The Library DVD Shelf Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? Bullfrog Films, Inc. PO Box 149 Oley, PA 19547 1937772152 5.00 [URL="http://www.bullfrogfilms.com"]www.bullfrogfilms.com[/URL] Licensed for public performance, Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? And How We Can Get It Back is a politically charged documentary about the causes of the American economic crisis, and the forces that continue to depress the wages and living conditions of working and middle class citizens. Heist reveals how four decades of deregulation, job outsourcing, and tax policies that shift the public burden away from corporations and the wealthy to the poor and middle class, have squeezed the American public. Live footage of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and a call to get involved politically to change disastrous public policies distinguish this sharp wake-up call to Americans everywhere, especially those who are struggling the hardest to survive. 76 min. (58 min. and 22 min. versions are also playable from the DVD), SDH captions. War in the Mind A film by Judy Jackson Paul Gross, narrator Bullfrog Films, Inc. PO Box 149 Oley, PA 19547 1937772195 0.00 [URL="http://www.bullfrogfilms.com"]www.bullfrogfilms.com[/URL] Licensed for public performance, War in the Mind is a documentary about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the harmful psychological legacy of having the harrowing events of battle burned into one's mind. PTSD may affect up to 15% of all soldiers; it can lead to crushing depression and the breakup of families, or cause those who suffer it to turn to drug addiction or even suicide. War in the Mind also features Senator and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Romeo Dallaire, who has publically spoken out about PTSD including how his personal experience with it drove him to attempt suicide. The tremendous problem of soldier suicide, which currently claims the lives of more soldiers than actual battle, is also examined at length. The good news is that suicide can be prevented with intervention and effective treatment. War in the Mind also examines a UBC/Royal Canadian Legion program designed especially to help soldiers recover from the violence and pain burned into their brains. Extras include an eleven-minute "6 months later Q&A". War in the Mind is worthy of the highest recommendation, especially for public library collections. 64 min., SDH captions. We Are Not Ghosts a film by Mark Dworkin & Melissa Young Bullfrog Films, Inc. PO Box 149 Oley, PA 19547 193777225X 0.00 [URL="http://www.bullfrogfilms.com"]www.bullfrogfilms.com[/URL] Fifty years ago, Detroit was a nerve center of the auto industry - and when the industry fell on hard times, so did the city as a whole, marred by a morass of ills stemming from sudden, mass unemployment. Many departed the city, but others did not want to leave the home city they loved. We Are Not Ghosts is a documentary about modern-day people working to rebuild and reinvent Detroit for a post-industrial economy in the postmodern world. Here are true stories of community businesspeople, place-based schools, spoken-word artists, and urban communities seeking to redefine their connections and adapt to the challenges of the future. Licensed for public performance, We Are Not Ghosts is a vision of hope and sustainability, and highly recommended for public and classroom viewing as well as for library documentary collections. 52 min, SDH captions. The Sinking of the Laconia Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 9781598287974 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Nominated for the BAFTA award, The Sinking of the Laconia is the complete miniseries dramatization of the true story of the RMS Laconia, a ship torpedoed by the Germans in 1942 during the battle for the Atlantic. The Laconia carried more than 2,000 passengers, many of them civilians; their life-and-death struggle is the stuff of legends. Featuring an outstanding international cast, The Sinking of the Laconia is an extraordinary and gripping drama, highly recommended. Bonus materials include a 29 min. documentary featurette "The Sinking of the Laconia: Survivors' Stories". 2 DVDs, 171 min. plus bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles. Megacities Hosted by Andrew Marr Athena c/o Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 [URL="http://www.athenalearning.com"]www.athenalearning.com[/URL] 9781598288476 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Megacities is a striking documentary about five of the world's best- known megacities - defined as metropolis communities that have more than 10 million inhabitants. BBC journalist Andrew Marr takes the viewer to visit one of the oldest megacities (London, UK); the fastest growing (Dhaka, Bangladesh); the largest (Tokyo, Japan); one of the most dangerous (Mexico City, Mexico); and one that just might be the new world capital (Shanghai, China). From the struggle to balance sustainability with convenience, to the ongoing threats of crime and social problems, to the incredible network of innovation and confluence of human talent these gigantic cities represent, Megacities is striking in its vivid portrayal of both the light and dark sides of modern human civilization. A bonus 12-page viewer's guide rounds out this excellent film, highly recommended especially for public and community library DVD collections. Mythos The Complete Series Joseph Campbell, lecturer Hosted by Susan Sarandon Athena c/o Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 [URL="http://www.athenalearning.com"]www.athenalearning.com[/URL] 9781598288216 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Hosted by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, Mythos The Complete Series collects the speaking tour that Joseph Campbell embarked upon in his latter years, presented in the order and manner that Campell intended, with enhanced images and minimal editing. Originally seen on PBS, Mythos The Complete Series discusses the origin of a human consciousness that distinguishes us from animals, the evolution of mythology and symbols, mythic themes universally common in the East (particularly Asia) and the modern-day West, and much more. A 12-page viewer's guide with a never-before-published essay by Campbell rounds out this extraordinary compilation. An extraordinary exploration into forces of the mind that express themselves in ways that transcend generations and even human cultures, Mythos The Complete Series is highly recommended especially for public and college library DVD collections. 15 episodes on 6 DVDs (grouped into Mythos I, II, and II), 14 hours, fullscreen. Mythos I & II have closed-captioning; Mythos III has SDH subtitles. Master Qi and The Monkey King A film by Alan Govenar First Run Features 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213 New York, NY 10036 .95 [URL="http://www.firstrunfeatures.com"]www.firstrunfeatures.com[/URL] Master Qi and The Monkey King is an extraordinary documentary chronicling the life and work of star Peking Opera actress Qi Shu Fang. Excerpts from Qi's performances, backstage moments, interviews, dazzling displays of martial arts, and diverting moments of humor pepper this captivating tour de force of a grand cultural tradition. Master Qi and The Monkey King strives to bridge the dearth of understanding between nations and cultures, and the spectacular efforts of Qi and her fellow performers is amazing to behold. A bonus photo gallery, biographies of performers and filmmakers, and more round out this amazing showcase, highly recommended especially for public and community library DVD collections. 81 min. The Forsyte Saga Collection Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 9781598288711 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Originally shown on "Masterpiece Theater", The Forsyte Saga Collection gathers two complete British drama series on DVD adapting John Galsworthy's widely popular novels about a family at a crossroads, divided by greed, adultery, and the lust for revenge. Set in the late Victorian era through the 1920s, The Forsyte Saga Collection follows two generations of the Forsyte family and its tragedies, jealousies, and star-crossed love affairs. Riveting and sometimes shocking, The Forsyte Saga Collection is a choice pick for fans of classic television, highly recommended. Bonus features include a 20 min. making-of featurette, photo galleries, a John Galsworthy biography and booklist, and cast biographies and filmographies. 5 DVDs, 702 min., widescreen, English subtitles for series 2. Tim Winton's Cloudstreet Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 9781598288483 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Tim Winton's Cloudstreet is the DVD adaptation of the bestselling Australian novel "Cloudstreet", about two rural families in Perth 1943-1963, who struggle with the repercussions of hardship and tragedy. The two families are almost diametric opposites - the Lambs toil hard and pray harder, in spite of the calamity that has befallen them, while the Pickles' problems stem as much from their own misguided decisions as from the vagaries of fate. Superbly performed by its ensemble cast, Tim Winton's Cloudstreet is odyssey of finding strength in common ground, and forging ties that can weather the fiercest of storms; bonus features include a wealth of behind-the- scenes segments. Highly recommended, although sensitive viewers should be aware that there are some scenes with disturbing images or coarse language. 6 episodes on 2 DVDs plus bonus feature DVD, 365 min. plus 101 min. of bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles. Injustice Created by Anthony Horowitz Acorn Media Group 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403 9781598288254 .99 [URL="http://www.acornonline.com"]www.acornonline.com[/URL] Injustice is a harrowing, five-part British crime thriller that will keep the viewer fascinated to the very end. Blending elements of the legal drama, police procedure, mystery, and suspense genres, Injustice follows disillusioned defense barrister William Travers, who is called out of retirement to defend an old comrade from a homicide charge. But the further the case progresses, the more sinister elements appear, until the specter of death hangs over his neighborhood and he becomes a target of investigation! Injustice is not for the faint of heart, due to scenes of violence, strong language, and disturbing images. A bonus photo gallery enhances this excellent, tightly crime story. 5 episodes on 2 DVDs, 223 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles. St. Louis Steam Celebration Pentrex 2652 East Walnut St. Pasadena, CA 91107 1563423170 .95 [URL="http://www.pentrex.com"]www.pentrex.com[/URL] St. Louis Steam Celebration (2 hours) is a DVD capturing the greatest steam event of 1990, during which four of America's largest steam locomotives came to Union Station in Saint Louis, Missouri for the NRHS convention. Six camera crews from the railroad documentary specialists of Pentrex covered the Cotton Belt 819, the Frisco 1522, the Norfolk & Western 1218, and the Union Pacific 844, and the captivating activities of the grand celebration, including convention excursions across beautiful countryside. St. Louis Steam Celebration is truly the next best thing to riding the greatest and most venerable steam locomotives in person, and highly recommended especially for railroading enthusiasts. Also choice picks for railroad buffs are "Santa Fe 3751: The Restoration" (1563423235, .95, 1 hour), the true story of how the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society spent ten years and thousands of man-hours to restore a historic steam locomotive and return her to the rails, and "Santa Fe 3751: Return to Steam" (1563423030, .95, 1 hour), a DVD displaying the successful maiden voyage of this beautifully restored locomotive, in honor of the 99th anniversary of the original train's debut. All three Pentrex DVDs are in full color with standard definition 4x3 format and hi-fi sound and narration. John Mellencamp: It's About You MPI Media Group 16101 South 108th Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462 0788614541, .98, [URL="http://www.mpihomevideo.com"]www.mpihomevideo.com[/URL] John Mellencamp: It's About You provides fans of the musician John Mellencamp with a personal film by Kurt and Ian Markus, and covers a career spanning over 25 years. This isn't a recap: the movie's co- directors, photographer Kurt Marcus and his son Ian, traveled with Mellencamp on his 2009 concert tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, and film the writing and recording of his 2010 album NO BETTER THAN THIS. They shot in Super 8 to provide a visual reflection of Mellencamp's Americana music, and provide a lovely 'you are there' portrait of Mellencamp's music, inspiration, and perspective. Dr. Who & Sarah Jane DVDs BBC America [URL="http://www.bbcamerica.com"]www.bbcamerica.com[/URL] Three new DVD sets are top picks for science fiction fans in general and Dr. Who followers alike, offering fine home editions that leave off commercials and offer many added bonuses. The Patrick Troughton years 1966-69 of Dr. Who are reflected in the 2-disc set DOCTOR WHO: THE SEEDS OF DEATH SPECIAL EDITION (0780671015, .98), presenting the Second Doctor and his companions who discover the Ice Warriors have hijacked T-Mat, the transport system, and intend on claiming the entire planet. Extinction of the world is at the head of a powerful story, digitally re-mastered to include audio commentary with the actors and director, featurettes, and other bonuses. The Peter Davison years from 1982-84 are profiled in the two-disc set DOCTOR WHO: RESURRECTION OF THE DALEKS SPECIAL EDITION (0780671031, .98), in which the Fifth Doctor and his companions are forced into 1984 London, where the Doctor faces his most devious enemy the Daleks. More audio commentary and interviews with actors accompany an alternate 4-part version of the story in this powerful saga. The fifth season of THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES (0780694910, .98) provides the satisfying spin-off's final season and follows the adventures of Sarah and her young friends, who team up with The Doctor to explore mysteries. This series is geared more to young adult followers than adult, but any avid fan of The Doctor hungry for more will find this packed with adventure and filled with bonus features, including a tribute to the now-deceased Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen). All are outstanding DVD recommendations for Doctor Who fans and wannabes! BBC America [URL="http://www.bbcamerica.com"]www.bbcamerica.com[/URL] The complete Season 18 of TOP GEAR (0780695232, .98) provides the complete season as seen on BBC America and BBC Canada, includes the India Special, and follows the hosts as they drive supercars across Italy, make a movie car chase, and more. It's a fun romp through the world of fast cars, unique cars, and car culture; and will be a fine recommendation for any who love car shows in general and TOP GEAR in particular. This includes bonuses of a welcome introduction to the season and behind-the-scenes featurettes of drivers and cars. CIVILIZATION; THE WEST AND THE REST with Niall Ferguson (0780692543, .98) provides a fine documentary series by a host named by TIME as one of their top 100 most influential people, and investigates the influences of the West and Christianity. It considers the rise and possible fall of the West and discusses science, democracy and the work ethic in a striking set of considerations perfect for fans of world history. 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
