The Library DVD Shelf Cracker: The Complete Collection Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 9.99 www (dot) acornmedia (dot) com Winner of more than 25 major awards, including BAFTAs for best drama series and best actor, Cracker: The Complete Collection is a DVD set of the enthralling British crime drama about Dr. Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a forensic psychologist with an uncanny ability to divine the motivations of psychopaths. At the same time, Fitz is driven by his own self-destructive compulsions - scotch, sex, and gambling, and his personal arrogance makes him barely tolerable to his co-workers. A 45-minute bonus special feature "Cracker: Behind the Scenes" enhances this dark saga of the nightmare side of urban life. Cracker: The Complete Collection is a worthy addition to mystery and crime drama DVD collections. 10 DVDs, approximately 22 1/2 hours plus bonus, full screen and widescreen, subtitles. Reality Press info@reality-entertainment (dot) com www (dot) reality-entertainment (dot) com Reality Press is a premier publisher of informative books and producer of library quality DVDs in the field of New Age and Metaphysical Studies. Two of their newest DVDs are especially recommended to those with an interest in esoteric wisdom and metaphysical studies. "Forbidden Knowledge Conference 2006" (RYE 1003, .95, 90 minutes) showcases a historic event that featured presentations by such world renowned authorities Andrew Collins, Robert Feather, Tim Wallace- Murphy, Michael Cremo, Churchton Miller, Hamish Miller, Nick Pope, Alan Alford, John J. Harper, and its principle organizer, Philip Gardiner. Sponsored by the Conscious Media network and filmed at Kings Hall, Stoke on Trent, England, viewers will find the included speeches and special interviews to be informed and informative on a wide range of subjects from the Cygnus Mystery to Freemason Symbols, to the resting place of Joseph of Arimathea, to the antiquity of man, and so much more. "Science Of Soul: The End-Time Solar Cycle Of Chaos In 2012 A.D." (RYE 1004, .95, 1 hour 10 minutes) features metaphysical researcher John Jay Harper whose presentation ranges from quantum physics, to life after death, to the sacred teachings of ancient cultures, to the forthcoming apocalypse and the emergence of a superconciousness in 2012 A.D. Superbly directed by Philip Gardiner, "Science of Soul" is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Dedicated students in the field of Metaphysical Studies would do well to visit the Reality Press website at www (dot) reality-entertainment (dot) com for a complete listing of their impressive library of books and DVDs that are available to the general public and for academic library reference collections. Darius Goes West Darius Goes West, distribution 135 Pine Tops Ct., Athens, GA 30606 .00 www (dot) dariusgoeswest (dot) org Darius Goes West is an acclaimed independent documentary film (it won more than 28 awards!) about the first ever cross-country trip of fifteen-year-old Darius Weems, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the world's primary genetic killer of children. The goal of Darius and eleven college-age young men is to reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's "Pimp My Ride" to customize Darius' wheelchair. Together they learn about friendship, and the simple joys of living in this heartfelt and educational true-life story. An excellent film especially ideal for school and public library DVD collections as well as for family viewing, Darius Goes West is highly recommended. Seventeen dollars, or more than four-fifths of the twenty dollar purchase price of Darius Goes West goes to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. 94 minutes. Secrecy Peter Galison and Robb Moss Bullfrog Films, Inc. PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547 5.00 www (dot) bullfrogfilms (dot) com 1-800-543-3764 Secrecy is an award-winning independent documentary about the world of government secrecy. Government secrecy is itself a double-edged sword: on one hand, it protects against excessive nuclear proliferation and the spread of biological and chemical weapons, and is crucial to waging war against terrorism. On the other hand, secrecy can all too easily give way to corruption, from abridgements of liberty such as extraordinary rendition and warrantless wiretaps to the monstrous abuses of Abu Ghraib. When hidden from prying eyes, national policy can stumble as agencies fail to coordinate, and devour massive budgets; at the worst, America's system of justice could be at risk. Extensively researched, Secrecy is an unforgettable documentary that every patriotic American citizen should view. Highly recommended especially for public library collections. Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong Tracey Staehle 411 Video Information PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 .99 www (dot) 411videoinfo (dot) com www (dot) fitbytracey (dot) com Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong is a fitness DVD designed for viewers who exercise by walking, including walking on a treadmill. Broken into eleven five-minute segments, Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong varies one's walking routine by alternating between cardio walks and strength walks (with resistance training). Certified personal trainer Tracey Staehle guides the viewer with clear narration and a demonstration of the advanced version of her treadmill workout, while her sister Bobbi demonstrates a less intense version on the treadmill. Their friend Jill demonstrates the workout on the floor without a treadmill. Inexpensive lightweight dumbbells are recommended to get the most out of exercising to Fit By Tracey: Walking Strong. A superb exercise video especially for the elderly, people recovering from severe illness or surgery, or anyone who needs a good workout but can't put excessive strain on their joints by jumping. Approximately 55 minutes. Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm MVD Entertainment Group PO Box 280, Oaks, PA 19456 .95 www (dot) MVDb2b (dot) com 1-800-888-0486 Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm is a live-in-concert DVD capturing the sensational performance of the titular legends at the North Sea Jazz Festival of 2002. In addition to the sensational performance, Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm is packed with extras: "The Early Years" documentary, concert snippets from a wide variety of other locations, a biography and discography, and more. A "must-have" for true fans of Jazz in general and Ike Turner in particular. The songs performed are "Chicken Shack", "Ike & Pinetop's Boogie", "Mercy, Mercy", "I Need A- Nuddin", "Caldonia", "'Five Long Years", "Baby's Got It", "Rocket '88'", "Tequila", "Ike's Tune", "Steel Guitar Rag", "I'm the Only One", "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Proud Mary", and "I Want To Take You Higher". Approximately 2 hours 12 minutes. Arctic Dinosaurs WGBH Boston Video c/o SSA Public Relations 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 9781593758660, .99 www (dot) ssapr (dot) com Arctic Dinosaurs: Warm-Blooded Creatures of the Cretaceous is an episode of the award-winning public television series NOVA, now available on DVD. A field expedition sets out Alaska's North Slope to search for the answer to a quandary: how did dinosaurs survive in the dark and frigid polar regions? Researchers dig a tunnel into the permafrost in order to collect dinosaur bones, an activity that carries its own perils, while other experts decipher the evidence in order to bring their hypotheses to life with CGI animation. Special features include printable materials for educators and described video for the visually impaired. An amazing fresh look at these remarkable ancient reptiles, perfect for school and public library DVD collections as well as for the enjoyment of dinosaur lovers everywhere. 56 minutes, closed captioned. Also highly recommended are the recently released NOVA DVD episodes "Columbia: Space Shuttle Disaster" (9781593758677, .99) and "Alien from Earth: The Little People of Flores" (9781593758691, .99). Tai Chi for Beginners Samuel Barnes, host Anchor Bay Entertainment 2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304 .98 www (dot) anchorbayentertainment (dot) com Hosted by expert Tai Chi teacher Samuel Barnes, and filmed on a calm outdoors location overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, Tai Chi for Beginners is a DVD that teaches the user how to tap into the revitalizing power of Qi Gong, learn Tai Chi postures, and use Tai Chi as a form of moving meditation meant to increase the body's natural energy. An easy-to-follow guide that all ages can use to experience the mind-clearing benefits of Tai Chi highly recommended for anyone intrigued by Tai Chi's physical and spiritual benefits. 56 minutes. Dance Your Body Slim Kathy Smith Lionsgate c/o 411 Video Information PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 .98 www (dot) 411videoinfo (dot) com Kathy Smith hosts Dance Your Body Slim, a 2-DVD set of dance-based workout routines that burn calories, promote firm muscles, and are simply a blast to do! Disc one features the "Slow and Sensual" slow belly dance routine, the "Heat It Up" fast belly dance routine, and the "Flex Appeal" stretch routine, with a bonus belly dance tutorial as well as a complete choreographed dance and performance by belly dance superstar Ansuya. Disc two features a warm up, a "Latin Basics" workout of rousing Latin dance, "Latin Sizzle" that kicks the intensity up, a cool down, and a bonus guide to learning Latin dancing with a partner. Customizable workout options and a personalized introduction and instructions from Kathy round out this exciting way to burn calories and feel good. 2 DVDs, 114 minutes, full screen. Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch Kristen Eykel, host 411 Video Information (publicity) PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 .99 www (dot) 411videoinfo (dot) com www (dot) kristeneykel (dot) com Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch is part of a five-DVD series designed especially to help viewers on a tight schedule reap the benefits of squeezing a little yoga into their day. Host, yoga expert, model, and mother Kristen Eykel has created a series of twelve-minute yoga workouts meant to target specific parts of the body; "Full Leg Stretch" is meant especially to promote flexibility, balance, and strength in the legs. Additional bonus material includes a guided meditation following the workout, particularly tailored to focus on one's legs; "stressbusters" 1-minute stress-relief tips, and a brief interview with Kristen Eykel. Shot amidst a beautifully sunlit garden, Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout: Full Leg Stretch is easy to follow and perfect for incorporating yoga into one's daily routine for better health and quality of life. Also highly recommended are the other four volumes in the Yoga Emergency The 12 Minute Workout series, "Arms & Shoulders", "Back", "Hips", and "Pregnancy". Visit Wales with Rachel Hicks Rachel Hicks, host Camrose Media c/o Janson Media 88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640 9781568393075, .95 www (dot) janson (dot) com betsy.vanost@janson (dot) com Visit Wales with Rachel Hicks is a beautiful, DVD tour of the grand and historic land of Wales, filmed in high definition. Former BBC presenter Rachel Hicks leads readers on a journey from Aberystwyth on the Irish Sea, to Abergavenny in the easy, and from Anglesey in the north to Tenby on the southern coast. Highlights include a stop by St. Fagans Natural History Museum near Cardiff, ancient Celtic burial chambers, castles mountains, lakes, the smallest city in Britain, and a whiskey distillery. A bonus photo gallery rounds out this relaxing and delightful tour, surely the next best thing to flying across the ocean to visit Wales in person. 60 minutes. Paint Like Van Gogh Larry Withers, host On Air Video Incorporated 8203 Westminster Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027 .95 www (dot) onairvideo (dot) com 215-885-2828 Paint Like Van Gogh is an instructional DVD that demonstrates the painting techniques of legendary Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. Host Larry Withers walks the viewer through step-by-step as he copies Van Gogh's widely beloved work "Sunflowers". To gain full benefit, viewers will need to acquire some simple art tools (stretched linen canvas, filbert brushes, oil paint, wooden pallet, pallet knife and cup, mineral spirits, and latex gloves) to follow the primer. Bonus features include a two-sided color insert with a photo of the painting and a schematic with color swatches, as well as PDF files of these reference materials. Paint Like Van Gogh unquestionably lives up to its title, and is enthusiastically recommended for any aspiring painter interested in "hands-on" learning. 66 minutes. 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
