Video

Fiction

This 2007 Australian miniseries stars Rachel Ward as a veterinarian in the small farming town of Paringa, which has endured a ten-year drought and is facing a disease among the sheep herds that could destroy the area economically if it becomes known to the outside world. Victoria Thaine is the young vet sent to assist her. The two women struggle to save the community while building a relationship. Filmed on location, the production features outstanding cinematography and a musical score provided by South Australian blues/roots band the Audreys. Bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews with cast and crew, and notes on the sound track. With the gorgeous scenery, impressive acting, interesting and often quirky characters, and authentic feel, this film is recommended for viewers of all ages.—Julie Stump, Voorheesville P.L., NY

This elusively rewarding collection by a pioneer of experimental film, video, and multimedia installations in Japan, Europe, and the United States features mostly short pieces from the early phase of his career during the Underground Film Movement in New York City. In the dreamlike and heavily symbolic Onan (1963), a sexually frustrated young man discovers that he has borne a large egg after masturbating. White Calligraphy (1967) is a dense cascade of Japanese characters flashing into appearance against a black background. AIUEONN six features (1993), drawn from one of Iimura's video installations, combines an increasingly complex sequence of digitally morphed images of his face as it utters Japanese and English vowels. Faces (1968–69) and Filmmakers (1969) are artfully personalized explorations of the American experimental filmmaking environment Iimura was immersed in at the time and feature appearances by Andy Warhol, Jonas Mekas, and Jack Smith, among others. Bonus features include a biography and videography. Recommended for film studies students.—Robert A. Sica, Eastern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Richmond

This film about author Hunter S. Thompson (1937–2005) manages to do what many biographical documentaries don't: both capture the spirit of Thompson's life and give the viewer a real sense of the time period in which he lived. Narrated by actor Johnny Depp, the film is beautifully directed by Oscar winner Gibney and includes interviews with well-known individuals such as Pat Buchanan, Jimmy Buffett, Gary Hart, George McGovern, and Jimmy Carter. Highly stylized, the film shows Thompson as a true enigma: an incredibly talented writer and astute social commentator who was also a drug abuser, lost soul, and extraordinarily deep man. Gonzo is highly recommended for both academic and public library users, especially those with an interest in American social history. [The extensive extras listed on the jacket—e.g., audio commentary, deleted interviews, tribute photo gallery—were unavailable to this reviewer. Watch the trailer at www.huntersthompsonmovie.com.]—Manya Shorr, Omaha P.L.

These two documentaries take different paths to explore the life of Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960). Both include her words (e.g., Her Eyes Were Watching God and Dust Tracks on a Road) and film footage she took while doing anthropological research in Florida and the Caribbean. Both have interviews with scholars and people who knew her or were featured in her research. However, Zora's Roots tends to rely on dramatic reenactments of Hurston's life, while Jump depends more on period footage and images of the author. Jump also delves more fully into Hurston's life and the issues that drove her, including her relationship with Langston Hughes and how the play Mule Bone affected that relationship. Jump covers her political views, which were in opposition to those of the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. The brief overview of Hurston's life provided by Zora's Roots would be perfect for a younger audience or those requiring just the basics. Jump at the Sun offers a deeper overview for those needing analysis from scholars and other writers. Both are excellent programs for their respective audiences.—Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress

Filmed at Brooklyn's St. Ann's Warehouse in 2006, Lou Reed's Berlin, from acclaimed filmmaker Schnabel (Basquiat, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), captures the first live performance of ex-Velvet Underground leader Reed's ambitious, dramatic, and profoundly sad 1973 concept album. Berlin is the story of Caroline, a self-destructive young German woman's drug-addled attempts at finding love. Reed's dark lyrics and gorgeously sparse music perfectly convey her sorrow and hopelessness, and the songs, despite their frequently plodding pace and relentlessly grim subject matter, translate surprisingly well onstage. Schnabel turns this into much more than just a concert film by seamlessly interweaving beautifully filmed scenes of the story being sung. This masterly mix of cinema and music is a challenging but rewarding work of art. Bonus features include rehearsal footage and tantalizing snippets of Elvis Costello interviewing Reed and Schnabel on his Sundance Channel chat show, Spectacle. Watch the trailer at www.berlinthefilm.com. Soundtrack available from Matador Records. Recommended for all popular music fans.

Ten years after reuniting, British punk rock legends the Sex Pistols finally release their first official live concert DVD. It's been more than 30 years since their groundbreaking album, Never Mind the Bollocks, an enduring punk masterpiece that provides many of the songs performed here, but John Lydon (better known as Johnny Rotten) and bandmates are just as ornery and obnoxious as ever. Recorded in London in November 2007, the 17-song setlist consists of hits, deep album cuts, and covers, and the fun and energy never let up. Adoring concertgoers shout along with every word the perpetually sneering Lydon spits out. Fans will love it. All others will continue to wonder what that horrible racket is. Recommended for popular music devotees; patrons should be made aware of the frequently vulgar and offensive language.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Successful college football coaches enjoy a long tenure, with many legendary coaches coming to embody their school's program. A&E News Video has compiled extraordinary documentaries of Woody Hayes of Ohio State, Bo Schembechler of the University of Michigan, and Tom Osborne of the University of Nebraska, told through interviews with former players, other coaches, and close associates. Each film includes archival game footage and commentary, allowing fans to relive the great moments of these sports programs. Those interested in Big 10 football will enjoy both the Hayes and Schembechler discs as they offer two distinct views of rival programs. The Osborne production describes a man who wouldn't compromise his need to win for career expedience. All three films include extended interviews with players, recruiting stories, and additional footage. The Hayes and Schembechler documentaries both include footage of their reunion. Recommended for fans of college sports.—Michael LaMagna, Cabrini Coll. Lib., Radnor, PA

Bringing fans closer to the history and understanding of their favorite motor sport, NASCAR Media Group here provides a vivid collection of the races from 40-plus years ago to the present, with today's popular drivers, including Casey Mears and Kyle Busch, presenting turn-by-turn analysis of close races, come-from-behind wins, and horrendous crashes. While Volume 1 highlights the races, Volume 2 illuminates the drivers and crews and what inspires them and keeps them grounded away from the excitement of the track. Bonus features include Elliott Sadler dissecting his 2003 crash at Talladega Speedway and a richly informative tour of the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, NC. NASCAR fans especially will love this race fix in the off-season.—Debbie Rzepczynski, Lake Cty. P.L., Merrillville, IN

Every year, in an affluent suburb of Chicago, hundreds of young men turn out to wear the green uniform of the York Community High School cross-country running team. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Joe Newton, the boys train and consistently win state and national awards. This feature-length film tells the story of the 2005 race year, which resulted in a 25th record-breaking season. At the center of the training and the film is 76-year-old Newton, who encourages and drives the boys to succeed. The DVD has a chapter search function and short promotional trailers. Bonus features include brief interviews with people inspired by Newton, including Olympic medalist Lord Sebastian Coe, running coaches Arthur Lydiard and Joe Vigil, and marathon runner Ryan Shay. Several truncated clips of motivational Newtonisms and additional interviews round out the disjointed extras. Despite its narrow focus on a specific community, the film is nicely produced, affordable, and of potential appeal to audiences interested in high school track.—Linda Frederiksen, Washington State Univ. Vancouver Lib.

This three-part tour of high-circulation glossy magazines defines greatness as the ability to create images that capture readers' imaginations and emphasizes fashion and celebrity publications by Condé Nast, Hearst, and Time, Inc., focusing on their key role in popular culture. These 20 profiles are mostly entertaining and well produced and include undeniably great magazines like National Geographic, Life, and The New Yorker alongside image-makers O, Vanity Fair, and Cosmopolitan. The segments on Life, Ebony, and Ladies' Home Journal are insightful, but other segments lack depth. Since no mention is made of historically significant Atlantic, Harper's, or Scientific American (among others), the series falls short as a history of such publications. Librarians should note that Igniting Social Change includes images of female nudity from Playboy, and some viewers may be offended by Helen Gurley Brown's provocative comments about sex, feminism, and Gloria Steinem (whose Ms. is also included). Inside the Great Magazines doesn't excel as a coherent series, but many of its pieces are valuable for students of media studies.—Steve Black, Coll. of Saint Rose Lib., Albany, NY

CPA Ed Slott holds forth on minimizing taxes on individual retirement accounts (IRAs) in this taped lecture before a studio audience. The dynamic Slott keeps his audience alert as he quips and shouts about how the IRS is waiting to get the bulk of everyone's IRA savings. He explains how individuals can avoid some taxes by turning IRA assets into tax-free insurance or by bequeathing IRAs to younger beneficiaries. He counsels viewers on designing an estate plan, finding the right advisors, and avoiding procrastination. Slott's most pleasant suggestion is to take some IRA money and spend it on fun activities with children and grandchildren. Bonus material includes a 40-minute segment wherein Slott outlines ten potential financial mistakes and a discussion of the points to remember in setting up an IRA. Though much of the estate planning advice would be valuable only to individuals with estates large enough to meet minimum taxation thresholds, everyone could benefit from his more general wisdom. Recommended for somewhat affluent viewers.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib, Erie, PA

This documentary provides a balanced introduction to American conservative and liberal movements since the last part of the 19th century. A wide range of intellectuals from Noam Chomsky to Kevin Phillips chart the changing nature of these political, social, and economic ideas as they react to challenges and changes of human events. Liberalism moved from the belief in laissez faire economics and limited government to increased intervention, while conservativism went in the opposite direction. The commentators provide a good mix of praise and criticism on both sides of the argument. Special features include an expanded interview with Chomsky, deleted scenes, additional commentary, and a suggested reading list. The overall production quality is quite good. However, the intended humorous appearance of two small boys dressed in donkey and elephant costumes is a bit of a distraction. Recommended for all viewers with political leanings.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg

Filmed in Australia, No More Bets, Please! features interviews with gamblers, both men and women, who frankly address their addiction and the impact it has had on their families and their lives. It includes a discussion of the myths that gamblers construct about winning (and striking it big) to further their addictive behaviors. The benefits of counseling are also briefly covered. There are no DVD extras.

Q-Wit Smoking Now! is a disturbing program designed to help people quit smoking through visualization strategies. Following a brief introduction, very graphic images of the damage smoking can cause (including the results of cancer and surgical procedures) are interspersed with printed messages encouraging smokers to quit. There are no extras except an image gallery. These two programs are recommended for people who need help with addictive behavior and for professionals who counsel them.—Beth Traylor, Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libs.

Viewers not well versed in the issues currently under debate and proven regarding global warming may find this film a bit over the top. The producers have clearly bought into the idea that planet Earth is getter warmer as we continue to emit greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. While the DVD illustrates how we are destroying our planet, there is little discussion of how the governments of the world can stop this calamity. On the other hand, there are those who would argue that "global warming" is not a global problem at all. This documentary may be a good starting point for the novice exploring the origins and ever-changing state of the impact of global warming, but, to elucidate the problem fully, the History Channel could have produced a more informative DVD focusing on what countries are or are not doing to address this controversial issue. An optional purchase for the environmental crowd.—LaRoi Lawton, Lib. & Learning Resources, Bronx Community Coll., CUNY

These companion videos use Horn's Regenerative Movement Technique™, which incorporates elements of yoga and tai chi to exercise gently and increase blood flow to the targeted areas. Slow, rhythmic motions, rocking, and deep breathing combine to help loosen muscles and maintain range of motion for those with limited mobility. This will be especially appealing to older adults and to individuals who have been temporarily immobilized owing to illness or accident. The movements are easy to follow and perform. Horn, whose résumé also includes songwriter, painter, and digital online book publisher, projects a quietly positive attitude that doesn't intimidate but gradually builds the viewer's confidence. This reviewer, laid up with a back injury, found the exercises quite helpful.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Being Dad: Inspiration & Information for Dads To Be. color. 77 min. Leslie Marsh, Snapper Lounge Media, PNMG Prod., Seedsman Group, dist. by AV Café, 877-228-2233; www.theavcafe.com. 2009. DVD UPC 6-77908-18013-6. $29.99. Public performance.

Being Dad is a special film about what it's like to become a father for the first time. New dads recount their personal stories while sitting around having a few drinks and a few laughs. They discuss cravings, morning sickness, finances, sex during pregnancy, friends and relationships, and even the moment they found out their mates were pregnant. Interspersed are interviews with experts including a midwife and an obstetrician. The film follows a logical progression and is edited and directed well. There are so many questions a future father will have, and Being Dad answers many of them, quells fears, and settles anxiety via solid storytelling. Includes bonus interviews with experts. Very highly recommended for soon-to-be first-time dads everywhere. [Watch a trailer at www.beingdadusa.com.]

What Dads Say About: Boys speaks about boys and all the things every loving father wants to say to his teenage daughter but doesn't quite know how. For better or worse, the film is unencumbered with statistics and experts—just real dads (with a Christian minister thrown in for good measure) offering solid advice, talking about the most important things they believe a young girl should know about relationships, dating, and boys. Hats off to Hall for making this film with single focus and a decided lack of distracting bells and whistles. The audio and video quality are reasonably sound despite the made-at-home feel. Recommended for dads and potential dads.—Brian Burns, Hampden-Sydney Coll. Lib., VA