VIDEO REVIEWS, September 1, 2010
Sep 1, 2010FICTION
A Bit of a Do. 4 discs. color. 658+ min. David Reynolds & others, ITV Studios, dist. by Acorn Media, 888-870-8047; www.acornonline.com. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781598283921. $59.99. F
This award-winning British comedy series, which debuted on ITV in 1989 and ran for two seasons, is an odd-couple story of two dissimilar families brought together by the shotgun marriage of their children. The pregnant bride's parents are middle-class snobs while the groom's folks are working class and proud of it. Fortunately for all, the families only get together at "do's" (weddings, funerals, etc.). Bringing these relations and their friends together leads to both hilarity and occasionally heartache. A satire of British snobbery and class consciousness, the series features familiar personality types and the mischief and troubles in which they can find themselves. Although it is not as funny throughout as some British comedies, A Bit of a Do, written by David Nobbs and starring David Jason and Nicola Pagett, is appealing and holds your interest.—Julie Stump, Voorheesville P.L., NY
Foyle's War. Set 6. 3 discs. color. 300 min. Stuart Orme & David Richards, dist. by Acorn Media, 888-870-8047; www.acornonline.com. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781598284300. $49.99. SDH subtitles. F
The versatile Michael Kitchen returns as Deputy Chief Superintendent Foyle in the award-winning TV mystery series set in the provincial village of Hastings on the southern coast of England. These three episodes—"The Russian House," "Killing Time," and "The Hide"—take place in postwar Britain, where DCS Foyle handles a rise in violent crime as well as military racism, international conspiracy, and treason. Created by highly acclaimed author Anthony Horowitz, the series features superb acting, solid production quality, period clothing and vehicles, and compelling music. At times, though, perplexing and unexplained character motivation detracts from the plot. Foyle's War will appeal to fans of British mysteries.—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY
Running for Jenny. color. 101 min. Blake Grantham & Jason Greene, Damascus Road Prods., dist. by Victory Multimedia, 310-590-1388; sales@victorymultimedia.com. 2009. DVD UPC 804791002027. $12.99. Rated: G. F
Las Vegas, NV, high school senior Maureen discovers a gift for track as her family learns that her adorable little sister, Jenny, diabetic and wheelchair-bound, needs a kidney transplant. Maureen's world-record sprints quickly blossom into a bevy of lucrative shoe contracts, college scholarship offers, and a future of fame and fortune. Her friends are envious, and her parents are supportive, but Maureen chooses to shelve her career in order to donate a kidney for Jenny. Maureen's interactions with her school friends seem realistic and natural, though some with her parents appear rushed and stilted. The overall tone of the film is religious (if rarely overt), while gentle pop songs enhance viewing pleasure. This multicultural drama could spark discussions about death and about moral choices and would be useful for family viewing or church youth groups; otherwise an optional purchase.—Kathy Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, BC
Stagecoach. b/w. 96+ min. John Ford, dist. by Criterion Collection c/o Image Entertainment, www.image-ent.com; criterion.com. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781604652253; Blu-ray ISBN 9781604652314. $39.95. F
En route from Arizona to New Mexico through Geronimo territory, a diverse bunch of stagecoach passengers have their reasons for taking a risky ride in John Ford's 1939 Western classic. From the prostitute with the heart of gold (Claire Trevor) to the slick gambler (John Carradine) to the drunken doctor (Thomas Mitchell) and a half dozen others, including the Ringo Kid (John Wayne), these travelers comprise a microcosm of humanity—the good, the bad, and the ugly, in spirit if not appearance. Ford's most wanted terrain, the imposing Monument Valley, serves as the gorgeous but desolate setting for a gripping morality tale that singlehandedly elevated a genre. Pulling from various film sources, this restored edition has a few rough patches but generally exhibits picture quality belying its vintage, and there are enough extras (commentary, interviews, short films, etc.) to fill a saddlebag. Not just for a dying breed of oater lovers.—Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA
ARTS & HUMANITIES
Sita Sings the Blues. color. 82 min. Nina Paley, Film Karavan, dist. by IndiePix, www.indiepixfilms.com. 2009. DVD UPC 792097352918. $24.95. ANIMATION
After garnering awards and acclaim from film festivals the world over, plus a big thumbs-up from Roger Ebert, this work from first-time feature director Paley blends the story of her marriage's demise with portions of the ancient Hindu epic The Ramayana. Her medium is 2-D animation—sometimes simple, sometimes jaw-droppingly ornate and colorful, and virtually all of it done solo in her home studio using off-the-shelf technology. Hilarious running commentary on The Ramayana is provided by three contemporary narrators (represented by a trio of shadow puppets), and a stellar soundtrack is highlighted by jazz-blues standards sung by the inimitable Annette Hanshaw. Improbably, Paley makes those pieces work together, by placing all the images, humor, and music at the service of an accessible and heartrending tale. Proof positive that art is a great way to stomp on your blues…with both feet. Bonus features include director's commentary and her short film Fetch! Essential for all libraries; some profanity and fancifully depicted violence but suitable for most audiences.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB
Huxley on Huxley. color & b/w. 58+ min. Mary Ann Braubach, dist. by Docurama Films, www.docurama.com, dist. by New Video, 800-314-8822; www.newvideo.com. DVD ISBN 9781422981290. $29.95. lit
Aldous Huxley's monumental novel, Brave New World (1932), affected the way many readers view our society, even today. Yet the man behind the work remains somewhat of a mystery despite a high-profile presence in 1950s culture. This tender documentary focuses on his life as seen through the eyes of his widow, Laura, as well as through interviews with his friends in the artistic and unconventional world of postwar Southern California. Clips of Huxley's televised interviews during the 1950s golden era of television are particularly insightful. But this program's centerpiece is Laura, from her arrival in America as a young violin virtuoso through her death in 2007 at age 96, remaining an extremely colorful and flamboyant character through it all. Viewers will relish the revelations into the lives of the Huxleys as well as their avant-garde circle. Extras include a 45-minute segment of additional interviews and a photo montage. Academic, public, and secondary school libraries will find this a valuable and affordable addition.—Dwain Thomas, William Rainey Harper Coll. Lib., Palatine, IL
Major League Baseball All Century Team: A Lineup of the All-Time Legends in Major League Baseball History. 60+ min. DVD ISBN 9781422943380. $9.95.
Yankeeography™: The Captains Collection. 2 discs. 5½+ hrs. DVD ISBN 9781422942994. $24.95.
ea. vol: color & b/w. Major League Baseball Prods., dist. by New Video, 800-314-8822; www.newvideo.com or shopAETV.org. 2009. sports
These two releases from Major League Baseball Productions celebrate the history of America's pastime and honor some of its most popular and accomplished players. All-Century Team consists of too-brief profiles of the 20th-century's 30 greatest baseballers as chosen by fans and an expert panel. Honorees range from early icons Rogers Hornsby and Walter Johnson to recent stars Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. The list also includes history makers (Jackie Robinson), sentimental favorites (Lou Gehrig), and controversial figures (Pete Rose). Unfortunately, the film devotes merely a minute or two to each player, only enough time to impart the barest essentials and most familiar highlights, with omnipresent sports announcer Bob Costas providing appropriately exuberant and fawning narration. Bonus features include a list of the 100 finalists. This superficial film can be used to introduce young baseball fans to some of the last century's best players but will fail to interest more discerning and informed viewers, except maybe to instigate debate.
By contrast, Yankeeography focuses solely on MLB's most successful franchise, the New York Yankees. This two-disc set presents hour-long profiles, originally aired as television episodes, of the seven most recent Yankee captains, from Lou Gehrig to Derek Jeter. The film digs deeply into each player's career, personal life, and unique contribution to Yankee lore, with team radio broadcaster John Sterling narrating these informative and dramatic biographies. Gehrig's profile, as expected, is touching and inspiring, but the set's clear highlight is the profile of Thurman Munson, one of the most popular and revered Yankees, who captained three consecutive World Series winners in the late 1970s before his death in a plane crash during the 1979 season. As a bonus, viewers get an informative but melodramatic 60-minute summary of Yankee history. This first-rate presentation is essential viewing for baseball fans both young and old. [As of this writing, the Bronx Bombers were leading the American League East standings.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia
World Cup Soccer in Africa: Who Really Wins? color. 75+ min. Levitation Films, dist. by Disinformation Co., www.disinfo.com. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781934708576. $19.98. sports
This blatantly biased documentary explores the political machinations and arguably shady business decisions that led up to the 2010 World Cup being played in South Africa and suggests that a nation struggling with poverty, crime, corruption, and a negative international reputation would not benefit from hosting the tournament. The filmmakers argue that money spent on building new and unnecessary stadiums could have been better spent on feeding, educating, and housing the myriad impoverished South Africans, using heart-wrenching footage to hammer home their points. Interviewees sharing conflicting views on the World Cup's financial and societal impact include scholars and luminaries such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Cup organizers, but the most thoughtful and informative comments come from locals such as street vendors banned from conducting business near tournament sites and homeowners displaced by new construction. With the advantage of 20/20 hindsight, viewers interested in exploring the underbelly of big-time sports will relish this timely and important film. Extras include extended interviews. Recommended for most audiences.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Legacy: Black and White in America. color & b/w. 78 min. Richard Karz, Karz Prods., www.karzproductions.com; www.legacyblackandwhiteinamerica.com. 2009. DVD $29.95 + $5 s/h. Public performance. african americans
This video opens with a dinner held on Capitol Hill in 2007 and attended by civil rights pioneers, scholars, and younger African American professionals. Taking place at the time that Barack Obama was announcing his candidacy for President and a year after the deaths of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King, the dinner offered an opportunity to consider the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the African American community. Juxtaposed with the dinner are interviews with a rapper and a young artist who note the rise in violence in the community along with the widening gulf between middle- and lower-class African Americans. This fascinating video includes discussions on the culture of failure within the community, the prison industrial complex, and integration and its negative impact on the African American middle and upper classes. Interviews with noted African Americans including President Obama, Wynton Marsalis, Marian Edelman, Condoleezza Rice, and John Hope Franklin address the impact of racism and the Civil Rights Movement on their lives. Unfortunately, the film has no extras; inclusion of the full dinner conversation and complete interviews rather than snippets would have added value. Nonetheless, this wonderful presentation will find a home in most libraries.—Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress
Fritz: The Walter Mondale Story. color & b/w. 59/86 min. w/tchr's. guide. Melody Gilbert, Frozen Feet Films & Darn Good Documentaries, 651-336-5111; www.mondale.org. 2009. DVD UPC 798576409265. $99.99; acad. libs. $199. Public performance. biog
This flattering portrait of Walter Mondale documents his rapid rise from Minnesota attorney general (1960) and Senator (1964) to Vice President (1977–81), unsuccessful Presidential candidate (1984), ambassador to Japan (1993), and now respected U.S. elder statesman. Along the way, he transformed the office of the state attorney general into an advocate for consumer rights and the Vice Presidency into an active player in national and international decisions, including attempting to advance the peace process in the Middle East. Through family photos, clips from news broadcasts, and interviews with Mondale, his family, high school and college classmates, and colleagues, the film, narrated by daughter Eleanor, portrays Mondale as a decent man who looked out for the public interest. The DVD includes the full-length documentary and an hour-long version that appeared on Minnesota public television. This warm, intimate picture of an underrated man is recommended for viewers with an interest in American politics and libraries with high demand for such videos.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.
Close to Home: Scenes from a Recession. color. 60 min. Ofra Bikel, Frontline, WGBH-Boston, dist. by PBS Video, shoppbs.org/education. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781608831326. $24.99. Closed-captioned. econ
Set in a hair salon on Manhattan's Upper East Side, Close to Home takes a look at how the current recession is affecting even the affluent. First broadcast on October 27, 2009, the film focuses on customers talking with the ever-patient proprietor Deborah about their financial problems. The documentary listens in on the conversations and follows up on several of the participants. A young couple explain how the recession put their coffee bar out of business, leaving them $200,000 in debt. A middle-aged human resources exec talks about his struggles in the job search process after a year of unemployment. Some viewers may scoff at hard times for the rich—for example, the woman who says she had to sell her beloved Porsche to pay for health insurance—but the problems and frustrations poignantly expressed in the informal atmosphere of the salon will resonate with all viewers.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA
Sing Birds: Following the Path of Cahuilla Power. 35 min. DVD ISBN 9780802611123. $26.95; acad. libs. DVD ISBN 9780802611130. $249.95.
Words on the Wind. 25 min. DVD ISBN 9780802611109. $21.95; acad. libs. DVD ISBN 9780802611116. $249.95.
ea. vol: color & b/w. National Film Network, 877-888-4395; www.nationalfilmnetwork.com.
2009. Public performance. native americans
Another production from the Cahuilla Indians of Southern California (see also We Are Still Here, LJ 11/1/09), Sing Birds interviews some of the same elders about the history and importance of the Bird Song singers and dancers. Hundreds of years ago, shamans composed the Bird Songs to tell the story of the travels and traditions of the Cahuilla tribes; the Bird Song cycle is one of the few surviving traditional elements of these people. It starts as the sun sets and the soul begins its journey through the night and ends with the sun rising over the sacred San Jacinto mountain in the morning.
Words on the Wind is one Ponca poet's view of the wisdom and spirituality of the Ponca tribe. The poems are narrated in several voices to the accompaniment of original music, beautiful scenery, and nature sounds. Black-and-white photographs from the Edward S. Curtis Collection at the Library of Congress reveal the Native American spirit of peace and wisdom in the faces of those photographed. Both films offer a deeper appreciation of the spirituality of Native American culture and will be of interest to history buffs, students of Native American history, and general viewers.—Margaret B. Miller, Univ. of South Dakota Libs., Vermillion
The Least of These. color. 62 min. Clark & Jesse Lyda, Glass House Prods. & La Sonrisa Prods., dist. by Cinema Guild, 212-685-6242; www.cinemaguild.com. 2009. DVD ISBN 9780781512961. $99.95; acad. libs. $295 (Rental $95). Public performance; home use 62+ min. IndiePix, www.indiepixfilms.com. DVD UPC 845637000678. $24.95. soc sci
The T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, TX, was a prison that reopened as a government detention facility for immigrant families awaiting asylum or deportation proceedings. Through interviews with detained families, journalists, and representatives from several advocacy groups, this documentary exposes the disturbing practices inside Hutto. Tales are related of grossly inadequate medical care, minimal time spent on education for children, and a lack of attention to personal privacy at the hands of the Corrections Corporation of America, a prison contractor hired in the George W. Bush era to run the facility. Alternating interviews present the factual, legal, and personal contexts in a compelling fashion. Particularly interesting is the story of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU that ultimately improved conditions. Because of restricted access, there is little footage inside the facility until after the settlement, but the production values and visuals are otherwise fine. Bonus features include a panel discussion from the Center for American Progress and an epilog. Of interest to civil liberties and immigration advocacy groups, this film is recommended for public and academic collections where there is interest.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY
Let's Put on a Show! From Fundraising Money to Creating an Audience. color. 75 min. Applause Bks., dist. by Working Arts Lib., www.workingartsvideo.com. 2009. DVD ISBN 9781557837554. $49.95. theater
This concise how-to for novices and first-time theater producers focuses on the creative process and the ins and outs of putting together a stage show from initial concept to opening night. Tony Award–winning Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane creates a step-by-step look at the details one needs to consider before undertaking this time-consuming process, including motivation, budget, sponsorship, play vs. musical, revival or original work, the creative team, casting, publicity, and so much more. Lane stresses how a well-defined production can lead to valuable practical experience in teamwork, problem solving, and fundraising. A lot of valuable information is jammed into this tightly edited visual synopsis of Lane's book of the same name (Hal Leonard, 2009), with Lane superimposed over various theme-appropriate theater images and a few special effects thrown in for variety. The program is geared more toward individuals looking to break into the theater or show business, but public libraries may want to purchase in both the print and DVD formats. Recommended.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN
A Powerful Noise. color. 80+ min. In Bambara, French, Vietnamese, and Bosnian w/English subtitles. Scott Thigpen & Tom Cappello, Unify Films in assoc. with Crazy Legs Prods., dist. by Passion River, 732-321-0711; www.passionriver.com. 2010. DVD UPC 884501176439. $24.95. women's studies
This film of images and voices introduces us to Hanh, an HIV-positive woman in Vietnam; Nada, who has lived through the Bosnian war; and Madame Urbain, a leader by default of the poorest residents of Mali. All three have overcome obstacles and emerged strong, focused, and humble. Hanh created a support group for other HIV-infected patients and reaches out to educate those who refuse to acknowledge them. Nada started a cooperative for the women and children of all ethnicities left behind after the devastation of war. Madam Urbain built a school for girls in a country where women are expected to remain uneducated domestic servants. Their stories are told through conversation and narration while we view the women at work and at home. The filmmaking is subtle yet moving, keeping the message simple and clear. The noise these women make is not only powerful but beautiful. Bonus features include a panel discussion hosted by Ann Curry and three PSAs about the power of women and girls. Recommended for most collections.—Ellen Druda, Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish. color. 83+ min. Barbara Ettinger, Niijii Films, dist. by Bullfrog Films, 800-543-3764; www.bullfrogfilms.com. 2009. DVD ISBN 9781594588921. $295 (Rental: $95). Public performance; SDH subtitles. Public library discounts available. environment
This award-winning film follows the personal voyage of discovery of coproducer Sven Huseby, a retired educator. Huseby is concerned about the kind of world his grandchildren will inhabit and suspects ongoing ocean acidification from human-generated carbon dioxide could soon decimate marine life. His inquiries take him to Washington state, Alaska, California, Vermont, and his ancestral home of Norway. He attends scientific conferences, interviews National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oceanographers, visits labs, and observes glaciers calving. Between these research trips, Huseby spends precious time with his young grandson. There are hopeful signs along the way as wind and solar power are widely tapped to try to limit further CO2 emissions. This accessible look at a critical environmental issue deserves to be widely purchased and viewed.—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC
Homo Toxicus. color. 88 min. Carole Poliquin, dist. by Bullfrog Films, 800-543-3764; www.bullfrogfilms.com. 2009. DVD ISBN 9781594588884. $295 (Rental: $95). Public performance; SDH subtitles. Public library discounts available.
Toxic Trespass. color. 53 min. Barri Cohen, dist. by Women Make Movies, 212-925-0606; www.wmm.com. 2009. DVD $89; acad. libs. $295 (Rental: $90). Public performance. health
These Canadian documentaries discuss human-made chemicals in our bodies and warn against their continuing use as an uncontrolled experiment on humans. The filmmakers believe the Canadian government is suppressing information about the effects of some chemicals, while activists, doctors, and scientists try to get the message out. Poliquin's award-winning Homo Toxicus is recorded in French, with an English-language voiceover. She commences by taking a special blood test that shows traces of 110 chemicals in her body. Pervasive compounds in Canada include PCBs, PBDEs, bisphenol A, insecticides, and pesticides. A visit to Canada's "chemical valley" in Sarnia, Ont., finds a Chippewa reserve with serious health problems and a decrease in male births. A 52-minute version of the film is a menu option. Bonus features include additional interviews.
Toxic Trespass treads much the same ground as director Cohen arranges a special blood test for her young daughter, contending that today's children carry more toxins than their parents and childhood cancers are on the rise. She travels to the industrial city of Windsor, Ont., and discovers increased evidence of childhood asthma and cancers. These are important DVDs for Canadians concerned about public health and the environment. Note that these are border towns, and chemicals show no respect for international boundaries.—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC
