MAX'S BEST DVD AND BLU-RAY PICKS

Max’s Best DVD Picks – March, 2011

Some real good movies this month that you may not have heard about, and some excellent documentaries.

GLORIOUS 39

Another excellent movie from writer-director Stephen Poliakoff (Almost Strangers A.KA. Perfect Strangers). A wealthy British family turns a blind eye to events leading up to World War II, enjoying a peaceful life in the country. Then their daughter unexpectedly gets caught up in events when she accidentally discovers some secret recordings that create divisions in the family. She becomes conflicted between her love for a government agent and a dark family truth which could lead to her being branded a traitor. Engrossing romantic drama starring Romola Garai, Eddie Redmayne, Bill Nighy, David Tennant, Jeremy Northam, and the luminous Julie Christie. From BBC Films in both DVD and Blu-ray.

CHANGI

An award-winning Australian television miniseries, a harrowing true-life drama of Aussie military servicemen who were Japanese prisoners during World War II. Some 22,000 were in cruel captivity at a camp called Changi between 1942 and 1945. Only 14,000 survived. The two-disc set includes documentaries and behind-the-scenes on the series which Time magazine said “Lifts drama to a new level.” Strong but very much worth watching. From BFS Distribution.

THE AMBASSADOR

Pauline Collins, remembered best as Shirley Valentine and from Upstairs, Downstairs, shines again, this time as British ambassador to the volatile embassy in Dublin, Ireland. She tries to maintain a personal life while tackling political and social problems including territorial disputes, kidnapping, sabotage, and even murder. This is compelling drama, a six disc boxed set from BFS Distribution.

IN LOVING MEMORY

A very funny British television series about a woman who tries to manage her late husband’s funeral parlor in a British town in 1929 with the often misguided help of her nephew. Thora Hind and Christopher Beeny are perfectly cast as they try to survive stray coffins, faulty hearses, and dishonest rival undertakers. Good British comedy from BFS Entertainment.

MADE IN DAGENHAM

A true-life story about British women working at a Ford Motor Company factory in Dagenham who crusade against low pay and poor working conditions. It happened in the upbeat 1960s, when women were starting to object to not getting the respect they deserved in the workplace. Their determination for positive change affects not only their work lives but their personal lives. A movie to cheer for, it stars Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson, Geraldine James, Rupert Graves, and Bob Hoskins, and was directed by Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls). A New York Observer critic rightfully says it has “heart, smarts, soul and wit, and is an absolute joy!” Both DVD and Blu-Ray versions include commentary by Cole, deleted scenes, and a “making of” featurette. From Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Documentaries

Dickens in America

BBC Television takes us on a ten-part journey retracing the 1842 road trip of Charles Dickens through North America.

British actress Mirian Margolyes, a Dickens enthusiast, hosts the trip through the United States and Canada. Dickens then wrote about his adventure in American Notes, a comic, critical record of the two country’s morals, flaws, and fashions, their money, manners, slavery, corruption, greed, politics, and religion, all of which is remembered on this modern journey of discovery. In a three-disc boxed set from BBC and BFS Entertainment.

The Himalayas

A beautiful and fascinating PBS Television NATURE documentary about the highest and youngest mountain range on the planet, surprisingly revealing the variety of plants and birds and animals including eagles and wolves who live there. Not to mention spiders and snakes. Oh my! In case your geography isn’t one of your finer points, the Himalayas pass through five nations: India, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal. From PBS Distribution on DVD and even more incredible on Blu-ray.

CAN WE MAKE IT TO MARS?

A trip to the fiery red planet could take up to three years, if it is ever undertaken. This NOVA Science NOW PBS documentary examines the problems and perils of such a far-away journey into space. Scientists are developing new ways to keep astronauts alive on Mars trip using unique meteoroid-proof materials, artificial gravity, and new modes of transport, such as plasma rockets. Young female scientist Vandi Verma, a member of the team that drives the Mars rovers, talks about the thrills and trials of driving on another planet. The hour-long documentary is from PBS Distribution.

Pioneers of Television, Season Two

Those who fondly remember early television, much of it live, will love this new four-part series with highlights of various genres and the stars that brought them into our homes. The series pays tribute to the shows and stars of television science fiction, westerns, crime dramas, and local children’s shows. Kelsey Grammer narrates the series that shows scenes from many favorite shows and their stars, many who are interviewed for the series. They include James Garner, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Culp, Martin Landau, Fess Parker, Peter Graves, and Bill Cosby. They’re back again… Gunsmoke, Big Valley, Davy Crockett, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, Dragnet, Police Woman, Mission Impossible,

Mister Rogers, Bozo the Clown, and other favorites. Wonderful nostalgia from PBS Distribution.

NANCY REAGAN: The Role of a Lifetime

A new analysis of the widow of President Ronald Reagan says she was a more significant First Lady than most give her credit for. Far from just redecorating the White House, she is said in this documentary to have been one of the most influential first ladies in modern times, having a far-reaching impact on White House personnel and policy issues.

She is credited with moving President Reagan to a more moderate position toward the Soviet Union and getting her husband to publicly admit his involvement in Iran-Contra,

a move that is said to have likely saved his presidency. She was, and continues to be, a formidable and influential political adviser. In an interview with Judy Woodruff, Nancy Reagan reflects on her childhood, her life as an actress, her marriage to Reagan, their lifelong romance, and her role as his most trusted adviser. The hour-long documentary is from PBS Distribution.

Emergency Mine Rescue

NOVA documents the heroic efforts to rescue 33 men trapped 2,300 feet below ground for 69 days when a coal mine collapsed in Chile last year. A global team of more than a thousand engineers, scientists, and other experts solved problems that ultimately saved the lives of the courageous miners who refused to give up hope of being rescued. NOVA cameras gained access to the site within a few weeks of the miners’ rescue and some of the survivors were interviewed.

A fascinating documentary from PBS Distribution.

Birds of the Gods

Sir David Attenborough narrates this PBS NATURE documentary which takes us to the island of New Guinea in the South Pacific and the many exotic and beautiful “birds of paradise” who make it their home. The birds were given that name by Europeans who first saw them on voyages in the sixteenth century. Natives are seen still adorning themselves with headdresses holding feathers of the birds when they engage in centuries-old festivals. Beautiful on DVD but especially so in the Blu-ray edition. From PBS Distribution.

“Can We Live Forever?”

A NOVA Science Now documentary about new technology that may slow down the aging process, including latest developments regarding human hibernation. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews scientists including those who are learning to grow custom-made vital organs such as hearts and lungs to replace aging ones. Computer scientist Jason Leigh who developed technology for the film Avatar shows how to create life-like digital versions of ourselves that would impart wisdom, humor, and unique insight long after we’re gone. Intriguing reports from PBS Distribution.

“How Does the Brain Work?”

Another fascinating NOVA Science Now documentary, this one examining magic and the brain, artificial intelligence, mind control, and the nature of reality. Heady stuff from PBS Distribution.

“How Smart Are Animals?”

A lot smarter than we thought, according to those who demonstrate cutting-edge research on the intelligence of dogs, parrots, dolphins, even an octopus. I always knew it about dogs, but it’s news to me about the others. I especially like the segment about a dog who responds to more than a thousand words. And it’s good to know that more research on animal intelligence is being obtained from dogs rather than chimpanzees. Animal lovers will especially enjoy this NOVA Science Now documentary, from PBS Distribution.

Battle for Haiti

PBS Television’s Frontline examines the uphill battle to rebuild Haiti in the case of gang violence and political corruption following the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Some 4,500 of the country’s most violent criminals escaped from the national penitentiary and terrorized survivors of the quake who were living in tent cities. A hard-hitting hour-long documentary from PBS Distribution.

Secrets Beneath the Ice

NOVA takes an in-depth look at warming climate changes in Antarctica that could effect the entire globe. Even just a ten percent loss of ice there would cause catastrophic flooding of coastal cities everywhere. Another excellent science documentary from PBS Distribution.

MAX'S BEST DVD AND BLU-RAY PICKS

MAX’S BEST DVD AND BLU-RAY PICKS – FEBRUARY 2011

Picks of the month:

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

Woody Allen is back again with a very entertaining comedy that is also very sentimental and touching. Allen does not appear in but wrote and directed the film which stars Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, and Naomi Watts. It tells of two oddball married couples who seek love in some of the wrong places, while one of the ladies falls under the spell of a charlatan fortuneteller’s predictions. Welcome back, Woody, this is fun. On Blu-Ray and DVD from Sony Pictures Classics.

A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Soup

This latest film from Chinese director Zhang Yimou (Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern) is based on Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1985 cult classic, Blood Simple. The serio-comic drama involves romance, murder, and a Chinese noodle shop. It’s intense and may disturb some viewers, but for fans of Yimou and the Coens, it could be very satisfying.

From Sony Pictures Classics.

The Darling Buds of May

Critics call it the most popular British television series ever. Lovable yet quirky Pop Larkin, played to perfection by David Jason, is the head of a most dysfunctional family living by their wits on a small farm in 1950s England They eat a lot, Pop and Mom drink a lot, and they all become involved a lot in other people’s business, helping in their own way. It was hugely popular when first shown on British television between 1991 and 1993 and launched the career of Catherine Zeta-Jones who shines as Pop’s eldest daughter. It’s funny and heartwarming and long – seventeen hours, in a boxed set of three DVDs and worth watching every minute of it. The early stories are based on the novels by T.E. Bates, while the later stories are based on his characters. The complete series is now in a boxed set of DVDs from PBS Television and BFS Entertainment. My master and I loved every minute of it.

Documentaries

LEWIS AND CLARK: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery

Ken Burns and The American Experience bring to life the most important exploration mission in American history in this remarkable documentary seen on PBS Television and now on DVD. It vividly and engrossingly tells of the expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark into the unknown interior of North America all the way to the Pacific Ocean from 1804 to 1806. We follow them and their men, called the Corps of Discovery, as they made their way by foot and boat on a mission from President Thomas Jefferson who wanted the new territory to be explored after the United States doubled its size with the Louisiana Purchase from France. They were to try to find a Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean and the source of the Missouri River, as well as conduct geographical surveys and record the human, plant, and animal life west of the Missouri River. They frequently encountered Native Americans who helped them on their journey and were very fortunate to get the help of their adept teenage female Indian guide, Sacagawea. The expedition did discover the source of the Missouri river in the mountains of the west, and reached the Pacific Ocean, but failed to find a northwest water route to the Pacific. The Lewis and Clark documentary is immensely enjoyable as adventure but should also have special interest to students, historians, educators, botanists, and zoologists. Narrated by Hal Holbrook, the documentary was directed by Ken Burns and written by him and Dayton Duncan. The DVD is from PBS Home Video.

Max’s rating: Two paws up and lots of tail wags.

The Calling

A four-hour documentary following seven men and women -- Muslims, Catholics, Evangelical Christians, and Jews –-

on their journey to become professional clergy. Viewers are taken into the little-known world of seminaries to experience compelling personal stories of those who are called to the religious life in the modern world. A two-DVD set from Independent Lens and PBS Television.

Robert E. Lee

The man behind the statue in countless towns and cities across the American South. Another in the terrific PBS series, The American Experience, this is a fascinating portrait of the leading Confederate general of the American Civil War. Even after losing the war, he was elevated to almost god-like status by his admirers after his death.

Highly recommended viewing, from PBS Television and WGBH Boston Video.

Dinosaur Wars

A fascinating documentary about two scientists who disagreed greatly about dinosaurs in North America on their travels in the 1800s. Paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh traveled to the greatest dinosaur burial ground of all time in 1869. This led to a rivalry with other leading paleontologists of his generation, mainly with Edward Drinker Cope. They uncovered the remains of dozens of prehistoric animals including 130 dinosaur species, but their professional rivalry led to espionage, destruction of fossils, and political battles that ultimately left both men isolated and almost penniless. The story of their professional rivalry and debate about their discoveries is well worth watching. The DVD is from PBS Distribution.

Panama Canal

The exciting story of one of the greatest engineering fetes of all time and the men who were involved in it, from President Theodore Roosevelt to thousands of workers, some of whom lost their lives on it. Rare archival photographs and films, as well as first-hand accounts of life in the Canal Zone, are woven into a fascinating 90-minute documentary from PBS Distribution.

Lost Ships of Rome

Explorers examine the wrecks of five ancient Roman ships centuries ago that were found in pristine condition off the rocky sea coast of Ventotene. The ships sank to the seabed intact and upright with their cargo of wine, olive oil, and a condiment, garum, highly prized among ancient Romans. the exploration reveals how ancient Romans lived and the island’s past. Part of PBS Television’s series Secrets of the Dead, the DVD is from PBS Distribution.

Azorian: Raising of the K-129

A revealing study of the Soviet ballistic missile submarine that sank in the central north Pacific in 1968. America’s Central Intelligence Agency raised the sub in 1974, at the height of the Cold War, gaining unique intelligence ranging

from Soviet nuclear weapons technology to a chance to break into Soviet spy systems. The documentary reveals long-secret details of one of the longest, most massive, and expensive covert operations in CIA history. The DVD is from PBS Distribution.

After the Wall -- A World United

A documentary about events that followed after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, including diplomatic efforts to examine how the relationships among world leaders determined the outcome to end the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Also, East German leaders tell how they oversaw the unexpected end of their 40-year-old experiment in socialism. From PBS Distribution.

The Longoria Affair

A documentary about how an incident in the small Texas town of Three Rivers grew into a civil rights movement that changed the lives of millions of Latinos. The movement began after the death of a U.S. private of Latino extraction, Felix Longoria who was killed fighting the Japanese in the Pacific during World War II. When his body was returned to his home town of Three Rivers, it was refused burial in the town’s only funeral parlor because “whites wouldn’t like it.” The aftermath became history.

From PBS Distribution.

Elsa’s Legacy: The Born Free Story

Animal lovers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts will love this NATURE documentary marking the 50^th anniversary of the publication of the book Born Free in which Joy and George Adamson told of their relationship with an orphaned female African lion cub, Elsa. Not-to-be-missed documentary from PBS Distribution.