Video

Like a Mary Poppins for adults, P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves is the ideal valet. He makes certain through the series' 23 episodes that his young gentleman, Bertie Wooster, a perfect example of the lovable if feckless British upper class, is properly attired and fed, properly turned out for the zany activities in which he engages, and, most of all, properly protected—from himself! Good-natured Bertie (House's Hugh Laurie) gets into the most hilarious fixes, but Jeeves (Gosford Park's Stephen Fry) manages to extricate him with aplomb, always unflappable and ever vigilant in observing his professional traditions. Public library users will welcome this enormously entertaining "British odd couple," while high school and college students taking courses that include the works of Wodehouse can also benefit. Highly recommended.—Sheila S. Intner, Prof. Emerita, Simmons GSLIS at Mt. Holyoke Coll., South Hadley, MA

Jeff Smith, creator of the cherished comic book series Bone, is a super guy. The man and his work are beloved by friends, peers, and the public, with accompanying commercial success, rave reviews, and international fan support. And none of that seems to have gone to his head, as he remains sweet-natured and soft-spoken. So why bother with this hagiography? Comics fans know that heroes are boring unless their weaknesses are explored. The Cartoonist is a well-produced valentine to Smith, but it offers no substantive look at either his creative process or his life outside his art, and the do-it-yourself, inspiration-plus-perspiration story of his ascent isn't new, inspiring, or interesting. Extras include an 82-minute interview with Smith and a look at his newest series, RASL. Strictly for collections with a fanatical Bone or graphic novel bent; all others should stick with Terry Zwigoff's classic Crumb, Ron Mann's Comic Book Confidential, and National Film Board of Canada's The Devil You Know: Inside the Mind of Todd McFarlane.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

This updated version of a popular turning video (LJ 6/1/91) is loaded with lots of new techniques, up-to-date information on sharpening and using tools, and advice from Richard Raffan, an accomplished woodturner and artist. Whatever your current level of expertise, this one-on-one seminar teaches moves that are essential for skillful woodturning. Raffan helps novices get started and veterans hone their craft by exploring many sophisticated concepts. He demonstrates sharpening methods, gouge and skew exercises, and centerwork and facework on boxes, breadboards, and bowls. The video and effects are executed with finesse, and the editing is judicious and effective. Suitable for adults, this DVD will encourage artists and art students to learn and become proficient in this art/craft.—Susan C. Awe, Univ. of New Mexico Lib., Albuquerque

The Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble is a Miami-based dance troupe that endeavors to preserve and promote the repertoire of pioneering dancer Isadora Duncan (1878–1927). Duncan's style of rising and falling arcs, organic flow, and connectedness to nature were revolutionary in her time. Her choreography has been handed down through her daughters Anna and Irma Duncan to what is now the fifth generation of dancers performing her works. The film is narrated by and contains commentary from artistic director Andrea Mantell Seidel. Ten works from the period, including Schubert's Ave Maria, Chopin's Harp Etude (Opus 25, No. 1), and Gluck's Bacchanal (Iphigenia), are all well performed as each dancer contributes her own spirit and modern interpretation. Essential for dance history collections; highly recommended for dancers and dance enthusiasts.—Tom Budlong, Atlanta

Australian New Wave cinema of the 1970s and 1980s wasn't just about arthouse fare by Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant), Peter Weir (The Last Wave), Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career), and other reputable directors; it also encompassed exploitation flicks trading heavily in extreme action, grisly horror, and/or gratuitous sex and nudity. Derided as "the crab louse on the Australian film industry," these "OZploitation" films were simply a Down Under variation on their American counterparts from the likes of independent, low-budget Hollywood producer Roger Corman. Director Hartley's affectionate tribute to this often schlocky but at times cleverly subversive wild bunch features scads of clips from Mad Max, Razorback, Road Games, and Long Weekend, to name a few. Extra revealing interviews with Aussie auteurs such as Tim Burstall (Alvin Purple), plus producers, actors, writers, and, not surprisingly, rabid fan Quentin Tarantino, help make for a smashingly good time even for viewers not part of this bastard genre's cultish supporters.—Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA

These two short films from writer/journalist Jagninski offer a glimpse into the publishing industry. The misnamed Got a Book in You? references an industry study that denotes the millions of writers in search of publication and describes the process for getting a book to market. Less about writing than publishing, the film takes viewers through the workings of a New York literary agent, an increasingly necessary player in getting the small percentage of books written each year to print. Interviews with agent Peter Rubie and members of his staff show how book ideas are proposed, pitched, marketed, and sold. Hints for the aspiring writer, including examples of query letters, are provided.

The Romance Writer is a brief biographical sketch of Sandra Kitt, who 25 years ago was the first African American author to write for romance publishing giant Harlequin. Kitt discusses her style, the craft of romance writing, some of the difficulties she faced getting her first and subsequent novels off the ground, and why, in romance fiction, sex sells. Both films, although engaging, give some insight into the business of writing but not much. Viewers interested in the publishing industry or Sandra Kitt fans may find the content worth a look.—Linda Frederiksen, Washington State Univ. Lib., Vancouver

Full of frivolity, joyful exuberance, and over-the-top performances, this delightful 2006 Opera Australia production of Gilbert & Sullivan's best-known crowd pleaser, with its notorious tongue-twisting lyrics, is a glorious romp that leaves the viewer breathless and wanting more. Under the masterful eye of director Stuart Maunder, the entire company deserves accolades for the successful results. The sets, costumes, lighting, and singing are superb, with some of Australia's most popular and well-known opera stars taking center stage. However, it is the phenomenal Anthony Warlow, as the Pirate King, channeling Johnny Depp playing Capt. Jack Sparrow, and Suzanne Johnston, as Ruth, who are the scene stealers. The DVD is well edited and balanced and brilliant in exposing the hilarious sight gags that are plentiful in G&S works. The only disappointment is the lack of any special features that would have given an intimate look at the production and its talented singer-actors. This enjoyable DVD will keep patrons laughing even after the disc ends. Highly recommended.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament repeatedly tell us to love God with everything we have and love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus spoke possibly the best-known variation of this in Mark (12:29–31). This mandate, a summary of the first two commandments, is the core and first lesson of The Jesus Creed. Six more lessons follow built on the creed and designed for group viewing over time. At four to seven minutes each, the lessons include a reflection, a scripture reading, and a group exercise introduced by Scot McKnight (religious studies, North Park Univ., Chicago). Backed by meditative music, he uses an engaging, informal style to ask viewers to consider new beginnings, personal callings, compassion, social interaction, and Christian failures. The theology is general, yet sound; appropriate for both Protestant and Roman Catholic worshipers.—Diane Kazlauskas, Univ. of North Florida Lib., Jacksonville

This six-disc set consists of game footage of all the no-hitters and perfect games thrown by New York Yankee pitchers in their iconic home stadium during the television era. The set opens with unheralded journeyman Don Larsen's perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1956 World Series, the only one in Major League Baseball postseason history. Never mind the poor audio quality (viewers can choose to listen to the original radio or TV broadcasters) and the missing footage of the first inning and a half. Twenty-seven years later, a sweat-drenched Dave Righetti tosses a gritty no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox. When David Cone throws a perfect game against the Montreal Expos in 1999, Larsen is in the ballpark to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Each game, including those spotlighting Jim Abbott (1993), Dwight Gooden (1996), and David Wells (1998), all but Larsen's in their entirety, offers drama, thrills, suspense, good fortune, and close calls. Scant and superfluous bonus features, all bundled on the Cone disc, include unenlightening interviews with many of the hurlers. A boon to sports broadcasting and baseball historians and a treasure trove for Yankee fans, this collection is probably overkill for others. [By the time you read this, the World Series-bound Yankees may have already added to this set's highlights.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Winston Churchill's granddaughter Celia Sandys leads us through this chronicle of his life, based on her 1993 book of the same name. This three-part DVD is filled with a wealth of information on Churchill's thirst for adventure and the fulfillment of his dreams. Viewers won't find a war study here but rather an interesting archive of Churchill's life beyond the wars; his love affair with the United States, the birthplace of his mother; his friendship with Charlie Chaplin and T.E. Lawrence; and his escape from prison in South Africa. This documentary benefits from Sandys's access to letters, diaries, and photos unavailable to many filmmakers. She is a captivating guide, veering away from sentimentality to offer instead a significant history. Extras include scene selection. Recommended for individuals fascinated by 20th-century history and its significant players.—Ernest Jaeger, formerly with North Plainfield Schs., NJ

Four men with wildly varying backgrounds relate how they attempted to fill the voids in their lives. Two became criminals, another became a Christian evangelist as a means of denying his homosexuality, and the last sought solace in martial arts. Yet, as Oscar-winning documentarian Yu contends, their stories share the pattern shown in the Greek tragedy The Bacchae: eventually, their certainty evaporated, and the resulting humility led them to reexamine themselves and make some hard choices. Animated chapter titles and vignettes of wooden puppets acting out key narrative points enhance that parallel, but those flourishes are merely that; Protagonist is at its best when its subjects speak their minds. One can argue with its "character is fate" tag line; "There, but for the grace of God, go I" will far more likely resonate with many viewers. DVD extras include an interview with Yu, behind-the-scenes snapshots of the puppetry, and the theatrical trailer. Some mature content and language, suitable for YAs and up. Strongly recommended for a general audience and counseling professionals.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Embracing the spongy terrain of nostalgic New York memory, A View from the Stoop is a pair of videos—the title piece and Memories from the Stoop—both drawing on interviews with Bronx-born or -bred celebrities, archival photos, footage, home movies, and expertly performed rock'n'roll and doo wop. Neighborhoods, public schools, apartment living, tough guys, and TV shows—all this and more ramble lightly over a 30-year period. Included are vintage DVD extras on the reopening of the palatial Loew's Paradise movie theater, the short-lived (1960–64) precursor to Disney World, Freedomland, and even "transport tapes" of the Third Avenue El train. The brainchild of producer and Bronx native Samtur, this package is of good technical quality and will be cherished by New York boomers and their parents. The reminiscences here, from a time of mass culture and social norms, have relevance to urban experience everywhere. For more, go to www.backinthebronx.com.

A Hole in a Fence, however, is shorn of rosy reverie, documenting a microworld up till just an eye-blink from this moment. Filmmaker Young's digital video lens uncovers a place that doesn't exist on the maps; beyond a fence in the Red Hook, Brooklyn, waterfront neighborhood lies a neglected concrete field, a veritable "urban gallery" (as architectural student and activist Benjamin Uyeda terms it) populated by abandoned materials, graffiti, the homeless, and community passersby who make occasional use of it. Meanwhile, the advent of a new Ikea megastore nearby is about to disturb the ecology of this little tidepool. Focusing on what's to pass into history for the most part, Brooklyn resident Young sketches the spirit of place, local activity, and people—a waterfront museum, urban farming, spokespeople, and graffiti artists, as well as an ingenious but impermanent project for the homeless to use the field. Extras include a photo gallery, a short on the Red Hook Grain Terminal, and an extended interview with Uyeda. Technical credits are more than acceptable given the semipro recording equipment. For all urbanites trying to hold back change, or attempting to make peace with it.—Jeff Clark, James Madison Univ. Libs., Harrisonburg, VA

In this 12-hour course, David Bressoud (mathematics, Macalester Coll., St. Paul) systematically and outstandingly exposes us to the history of mathematics, with an emphasis on the development of number theory and analysis. His explanation of the work of the ancients and of non-Western mathematicians is clear and illuminating. The sections on mathematics after the 16th century, however, will be heavy going for those without some background in college-level math. Through brief biographies and interesting anecdotes, Bressoud brings to life the people who made significant contributions to the discipline. Good use is made of on-screen graphics; however, a few minor errors creep in that could have been avoided by tighter editing. Highly recommended for number lovers everywhere.—Harold D. Shane, Mathematics Emeritus, Baruch Coll., CUNY

Hurricane Katrina brought much death and destruction to the residents of New Orleans in 2005, but it also was devastating to the thousands of pets whose owners left town without them. The award-winning An American Opera focuses, occasionally poignantly, on the heartbreaking plight of abandoned dogs and the valiant efforts of volunteer rescue workers to feed and house them until they can be reunited with their owners. Similar to Left Behind Without a Choice and New Orleans Animal Rescue (LJ online, 4/10/09), this film touchingly depicts the unique bond between humans and their best friends. But unlike the other films, this DVD also highlights the conflict between animal welfare organizations and government animal control agencies that occasionally demonstrate lack of concern and worse regarding saving these helpless creatures. Warning: there are some images children and other animal lovers may find disturbing. Despite some gaudy graphics and cacophonous music, this film is recommended for most viewers, especially pet owners. See more at www.rescuepartytour.com.

Founded in 1975, the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA, is the largest facility in the world to treat injured sea creatures. This PBS NOVA episode vividly portrays the work of dedicated veterinarians and remarkable volunteers who treat and rescue elephant seals, California sea lions, and harbor seal pups stranded along the state's northern coast. Though brief, the film admirably covers the plight of these injured creatures, their extraordinary ability to traverse the Pacific Ocean, the gradual destruction of the ocean ecosystem owing to pollution and other human-made problems, and the growing cooperation between physicians and veterinarians to share their expertise. Viewers will undoubtedly appreciate the attention bestowed upon these lovable and sensitive creatures. Children will delight in seeing these furry sea animals, while their elders who are concerned about the environment or with a scientific bent may also enjoy and benefit from this superb documentary.—Donald Altschiller, Boston Univ. Lib.