Video

The journey undertaken at the beginning of this epic film signals the viewer to settle in for a real story told over time, a long time. With that walk, pivotal character Paul Simon brings the viewer home, on foot, from World War I to his family’s village in Germany’s Hunstruck region, the “homeland” of this 15-plus-hour tale that span 63 years (1919–82). Paul, who walks back out in the first episode to immigrate to America, leaves the viewer with his extended family to experience the build up to World War II, the collapse of the Third Reich, and the next generation’s attempts to define itself. Paul’s abandoned wife, Maria, is the focal point. As the war taps on the security and isolation of this rural town, she raises her sons in the home of Paul’s parents and watches them become very different men. There time passes, and the world drops in via a cast of characters so rich you want to meet them again and again as they go through their lives. An incredible portrait of the people of Germany, this 11-episode film became the first of a trilogy (which includes another 19 episodes) that follows Maria’s children to the turn of the 21st century. The six-CD set is forgiving on shelf space, though librarians might want to separate the CDs to allow serial checkout. Recommended for all serious film collections.—Rebecca Miller, Library Journal

The 1974 kidnapping of Patty Hearst ultimately changed very few lives but sure sold a lot of newspapers. Briefly, a handful of Bay Area radicals called the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) got automatic weapons, began training, and bestowed grandiose titles upon themselves. Few would have noticed their existence had they not kidnapped Hearst, heiress to a huge fortune and about as close to royalty as one can get in the United States. After months in captivity, she was heard in taped statements to an enraptured press that took on the rhetoric of her captors. She denounced her family and participated in a bank robbery. This documentary does an excellent job of summarizing the episode, using those taped statements and footage from the victimized bank’s security cameras. None of the interviewees were deeply involved, though. Most of the SLA members were killed in a fiery shootout on live TV. The SLA founder who speaks here was in prison during the episode, so the story seems told from the outside, leaving many questions unanswered, including the big one: What was the nature of Hearst’s involvement? Telling a gripping story with any number of jaw-dropping twists and ironies, this program is recommended for all libraries.—John Hiett, Iowa City P.L.

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry debuted its amazing new HO (1/87 scale) model railroad layout in 2002. This McComas/Stachler documentary uses close-up footage of trains in action accompanied by an informative narration to show the Chicago layout in its glory. The new layout is impressive by any standard, with 35 working locomotives (both steam and diesel), 1400 feet of track, 28 bridges, and 500 model buildings. The layout depicts the 2200-mile rail route from Chicago to Seattle. The documentary intersperses location footage of prototype buildings and scenes with those represented on the layout. A brief bonus segment shows the layout under construction. This wondrous documentary is a must-see for model train buffs of all ages; enthusiastically recommended for all public libraries.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ., Erie, PA

In 2003, British filmmaker Gordon somehow gained permission to document everyday life in the “showcase city” of Pyongyang and the splendid vistas of North Korea’s legendary Mt. Paekdu. He followed two relatively privileged schoolgirl gymnasts, aged 11 and 13, as they trained for upcoming “Mass Games.” Held on state holidays since 1946, it is a noncompetitive display of gymnastic skill. Gordon filmed family life, hard practice on concrete playgrounds, school classrooms, and a field trip to Paekdu. As his subjects opened up, he explored the “state of mind” of North Koreans: gratitude akin to worship for their dictatorial leaders, a philosophy of self-reliance for daily needs, and a drive for perfect team performance, exemplified by the synchronization of the movement of thousands of people and props during the games. Americans are considered “arrogant aggressors.” “Just as we were taught in school,” one adult says, “we have to endlessly hate the U.S. and fight them to the end.” “Brainwashed” is an applicable term for a people subjected to state kitchen radios that cannot be turned off. Not thus handicapped, Americans can welcome this effort at depicting North Korean humanity with sympathy. The DVD includes an interview with Gordon and a seven-minute CNN response to the film. An important addition for YA and adult library collections.—Bonnie Jo Dopp, Univ. of Maryland Libs., College Park

Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960) was a brilliant writer and scholar, producing plays, short stories, and novels as well as scholarly works on Southern and Caribbean culture, but her early fame and then her works were lost until author Alice Walker helped to bring her back to the world. This DVD provides a solid overview of Hurston’s childhood in Eatonville, FL; her discovery by author and educator Alain Locke while she was a student at Howard University; her life in New York and eventual decision to attend Barnard College to study anthropology; and her explorations of the traditions, folk stories, and songs of the South and Caribbean. She was working as a domestic when she was “rediscovered” and wrote until the end of her life. The film provides interesting discussions of her books and the impact of her decision to use dialect instead of formal English in her works. Among the commentators are Hurston’s niece and biographer Lucy Hurston and Harvard’s Henry Louis Gates. The production makes excellent use of photographs and recordings of Hurston singing folksongs she learned during her travels. Though some of the cuts, especially during the Gates interviews, can be jarring, this is an interesting and well-done presentation. Recommended for academic and public libraries, especially those with a strong African American literature collection.—Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress

This production is a comprehensive survey of the key battles and milestones of America’s five major military branches: the army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard. Covering over two centuries of action, Battle History of the United States Military employs official government documents, extensive combat footage, and commentary by renowned historians and decorated veterans to tell the story. Each of the five DVDs is devoted to one branch and covers the earliest engagements through the Gulf War or later. Many battles will be familiar, but viewers will find the disc on the coast guard of particular interest, as this service is largely unheralded with respect to wartime activity. This reviewer was fascinated to learn about major coast guard involvement in World War II’s Overlord invasion, patrolling rivers and coastline during the Vietnam War, and rescue operations in New York during the 9/11 tragedy. The archival footage and narration on all the discs are excellent—just as one expects from a History Channel production. The action sequences are riveting, but viewers should be forewarned that some depict the gruesome aftermath of war. For discussion of battles prior to the age of photography, the programs feature drawings, paintings, and a few reenactments. This set is highly recommended for academic and public libraries and military history enthusiasts.—Rod Bustos, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta

Updated with additional footage, this Academy Award–winning documentary on the chorus of the San Francisco Opera is a well-edited and beautifully photographed film. Generous clips of the chorus working with noted opera stars (e.g., Placido Domingo and Shirley Verrett) make for a colorful presentation. Interviews with chorus members reveal what their work means to them; in a few cases, it has saved their lives. Who would guess at the hard work required to be in an opera chorus? These performers might sing in four different operas in a period of ten days. Many singers are content with life in the chorus, while others aspire to solo careers. One of the “plus” features on the DVD follows an informal discussion among chorus members during a strike against the opera house. It seems that they are often confronted by members of the public who believe they work as volunteers; other revelations follow. Highly recommended for public and special libraries.—Adrienne Fischier, Harvard Lib. in New York

This documentary examines the 2000 and 2002 Florida elections through the experiences of five individuals who were motivated to become more involved in politics. A white woman who owns a real estate company and an African American woman were so outraged by the perceived injustices of 2000 that they volunteered to work for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride. An African American ex-felon-turned-pastor sued the Florida government when he found he couldn’t vote owing to his incarceration in New York State and would have to appeal to Gov. Jeb Bush for clemency. Finally, two white men decided to run for office in 2002. One was a novice, in his first election, the other a longtime activist dissatisfied with the changes made after 2000. The film also documents the problems with Florida’s voting equipment and voter records and efforts to correct them prior to the 2002 election. The DVD features an account of a smear campaign against McBride and other archival news footage. This fascinating look at the aftermath of the most disputed election in American history is recommended for all libraries.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.

With God on Our Side presents a balanced perspective on the rise of Evangelical Christianity and its coming of age in American politics. The documentary uses original interviews and historical film footage of the relationships between Billy Graham and President Nixon, Jerry Falwell and President Carter, and Pat Robertson and President Reagan. The documentary then focuses on the spiritual journey of George W. Bush, from his troubled years to the sudden spiritual realization that would change his life. This condensed version of an earlier PBS miniseries is suitable for academic and general audiences.—Chuck McCann, Florida State Univ. Libs., Tallahassee

Much has been made of the authenticity, or lack thereof, in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. This documentary works to clear up the matter. Part 1 addresses Brown’s conspiracy theories. Various academics, scientists, and novelists (e.g., Michael Barkun, Amy Bernstein, Greg Tobin) point out inconsistencies and gaps in Brown’s popular writings. They concede that his work of fiction is helpful in opening a conversation about science and religion. Part 2 looks at Brown’s depiction of Freemasonry and its purported connection to the Illuminati, a secret society of 17th-century “enlightened ones” whose goal was to discredit the Catholic Church. Modern-day groups, such as the World Bank, Trilateral Commission, and Masons, have been linked in Brown’s writings as carrying on a war between science and religion. The DVD extras include “The Dan Brown Phenomenon” and “God, Religion, Conspiracy.” This well-crafted video is highly recommended for most public libraries.—Gary D. Barber, formerly with SUNY at Fredonia Lib.

In style, tone, and treatment, these films are separated by more than geography. Originally conceived as a visual to accompany music pioneers Saint Etienne’s album of the same name, Finisterre offers a collage of an imaginary day in contemporary London, capturing the exciting, throbbing pulse of the city. With a strong nod to cinema vérité, the camera goes everywhere, into the cracks and crevices of London life among the tourist spots, picking up details as intimate as half-eaten pizza on a plate in a small café. The music of the Saint Etienne score is complemented by the narratives of current Londoners who paint, write, direct, edit, and sing and who all have been part of the Saint Etienne experience. The film takes us far from the romantic, cozy London that Americans have always loved and into its real society, with people working diligently to prosper. Recommended for large European or British collections.

The Island: Ireland from the Air explores vast areas of Ireland from above. The footage is beautiful, often breathtakingly so. The film is divided as a symphony, with three movements: the turbulent “Ebb and Flow,” the more harmonious “Mother Earth,” and the lyrical “Statements in Stone.” The narrative concentrates on the history of Ireland, from before the first settlers to the changes in the land by modern society. Much of this history is reflected in the moods of nature. The film is certainly a poem to Ireland’s beauty and her ability to prosper through conquest, war, and famine. Recommended for major Irish collections.—Ernest Jaeger, formerly with North Plainfield Schs., NJ

National Film Board does it again with a great group of animated shorts, featuring Louise by Anita Lebeau and Mabel’s Saga by JoDee Samuelson. Combined with five other short animated films and biographies of the two featured artists, this compilation provides a thought-provoking, humorous, and touching glimpse into the challenges faced by a variety of feisty women at different ages and from different walks of life. Issues raised include aging, menopause, mortality, and retirement, not to mention pesky rodents and wardrobe malfunctions. You’ll mow the lawn and swat flies with 96-year-old Louise, find humor in hot flashes with Mabel, fight a war through poor laundering in My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts, find fulfillment in a second career in Second Debut, reminisce about old times in Stitches in Time, laugh out loud at the antics of Fair Phyllis, the shepherdess, and raise, love, and eat farm animals in Pirouette. Highly recommended.—Mary Laskowski, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana