Video

The Art of Knitting & Crochet 2 is a good follow-up to its predecessor, The Art of Knitting (Video Reviews, LJ 2/1/05). Not for the newbie, it is designed for the knitter who already knows how to do basic knit and purl stitches and also covers such things as picking up stitches and selecting colors and scissors; knitting in the continental style; knitting cables; sewing the pieces together; and blocking the finished project. A how-to of intarsia (knitting with frequent color changes to create patterns) is a bonus. Excellent close-ups (using the picture-in-a-picture technique) demonstrate from the knitter's view (behind the needles) as well as from the camera. Patterns are included on the disc and also on a paper insert. The sound quality is excellent. The only criticism, and a minor one, is that some of the "extras" in the resource guide (e.g., web sites, books, magazines) appear to be the same as in the first volume. Essential for public libraries.

I Can't Believe I'm Knitting! based on the book of the same name, is aimed at the beginner who wants to learn the basics: casting on and knit and purl stitches, with simple projects for practice. Types and weights of yarns are also discussed. Instructor Melissa Leapman speaks clearly and has good pacing. Of the five projects here (two scarves, a spa cloth, a purse, and a toddler's hat), three incorporate a "stitch-a-long" segment where Leapman demonstrates each step, aided by on-screen written instructions and close-ups. This is a nice feature for anyone who has little knitting knowledge or experience. The sound quality is good, and the close-ups are outstanding. Extras include troubleshooting, tips, knitting necessities, and more. For libraries with demand for crafts DVDs or needing to replace older/damaged titles, this is a solid choice.—Michele Lauer-Bader, Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY

Joining the ranks of the popular "Sit and Be Fit™" exercise programs are five DVDs for specific conditions: balance and fall prevention, diabetes, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. All are designed for seniors as well as the special populations indicated. The common basic structure includes a warm-up, a few minutes of circulation movements, and leg strengthening and stretching. The exercises are designed to be executed while seated, although the leg moves can also be done standing. Some use simple props like a small ball or a resistance band. Additionally, there are exercises specific to the particular condition, i.e., the Parkinson's workout has facial exercises, and the osteoporosis routine uses resistance bands to help build bone. What makes these tapes exceptional is registered nurse Mary Ann Wilson. Along with having an upbeat, down-to-earth attitude, she has created routines that are quick and effective, with gentle movements that are not the same old boring workouts and are perfect for the intended audience. The brief interview with a medical expert on each specific condition is a welcome addition.

Part of the "Wellness Through the Ages® with Vivien" series, Chair Exercises for Seniors and Exercises for Active Seniors include familiar routines. Recreational therapist Vivien Hoyt leads a group of seniors through a well-rounded workout in a lovely outdoor setting. The exercises include well-known toning moves that incorporate light hand weights for the upper body, as well as yoga, stretching, breathing, and relaxation routines. Here, too, the moves are slow and gentle and provide a sound overall workout for seniors or those with limited mobility.

The Seasons of Fitness presents Sue West's "mélange" workout—a blend of dance stretches, Pilates, and yoga—set in the spectacular surroundings of the American West. Divided into four 15-minute segments, one for each season, the DVD targets people at the intermediate level, and the routines are challenging enough to be inappropriate for chairbound seniors. While the moves are gentle and slow, the program is heavy on Pilates strengthening and stretching, which tend to be more demanding, and better suited to intermediate-level practitioners. All of these programs are well worth their affordable prices. The stand out is the "Sit and Be Fit™" series, which should be part of any core collection for seniors or those with limited mobility. The others are fine for larger collections that want to offer variety to their users.—Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Lib., Univ. at Buffalo

Political activism in New York City's Greenwich Village dates back to at least 1811, when residents successfully opposed a plan to realign streets in a grid pattern. A bohemian counterculture first appeared there in the 1850s, and, ever since, the copious artistic output from the village has contained a strong political element. The Ballad of Greenwich Village intersperses interviews with current residents with backward looks at the area's legacy in poetry (Edgar Allan Poe, Maya Angelou, Allen Ginsberg), art (Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock), jazz (Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane), comedy (Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Bill Cosby), drama (Eugene O'Neill, Edward Albee), folk music, and gay rights (Stonewall Riots). Yuppification in the 1980s and increased colonization by New York University has threatened the village's traditional open-minded acceptance of the different and strange, though, of course, those, too, are being opposed. Most documentaries of this sort are too parochial to be of interest beyond the area, but Greenwich Village has wider importance. This film also has lots of faces in it you'll recognize. The price puts it out of reach of many libraries, but those that can afford it will want to add it to their collections.—John Hiett, Iowa City P.L.

The idea of a suicide bomber profoundly disturbs American sensibilities. These two documentaries attempt to make some sense of this phenomenon. In The Cult of the Suicide Bomber, ex-CIA agent Robert Baer looks at the history of suicide bombing and explains that the modern practice originated in 1970s Iran as a last-ditch effort to stave off the Iraqi invasion. Radical Muslims then adopted it as a military tactic to combat the Israelis. Through interviews with suicide bombers' families and supporters plus onsite reporting, Baer effectively shows the importance of the concept of martyrdom to Shi'ite Muslims and how it then spread first to the Sunnis and later to non-Muslims. Though the documentary concentrates on events in Iran and Israel, potent lessons are sketched for U.S. involvement in the Middle East. In the end, Baer sees the suicide bomber as a chaos-inducing plague on all societies. The author of See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism (2002), upon which the movie Syriana is based, Baer is a dynamic on-screen presenter.

Suicide Killers also looks beyond the headlines at the root motivations of suicide bombers; however, it limits its scope to Palestinian attacks against Israel. Through interviews with captured terrorists, families, victims, experts, and a bomber in training, it pieces together a picture of these Palestinian commandos. The documentary doesn't make conclusive statements, but the evidence presented points to the activity as a combination of the psychological trauma of decades of Israeli occupation coupled with the religious lure of achieving a martyr's paradise. The bombers interviewed are portrayed as and seem very naïve.

Both documentaries present graphic images of bombings and their aftermath as well as disturbing interviews with these single-minded extremists. The Cult of the Suicide Bomber is clearer in its presentation and conclusions. Its American perspective, provided by Baer, makes it the better choice and is highly recommended for all libraries. Suicide Killers is commendable for its numerous in-depth interviews with captured bombers, but as most of it is presented in Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles and only limited English narration, it is less accessible to English-speaking audiences. Nevertheless, it would be essential for libraries wanting in-depth collections on terrorism.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA

This multi-award-winning film explores the personal journey of a Parkinson's patient. Unlike most such patients, Paul Schroder was diagnosed in his early thirties, as was actor Michael J. Fox. Recent research suggests that the disease may be triggered by exposure to environmental toxins and will become more commonplace as time goes by. Schroder's symptoms are shown being somewhat alleviated by a new procedure whereby a regulating device is implanted into his brain. Unhappily, the progression of the disease continues, and his improvement will not last. This very moving film, which was shown to members of Congress in their recent hearings on stem-cell research, will be useful to Parkinson's patients and their families and friends. Recommended.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

These dog-training DVDs make it clear that pet owners should use different approaches for training their dogs, depending on whether s/he's a puppy, an adolescent, or an adult. Both recommend positive reinforcement to achieve specific behavior modification, heavily stressing the use of praise and petting or hugs, along with food incentives. Consistency and repetition are necessary to achieving the objectives. Both programs assign homework to pet owners, recommending how frequently each activity must be completed. Each program lets the viewer jump around and return to specific weeks or subject categories for review. Unique to Our Good Dog is the inclusion of a printable owner's manual corresponding to the weeks' activities, along with tips from a veterinarian and links to rescue societies and disaster preparedness web sites. A helpful list of recommended equipment and treats is also provided. Organized into seven weekly classes, the DVD demonstrates the training of rescue dogs, clearly showing the progress of each pet.

Positive Puppy Kindergarten is geared specifically to pet owners trying to train puppies in six weeks. Dog behaviorist Harris not only demonstrates what to do, she verifies that the owner is using the proper technique, thereby ensuring the success of the puppy in learning the new behavior. Helpful hints in breaking bad habits are included. Either DVD is appropriate for public libraries; both are of solid quality and recommended, dependent on the existing collection.—Marianne Eimer, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.

Each of these videos is a very well-done primer on performing general maintenance and service for specific models of Harley-Davidson motorcycles (Sportster, Touring, and Softail). Filmed in a repair shop with mechanics illustrating and describing their work, they offer highly detailed step-by-step views of maintenance procedures that can reasonably be done at home. Most are relatively simple tasks, like cable adjustment, that can and should be done throughout the course of normal riding, while other jobs are more complex and labor-intensive, typically involving special tools and equipment. The scope of maintenance tasks is wide-ranging, covering virtually everything outside of the engine. Throughout, the work demonstrated is exacting, and the explanations are very clear. The mechanics take care to point to and identify parts, describe their functions, and provide the rationale for operating, or not, in a particular fashion. The visuals are superb; frequent close-ups clearly capture detailed work or small components. Because the maintenance services shown are mostly generic, these videos may be reliably used for the three models named, spanning the mid-Eighties to the present, as long as shop manuals for specific years are referenced. Precise and detailed, these videos are recommended without reservation. [Also available are DVDs for Softail/Dyna Bolt (6½ hrs. $49.95) and Touring Bolt (6½ hrs. $49.95), both 2007.]—David Van de Streek, Penn State Univ. Libs., York

These programs highlight historical and natural sites, cultural events, special attractions, and native beauty in their respective states. Though not comprehensive tourist films, they do provide appealing looks at the places, people, and wonders that make the areas unique. Presented in an "on the road" style, with an unseen narrator, the discs feature locals talking in a natural and effective way about the place or event profiled; the photography and music are well done. Arkansas features the Clinton Presidential Library, towns that emphasize Ozark music and the re-creation of Ozark crafts (Mountain View) and a multitude of Victorian homes (Eureka Springs), an elephant sanctuary, the Buffalo River, and a wildflower farm. North Carolina features the Wright Brothers memorial and Lowe's Motor Speedway but also much that even natives may be unfamiliar with: Love Valley (a working Western town), Arval Woodey's chairs, which are constructed without glue or nails (made famous by John F. Kennedy), and hang gliding at Jockey Ridge State Park. Both titles are professionally produced, with enough out-of-the-ordinary material to keep viewers intrigued. Highly recommended for public library travel collections.—Melody Moxley, Rowan Cty. Lib., Salisbury, NC

Produced and directed by Plunkett, Mending Spirits tells the tale of three survivors of domestic violence, while interspersing clips from interviews at a national rally where women share their stories of overcoming various forms of abuse. The film is geared toward conveying a message of hope to past, present, and possible future victims of domestic violence and speaks to the overwhelming fears that must be overcome to create lives free of abuse. The original music and nature imagery interwoven into the film are somewhat distracting and detract from the overall impact of the otherwise touching stories of survival. Still, the film clearly shows how complicated personal experiences involving domestic violence can be, for example, the idea that self-worth is often tied to the success of the relationship. Each of the women reached a pivotal point where the need to escape overcame the need to please her partner, citing contributing factors such as the empowerment of motherhood. Recommended for larger collections.—Mary Laskowski, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana Lib.

Foreign & Indie Films

By Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA

French Resistance fighters put up a heroic if often doomed effort against their Nazi occupiers in Jean-Pierre Melville's stately paced but involving drama. Starkly photographed in chilly shades of blue and gray, this highly personal work from the acclaimed director of Bob le Flambeur and Le Cercle Rouge strikes a fatalistic note that is driven home by the vulnerability of an inspirational Resistance leader, played by the incomparable Simone Signoret. For most collections.

Influenced by Italian neorealism and groundbreaking for its era, Jules Dassin's police procedural was shot on Big Apple streets rather than a studio back lot. The voiceover narration ("There are eight million stories in the naked city...") feels stiff and intrusive, but the murder investigation has a documentary-like authenticity. Brute Force (ISBN 1-934121-30-4), a well-acted and gritty-for-its-time prison drama Dassin directed the year before, is also being released in remastered form. For larger collections.

In an attempt to reconnect with an idealized past, former best buddies Mark (Daniel London) and Kurt (Will Oldham) get together for a weekend camping trip in the Oregon woods. While Mark has moved on, getting married and starting a family, Kurt remains a lost soul who has forsaken any genuine commitment in pursuit of an elusive happiness. Director Kelly Reichardt uses a naturally minimalist style to relate a quietly evocative story. For most collections.

Inspired by Dante's Inferno, Yong-man Kim's unorthodox "film" is almost purely that—a mesmerizing story told with pictures and not much dialog. A young Buddhist monk living alone in a New York City tenement spies on his neighbor through a hole in the wall, and she in turn peeps at him while he meditates. His view is of a Catholic schoolgirl dressed in a pleated skirt who takes in strangers for sex. For larger collections.

Rarely seen in the states, this unfairly neglected British film follows a young private from basic training to the landing on the beach on D-Day. Director Stuart Cooper seamlessly blends real war footage with scenes shot by John Alcott, the brilliant cinematographer who regularly worked with Stanley Kubrick. Although a little slow-going at times, this interesting hybrid of the fictional and nonfictional gets inside the head of one soldier and shows his dreams. For most collections.