The Library DVD Shelf Horatio Hornblower: Collector's Edition A&E Videos c/o A&E Television Networks 235 East 45th Street New York , NY 10017 DVD, 1422915239, .95 www (dot) aetv (dot) com The entire swash-buckling film series appears on 8 DVDs in this collector's edition of HORATIO HORNBLOWER, following the sailor from midshipman to commander and offering many high-seas adventures. In having all eight films connected in one DVD package, viewers enjoy an unbroken series in this Emmy-winning adaptation of the classic novels of C.S. Forester. Also included in the DVD presentation: an interview with star Ioan Gruffudd, filmmaker commentary, 3 bonus related sailing programs and an expose on the making of Hornblower, and more information on both the novels and the films they inspired. DVD libraries will find it a top pick. Stay Rich Forever & Ever with Ed Slott WGBH Boston Video SSA Public Relations 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 9781593758844, .95 www (dot) ssapr (dot) com Stay Rich Forever & Ever with Ed Slott is a special edition DVD based on the popular, public television show hosted by CPA Ed Slott. In today's era, corporate pensions are going the way of the dinosaur, social security is troubled, and the baby boomer generation is reaching retirement. How is one to protect one's retirement savings, especially when Uncle Sam is eager to take up to 70% of them for himself? Ed Slott walks to the viewer through how to protect one's money from excess taxation, how to take advantage of laws enacted to protect one's tax-deferred savings, and more. The special edition includes an overwhelming amount of bonus content, such as ten questions to ask one's financial advisor, ten potential fiscal disasters to avoid, question-and-answer sessions, and much more. An absolute must-see for all Americans, especially in today's economic climate! 54 minutes plus 2 hours of bonus material. Bayview Entertainment pr@bayviewent (dot) com 411 Video Information PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 www (dot) 411videoinfo (dot) com www (dot) bayviewentertainment (dot) com Two cardio kickboxing DVDs hosted by ACE certified fitness expert and black belt martial artist Lynn Hahn make for a vigorous addition to workout DVD libraries. Punch & Firm: Cardio Kickboxing (.99, 62 min.) is filled with user-friendly, martial arts stances designed especially to build upper body strength, overall agility, and fitness. Two user-friendly workouts that can be done individually or together comprise Punch and Firm, which can be enjoyed by any fitness enthusiast regardless of personal familiarity with the art of kickboxing. In Kick: Cardio Kickboxing (.99, 61 min.) the two workouts one can follow consist of kicking drills and original combinations designed to keep one moving. Applying traditional methods in a format designed to be challenging, but presented with the help of a monitor for anyone who needs the intensity toned down a bit, Kick: Cardio Kickboxing is a high-impact experience sure to put fitness buffs in high spirits! Yoga to Have Fun c/o 411 Video Information PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 www (dot) 411videoinfo (dot) com www (dot) yogatohavefun (dot) com Two DVDs introduce people of all ages and experience levels to the joy and health benefits of Yoga. In Yoga for Families (.95, 31 min.), Yoga to the Stars instructors Ingrid Von Burg and Tom Morley host a family-friendly instructional video suitable for viewers of all ages from four to one hundred and four. Filled with laughing, jumping, dancing, and singing, Yoga for Families offers a choice of music in its dynamic sections: relaxing/meditative or high energy/silly. Shot in hi-definition in Cancun, Mexico, Yoga for Families consists of a warm-up routine, a "karate warrior" dynamic, a "cookie jar crunch" dynamic, breathing and relaxation sections, and namaste (closing poses). A great way to spend family time together engaged in healthy activity. In Yoga for Grandparents (.95, 40 min.) Ingrid Von Burg and Yves Vacheresse walk viewers through a yoga routine designed especially to cultivate flexbility, fitness, and calm in seniors. The dynamic track sections have a choice of music between contemplative/ meditative or instructional/traditional. Filmed in hi-definition overlooking the majestic Santa Monica Mountains, Yoga for Grandparents includes the section for warming up, dynamic, a focus on breathing and relaxation, and namaste (closing poses). A wonderful, easy-to-follow introduction that is deliberately gentle on one's body and bones, Yoga for Grandparents is the perfect gift for elderly relatives who enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Both DVDs are excellent additions to public library or family fitness collections. Inside Bob Dylan's Jesus Years MVD Entertainment Group H-840 North Circle Drive, Oaks, PA 19456 DVD, .95 www (dot) MVDb2b (dot) com Inside Bob Dylan's Jesus Years is a DVD offering an inside perspective of how Bob Dylan, a Jewish folk singer from the Midwest, came to embrace Jesus Christ and Christianity. Passionate for his new faith, Dylan made three Gospel albums, and won a Grammy for "Gotta Serve Somebody". Yet the Christian direction of his music alienated fans and sparked the ire of critics, especially when he preached apocalyptic passages from the "Book of Revelation." Telling the story of Bob Dylan's transformation through interviews with notable figures ranging from "Slow Train Coming" producer Jerry Wexler to background singer Regina McCrary to San Francisco Chronicle rock reporter Joel Selven and many more, Inside Bob Dylan's Jesus Years includes rare photos, exclusive live concert footage from 1978-1981, and an interview from 1981 in which Bob Dylan himself speaks of the impact Jesus Christ had on his art and soul. Bonus features include full soundtrack MP3s! Highly recommended especially for Bob Dylan fans who wish to better understand and appreciate this turning point in his life's work. 120 minutes. Lascaux: A New Look Crystal Productions PO Box 2159, Glenview, IL 60025-6159 9781562905507 www (dot) crystalproductions (dot) com 1-800-255-8629 Lascaux: A New Look is a DVD visit to the ancient Lascaux cave hosting paintings that are evidence of the emergence of Home sapiens sapiens, modern man, roughly 35,000 years ago. Breaking away from familiar interpretations of these early artworks, Lascaux: A New Look examines four pivotal questions about the cave paintings: What precisely do we see? What do we believe in our minds that we see? What do we truly know, as determined by evidence? What do we believe we know, supported by conjecture as well as evidence? A stunning presentation of the amazing experience shared only by those few permitted to enter the cave, Lascaux: A New Look is a top-quality presentation, highly recommended especially for public and school library collections, as well as for any individual curious about the earliest known history of art. 53 minutes, color. Breaking the Maya Code David Lebrun First Run Features 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036 DVD, .95, www (dot) firstrunfeatures (dot) com Breaking the Maya Code: The 200-Year Quest to Decipher the Hieroglyphs of the Ancient Maya is a DVD documentary about the scientific and linguistic quest to rediscover the literary heritage of an entire civilization. In the 16th century, Spanish invaders burned Mayan books and remorselessly exterminated their hieroglyphic literacy. For two hundred years, scientists and linguists have worked to relearn the knowledge once lost, and uncover the mysteries and heritage of an ancient civilization. Though scholars from around the world applied their brainpower to the puzzle, the final breakthrough came from an 18- year-old boy who had been immersed in the glyphs since his early childhood. Revealed, the ancient hieroglyphs tell of an astonishing cosmic mythology, held by a people who burned their blood to invoke the Vision Serpent, that interleaves the deeds of mythical heroes with the cycles of planets and stars. Recounting a treasury of cultural heritage not only for history and archaeology, but also for the six million Maya living today, Breaking the Maya Code is highly recommended especially for public library DVD collections. Linden Publishing 2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875 www (dot) woodworkerslibrary (dot) com 1-800-345-4447 British-trained designer and furniture maker Ian Kirby hosts two excellent DVDs about woodworking. "Sharpening Planes & Chisels with Ian Kirby: A Sharp Edge in 60 Seconds" (9781933502212, .95, 65 min.) is an in-depth, how-to DVD for woodworkers of all skill and experience levels to sharpening and adjusting one's planes and chisels for maximum success. Grinding equipment, how to grind the blade, sharpening with waterstones, setting up a sharpening table, back sharpening, and more are all discussed at length in this quality reference. In "Using a Hand Plane with Ian Kirby: Tuning, Setting the Blade, and Planing Techniques" (9781933502229, .95, 68 min.) the viewer learns step-by-step how to plane parts and turn the plane, use the plane against a bench step, cross grain planing, edge and end planing, preparation of stock, and more, culminating in an overall demonstration of techniques in the creation of a kitchen cutting board. Both DVDs are the perfect gift for woodworking enthusiasts everywhere! Anchor Bay Entertainment 1699 Stutz Drive, Troy, MI 48084 www (dot) anchorbayentertainment (dot) com Two new fitness DVDs in the Crunch series are sure to add vigor, spice, and spirit to one's daily exercise regimen! In "Crunch Yoga Body Sculpt: Perfect Yoga Poses to Tone & Sculpt Your Entire Body" (.98, 41 min.), instructor Bethany Lyons guides the viewer through yoga poses designed to promote not only relaxation, but also strengthen the body and core resulting in a firmer belly, as well as buns and thighs. No equipment is necessary, although a suitable yoga mat is recommended. Suitable for yoga practitioners of all ages and experience levels, "Crunch Yoga Body Sculpt" is an excellent addition to personal fitness DVD libraries. In "Crunch Latin Rhythms: Fat Blasting Dance" (.98, 38 min.), professional dancer and certified group fitness instructor Jennifer Galardi demonstrates a zesty Latin dance cardio workout that blends excitement and fun with sheer calorie burning. Moves from the mambo, cha cha, merengue, samba, and more are incorporated into this enthusiastic celebration of the joy of movement. A wonderfully fun high-energy workout, highly recommended. The Minotaur's Island Bettany Hughes Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 DVD, .99 www (dot) acornmedia (dot) com Hosted by historian Bettany Hughes, The Minotaur's Island is an amazing documentary on DVD about Europe's first civilization, Crete. The Minoans had a thriving culture nearly five thousand years ago, more than two millennia before Homer created "The Iliad". Then their civilization died, leaving behind little record. Archaeologists continue to discover new wonders that bring insight into Minoan culture - magnificent palaces, hinged doors, flush toilets, painted designs of acrobatic individuals leaping over bulls, and much more. Did Minoan society meet its doom from natural disasters, foreign invaders, religious strife, or a perfect storm combination of factors? The Minotaur's Island explore the many clues to the daily life and final end of this amazing ancient civilization. Highly recommended. 98 minutes, color, full screen. Inspector Lewis Series I WGBH Boston Video c/o SSA Public Relations 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 WG42609, .95, www (dot) ShopPBS (dot) org, www (dot) ssapr (dot) com A spin off from the enormously popular Inspector Morse BBC mystery series, "Inspector Lewis Series I" chronicles the adventures of British police inspector Robert Lewis (flawlessly portrayed by Keven Whately) and his new partner Detective Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox) where they confront complicated and devious crimes from the streets of Cambridge to the halls of Oxford University in three new mysteries. With sophisticated plots, populated with memorable characters, and characterized by superb attention to set designs and backgrounds, the three featured mysteries include 'Whom The Gods Would Destroy'; 'Old School Ties'; and 'Expiation'. The DVD format allows for the additional features of scene selection, closed captions, and access to the Masterpiece Theatre website. "Inspector Lewis Series I" will make a popular addition to any community library DVD collection, and should be considered a 'must see' by the legions of Inspector Morse fans. The Real McCain Robert Greenwald, et al. The Disinformation Company 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 500, New York, NY 10010 DIS049, 9781934708132, .95, www (dot) disinfo (dot) com All too often in the course of American political history, good and descent men have sacrificed their own honor on the altar of presidential ambition. John McCain is simply the latest to do so. "The Real McCain: Less Jobs, More Wars" is a one hour documentary DVD comprised of ten shorts enhanced with commentary that include 'John McCain vs John McCain'; 'Less Jobs, More War', 'Why Won't McCain Support the G.I. Bill?'; 'John McCain Sings Bomb Iran'; 'Big Oil Fuels the Straight Talk Express'; 'McCain's Spiritual Guide Wants American to Destroy Islam'; 'John McBush 2008'; Leaked - ABC's Stephanopoulos Interviews McCain'; 'Why Do Women Give McCain a Zero?'; and 'McCain's Youtube Problem Just became a Nightmare. It's somewhat ironic that the McCain campaign's descent into character assassination politics against his Democratic opponent Barack Obama should come from a man who himself was the smear campaign target in the Republican presidential primaries of 2008 from the team of George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so. The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to: James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review 278 Orchard Drive Oregon, WI 53575-1129 To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price). James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review
