Video

Fiction

This edition of The Ruth Rendell Mysteries features five explorations of obsession and its criminal consequences: Going Wrong (devoted delinquent teenage lovers are now adults, and one of them isn't ready to move on), Harm Done (Inspector Wexford sorts out an apparent child-abduction case in a middle-class neighborhood in turmoil over the release of a child molester in its midst), The Fallen Curtain (Richard Clayton went missing as a boy and will not rest until he remembers what happened), The Lake of Darkness (a big lottery win plus falling in love equals a happy ending, doesn't it?), and You Can't Be Too Careful (when two women—one quiet and paranoid, the other free-spirited and wild—inhabit the same apartment). With faithful adaptations and excellent casting, these psychological thrillers keep you on the edge of your seat. Extras include a biography of the author. Highly recommended for general audiences.—Karen A. Plummer, Univ. of Akron Lib.

This remarkably thorough look at the history of movie censorship begins with The Early Decades, wherein turn-of-the-century nickelodeons offered peep shows that moralists attacked as "a trip to hell for a nickel." In subsequent feature-length pictures, silent-film sirens Theda Bara, Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, et al., vamped it up on the big screen to great popularity but also much hue and cry. Although censorship boards sprang up nationwide, it wasn't until the establishment of the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) in 1930, as depicted in From the Depression to WWII, that the movie industry agreed to self-censorship in order to secure a seal of approval. The 1950s and '60s touches on boundary-pushing challenges to the code, from adult-themed European films (e.g., La Dolce Vita, Stromboli) and more daring Hollywood fare (A Streetcar Named Desire, Lolita). The series wraps with The Late 1960s to the '90s, when explicit violence (Bonnie and Clyde) joined racier sex to help usher in the MPAA rating system after the demise of the MPPC. Forgoing interviews in favor of extensive clips and photos accompanied by voiceover narration, this enlightening series is somewhat marred by occasional awkward editing and an abrupt ending oddly missing any credits. This pricey set is recommended for larger public libraries or film studies courses.—Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA

Filmmaker Rose traces inimitable pop culture icon Elvis Presley's early years and explores his roots in the tiny rural town of Tupelo, MS. The substantive and engrossing narrative breezes by, with narrator Kris Kristofferson expertly guiding viewers through the story of Elvis's childhood, impressionable adolescence, early Sun Recording Studios sessions, and rise to stardom, culminating in a triumphant 1956 homecoming concert. Rose has crafted a polished and visually appealing documentary by seamlessly blending archival material and new interviews with Elvis's friends, fans, associates, and biographers. This mix of insight from mostly colleagues and companions offers an intimate portrait of an artist whose life story has been recounted and analyzed repeatedly but rarely with so much style or inside information. Generous hour-long bonus features include a series of familiar but historic newsreels, various featurettes, and amusing footage of an Elvis convention. Trailer, previews, and additional information available at www.returntotupelo.com. Recommended for all popular music fans.

The latest release in the low-budget but high-value "Lost Concerts Series" features rare early footage of country music legend Johnny Cash and rock'n'roll pioneer Presley. A compilation of 32 televised performances culled from various uncredited and undated programs of varying but mostly poor audio and visual quality, it shows the two stars at their charismatic best, as they (mostly) lip sync their way through both timeless classics and forgotten gems. Highlights include Presley dueting with Frank Sinatra on "Love Me Tender" and Cash's humorous, irreverent, and accurate impersonation of Elvis performing "Hound Dog." There is a wealth of valuable footage here, but viewers interested in just one performer may find fault with the presentation, as the individual tracks alternate between the two men. Regardless of technical quality and DVD organization, this is a worthy addition to any large public library's rock'n'roll or country music collection. Admirers of either or both performers will jump for joy.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Critics often complain that movies rarely show people at work—at least in professions that don't involve crime. Similarly, artists don't often have a vehicle for discussing the joys and pains of working in their chosen medum in accessible, unpretentious terms. The Artsiders™ series aims to correct this by assembling a coterie of Chicago actors, writers, dancers, sculptors, musicians, et al., training the camera on them, and letting their stories flow. A common thread emerges: although they all found their art through different means, including blind chance, these artists pursue it during both good and lean times because they are compelled to do so, an impulse that is its own reward. This fine companion to Acting Through Life: Insights from Working Actors (LJ 9/15/08), a comparable look at the realities of an oft-idealized profession, is recommended for performing arts collections. The disc includes the original 27-minute PBS broadcast version and the 52-minute director's cut. Some profane language; suitable for most audiences.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

This video faithfully reproduces the live musical play in which Grosvenor interprets legendary evangelist Billy Sunday (1862–1935) through performance and song, chiefly focusing on Sunday's Christian witnessing as a professional baseball player through the building of his 18,000-seat tabernacle in New York City. Grosvenor's performance and witness will be a blessing to those who view the disc with an open mind and an open heart. Grosvenor's personal testimony is included in the DVD extras as part of an altar call following a 2004 Wisconsin performance of the play. The play will be in the Chicago area from September 18 to October 3, 2009. This very high-quality (video, sound, editing) DVD is highly recommended for Christian patrons and those exploring their spirituality.—Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

At long last, today's theater students, actors, and Shakespeare enthusiasts can see this classic BBC series, which aired on British TV in 1984, and be mesmerized by the distinguished group of 21 actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company as they participate in an informal master class with venerable stage director John Barton. Played before a select audience of actors, this nine-episode series explores the depths of quintessential Elizabethan theater through transformative training, understanding, and acting with those hallowed words and distinctive language. Episodes focus on verse, language, and character; shaping the performance; speeches and soliloquies; irony and ambiguity; passion and coolness; rehearsing the text; and the use of hidden versus overt poetry. Episodes 4 and 8 are highlights because of the extended collaborative performance sequences. The viewer is overwhelmed by the effortlessness of the acting and the subsequent discussion with Barton. Among the notable participants are Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, and David Suchet. This superlative series, one of the first in Acorn's new Athena line of programming, is highly recommended for students focusing on British literature and the performing arts and anyone fascinated by the acting process.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN

Nine Boy Scouts bring the 12 points of the Scout Law to life by interviewing 12 individuals or groups that each exemplifies one of the points (e.g., a scout is trustworthy, a scout is loyal, a scout is courteous). Recorded and edited in the Austin, TX, area, by the scouts themselves, Believe It. Live It. is nicely shot using thrifty but effective means, with the friendly scouts cheerfully interviewing a diverse group of people in a courteous and educated manner. The boys and their subjects are truly inspirational. The enclosed booklet includes discussion questions and a challenge activity for the scouts. This film is highly recommended for all scout troops to apply to their own lives and would be helpful for anyone interested in knowing more about the Boy Scout Law.—Brian Burns, Hampden-Sydney Coll. Lib., VA

Three environmental productions with very different perspectives. Award-winning Mama Earth keeps the message somewhat light, with a voiceover actor personifying the ravaged planet, asking humans to do less damage. Experts point out how "natural capital" is not taken into account in economic decisions. The film concludes with short tours of the ecological operations at New Belgium Brewing of Colorado and Kettle Foods of Oregon.

Sustainable Communities sets up case studies of British areas affected by creeping urbanization: Cornwall, the Deane Valley, and Hamstreet, Kent. The focus is on district governments trying to preserve traditional communities. While these concerns are universal, North Americans might have difficulty with the vocabulary and regional accents. Subtitles are not provided.

Weather Report touches down around the globe, revealing the permanent effects of climate change, such as thawing in arctic Canada, drought in Montana, desertification in China, and flooding in Mumbai. The film then covers more hopeful developments like the advent of emissions trading consultants, a green living show, a sustainable plan for a new city, and a tree-planting movement. The message for North Americans is a now-familiar one: change your lifestyle voluntarily or have change forced upon you. Production values are exceptional: viewers will be rubbing grit out of their eyes from the dust storms. Mama Earth would suit public and high school libraries. Sustainable Communities is optional for academic libraries supporting regional planning departments. Weather Report is recommended for public library patrons.—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC

These personal-narrative documentaries on dealing with breast cancer examine the stress and horror of facing a life-threatening illness, discuss available therapies and reconstruction options, and explore the deep and sacred connection among mothers, daughters, and sisters. Each tells the story from the inside, in the "video diary," or, in this age of online video sharing, "video blog" style. Breast Cancer Diaries is Ann Murray Paige's video memoir of her nine-month ordeal. Poignant, real, and raw, it captures every pertinent detail and emotion: pain, laughter, anger, sadness, and joy. When she is first diagnosed with cancer in her left breast, Paige chooses to undergo a double mastectomy. In the opening scene, beautifully shot in black and white with muted colors, she has a plaster cast of her breasts made prior to the surgery, underscoring not only her personal connection to her body but the importance of a woman's breasts in our collective psyche. Cancer is a family issue, and Paige, who left a career as a local news anchor to be a stay-at-home mom, now must leave her child-care duties to others as the fatigue and strain of chemotherapy steal her away from her family.

In Dear Talula, Benson uses less of a "diary" style and more verité footage combined with family photos and interviews to capture the essence of her breast cancer experience. Terrifying and beautiful moments are caught on film as she submits to surgery and chemotherapy. The touching and enduring relationships between mothers and daughters are emphasized through Benson's connection to her toddler, Talula, particularly in one tender scene the day before her surgery when Benson breastfeeds her daughter for the last time. Catching her cancer early, Benson also uncovers a family history of the disease.

Getting tested for the genetic mutation that causes cancer is the focus of In the Family. Producer/director Rudnick finds out that she carries the mutated BRCA gene and has an approximately 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer and a 40 percent chance for ovarian cancer. Single, in her 30s, and wanting children, she is faced with an impossible choice: remove her healthy organs now as a preventative measure or possibly risk her life by taking a "wait and see" approach. Rudnick connects with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer), a group formed "to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer." Leaving no stone unturned, she has created a fascinating film about hereditary cancer, genetic testing, personal relationships, and the medical machine. Having previously aired on POV, In the Family is the most thorough of the three films as Rudnick's journalism background shines through. All three are technically well made. In the Family and Breast Cancer Diaries are a little long (especially for academic use) and could each have benefited from further editing. However, In the Family has valuable DVD extras, including chapter divisions and character-focused sections. The trio are affordable and unique enough to be useful for patient health collections and for users with an interest in breast and/or ovarian cancer.—Lori Widzinski, SUNY Health Sciences Lib., Buffalo

Barbara P. Roth, award-winning filmmaker and THX home theater certified consultant, offers simple design and technical tips for making the most of the acoustical and visual elements in your home in planning and enjoying a home theater system. Her "aim is to help consumers combine technology and interior design elements that are crucial to optimizing the home theater experience." She expertly demonstrates the elements of display, sound and speakers, color, window treatments, lighting, furniture, wiring, accessories, and the wow factor in home theater design.

Douglas Smith, the WilsonArt "Countertop Guy," illustrates building and installing custom countertops. Smith offers step-by-step instructions for cutting your own countertops using WilsonArt HD laminate and other WilsonArt products. He provides a safety checklist and instructions for laminating seams, adhering the laminate to the surface, trimming custom edges, and installing backsplashes and the finished product. The production quality is excellent, as is the instruction. Both DVDs are highly recommended for patrons with a "remodel" in mind as well as technical school students.—Ravonne Green, Valdosta State Univ. Lib., GA

Car Talk, the funny, fun, and sometimes helpful NPR radio show featuring brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi, has been delighting fans for over 30 years. It should have stayed on the radio. This ten-episode series of animated characters who work in an auto body shop and broadcast a radio show from there is boring and insipid. It attempts to duplicate the humor and enjoyment of the NPR program but falls flatter than flat. The Magliozzis are represented, along with an overworked, harried radio producer, but the three other "mechanics"—an overweight mumbling worker, a slick used-car salesman, and an "intellectual" African American who comes up with answers that are encyclopedic in length—seem out of place and stereotypical. Though the program is described as a sitcom, there's really nothing humorous about it. The whole venture makes one wonder, "What were they thinking?"—Lori Lampert, Coll. at Brockport Lib., NY