Showing posts with label nonfiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nonfiction. Show all posts

8/12/2012

Treasures III: Social Issues in American Film, 1900-1934 (2007) Review

Treasures III: Social Issues in American Film, 1900-1934 (2007)
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The films included are listed in the product description but not described. I do that here with information taken from the brochure about the DVD set:
Disc 1 - THE CITY REFORMED
The Black Hand (1906, 11 minutes) - Earliest surviving gangster film. Two members of a gang write a threatening letter to a butcher, demanding money, or else they will harm his family and his shop.
How They Rob Men in Chicago (1900, 25 seconds) - An elderly man is robbed in Chicago, but some money is left behind on his unconscious person. A policeman happens by, takes the money, and leaves the victim unattended.
The Voice of the Violin (1909, 16 minutes) - A terrorist plot foiled by the power of music.
The Usurer's Grip (1912, 15 minutes) - Melodrama arguing for consumer credit co-operatives.
From the Submerged (1912, 11 minutes) - Drama about homelessness and slumming parties.
Hope - A Red Cross Seal Story (1912, 14 minutes) - A town mobilizes to fight TB.
The Cost of Carelessness (1913, 13 minutes) - Traffic safety film for Brooklyn children.
Lights and Shadows in a City of a Million (1920, 7 minutes) - Charitable plea for the Detroit community fund.
Six Million Children are Not in School (1922, 7 minutes) - Newsreel inspired by census data.
The Soul of Youth (1920, 80 minutes) - William Desmond Taylor's feature about an orphan reclaimed for society through the court of Judge Ben Lindsey.
A Call for Help from Sing Sing (1934, 3 minutes) - Warden Lawes speaks out for wayward teens.
Disc 2 - NEW WOMEN
Kansas Saloon Smashers (1901, 1 minute) - Carrie Nation swings her axe.
Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce (1902, 2 minutes) - Role reversal temperance spoof.
Trial Marriages (1907, 12 minutes) - Male fantasy inspired by a reformer's proposal. A man tries marriage to several women and finally gives up on matrimony entirely.
Manhattan Trade School for Girls (1911, 16 minutes) - Training impoverished girls for better jobs.
The Strong Arm Squad of the Future (1912, 1 minute) - Suffragette cartoon.
A Lively Affair (1912, 7 minutes) - Comedy with women playing poker and child-caring men. The moral is that this is what to expect if women get the vote.
A Suffragette in Spite of Himself (1912, 8 minutes) - Boys' prank results in an unwitting crusader.
On To Washington (1913, 80 sec.) - News coverage of the historic suffragette march.
The Hazards of Helen, Episode 13 (1915, 13 minutes) - Helen thwarts some robbers and overcomes workplace problems.
Where are my Children (1916, 65 minutes) - This is Lois Weber's film against abortion that brings in the issue of birth control as well, which will be confusing to modern audiences. Tyrone Power's father stars in this one.
The Courage of the Commonplace (1913, 13 minutes) - A young farm woman dreams of a better life.
Poor Mrs Jones (1926, 45 minutes) - Why women should stay on the farm.
Offers Herself as a Bride (1931, 2 minutes) - A woman comes up with a way to survive the depression.
Disc 3 - TOIL AND TYRANNY
Uncle Sam and the Bolshevik (1919, 40 sec.) - Anti-union cartoon from Ford Motor Company.
The Crime of Carelessness (1912, 14 minutes) - Business version of the Triangle Factory fire.
Who Pays Episode 12 (1915, 35 minutes) - Lumberyard strike brings deadly consequences.
Labor's Reward (1925, 13 minutes) - Surviving reel showing the American Federation of Labor's argument for buying union.
Listen to Some Words of Wisdom (1930, 2 minutes) - Why personal thrift feeds the Depression.
The Godless Girl (1928, 128 minutes) - De Mille's sensational film about girls' reformatories and his last silent picture.
Disc 4 - AMERICANS IN THE MAKING
Emigrants Landing on Ellis Island (1903, 2 minutes) - Actual footage of the event.
An American in the Making (1913, 15 minutes) - U.S. Steel film promoting immigration and industrial safety.
Ramona (1910, 16 minutes) - Helen Hunt Jackson's classic about racial conflict in California as told by D.W. Griffith. Stars Mary Pickford.
Redskin (1929, 82 minutes) - Racial tolerance epic shot in two-strip Technicolor. Richard Dix plays Wing Foot, son of a Navajo chief who suffers heartache and prejudice before the film's happy ending with Wing Foot bringing peace between the Navajo and Pueblo peoples.
United Snakes of America (1917, 80 sec) - World War I cartoon assails homefront dissenters.
Uncle Sam donates for Liberty Loans (1919, 75 sec.) - Very odd patriotic cartoon.
100% American (1918, 14 minutes) - Mary Pickford buys war bonds and supports the troops.
Bud's Recruit (1918, 26 minutes) - Brothers serve their country in King Vidor's earliest surviving film.
The Reawakening (1919, 10 minutes) - Documentary about helping disabled veterans build new lives after the war.
Eight Prohibition Newsreels (1922-23, 13 minutes) - footage on raids along with various opinions about the effectiveness of Prohibition.

This set has quite a bit of a history lesson on film with several feature length films and shorts that are entertaining as well as informative on important social issues early in the twentieth century.

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See the movies that changed America! Prohibition, abortion, unions, atheism, the vote for women, organized crime, loan sharking, juvenile justice, homelessness, police corruption, immigration -- in their first decades, movies brought an astonishing range of issues to the screen. Whether exposing abuse or lampooning reform, films put a human face on social problems and connected with audiences in a new way. Movies were entertainment with the power to persuade. This third groundbreaking set in the Treasures from American Archives series presents over 48 films never before seen on video.Over 12 hours of rare cartoons, newsreel stories, serial episodes, advocacy films, and features. Preserved by the George Eastman House, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Archives, and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Commentary by 20 experts, Digitally mastered from the finest archival sources, Newly recorded music in two-track stereo More than 600 interactive screens about the films and music, 200-page illustrated book with film notes and credits, Postcards from the films Films include: The Black Hand, How They Rob Men in Chicago, The Voice of the Violin, The Usurer's Grip, From the Submerged, Hope-A Red Cross Seal Story, The Cost of Carelessness, LIghts and Shadows in a City of a Million, The Soul of Youth, A Call for Help from Sing Sing!, 6 Million American Children Are Not in School, Kansas Saloon Smashers, Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce, Trial Marriages, Manhattan Trade School for Girls, The Strong Arm Squad of the Future, A Lively Affair, A Suffragette in Spite of Himself, On to Washington, The Hazards of Helen, Where Are My Children?, The Courage of the Commonplace, Poor Mrs. Jones!, The Crime of Carelessness, Listen to Some Words of Wisdom, Cecil B. DeMille's The Godless Girl, Emigrants Landing at Ellis Island, An American in the Making, Ramonda, Redskin, The United Snakes of America, 100% American, Bud's Recruit, The Reawakening and more! The acclaimed Treasures series has earned raves and awards for the past seven years including the National Society of Film Critics' Film Heritage Award and the VSDA's Best in Show Non-Theatrical Award.

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8/11/2012

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Runnin' Down A Dream (4-Disc Set) (2007) Review

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Runnin' Down A Dream (4-Disc Set) (2007)
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"I feel pretty blessed really right now, when I see it, that most of us made it through that maze that is growing up in rock 'n' roll," he says. "And I think we've matured in a way that we're maybe better now, you know, maybe better musicians, and enjoying our craft more than we ever have. So I'm very lucky." Tom Petty
I found this four hour anthology of Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers on Sundance Channel. I immediately notified my best friend, and we watched unbelievably spellbound. This story of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was directed by Peter Bogdanovich. He begins with the start of Tom Petty's life in Gainesville, Florida and ends with a 2006 commemoration concert of his thirtieth anniversary in music.
The entire story is told through home movies, television shows and rememberances in narrative form. Tom Petty does much of the narrative and this is his profession and musical life, after all. The list of friends, colleagues and those in the know who knew or played with Tom Petty is remarkable. It is a time line of the history of rock and music. Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynn along with Tom Petty join to form 'The Traveling Wilburys'. This remarkable group, to a one, votes this time in their lives as one of the most rewarding musical experiences. Stevie Nicks wants to join Tom Petty and his heartbreakers, but she is a woman and "this is a men's club" says Tom Petty. The sheer sense of Tom's persuasive personality in pursing his career in music is pure genius. Once he set down this path he never looked back. This was his life and what a life it has been.
This movie is about the music. There is some mention of marriage and Tom Petty's daughter is interviewed. Little personal information is shared. What we do have is the music and it is glorious. From "Breakdown", "American Girl" "Even the Losers", "I Won't Back Down", "Learning to Fly", "Into the Great Wide Open", "Refugee", "Straight Into Darkness, "Don't Do Me Like That", and on and on. A homage to Tom Petty and his career.
"Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down A Dream remarkably chronicles a prolific career that's yielded dozens of instantly recognizable songs and countless good times for all who've cared to listen. It's an indispensable documentary on one of America's most successful rock and roll bands, whose leader never backed down in aspiring to his ambition." Donald Gibson
This may be one of the best made rock documentaries. A must see for all of Tom Petty fans and for those who love great rock n' roll.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-17-07
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits
Traveling Wilburys (2CD/1DVD, Deluxe Edition)

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SynopsisRunnin' Down A Dream: Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersA Film by Peter Bogdanovich A 4 disc set, 3 DVDs with over 5 hours of video, 1 CD of rare and unreleased tracks2 DVD, four hour Director's cut of famed Peter Bogdanovich's Runnin' Down a DreamThis movie contains hours of never before seen footage and interviews with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers plus music from the storied rock band's entire career. The movie features interviews with George Harrison, Eddie Vedder, Stevie Nicks, Dave Grohl, Jeff Lynne, Rick Rubin, Johnny Depp, Jackson Browne and more. Also 1 DVD of the celebrated 30th Anniversary Concert in Heartbreaker hometown, Gainesville Florida Disc 1:Gainesville 2006ElvisWhat's In A NameMikeBenmontB.Y.O.F (Build Your Own Festival)Fast ForwardDealsA Broken BondRon & StanTom Petty and the HeartbreakersThirdFuelHowiePoetDisc 2:Bob DylanStrange CoincidencesScottThe Bottom LineSteveJohnRound TripRock & Roll HeavenRunnin' Down a Dream (End credits)One 30th Anniversary ConcertDisc 3:Listen To Her HeartMary Jane's Last DanceI Won't Back DownFree Fallin'Saving GraceI'm A ManOh WellHandle With CareStop Draggin' My Heart Around (with Stevie Nicks)I Need To Know (with Stevie Nicks)It's Good To Be KingDown SouthSouthern AccentsInsider (with Stevie Nicks)Learning To FlyDon't Come Around Here No MoreRunnin' Down A DreamYou Wreck MeMystic EyesAmerican GirlBonus Soundtrack CDDisc 4:BreakdownAnything That's Rock and RollFooled Again (I Don't Like It)American GirlShadow of A Doubt (A Complex Kid)Stories We Could TellKeeping Me AliveHoney BeeLost Highway

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8/08/2012

Rockthology Presents Hard 'n' Heavy Vol. 7 (2002) Review

Rockthology Presents Hard 'n' Heavy Vol. 7 (2002)
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I don't know what it is about people who produce these compilations. They seem to be convinced that us video music fans simply prefer to have people TALKING ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE VIDEOS!
I've got an idea, how about a separate section on the disc for interviews??? - Ya think these discs might actually sell???I bought this thinking the interviews were separate from the videos and for about 6.00 used, how could anyone go wrong?In short, if you are looking for the actual, complete, *un-interrupted* videos (or interviews) from these artists, save your money. AMAZON - PLEASE TAKE GREATER TIME IN MAKING THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN "VIDEO COMPILATION" AND "VIDEO DOCUMENTARY" - COULDA SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY!!!!

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These compilation DVDs feature music vdieos with rarely seen footage of up close and in-depth interviews with some of the greatest bands in rock history. Hardcore hard 'n' heavy fans will also enjoy all the innovative DVD features including band highlights, discographies, interactive trivia games and more! Bands featured in this volume are The Cult, Poison, Bang Tango, Mother Love Bone, Little Caesar, Enuff Z'Nuff, Roxx Gang and Winger.

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7/20/2012

Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin (2005) Review

Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin (2005)
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Like a previous reviewer, I found the omissions in this program to be glaring & laughable. If anyone is expecting to get a comprehensive treatment of the Third Crusade, look elsewhere. One is gets as accurate a treatment of history as in "Kingdom of Heaven," which played fast & loose with historical accuracy.
One would get the impression that Richard I was the prime force behind the Crusade, depsite the fact that Barbarossa & the Germans left for the Holy Land a full two years earlier. The program would have you believe that after Barbarossa's death, the German armies simply melted away --- I believe the narrator actually said that most of the Germans "went home." If he meant that "home" was Antioch, then I suppose that is an accurate statement. It was the remnants of the German army (largely decimated by plague) that successfully defended Tyre (left almost unmentioned in this program) against Saladin's forces. Also barely mentioned is Phillip II of France, who played a key role in the political events that unfolded in the Holy Land.
The producers at least mentioned Richard's execution of the 3000 prisoners (following the siege of Acre), but left unmentioned is Richard's complicity in the assasination of Conrad of Montferrat, recently crowned King of Jerusalem, in 1192. The program would prefer to paint Richard as a noble warrior, rather than a political strategist of the first order. The political in-fighting between the Germans, French & English (not to mentioned the already entrenched Crusader States) is a not insignificant part of the story of the Third Crusade, but it goes entirely unmentioned here.
In fact, this program skims the topwaters to such a degree that only a historical neophyte could find much value in it. This program is a big disappointment overall.

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Studio: Paramount Home VideoRelease Date: 10/11/2005

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7/12/2012

Supertramp - The Story So Far (2002) Review

Supertramp - The Story So Far (2002)
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This could have been done so much better. Let's start with the best bits first; the band is in fine form throughout and a healthy dose of great songs. The interview segments are, not surprisingly, rather old but still give pretty good insight into how the band started.
The picture quality and transfer are so-so. It could simply be the master tape or the transfer itself. It's difficult to tell. Considering the length of most Supertramp concerts, this one is rather short. Given the dual layer DVD capacity to hold information, this could easily have been stretched out to include material not on the original DVD release. The videos, fine though they are, aren't essential but are fun to view.
The sound quality is mixed. While the band sound great throughout most of the disc, the audience is mixed way too loud. This could have easily been remedied during the remastering phase for the DVD. Most of the hits and popular songs are included but, again, there was plenty of room for inclusion of lesser known Supertramp tracks included on the Paris live album. It's rather surprising that so little is included from Famous Last Words (although admittedly that's the weakest of their later albums).
There's other areas that could have used improvement as well. There is concert footage from a variety of venues over the years (1977 and 1975) but they're incomplete. Since the footage exists, why not include all of it? It would make for an interesting look at the band over the years. Or, for that matter, why not include some of their television appearences (well that would involve more $ and they'd have to clear the rights).
The Story portion plays like a poor man's Behind The Music. There are a number of mistakes throughout (including the "fact" that the same line up recorded the first two albums. In fact, only Roger and Rick remained and they recruited three new musicians who also left shortly). There really isn't much insight generated into what made the band click in version three. Also, there could have been more said about how Rick and Roger's songwriting partnership worked. Like the great sounding remasters, it appears that A&M/Universal did little to enhance the original video packaging. Basically, they just took a couple of video titles, stitched them together and created this companion piece to the remastered CDs/Best of collection.
I didn't expect a warts and all video but I also expected a bit more quality from A&M given the wealth of material to work from. All the members (from the original first line up to the third most successful) could easily have been contacted for a better, overall view of what occurred. It's not a bad video but it doesn't live up to its title, either.

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SUPERTRAMP THE STORY SO FAR - DVD Movie

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5/02/2012

Alexander Hamilton (2007) Review

Alexander Hamilton (2007)
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PBS has assembled absolutely some of Broadway's most talented stage actors today to recreate, based upon the diaries and writings of the time, an intensely engaging and extremely informative look at arguably one of the most important and influential founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton is studied and dissected from his most ignoble birth as an illegitimate from the West Indies to his rise to fame as leader pro-temp of the American Revolution and his ultimate death in a duel. There is nothing candy-coated about PBS's approach to Hamilton, superbly acted by Tony Award Winning stage actor Brian O' Byrne (DOUBT,FROZEN).Hamilton is presented in an extremely fair and unbiased way as the genius that he was, the braggart and irascible pain he could be,as a dutiful husband, as an adulterer, as an abolitionist,as a friend to Washington and as a foe to Jefferson.In other words, Hamilton will be seen with all of his bravado and all of his warts. Even the most amateur psychologist would have a field day with Hamilton!
The pace is brisk and lively and informative.There is nothing boring or overly documentarian about this PBS special.History becomes VERY ALIVE with this interpretation of Alexander Hamilton. The times, the people and the historical events are portrayed accurately and with real panache, perfect for teaching or simply informative viewing.You will learn about the struggle to bring the Constitution to law, the founders who opposed it and why, and that a lot DOES NOT change to the present!!! A MUST SEE AND HAVE FOR THE SERIOUS VIEWER!
A great companion film would be the Ric Burns' 5 or 7 set NEW YORK which contains a lot of info on Hamilton.

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One of the most controversial men of his age Alexander Hamilton was a gifted statesman brought down by the fatal flaws of stubbornness extreme candor and arrogance. His life and career were marked by a stunning rise to power scandal and tragedy. He had one of the most notorious love affairs of any public figure in American history and met his death in a startling act of political violence the famous duel with Aaron Burr. But his contributions as a statesman survive. As first Secretary of the Treasury during the tumultuous early years of the republic Hamilton led the transformation of the young country into a commercial and industrial powerhouse. He was the one founder who had a vision not of what America was but of what it could become. This two-hour AMERICAN EXPERIENCE tells the story of the underappreciated genius who laid the groundwork for the nation s modern economy including the banking system Wall Street and anopportunity societyin which talent and hard work not birth determined success.System Requirements:Running Time: 120 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating:NR UPC:841887052108 Manufacturer No:705210

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4/11/2012

National Geographic - The Madness of Henry the VIII (2006) Review

National Geographic - The Madness of Henry the VIII (2006)
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This is a brilliant piece of documented work. The costumes and backgrounds were stunning. I've seen different movies depicting Henry, and (WHAT I've read) they never depict the real King that he was. Most movie versions of his life depict him as a a type of lovavle bulldog. As if he was nothing more then a grumpy uncle. That depiction resembles a half truth about Henry the 8th. In real life he was ruthless, a bully, and by the end of his life insane with power. This is a wonderful dvd. I don't know why it matters who was interviewed, like other reviewers have rambled on about. Whether from England or USA, both sides have had to pick a book up to learn their, and other nation's history. Who cares!
Personally, I've watched this dvd several times. This tops my favs. along with the History Channel's "The French Revolution" (both French and American historians were interviewed...hope no one finds out ;) )

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MADNESS OF HENRY THE VIII - DVD Movie

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3/12/2012

Passport to Europe - France & Italy (2007) Review

Passport to Europe - France and Italy (2007)
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I love this series. Samantha Brown is the perfect travelling companion. Her energy, excitement, and joy never fail. The shows hit a perfect balance between tourist info and intimate charm. I know Paris very well, and I agree with her observations about Paris, which makes me trust her when she is traveling in other parts of the world that I do not know (like Italy). Highlights on this DVD include: the two Paris eps (of course), an achingly beautiful fairy-tale village and hotel featured in the Cote d'Azur episode, and the Florence ep. I also should note that Samantha Brown travels in style. This is not Europe on a shoestring. Personnally, I love living vicariously through her. The beautiful hotels make this show all the more fun.
I recommend it to all who love to travel and dream and laugh.

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Enthusiastic and adventurous, Samantha Brown is the perfect tour guide for the most exciting places in the world. Explore exotic locales up close and personal as you may never have seen them when Samantha interacts with the locals and discovers popular area landmarks many tourists miss. Meanwhile, Samantha amuses and educates as she discusses the culture and history of these intriguing areas and shares invaluable travel tips. FEATURING:CANNES AND NICE, FRANCE (THE FRENCH RIVIERA): Experience Carnival in the glamorous south of France when the streets are filled with dancers, musicians, balloons and carnival floats.PARIS CULTURE: To really experience this most romantic of cities, you have to live like a Parisian, so Samantha gives it a whirl! SIMPLY PARIS: Stroll along the Champs-Elysees, satisfy a sweet tooth with French pastry, take a twilight river cruise along the Seine and much more.COTE D'AZUR (MONACO): This is where the outrageously wealthy live a lifestyle beyond imagination, and Samantha is anxious to get a glimpse of how the rich and famous do it up in style! AMALFI COAST, ITALY: Samantha explores the cities, towns and villages along the soaring cliffs of the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy.FLORENCE, ITALY: Unlock the secrets to packing in all the must-see sights of Florence, get priceless shopping tips and discover the perfect spot to escape the crowds. NAPLES, ITALY: Samantha finds Naples to be a city full of contradictions, but always compelling. Explore this bustling, diverse city that combines the historic and the modern with vitality.ROME, ITALY: Feel the passionate heartbeat of the Eternal City. Find out how to streamline your tourist stops, and take in the 21st century ambiance of Rome's wild nightlife.

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9/27/2011

Making Marines (2002) Review

Making Marines (2002)
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My 18 year old daughter saw this documentary on TV, and immediately wanted to become a Marine. She has extensive experience as a musician--and successfully auditioned for the Marine band--but even the bandies in the Marines must complete boot camp and combat training.
This series helped to prepare her for boot camp, but after she actually completed boot camp, she realized that some of the segments in the series appear 'dated.' That's the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
But, this documentary was filmed prior to and during the events surrounding September 11th. The Marine recruits in this series enlisted during a 'non-wartime' America, and graduated boot camp with the prospect of war looming. All of our lives, and of course, military life is VERY different NOW, so naturally, much of the series will feel 'dated.'
But, that aside, I decided to buy this series for my daughter so she can now show friends and family 'what it was like' to experience Marine boot camp. She simply expounds 'around' the parts that are a little different now with Marine boot camp, but otherwise it's a fairly accurate account of recruit life at Parris Island.

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Each and every Marine Corps recruit has to survive 12 weeks of Boot Camp. It is perhaps the toughest 12 weeks anyone can imagine - especially for those whose average age is 19. To become one of the few and the proud, these recruits must first learn just to survive. More than just a showcase of grueling training, these three hours will shed light on the lives and backgrounds of those who make the decision to become United States Marines. Tragically, the events of September 11th take place in the middle of the sixth week of training. But for most recruits, the acts of terrorism only strengthen their resolve to become modern soldiers. Episode 1. Parris Island- Phase One: Follow young recruits as they prepare for Boot Camp at Parris Island. From all over the eastern U.S., they roll off the bus in the middle of the night and begin their transformation into U.S. Marines. Episode 2. Parris Island- Phase Two: The recruits at Parris Island learn to cope with the punishing regimen of physical training and mental conditioning. In the confidence course, they are pushed beyond their limits. Nerves become frayed, and attrition takes its toll. Episode 3. Parris Island- Phase Three: Training becomes more demanding as the recruits enter the 54-hour Crucible. Upon completion of this final test, they march to the mess hall for the Warrior's breakfast.

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9/07/2011

Perfect Murder, Perfect Town (2000) Review

Perfect Murder, Perfect Town (2000)
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This made-for-TV film was a strong presentation of the book, adhering closely to details presented therein. Its only let-down is driven by the real-life fact that the case was not solved, and such indefinite endings always leave the viewer feeling somewhat flat.
The undisputed stars of the show were Marg Helgenberger and Ronny Cox as Patsy and John Ramsey. Marg enjoyed what appeared to be a fabulous time chewing the scenery, dancing and playing with her daughter, and exhibiting a full range of theatrical emotion -- while simultaneously, Ronny did an absolutely stupendous job of being dazed and confused, an indecisive executive and wounded father. They were perfect, and I hope they had a great deal of fun making that film. The movie is worth watching just to watch them.
I first saw this film before reading the book, then again after doing so. The film is a very capable adaptation, much more than many others you'll see. Read the book, then watch it again.
And yes, I have an opinion as to who killed JonBenet. If the character's portral in the film was consonant with that person's actual behavior during these events, then I am pretty darned certain who it was.

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Boulder, Colorado has long been known as a peaceful community. Yet, since the day six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was discovered brutally murdered in her prominent family's home, this once idyllic community has become a city at war with itself. Struggles rage between John and Patsy Ramsey, local law enforcement, the District Attorney as well as the national tabloid media fixated on issuing blame. Respected author, director and Emmy Award winning producer Lawrence Schiller (The Executioner's Song) spent over a year in Boulder meticulously researching and writing the best-selling book upon which this compelling miniseries is entirely based. This video edition features the longer director's cut not shown on television and features an all-star cast including Kris Kristofferson, Marg Helenberger, Ronny Cox, Ken Howard and Ann-Margret. Special Director's Cut - Over 18 Minutes of Additional Footage.

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6/20/2011

Sensational Cities - New York (2002) Review

Sensational Cities - New York (2002)
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I previewed this DVD before visiting New York last month. It is a nice and concise overview of the history of New York.
After watching the DVD, you gain a good understanding of the influence of immigrants to New York City, and how their contributions collectively built the city to the great metropolis that it is today.

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A chronicle of New York, the city that never sleeps.Genre: DocumentaryRating: NRRelease Date: 26-FEB-2002Media Type: DVD

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