Video

Fiction

This "delightfully quirky" British mystery series was originally created in the 1980s by Alan Plater, with The Beiderbecke Affair followed by The Beiderbecke Tapes and The Beiderbecke Connection. Affair introduces teachers Trevor and Jill (James Bolam and Barbara Flynn), amateur detectives whose interactions and clever dialog are reminiscent of the "Thin Man" mystery characters Nick and Nora Charles. From finding records by jazz great Bix Beiderbecke on the black market and housed in a church basement to uncovering corruption in local government, Affair is pure enjoyment and not the least dated. Equally entertaining is the soundtrack by Frank Ricotti, inspired by Beiderbecke's music. Production qualities are excellent, with wonderful photography of the Yorkshire locations. A bonus DVD includes a biography of Beiderbecke (1903–31). Highly recommended for general viewing audiences.—Susan Clayton, Lake Cty. Lib., Lakeport, CA

This independent mockumentary won virtually every award going in 2007, and it's easy to see why. Two buddies travel around the world, scattering the ashes of a friend as they go. Nothing else in this fabulous film makes any sense at all except that it is a riotous good time. From Jamaica, where they learn that the terms batty-face and mash you flat aren't what you think, to a jail cell in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and a full-moon party on an island off Thailand, Charlie and Cliff experience the best and the worst of travel with equally good cheer, a dash of romance, and laugh-out-loud idiocy. Will you be ready when your time comes? Highly recommended.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

This marks the North American release of the animated British TV series adaptation of two stories from Terry Pratchett's alternate reality series "Discworld." Wyrd Sisters, a combination of skewed Shakespeare and reworked legend, concerns three witch sisters trying to ensure that the true king, a baby, gets the throne, while Soul Music features two interrelated stories: Death gets stressed and takes a holiday and a parody on the evils of rock'n'roll. Many of the voice-over actors are superb, especially Christopher Lee as Death, making Pratchett's subtle jokes delightful to hear. Unfortunately, the lack of a narrator omits the novels' witty narration and observations. Also, the animation quality, with jerky movements and a "pixelized" appearance, detracts from the whole. Despite these negatives, the stories are amusing, full of wry humor and imaginative characters, and very enjoyable for Pratchett fans and the "uninitiated." Extras include "Welcome to the Discworld," storyboards, and an interview with the author.—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

This film delivers both an elegant and a frustrating glimpse into the life of House of Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld (b. 1938). Marconi brings viewers into Lagerfeld's creative realm with clips of intimate interviews, society events, and runway appearances. It is a peek into Lagerfeld's existence and doesn't probe with a fork and knife in the style of the majority of bio-docs. Instead, we hear a little about Lagerfeld's childhood, his sexuality, and his fashion opinions and get to look into his home base, filled with piles of rings, books, and iPods. Lagerfeld Confidential leaves viewers wanting to know more about this enigmatic and calculated artist as it imparts a feeling that one has been let into Lagerfeld's exclusive world. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with a focus on fashion history/studies. (Watch the trailer at www.lagerfeldfilm.com/flash.htm.)—Claire Schaper, MLS, Morgantown, WV

Directors of photography get their due in this fascinating look at the artists who use light, composition, and movement to paint pictures for the big (and little) screen. More than 100 cinematographers are interviewed about how they got their start, as well as artistic influences, work methods, new technology, and more in this gorgeously shot, crisply edited film that puts the lie to generalizations about boring talking-head productions. In sharp contrast to the benchmark documentary Visions of Light (1993), director Fauer eschews film clips in favor of keeping the focus on the words of Gordon Willis (The Godfather), Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now), Haskell Wexler (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), and dozens of other far lesser-known but not necessarily less intriguing lensers. The strength of this very accessible doc is also its one forgivable weakness: many interesting views, too little (running) time. Highly recommended for all interested viewers.—Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA

This genial and inspiring documentary profiles the Nigerian film industry, which has rapidly expanded since the early 1990s. Based in the tumultuous capital city of Lagos, "Nollywood" yearly generates approximately $250 million for the Nigerian economy and produces more films than any other country except the United States and India. Nollywood films are typically shot on location in digital video within days, rapidly edited to completion, and distributed through marketplaces and stalls at very low cost. Director Meltzer spent six weeks in Lagos following several of the most popular directors and intersperses his film with informative interviews with actors, directors, producers, and distributors, as well as with scholars and journalists. The most illuminating and humorous attention is devoted to directors Izu Ojukwu and Chico Ejiro. Along with action and genre films that have obvious international appeal, many Nollywood films address issues with especially deep resonance among African consumers, e.g., religion, AIDS, women's rights, and the supernatural. Highly recommended for general viewers and students of film studies.—Robert A. Sica, Eastern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Richmond

This mostly black-and-white cinema verité documentary on the making of avant-garde musician John Cale's difficult 1989 album, Words for the Dying, which features symphonic renditions of Dylan Thomas's poetry, offers viewers a peek into the collaborative creative process. The former Velvet Underground violinist enlists fellow avant-garde artist Brian Eno to produce his unique and challenging album, but problems arise when Eno balks at being filmed. Filmmaker Nilsson's shaky camera follows Cale and Eno as they conduct a Russian symphony orchestra and record vocal tracks in London. More interestingly, Nilsson captures Cale outside the studio, as the legendary musician awkwardly mingles with diverse Russian artists and travels to his Welsh hometown. Marred by melodrama and tedium, Nilsson's story of clashing egos and fading genius is sluggishly paced and thematically unfocused, but fans of Cale and Eno, or avant-garde music in general, should find something to savor here. Paltry DVD extras include a recent 26-minute interview with Nilsson, reflecting on the making of his film.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

This gripping film, based on the titular book (Houghton Harcourt, 2001), follows James Carroll, former priest and antiwar activist and son of a Cold War army officer, as he examines his relationship with his father and with the Church and searches for the origins of the often violent Christian attitude toward Jews. Spurred by events at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where officers are accused of proselytizing on behalf of evangelical Christianity, Carroll travels through many countries and interviews academics as well as Jews who have been affected by anti-Semitism to find the answer to his question. It is a moving plea by a believing Catholic for an honest examination of the relationship between faith and politics. Produced and directed by Jacoby (Sister Rose's Passion), the film features excellent cinematography, appropriate archival material, and a never-slackening pace. While the film will not be appreciated by everyone—the Air Force Academy and evangelical Christians are not likely to applaud it—it raises important and timely issues that must be addressed. Essential for most collections.—Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ

Exploring the realities of anabolic steroid use, writer/director Bell describes it as a conundrum: the conflict between "doing the right thing and playing to win." Both of Bell's brothers, Mark "Smelly" Bell, a power lifter and football coach, and Mike "Mad Dog" Bell, an aspiring pro wrestler, use steroids. Can Mark and Mike overcome their psychological addictions to steroids, or will they fall victim to cancer, suicidal depression, or some other fatal condition yet to be linked to steroid use? (The "well-known" hazards of prolonged steroid use, according to the video, have not been proved in clinical studies.) When it's acceptable for musicians to abuse beta-blockers for performance anxiety and fighter pilots to use amphetamines to stay sharp, why isn't it reasonable for Mark and Mike to use steroids? This film is highly recommended for its fair treatment of a controversial subject, handled with ironic humor and sometimes great compassion. [Watch the trailer at www.biggerstrongerfastermovie.com.]—Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

The brothers Smothers continued to push the envelope in this, their last season on CBS. They were fired, and the series ended in 1969 after the stars yanked the network's chain one too many times. This set contains 11 episodes of what looks like live straight-to-tape recordings, which can be problematical in the digital big-screen, hi-fi, hi-def world of today. But Time Life has done an outstanding job of putting the show into historical context and has lots of extras on each disc, including outtakes, interviews, photo galleries, and one show that was censored entirely. Forty years later, the comedy is still fresh and brave, the music earnest; the roster of guests ranges from old showbiz to the daring and new. Recommended for boomers everywhere.

In contrast, Victor Borge (1909–2000) was a charming Danish comedian who sometimes played the piano but mostly told jokes with a twinkle in his eye and a sense of polite impropriety. This multidisc set includes clips from his various TV appearances and concerts and a short bio-doc hosted by Itzhak Perlman. Most of the segments are ancient film and video footage that won't translate well to HDTV despite Borge's appeal, and they repeat several times on different discs, making the set seem bloated. Further, there's no documentation to provide dates or locations of the clips, so we don't even know where or when they were recorded. Sad to say, this boxed set seems dated in content and packaging and will probably be a dust collector on library shelves.—Ellen Druda, Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY

Filmmaker Paget documents the gathering of former Alcatraz inmates and their guards on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the prison's opening. In powerful interviews with the men, we learn what life and work was like on the Rock and how it affected each of them. Paget juxtaposes period footage of the California penitentiary as a stern fortress with present-day interviews and scenes showing Alcatraz now, a popular National Park historic site and tourist attraction. The contrasts in time and mood work well, adding texture to the transformations in the men and the institution. In addition to the reunion story, the DVD includes newsreels of Jack Lalanne's handcuffed swim from Alcatraz to Fisherman's Wharf, the famed 1962 prison break, and closing day. Well conceived, produced, and shot, Alcatraz Reunion is the recipient of numerous awards and film festival honors. Recommended where there is interest.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

Can three college students survive for a month without using a computer? Who will cheat first? Should anyone care? In fairness, Andrew, Caitlin, and Chel, the guinea pigs for this experiment, are a smart, affable lot, free of reality-TV theatrics. It's amusing to see them struggle to fill their newfound free time, learn how typewriters work, rediscover low-tech means of communication (like handwriting!), and find ways around their self-imposed bans. However, many viewers will grow weary waiting for them to use their phones instead of emailing, texting, or blogging, and the moral—that since we can use computers as tools without letting them take over our lives, trying to do without them makes as much sense as trying to do without pens or shoes—is an anticlimax. The production is school-project lean but effective, except for the dialog recording, much of which has the irritatingly breathy, congested-nose sound common to low-budget video. Some mild profanity; suitable for most audiences. Includes cast commentary, a making-of featurette, and a Carleton College, MN, promo. An optional purchase.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

The Spanish Civil War (1936–39) was fought between the Loyalists, citizens loyal to the elected Spanish government, and the Fascist forces, led by Gen. Francisco Franco and consisting of the landed gentry. The Good Fight, originally produced in 1984, offers a firsthand account of the climate surrounding the formation and deployment of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, approximately 2800 U.S. citizens who volunteered to fight on the Loyalists' behalf. Eleven surviving members of the brigade describe why they chose to volunteer and the implications of being branded a Communist for their pains. All insist they believed not in communism but in the defeat of global fascism, an ideology they viewed as fundamentally against human nature. In addition to these interviews, photos and film footage help tell the story, which is narrated by the late Studs Terkel. Bonus features include a chat with the filmmaker and interview outtakes, plus a tribute to the individuals who served. Recommended for viewers interested in history and political science.—Michael LaMagna, Cabrini Coll. Lib., Radnor, PA

Still We Ride takes a look at the monthly Critical Mass ride in New York City, a bike- riding event that celebrates alternative transportation. According to the filmmakers, the ride was peaceful and supported by the New York City Police Department until the Republican National Convention in 2004, when the NYPD arrested hundreds of riders and confiscated their bikes. Since then, the ride has been plagued with problems, including more arrests and police harassment. The story is a compelling one, but, unfortunately, the film falls short. It is incredibly one-sided, with only bike riders and their civil rights attorneys interviewed and no explanation for this oversight. Time cannot be the reason, as the documentary runs only 37 minutes. The special features are interesting and artistic, with animated shorts and extended scenes that easily could have been included in the film itself. Overall, Still We Ride feels too short and unbalanced. Recommended only where there is a strong bike community or for those with an interest in civil rights issues.—Manya Shorr, Omaha P.L.

Rereleased onto DVD, these are the latest in a series covering cultural highlights in Western cities. Florence includes still photos of the great artistic masterpieces by Giotto, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. A very brief history of the role of the Medici family and the importance of the Renaissance serve as a frame to this video album. Venice focuses on the city's unique architecture, once again mostly through stills of the Palace of the Doges, Grand Canal, and Piazza San Marco. The ten-plus-year-old reissue offers scant mention of the pollution, danger to artworks, and general ecological frailty that the city faces from overtourism. New York is the most disappointing of the three. Starting with an organizing principle of how New York became a great city through the efforts of industrial giants like the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts, the DVD drifts to a pastiche of views of ethnic neighborhoods (all in Manhattan), a few good restaurants (at least one of which no longer exists), and a commercial for several department stores. Originally released in 1997, it includes a view and mention of the World Trade Center; an update would have been warranted. The only updates included are some web addresses for the listed museums, but, unfortunately, some of these have changed. Not recommended.—Herbert E. Shapiro, Empire State Coll., SUNY at Rochester

For about two years, a film crew followed the construction of Boston's first ecological residential building and interviewed almost everyone connected with this luxury condominium complex. The Macallen Building, opened in 2007, received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status. The DVD tracks the elements generating points for environmental certification and also features comments from neighbors concerned about the gentrification of South Boston, a working-class Irish district. Most of the footage is of tough construction workers musing that building green just makes sense. Construction does not always go smoothly—at one point, all the wood floors on 11 stories must be replaced; many of the roof garden plants die. However, the completed Macallen project uses 30 percent less energy and much less water than a comparable conventional structure. Menu options include a shorter version and a bleeped version for classroom use. Recommended for those interested in the environmental aspects of city planning.—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC

Video is a great tool for childbirth education classes as it can allow expectant mothers and their partners to visualize aspects of pregnancy and childbirth that are otherwise left to the imagination. Positions for Labor and Preterm Labor are excellent examples that childbirth educators will likely find very useful. The animation of the baby's movement based on maternal positioning is a particular highlight in Positions, and the clear instructions are easy to follow. Women in various stages of labor are shown modestly covered; most positions here don't allow for an epidural.

Preterm Labor also makes use of animation. The 14-minute program begins with a birth scene and includes several shots of preterm babies, which could be emotional for some viewers. The focus here is on reducing lifestyle risks that could result in a preterm birth: e.g., smoking, an abusive relationship. The experience of one young couple, in the bonus section, is the real strength of the DVD. Both discs will be useful to select audiences.—Mindy Rhiger, Bakken Lib. & Museum, Minneapolis