mentorship and chosen "A worthwhile look into the surprisingly vibrant drag families.” world of Columbus, Ohio, revealing a diversity and celebration of difference you might not expect from the 20+ Film Festival American Midwest." – Tim Isaac, Big Gay Picture Show Awards & Honors!

Through the compelling stories of 8 performers in the thriving drag scene of Columbus, REAL BOY is an intimate story of a family in transition. As 19-year-old Bennett Wallace Ohio, Kings, Queens, & In-Betweens dives into the next frontier — the often misunderstood navigates sobriety, adolescence, and the evolution of his gender identity, his mother topic of “gender” itself. With humor and pathos, Kings, Queens & In-betweens makes a makes her own transformation from resistance to acceptance of her trans son. Along the complex subject approachable for mainstream audiences — inviting viewers into a way, both mother and son find support in their communities, reminding us that families conversation about the distinct differences between gender, sex, and sexuality that has are not only given, but chosen. not been represented in film before. Documentary| LGBT | Gender Studies | Family Studies Documentary | LGBT | Gender Studies | Politics 72 min. | UPC: 602573246368| SRP: $59.95 | PPR: $325.00 90 min. | UPC: 602573246320 | SRP: $59.95 | PPR: $299.00 | Closed Captioned Exclusively Available for Libraries Exclusively Available for Libraries

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