New Books on CD – March/April 2010

Altar of Eden James Rollins, CD F ROL – Science, history and suspense are combined in this stand-alone novel that delves into the mystery of genetically modified animals that were kept at the Baghdad city zoo.

Ayn Rand and the World She Made Anne C. Heller, CD B RAND – Known for her novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, Rand was one of the 20th century’s most influential advocates of laissez-faire capitalism and individual rights.

Brava Valentine Adriana Trigiani, CD F TRI – Following up on the popular Very Valentine, shoemaker Valentine Roncalli is at the center of another hilarious and poignant story.

Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage Elizabeth Gilbert, CD B GILBERT – Following the success of her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, the author presents the latest chapter in her life.

The Imperial Cruise James Bradley, 973.911 BRA – In the summer of 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt dispatched the largest diplomatic mission in American history.  The agreements that were made had repercussions for World War II.

Invictus John Carlin, CD 306.48 CAR – President Nelson Mandela faced a bitterly divided country. The 1995 Rugby World Cup, held in South Africa, became an inspired vehicle for reconciliation.

Iron River T. Jefferson Parker, CD F PAR – Charlie Hood joins a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms task force patrolling the “iron river,” where illegal guns flow from United States dealers to Mexican drug cartels.

Kisser Stuart Woods, CD F WOO – Stone Barrington is back in New York and looking forward to some downtime.  What do you think?  Will he get to take a break?

La’s Orchestra Saves the World Alexander McCall Smith, CD F MCC – During World War II, Lavender (or La) flees London and organizes a small orchestra in her small town.  A heartwarming story by a favorite author.

The Last Surgeon Michael Palmer, CD F PAL – Dr. Nick Garrity, who runs a mobile clinic for the homeless, finds himself pitted against a ruthless psychopath.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates CD 973.68 LIN – A stirring dramatization of the famous seven debates during the race for the senate in 1858.

Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Memoir Kate Braestrup, CD B BRAESTRUP – The author of Here If You Need Me turns her attention to the subjects of love and commitment.

The Midnight House Alex Berenson, CD F BERCI – A agent John Wells must find who is killing members of a secret interrogation team that operated at a secret base called the Midnight House.

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation Daniel J. Siegel, CD 616.89 SIE 2009 – You can focus attention on the internal world of your mind in a way that will change the wiring of your brain.

Noah’s Compass Anne Tyler, CD F TYL – After waking up in a hospital bed with a major headache,retired teacher Liam Pennywell can’t seem to remember how he got there. From the noted author.

Point Omega Don Delillo, CD F DEL – A fictional look into the mind and heart of a “defense intellectual,” a man involved in the management of the country’s war machine.

The Politician Andrew Young, CD 973.93 YOU – The highly publicized account of the rise and precipitous fall of presidential hopeful, John Edwards, as related by his former aide.

Roses Leila Meacham, CD F MEA – In a small East Texas town, Mary Toliver regrets that she didn’t marry Percy Warwick, a timber tycoon.  This decision affects their families for the next two generations.

Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian,CD F BOH – The murder and suicide of  Alice Hayward and her husband tortures the thoughts of her minister, Stephen Drew.

Split Image Robert B. Parker, CD M PAR – The body in the trunk of the car was just the beginning.Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone team up.

Swan Thieves Elizabeth Kostova, CD F KOS – Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe has a solitary, ordered life,until artist Robert Oliver attacks a painting in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient.

Tea With Hezbollah: Sitting at the Enemies’ Table, Our Journey Throughthe Middle East Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis, CD 956.05 DEK – A fascinating and, at times, terrifying journey with a novelist and a Middle East expert.

Treasure Hunt John Lescroart, CD F LES – Mickey Dade is glad to be pulled from his desk job at the PI firm , The Hunt Club, and put on the case of the murder of Dominic Como.

What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures Malcolm Gladwell, CD 814.6 GLA 2009 – From the author of The Tipping Point, comes the best of his writing from The New Yorker, as he writes about the “hidden extraordinary.”

Where the God of Love Hangs Out Amy Bloom, F CD BLO – A collection of connected stories centers on the theme oflove, in its many forms and complexities.

Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher, CD B FISHER – The actress examines her turbulent life, from her Hollywood upbringing to her battle with alcohol.

The Wolf at the Door Jack Higgins, CD F HIG – Someone is targeting the members of an elite intelligence unit known as “the Prime Minister’s private army.”  Sean Dillon has an idea who it might be, but proving it may be quite difficult.

New Music CDs – March 2010

March of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland Beirut, CD 781.66 BEI 2009 – For the past year, Beirut has alternated between touring in support of 2007’s much-lauded The Flying Club Cup and writing a wealth of new material. With no sense of a release in mind, bandleader Zach Condon recorded in any style that struck his fancy. Some early discussions about recording material for a film being shot in Mexico morphed into a new idea: What about finding a local band in a small city in Mexico, hiring them to play some new material, and recording the result? It was a sincere challenge every step of the way. Condon had to find the band, which he did through a bandmate’s mother who has connections in Oaxaca. To communicate with the performers, he hired a translator, who had to be able to speak English, Spanish, as well as Zapotec, the band members’ native language. From there, he flew down to Oaxaca, traveling a half-hour out of town to the tiny weaver village of Teotitlan del Valle, where he met the nineteen members of The Jimenez Band. The ensuing weeks of recording, rewriting, and relating are documented in a series of short films (to be released online as the release date for March of the Zapotec draws near).

BlakRoc BlakRoc, CD 781.649 BLA 2009 – Produced by and featuring The Black Keys, BlakRoc also hosts a star-studded line up including Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Jones, NOE, Nicole Wray and Billy Danze. Of the album, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach said ‘no samples were used on the record, it’s all live instruments and live vocals.’

It’s Entertainment! Celtic Thunder, CD 781.63 CEL 2010 – Overture and beginners please… Strike up the band… Stand by for Celtic Thunder… and It’s Entertainment. This stylish and high energy trip through some of the great songs of the last 30 years is pure showbiz! It is a tribute from Celtic Thunder to the legacy they have inherited from the great entertainers of the past, and a mark of how far they themselves have travelled as performers, in a few short years. It evokes an era of big bands and boulevards, top hats and tails and singing and dancin in the rain! It makes for irresistible listening as the principals from this generation pay their respects to the stars of an earlier time. In the true tradition of variety the music covers a mix of styles, of songs and of singers, as the lads salute their musical heroes- from Fred Astaire to Neil Diamond, from Jim Croce to Chicago, from Michael Buble to The Beach Boys!

Crazy Heart Various Artists, CD 781.542 CRA 2010 – The soundtrack was co-produced by 10-time Grammy Award winner T Bone Burnett. Burnett, who co-produced the soundtrack with guitarist/songwriter Stephen Bruton. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semi-tragic romantic anti-hero Bad Blake, a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who’s had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can’t help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician. As he struggles down the road of redemption, Bad learns the hard way just how tough life can be on one man’s crazy heart.

Bomb in a Birdcage A Fine Frenzy, CD 781.66 FIN 2009 – While Bomb In A Birdcage has the same beauty and musical depth as the 2007 debut One Cell In A Sea, it is improved by a wonderfully developed pop sensibility. This album features 11 infectious, bubbly fun tracks infused with gorgeous lyrics and danceable beats.

All Rebel Rockers Michael Franti and Spearhead, CD 781.649 FRA 2008 – The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Yell Fire, All Rebel Rockers is Franti’s fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyrics backed by seductive elements of dub, infectious dance music, and irresistible hook-infused soul. Franti has toured and performed with everyone from U2, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, and REM to Digable Planets, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, and A Tribe Called Quest.

Scratch My Back Peter Gabriel, CD 781.63 GAB 2010 – Peter Gabriel’s Scratch My Back album project is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each others songs.To help craft his recording of the album s eclectic array of cult favorites and classic tracks, Gabriel enlisted former Durutti Column member John Metcalfe, composer, arranger and the expertise of producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd’s The Wall, LouReed’s Berlin) and engineer, mixer and producer Tchad Blake (Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits).

Album Girls, CD 781.66 GIR 2009 – Built on the powerful songwriting of Christopher Owens and the ethereal production of Chet “JR” White, Girls recorded Album in a variety of bedrooms and rehearsal studios in their adopted hometown, San Francisco. The resulting 12 tracks are the perfect San Fran summer record, evoking a narcotic, sunny afternoon in Dolores Park, yet promising the eventual hangover of summer’s departure. Album is self-described as “honest, loose, ethereal, obnoxious and perfect,” it is a sincere tribute to the majesty of great pop music and the healing power of rock and roll.

Inglourious Basterds Various Artists, CD 781.542 ING 2009 – Soundtrack to Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Brühl, Eli Roth.

Rebirth Lil Wayne, CD 781.649 LIL 2009 – A crossover Rock album from the self-proclaimed ‘greatest rapper of all time’. Lil Wayne’s previous full-length, the Grammy Award-winning The Carter III has been certified triple platinum with over one million sold in it’s first week of release! Rebirth, his long rumored Rock album, is still Rap heavy and features guest appearances from Eminem, Shanell (AKA SNL), Kevin Rudolf, Nicki Minaj and others. Includes the first single ‘Prom Queen’.

Heligoland Massive Attack, CD 781.66 MAS 2010 – HELIGOLAND is the much anticipated fifth studio album from legendary trip-hop duo MASSIVE ATTACK and the first new studio album since 2003’s critically-acclaimed 100TH WINDOW. HELIGOLAND features an all-star cast of guest vocals from DAMON ALBARN, HOPE SANDOVAL, MARTINA TOPLEY-BIRD, GUY GARVEY and TUNDE ADEBIMPE. Long time cohort HORACE ANDY makes a return alongside Massive Attack founding members ROBERT DEL NAJA (3D) and GRAND MARSHALL (DADDY G). Damon also plays bass on `Flat Of The Blade’ and keyboards on `Splitting The Atom’ while PORTISHEAD’s ADRIAN UTLEY plays guitar on `Saturday Come Slow’.

Unbroken Katharine McPhee, CD 781.63 MCP 2009 – Katharine McPhee, the 25 year old runner-up in the fifth season of American Idol has released her Verve Forecast debut. On Unbroken the vocalist and actress has co-written half of the album with some of music’s biggest songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi (American Idol), Ingrid Michaelson, and Paula Cole. “Terrified” features a duet with Jason Reeves while Rachael Yamagata sings backup vocals on the song she co-wrote “Keep Drivin’.” The album is produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band).

Everybody Ingrid Michaelson, CD 781.66 MIC 2009 – Everybody is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to her 2007 release, Girls and Boys, which spawned the hit single ‘The Way I Am’ and launched Ingrid into the mainstream consciousness. The New York Times describes Michaelson’s unique musical approach as ‘soulful, idiosyncratic,’ while Rolling Stone loves her ‘sweet but mellow lounge-pop harmonies,’ and Entertainment Weekly hails Michaelson as ‘a deft mistress of quirk folk: a grassroots phenomenon.’ Features 12 tracks including the first single ‘Maybe’.

Sunny Side Up Paolo Nutini, CD 781.66 NUT 2009 – Atlantic recording artist Paolo Nutini returns with his eagerly awaited second album Sunny Side Up. Produced by Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne), Sunny Side Up sees Nutini continuing to mine his arresting brand of soulful modern pop. Songs such as ‘Ten Out Of Ten’ and ‘Coming Up Easy’ display the gifted tunesmith’s ever-growing knack for irrepressible melodies melded with insightful and intimate lyricism, all held together by Paolo’s gritty and unpredictable vocal stylings.

The Sea Corinne Bailey Rae, CD 781.63 RAE 2010 – Corinne Bailey Rae’s new album, The Sea was co-produced by Bailey Rae with Steve Brown, and Steve Chrisanthou, who produced many of the songs on her debut album, which has sold four million copies worldwide. Bringing together a new band of musicians, Bailey Rae recorded the album mainly in Leeds and Manchester, England. Her voice, always an expressive and soulful instrument, resonates with a poignant and newfound depth on The Sea. Loss and grief are recurring themes yet a sense of beauty and wonder ultimately radiates from the album’s dark corners.

All or Nothing Jay Sean, CD 781.66 SEA 2009 – Jay Sean is taking the world by storm. He already has a #1 Top 40 hit to his name with “Down” and this is just the begining. To add further heat to this growing story, Jay Sean has now inked a multi-album, multi-million dollar record deal with Universal music monster, CASH MONEY RECORDS, home to 4 time Grammy winner Lil Wayne.

Awake Skillet, CD 781.7 SKI 2009 – Skillet’s eighth studio album, Awake, recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. The foursome’s overwhelmingly satisfied with the entire sonic and thematic palette throughout Awake, which is loaded with plenty of anthems in the making destined to be smash singles and concert sing-a-longs. Skillet’s massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as “Panheads”) are sure to agree, though they’ll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. The album contains 12 tracks, including ‘Monster’ which were added to their live set during their Comatose Tour, and the single ‘Hero’.

Haywire Josh Turner, CD 781.642 TUR 2010 – “Haywire has been the quickest record we’ve ever made from start to finish,” says Josh. “But I’m glad our haste didn’t make waste. I love every single song. One thing I’ve noticed is that you are definitely hearing more of my range, high and low on this album. I’m really proud of this record.” And that’s saying something, given what he’s accomplished so far. Since earning a standing ovation as an unknown singer on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001 with his impressive delivery of “Long Black Train,” he has established himself as one of the most identifiable male vocalists in country music.

New Releases on DVD – January and February 2010

Amelia

Hilary Swank stars as famed aviator Amelia Earhart in this dramatic biopic that follows the daring pilot’s rise from obscurity in Kansas to her troubled marriage to businessman George Putnam (Richard Gere), who recruited her for her first transatlantic flight. Mira Nair (The Namesake, Vanity Fair) directs; Ewan McGregor, Joe Anderson, Christopher Eccleston, Joe Anderson and Mia Wasikowska co-star. Rated PG

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Michael Douglas stars as corrupt district attorney Mark Hunter in this remake of Fritz Lang’s noir classic about a reporter, C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe), who sets himself up as the prime suspect in a murder he didn’t commit in order to expose Hunter’s misdeeds. Nicholas’s plans go awry, however, when Hunter discovers the trap and destroys the evidence that would exonerate the cub reporter. Amber Tamblyn and Orlando Jones co-star. Rated PG-13

Blind Date

Middle-aged married couple Don (Stanley Tucci) and Janna (Patricia Clarkson) are torn apart by their daughter’s accidental death. No longer able to relate to each other, they reconnect when Don begins placing personal ads for Janna to respond to. They both role-play their parts, pretending to be strangers, a facade they hope can repair years of damage to their relationship. Tucci also directs this remake of Theo van Gogh’s 1996 film. Not Rated

The Boys Are Back

Following the sudden death of his wife, Australian sportswriter Joe Warr (Clive Owen) struggles to cope with his grief and comfort his young son (Nicholas McAnulty). Being a single father gets even trickier when Joe’s rebellious teenage son from a previous marriage (George MacKay) moves in. Director Scott Hicks helms this touching — and often hilarious — tale of a family in flux, based on a memoir by Simon Carr. Rated PG-13

The Burning Plain

Charlize Theron plays a depressed, sex-obsessed restaurant manager in this moody, fragmented drama — screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga’s directorial debut — that weaves together four seemingly unrelated stories separated by time and space. A New Mexico housewife (Kim Basinger) begins a torrid affair, two teens mourn the death of their parents, and a young girl tries to mend her life in a Mexican border town. Rated R

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed? Bill Hader and Anna Faris lend their vocal talents to this Golden Globe-nominated animated adventure. Rated PG

Coco Before Chanel

Audrey Tautou stars as legendary French designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in this lively biopic that explores the fashion icon’s storied ascension from orphan to seamstress and cabaret singer and ultimately, the queen of Parisian haute couture. Alessandro Nivola plays Arthur “Boy” Capel, Chanel’s lover and influential business investor who makes a lifelong impact on the young woman. Anne Fontaine directs this Oscar nominee for Best Costume Design. French Dialogue, English Subtitles. Rated PG-13

Come Dance at My Wedding

When bride-to-be Cyd Merriman (Brooke Nevin) considers selling her small-town dance studio, she discovers that her estranged father, Tanner Grey (John Schneider), is listed on the deed. Meeting for the first time, the two must decide what to do with the studio — and each other. As Cyd prepares for her wedding, Tanner helps by teaching dance classes. But fiancé Zach (Christopher Jacot) isn’t as welcoming, and Tanner makes an uneasy decision. Not Rated

Couples Retreat

Desperate to save their marriage, one couple convinces three other couples to go in on a group rate price for an island retreat designed for troubled unions. But the “mandatory therapy” brews up nothing but trouble for everyone. Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis and Faizon Love star in this comedy penned by Favreau. Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in A Christmas Story, directs.  Rated PG-13

The Cove

This riveting, Oscar-nominated documentary follows a group of animal activists to a scenic cove in Taijii, Japan, where they use surveillance equipment to capture footage of a secretive and heavily guarded operation run by the world’s largest supplier of dolphins. As the daring group risks their lives to expose the horrifying truths behind the capture of dolphins for the lucrative tourist industry, they also uncover an environmental catastrophe. Rated PG-13

Departures

Freshly unemployed, young cellist Daigo (Masahiro Motoki) has an epiphany in which he realizes he’s been heading down the wrong career path. Retreating to his hometown, he trains for a new professional role as a nakanshi, or one who prepares the dead for burial. Tsutomu Yamazaki provides comic relief as Daigo’s eccentric mentor in director Yojiro Takita’s Oscar-winning, richly detailed — if unlikely — drama about finding your bliss. Japanese dialogue, English subtitles.  Rated PG-13

District 9

When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU’s ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. Rated R

Every Little Step

Go backstage for an up-close look at a Broadway production with this entertaining documentary that follows hopeful dancers as they audition for coveted spots in the 2006 revival of “A Chorus Line.” Drawing parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play, filmmakers Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern also intercut interview footage of composer Marvin Hamlisch and dancers from the original Broadway production. Rated PG-13

Everybody’s Fine

Frank (Robert De Niro) just lost his wife, and without their mother by his side, Frank’s grown children aren’t compelled to visit for the holidays. So he hits the road to visit them — collecting various revelations and learning about himself along the way. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Melissa Leo co-star in writer-director Kirk Jones’s family tale, an update of Giuseppe Tornatore’s 1990 Italian film. Rated PG-13

Extract

Encouraged by his friend, Dean (Ben Affleck), factory owner Joel (Jason Bateman) considers escaping his problems — an assembly-line accident, a potential lawsuit and a sexless marriage, for starters — by taking up with the gorgeous new temp, Cindy (Mila Kunis). But does Cindy have something nefarious up her sleeve? Kristen Wiig and J.K. Simmons co-star in writer-director Mike Judge’s (Office Space) latest work-set, comedic social commentary. Rated R

Falling Up

When his father is killed in a bizarre sports accident, wrong-side-of-the-tracks Henry O’Shea (Joseph Cross) quits nursing school to earn cash as a doorman at a posh New York apartment building, where he falls for lovely resident Scarlett Dowling (Sarah Roemer). As the pair’s relationship progresses, Henry’s sister (Rachael Leigh Cook) encourages the romance, but Scarlett’s mother has other ideas. David M. Rosenthal directs this romantic comedy. Not Rated

Fame

When a group of ambitious teenage dancers, musicians and actors enter a new semester at New York’s prestigious High School of Performing Arts, they try to make the most out of their chance at stardom in this remake of the Oscar-winning 1980 drama. Director Kevin Tancharoen’s energetic update stars Asher Book, Kay Panabaker, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Naturi Naughton, Kherington Payne and Collins Pennie. Rated PG

Flame and Citron

Based on actual events, this exciting drama tells the story of World War II Danish Resistance fighters Flame (Thure Lindhardt) and Citron (Mads Mikkelsen). Taking orders from Resistance leader Aksel Winther (Peter Mygind), the two systematically assassinate Danish collaborators and Nazi officers. But they are far from heroic in their personal lives, and filmmaker Ole Christian Madsen explores the serious flaws of these complex men.  Danish dialogue, English subtitles.  Not Rated

Gamer

It’s 2034, and humans can control and kill each other in a large-scale online gaming world. But Kable (Gerard Butler), a wrongfully convicted soldier forced to join the violent competition, tries to free himself by taking out its evil architect, Ken (Michael C. Hall). While being controlled by a rich kid (Logan Lerman), Kable must also save his wife, Angie (Amber Valletta), who’s trapped in her own avatar world. Rated R

Gifted Hands

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson (portrayed as a child by Jaishon Fisher and as a teen by Gus Hoffman), who overcomes enormous obstacles to study medicine and save lives at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Kimberly Elise plays Carson’s hardworking single mother, Sonya, who faces her own hurdles on the road to helping her son succeed in this made-for-cable drama based on Carson’s memoirs.

Half-Life

Growing up is tough for Timothy (Alexander Agate) and Pamela (Sanoe Lake). Global catastrophes abound and their self-destructive mother (Julia Nickson-Soul) stays with a manipulative boyfriend who doesn’t love her. Fortunately, their active imaginations help them cope. Combining live action and animated flights of fancy, Jennifer Phang wrote and directed this dreamlike official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Not Rated

The Hurt Locker

Kathryn Bigelow directs this gripping drama (nominated for nine Oscars) following one of the U.S. Army’s elite EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) teams operating in the ferocious war zone of Iraq. As the squad identifies and dismantles improvised explosive devices and other bombs, they must also contend with the frayed nerves and internal conflicts that arise from living in constant peril. Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse and Guy Pearce star. Rated R

I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her kid brothers realize they’ve picked the wrong house to rob when they come face-to-face with quick-tempered matriarch Madea (Tyler Perry), who promptly deposits them with the only family they have: their hard-living aunt April (Taraji P. Henson), a nightclub singer. April’s got no room in her heart for the kids — until a handsome new tenant (Adam Rodriguez) starts to crack her tough exterior. Rated PG-13

In the Loop

When the U.S. president and the U.K. prime minister decide to invade a certain Middle Eastern country, skeptical American and British operatives do their best to stop the runaway train to war in director Armando Iannucci’s scathing political comedy. This Oscar nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay stars Tom Hollander as a British international development chief, James Gandolfini as a U.S. general, and Anna Chlumsky as a well-positioned intern. Not Rated

It Might Get Loud

Davis Guggenheim, creator of the Oscar-winning An Inconvenient Truth, directs this fascinating profile of three contemporary guitarists: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, U2’s The Edge and Jack White of the White Stripes. Each talks about their creative process, technique and influences as cameras follow them to key locations in their own music history. A jam session featuring all three musicians is woven into their discussions. Rated PG

Law Abiding Citizen

Traumatized by the atrocious murders of his wife and daughter — and the flawed justice system that set the killers free — Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) gives in to his rage and sets out on a course of vengeance. He soon takes on not only the prosecutor involved in the case, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), but also the city of Philadelphia. Director F. Gary Gray’s bold crime thriller co-stars Viola Davis and Michael Gambon. Rated R

Love Finds a Home

Dr. Belinda Owens’s (Sarah Jones) difficulties with conception take a toll on her marriage to Lee (Jordan Bridges) in this eighth installment of the frontier series of books written by Janette Oke. Meanwhile, in the final stages of her pregnancy, Annie Watson (Haylie Duff) stays with her old pal, Dr. Owens, whose modern scientific knowledge doesn’t impress Annie’s stubbornly old-fashioned mother-in-law and nursemaid, Mary (Patty Duke). Not Rated

Love Happens

Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston star in this romantic tale about life, loss and love. When widower and self-help guru Burke Ryan (Eckhart) unexpectedly falls for Eloise (Aniston), his latent grief threatens his chance at romance. Now, the best-selling author and expert on coping with loss must prove he’s his own best teacher or risk losing love again. Martin Sheen, Judy Greer and Frances Conroy also star. Rated PG-13

Michael Jackson’s This Is It

Rehearsal footage, backstage action and interviews comprise this moving Michael Jackson experience. He is shown here preparing for a series of 50 sold-out London shows, which were scheduled to kick off in late summer 2009. Singing his numerous hits at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the days leading up to his untimely death, Jackson is also seen refining cues, delving into dance details and working with director Kenny Ortega. Rated PG

Moon

As he nears the end of a lonely three-year stint on the moon base Sarang, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) begins to hear and see strange things. It’s not long before Sam suspects that his employer — the conglomerate LUNAR — has other plans for him. Featuring Kevin Spacey as the voice of a robot, this sci-fi thriller also stars Matt Berry and Kaya Scodelario. The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Rated R

New York, I Love You

A companion piece to Paris, je t’aime, this valentine to New York cleverly blends nearly a dozen love stories, each presented by a different filmmaker. From Central Park to Brooklyn and Queens, each tale features the Big Apple as a central character. The writer-directors include Natalie Portman and Brett Ratner, and the cast features Shia LaBeouf, James Caan, Julie Christie, Christina Ricci, Ethan Hawke and dozens more. Rated R

Nine

In a postapocalyptic world, a small community of rag-doll robots hides in fear from dangerous machines out to exterminate them. But when a brave newcomer named 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) joins the group, he inspires them to stand up and fight for their survival. Shane Acker directs this visually stunning animated film co-produced by Tim Burton, which also features the voices of John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly and Martin Landau. Rated PG-13

No Greater Love

When his wife, Heather (Danielle Bisutti), abandons him in a fit of depression and disappears without a trace, Jeff (Anthony Tyler Quinn) is left to raise his son, Ethan (Aaron Sanders), all on his own — until a decade later when by chance, he spots Heather at a church event. Now, the family must discover what place love, God and forgiveness have in their lives. Brad J. Silverman directs this inspirational drama. Rated PG

Post Grad

Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) always assumed it would be easy to find a job with a college diploma. But when nothing materializes after graduation, she’s forced to move back in with her dysfunctional family and work full-time at maintaining her sanity. The only bright spot is her steady relationship with her best friend, Adam (Zach Gilford), but even that’s starting to feel a little awkward. Carol Burnett, Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch co-star. Rated PG-13

The September Issue

Director R.J. Cutler’s documentary offers a rare look inside Vogue as the fashion magazine’s influential editor, Anna Wintour, and creative director, Grace Coddington, produce the highly anticipated September issue. Cutler captures the demanding creative process in action for nine months, following perfectionist Wintour and stylist Coddington as they attend fashion week in Europe, endless photo shoots and intense staff meetings. Rated PG-13

Surrogates

Based on Robert Venditti’s graphic novel of the same name, director Jonathan Mostow’s sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic world in which humans hibernate at home while living their lives vicariously through robot surrogates. When a series of mysterious surrogate murders occurs, FBI agent Greer (Bruce Willis) ventures out into the world for the first time in years to investigate. Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames co-star. Rated PG-13

Tennessee

On a cross-country trip to find their estranged father, brothers Carter (Adam Rothenberg) and Ellis (Ethan Peck) — whose life is on the line — meet waitress Krystal (Mariah Carey). The aspiring singer decides to drive the brothers to Nashville in hopes of jumpstarting her career. The trio becomes a united front as Krystal’s husband pursues them, Ellis’s health worsens, and Carter relives the painful past he and Ellis left behind. Rated R

The Time Travelers Wife

Due to a genetic disorder, handsome librarian Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) involuntarily zips through time, appearing at various moments in the life of his true love, the beautiful artist Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams). Also starring Ron Livingston as Gomez, the soul-stirring romantic drama was adapted from the best-selling Audrey Niffenegger novel.

Weather Girl

When she discovers that her vapid anchorman boyfriend (Mark Harmon) is sleeping with their TV news co-anchor (Kaitlin Olson), Seattle weather forecaster Sylvia (Tricia O’Kelley) wildly denounces him live on the air, and soon finds herself without a job. Rated R

Whip It

Escaping her smothering mother’s (Marcia Gay Harden) beauty pageant plans for her, small-town Texas teen Bliss (Ellen Page) joins an all-girl roller derby team in Austin and begins living a thrilling double life as Babe Ruthless — a life that might catch up with her. Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut and plays fellow teammate Smashley Simpson in this smart coming-of-age tale. Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Eve and Jimmy Fallon co-star. Rated PG-13

Zombieland

An easily spooked guy, (Jesse Eisenberg), joins forces with wild man Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) to fight for survival in a world virtually taken over by freakish zombies. As they destroy scores of the undead, they meet up with two other survivors, Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and Wichita (Emma Stone), and journey to a supposedly safe abandoned amusement park. Rated R

New Music CDs – January/February 2010

Fall Be Kind Animal Collective, CD 781.66 ANI 2009

Hospice The Antlers, CD 781.66 ANT 2009

Ben Folds Presents: University a Cappella! Ben Folds, CD 781.66 FOL 2009

Stronger with Each Tear Mary J. Blige, CD 781.63 BLI 2009

The List Rosanne Cash, CD 781.642 CAS 2009

Songs From The Heart Celtic Woman, CD 781.629 CEL 2010

Up From Below Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, CD 781.66 EDW 2009

Slice Five For Fighting, CD 781.66 FIV 2009

Embryonic The Flaming Lips, CD 781.66 FLA 2009

I Told You I Was FreakyFlight of the ConchordsCD 781.66 FLI 2009I Told You I Was Freaky is, among a great many other things, a genre-tripping tour de force and includes songs from the second series of their popular and award-winning/nominated HBO TV show.

Lungs Florence + The Machine, CD 781.66 FLO 2009

Glee: The Music, Volume 2 Glee Cast, CD 781.546 GLE 2009

2010 Grammy Nominees Various Artists, CD 781.63 GRA 2010

The Fall Norah Jones, CD 781.65 JON 2009

The Element of Freedom Alicia Keys, CD 781.63 KEY 2009

Declaration of Dependence Kings of Convenience, CD 781.66 KIN 2009

Need You Now Lady Antebellum, CD 781.642 LAD 2010

Give Yourself Away NewSong, CD 781.7 NEW 2009\

Nine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Various Artists, CD 781.542 NIN 2009

Live at Reading Nirvana, DVD 781.66 NIR 2009

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky OK Go, CD 781.66 OK 2010

Backspacer Pearl Jam, CD 781.66 PEA 2009

Transference Spoon, CD 781.66 SPO 2010

Y Not Ringo Starr, CD 781.66 STA 2010

If On A Winter’s Night… Sting, CD 781.723 STI 2009

Humanoid Tokio Hotel, CD 781.66 TOK 2009

Play On Carrie Underwood, CD 781.642 UND 2009

Contra Vampire Weekend, CD 781.66 VAM 2009

Fits White Denim, CD 781.66 WHI 2009

Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972 [Box set] Neil Young, CD 781.66 YOU 2009

The Foundation Zac Brown Band, CD 781.642 ZAC 2008

Sherlock Holmes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Hans Zimmer, CD 781.542 ZIM 2009

New Releases on DVD – December 2009

All About Steve

While Steve (Bradley Cooper) would have to disagree, socially inept Mary (Sandra Bullock) thinks he’s her true love and shamelessly pursues him around the country, egged on by Steve’s wingman, the sexist and mean Hartman (Thomas Haden Church). But the two men start feeling guilty for their callousness when they realize there’s more to Mary than her outrageous boots and wacky statements. RatedPG-13

500 Days of Summer

When his girlfriend, Summer (Zooey Deschanel), unceremoniously dumps him, greeting-card copywriter and hopeless romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins sifting through the year-plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went awry. As he recalls the good and bad times he spent with the commitment-phobic girl, his heart reawakens to what it cherishes most. Marc Webb directs this uncommon love story. Rated PG-13

The Hangover

When three friends (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper) finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can’t seem to locate their best friend, Doug (Justin Bartha) — who’s supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time. Rated R

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Emboldened by the return of Lord Voldemort, the Death Eaters are wreaking havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Hogwarts, once thought to be a safe haven, may no longer be safe. Harry suspects that new dangers may lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Harry will have to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort’s defenses, a critical piece of information known only to Horace Slughorn, Hogwarts’ former Potions Professor. Dumbledore manipulates his old colleague into returning to his previous post with promises of more money, a bigger office and the chance to teach the famous Harry Potter. Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Julie Walters. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Rated PG

Inglorious Basterds

During World War II, a group of Jewish-American guerilla soldiers, led by Lt. Aldo Raine, become known as “The Basterds.” They are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish woman who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers. A plot is set in motion to kill the Nazis at the theater’s movie premier, including Adolph Hitler. Cast: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Til Schweiger, Mélanie Laurent. Rated R

Julie & Julia

Julie Powell is a frustrated insurance worker who wants to be a writer. Trying to find a challenge in her life, she decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ in one year, and to blog about it. As Julie begins to find her groove as a cook, and her voice as a writer, the project takes on a life of its own. The project provides the struggling young woman with her life’s purpose, to her very pleasant surprise. Julia Child has an amazing love affair with her dashing husband, Paul, all while embracing life and French food. Julie lovingly celebrates the life on one of American food’s most influential and beloved figureheads. Cast: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond.  Based on the book “Julie & Julia” by Julie Powell and “My life in France” by Julia Child with Alex Prud’Homme. Rated PG-13

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

History is larger than life, and twice as funny, in this monumental comedy sequel. Larry Daley is a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come to life after dark. Now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against museum misfits who plan to take over the Smithsonian, and the world. Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Christopher Guest, Alain Chabat, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Bill Hader, Jon Bernthal, Robin Williams. Rated PG

Public Enemies

Focuses on the true story of FBI agent Melvin Purvis and his pursuit of criminals John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd during the Great Depression. Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billie Crudup, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang. Based on the book by Bryan Burrough. Rated R

New Books on CD – January 2010

Angel Time Anne Rice, CD F RIC – Haunted by his decision to become an assassin rather than a priest, Toby O’Dare is faced with an unusual decision that is presented to him by an angel.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen Christopher McDougall, CD 796.424 MCD – The true story of the tribe of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara. The author journeys into Mexican canyons to learn the secrets behind their long-distance running.

Brutal Telling Louise Penny, CD F PEN – Chief Inspector Gamache is called to investigate a murder in the Canadian vacation town of Three Pines.

A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve, CD F SHR – Margaret and Patrick have been married just a few months before they take on a year-long adventure of living in Kenya.

A Christmas Blizzard Garrison Keillor, CD F KEI – The inimitable storyteller regales us with the story of James Sparrow and his trip to North Dakota to visit his dying Uncle Earl.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog Muriel Barbery, CD F BAR – The concierge of a Parisian apartment building finds a kindred soul in a super-smart twelve-year-old who had decided to end her life on her thirteenth birthday.

Fire and Ice J.A. Jance, CD F JAN – Seattle investigator J.P. Beaumont and Arizona sheriff Joanna Brady find that their separate investigations may be related.

Ford County John Grisham, CD F GRI – The best-selling author offers a collection of short stories based in Ford County, Mississippi.

A Gate at the Stairs Lorrie Moore, CD F MOO – A much heralded novel. The author’s first in over a decade, focuses on the anxiety and disconnection of post 9/11 America.

Half Broke Horses Jeannette Walls, CD F WAL – The author of Glass Castle returns with a true-life novel about the author’s compelling, no-nonsense grandmother.

Have a Little Faith Mitch Albom, CD 296.7 ALB – While collecting the life story of an 82-year-old rabbi, the author encounters an impoverished convict turned Detroit pastor. He explores the truth behind both their worlds and messages.

Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger, CD F NIF – When their aunt dies and leaves her London flat to them, twin sisters Julia and Valentina leave Chicago for a new life in England.

Hothouse Orchid Stuart Woods, CD F WOO – After years spent trailing an internationally wanted terrorist, Special Agent Holly Barker returns to her hometown of Orchid Beach, Florida.

How to Smell a Rat: The Five Signs of Financial Fraud Ken Fisher, CD 364.153 FIS – The author presents five signs that can alert you to possible scams and thus insulate you against financial fraud.

Juliet, Naked Nick Hornby, CD F HOR – What happens when a washed-up musician looks for another chance? As he releases the acoustic version of his album, Juliet, Tucker Crowe is about to find out.

Lacuna Barbara Kingsolver, CD F KIN – The story of Harrison Shepherd who is pulled between Mexico and the United States as both nations invent their modern identities in the years before World War II.

Last Night in Twisted River John Irving, CD F IRV – In 1954, a twelve-year-old boy and his father become fugitives after a terrible hunting accident. From the author of The World According to Garp.

No Less Than Victory: A Novel of World War II Jeff Shaara, CD F SHA – The noted historical novelist’s third installment of his World War II series.

No Time to Wave Goodbye Jacquelyn Mitchard, CD F MIT – The Cappadora family is revisited in this unsettling follow-up to The Deep End of the Ocean.

Open: An Autobiography Andre Agassi, CD B AGASSI – The champion tennis player looks at his life and career, revealing the highs and lows of playing at the most elite level.

Pirate Latitudes Michael Crichton, CD F CRI – A pirate named Hunter teams up with Jamaican authorities in a plot to plunder a Spanish treasure ship.

The Professional Robert B. Parker, CD F PAR – Hired to investigate Gary Eisenhower, notorious for his affairs with married women, Spenser finds his investigation shifting from blackmail to murder.

Superfreakonomics Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, CD 330 LEV 2009 – The author of Freakonomics returns with insightful looks into global cooling, patriotic prostitutes and why suicide bombers should buy life insurance.

To Try Men’s Souls: A Novel of George Washington and the Fight for American Freedom Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen, CD F GIN – A new look at the American Revolution through the stories of Thomas Paine, General George Washington and Private Jonathan Van Dorn.

Trial by Fire J.A. Jance, CD F JAN – After a young woman is saved from a raging Arizona fire, Sister Anselm tends to the amnesiac victim. Her efforts, along with Ali Reynolds of the Yavapai County Police Department, may attract a determined killer.

True Compass: A Memoir Edward M. Kennedy, CD B KENNEDY – The extraordinary life story of the Massachusetts senator.

The Vintage Caper Peter Mayle, CD F MAY – Culinary delights, sumptuous wines, colorful characters and a lot of fun.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman Jon Krakauer, CD B TILLMAN – The remarkable life and controversial “friendly fire” death of the NFL player turned Army Ranger

New DVDs: TV Series, Nonfiction and Feature Length Films – December 2009

The Ambassador: Series 1

The Ambassador: Series 2

Harriet Smith forges ahead as Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland, one of the country’s most coveted and potentially explosive Embassy posts. Continually under fire, the Ambassador treads a minefield of Anglo-Irish tensions as she strives to prevent her personal life from clashing with her professional career– and her duty to Britain. Cast: Pauline Collins, Denis Lawson, William Chubb, Tom Connolly, Gina Moxley, Owen Rae, Eve Matheson, Peter Egan. Originally broadcast by BBC1 in 1999. Not Rated

The American Civil War

A presentation of the war that scarred the soul of a nation, uses large-scale reconstruction of key events, dramatized eyewitness accounts, period photographs, and expert commentary to tell the story of the American Civil War. (2001) Not Rated

Another Life

After impulsively jumping into marriage with her stodgy boyfriend (Nick Moran), Edith Graydon (Natasha Little) finds herself rekindling a relationship with a worldly friend (Ioan Gruffudd), which ultimately leads to forbidden passion … and murder. Based on a scandalous true story that grabbed the era’s headlines, this engrossing period drama (set mainly in 1920s England) also stars Imelda Staunton and Tom Wilkinson. (2001) Not Rated

Asteroids: Deadly Impact

This National Geographic program explores the dangers posed by future cosmic collisions of asteroids and comets with planet Earth. Features comments from geologists and astronomers, including the husband-and-wife team of Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker, discoverers of over thirty comets and hundreds of asteroids. (1997) Not Rated

Birth of Civilization

Journey back 15,000 years to trace humankind’s incredible journey through time. Beginning with humanity’s exodus from the Ice Age and chronicling milestones such as hunter-gatherer, farmer, builder, and city organizer. Reveals how humankind managed to survive and conquer the world. Explores the motivation of early humankind and its epic transformation to reveal the inspiring story of he invention of civilization. As seen on National Geographic Channel in 2007. Not Rated

The Bishop’s Wife

Cary Grant stars as an angel who materializes in answer to the prayers of a harried young bishop, David Niven. Niven’s efforts to raise money for a new cathedral have endangered his marriage to beautiful Loretta Young. Grand hopes to end the problems plaguing the family, but instead the bishop’s neglected wife becomes infatuated with him. Based on the novel by Robert Nathan. (1947) Not Rated

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

In this Blake Edwards-directed adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel, fortune hunter Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) finds herself captivated by aspiring writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard), who’s moved into her building on a wealthy woman’s (Patricia Neal) dime. (1961) Not Rated

Cactus Flower

Commitment-phobic Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) has been able to keep his girlfriend, Toni (Goldie Hawn), at bay by pretending to be stuck in a loveless marriage. But when Toni insists on meeting his missus, Julian’s forced to recruit his assistant (Ingrid Bergman) to pose as his wife. Based on the play by Jean-Pierre Grédy. (1969) Rated PG

The Camomile Lawn

Based on the novel by Mary Wesley, this made for TV drama presents the lives and loves of a family of cousins from 1939 to present. Begins with a funeral, and uses the reminiscences of those gathered to fill in details in the lives of several different family members. Cast: Felicity Kendal, Paul Eddington, Jennifer Ehle, Tara Fitzgerald, Rosemary Harris, Claire Bloom, Nicholas le Prevost. (1992) Not Rated

Charade

A comedy-mystery set in Paris about a young widow who, with the help of a handsome stranger, is trying to find the fortune her dead husband secreted away while being pursued by a trio of thugs. Cast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn. (1963) Not Rated

The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns

An epic documentary bringing life to America’s most destructive – and defining – conflict. Here is the saga of celebrated generals and the ordinary soldiers. A heroic and transcendent president and a country that had to divide itself in two in order to become one again. Originally produced as a television mini-series in 1990.  Not Rated

Clarissa: Part 1 & 2

Based on the 18th century novel by Samuel Richardson, this is the original tale of fatal attraction and dangerous liaisons. A wealthy young heiress, famed for her virtue, is sought by a man wishing to seduce and destroy her reputation. For the first time in his life he becomes genuinely infatuated with his prey, and sows the seeds of his own fate. Cast: Sean Bean, Saskia Wickham, Hermione Norris, Sean Pertwee. A Masterpiece Theatre television broadcast in 1991. Not Rated

Clatterford: The Complete Season Two

Set in a small West Country town, Jennifer Saunders’ enchanting comedy follows the continuing exploits of ex-practice nurse Sal Vine and the memorable, and not a little eccentric, members of the local Guild. Cast: Suzy Aitchison, Patrick Barlow, Rosie Cavaliero, Dawn French, Sue Johnston, Doreen Mantle, Pauline McLynn, David Mitchell, Sally Phillips, Jennifer Saunders, Salima Saxton, Maggie Steed. DVD release of the BBC television series that originally aired in 2008 under the title: Jam and Jerusalem. Not Rated

Diary of a Nobody

In this British comedy classic, Mr. Charles Pooter (Hugh Bonneville), a middle-class, middle-aged city clerk in Victorian England, chronicles his daily domestic and social frustrations in hilarious detail. Based on the novel by George and Weedon Grossmith. (2007) Not Rated

Dinosaurs Unearthed

From the National Geographic Channel, two episodes from the series, Dinosaurs Unearthed. Dino Autopsy: Leading paleontologists unlock the mysteries behind one of the most complete dinosaur mummies ever discovered. This rare specimen with its fossilized skin and tissue intact, is bringing us closer than ever to understanding how dinosaurs lived, looked, and moved. Dino Death Trap: The fossilized remains of Tyrannosaurus rex’s great-grandfather are unearthed in China’s Gobi desert, revealing what the T-rex looked like before they grew so gigantic. State-of-the-art research techniques and amazing new footage of dinosaur mummies reveal fascinating new clues about the lives of the prehistoric giants who once ruled the Earth. Not Rated

Disraeli

Initially mocked and ridiculed at his attempt to rise within British government, Benjamin Disraeli used his fame as a writer of scandalous novels and his charm with influential women to make remarkable strides in Parliament. Eventually, he became the first and only Jewish-born Prime minister to serve in the history of Britain. Cast: Ian McShane, Mary Peach, John Carlisle. (1978) Not Rated

Doc Martin

Doc Martin: Series 2

When the brilliant but socially awkward and neurotic Doc Martin develops an aversion to blood, he abandons his career as a celebrated London surgeon and becomes the only doctor in a sleepy small town where his tactless manner soon has everybody in an uproar. Cast: Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz, Stephanie Cole, Ian McNeice, Lucy Punch, Joe Absolom. Originally broadcast on British television in 2004. Not Rated

Dogtown: Friends in Need

This National Geographic Channel special follows the Best Friends team of experts and volunteers as they struggle to treat some of the most ill and neglected animals they’ve encountered to date, including victims of Hurricane Katrina and a special case from country legend Emmylou Harris’ Tennessee animal rescue.  Not Rated

Earthquake

When the most catastrophic earthquake of all time rips through Southern California, it levels Los Angeles and sends shock waves through the lives of all who live there. Cast: Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Genevieve Bujold, Richard Roundtree. (1974) Rated PG

The English Civil War

This documentary features battle re-enactments, dramatized eyewitness accounts, and period imagery to describe Oliver Cromwell’s war on the English throne. (2001) Not Rated

Fireside Christmas with Chanticleer

This is not your average, every Christmas Yule Log. This Yule Log showcases one of the world’s leading ensembles performing the pure sounds of music from long ago. Chaticleer’s hauntingly beautiful singing captures the true essence and spirit of Christmas past. So forget all that canned Log music, go for the real thing and feel the warmth of your virtual fire throughout the radiant sounds of Grammy award winning Chaticleer.

First Among Equals

Beginning in 1964, this British television drama follows the careers of four members of Parliament from their backbench days through 20-plus years of alliances and betrayals, triumphs and reversals. Each man aims to become prime minister– but only one will succeed. Cast: Jeremy Child, James Faulkner, David Robb, Tom Wilkinson. Based on the novel by Jeffrey Archer. (1986)

Full Metal Corset: Secret Soldiers of the Civil War

The History Channel explores the stories behind the many hundreds of women who disguised themselves as men and secretly enlisted to fight in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War.

The Glittering Prizes

Frederick Raphael’s tale portrays the hopes and frustrations of an entire generation through the story of a group of friends who meet at Cambridge University in the 1950s. Six 80-min. episodes follow the evolution of these college students through the 1960s and into the 1970s where their lives diverge and they struggle with emotional disillusionment and varying levels of worldly success. Featuring: Tom Conti, Barbara Kellerman. (1976 BBC) Not Rated

A Guide for the Married Man

Paul, a happily married father of one, is nonetheless intrigued by his pal Ed’s many extramarital affairs. In a series of lessons and parables, Ed gives Paul a crash course in how to have the perfect affair while still being considerate of one’s wife. Cast: Walter Matthau, Robert Morse, Inger Stevens, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny. (1967) Rated PG

Hello Dolly

Musical set in the 1890’s about a professional matchmaker who meets her match. Cast: Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford, Louis Armstrong. Based on “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder. (1969) Rated G

House Calls

Middle-aged widower Dr. Charley Nichols (Walter Matthau) treads the scary waters of the dating scene. Charley tries to be a suave swinger but feels like a fish out of water. Things change when he meets divorcee Ann (Glenda Jackson); the two engage in a comical courtship in which neither will commit to a serious relationship. At the same time, Charley butts heads with a head doctor (Art Carney). Richard Benjamin co-stars. (1978) Rated PG

Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil War

Discover one of the more obscure, yet fascinating aspects of the Civil War era: the contribution of thousands of Native American soldiers. With the help of respected authors Thom Hatch and Lawrence Hauptman, this program reconstructs the stories of some of these forgotten men. Originally broadcast on The History Channel in 2006. Not Rated

Inspector Lewis: Series 2

Oxford’s Inspector Robert Lewis, protégé of the legendary Inspector Morse, works with his brilliant, but brooding partner, Detective Sergeant James Hathaway. The two try to find a link between a murder in Oxford’s Bodleian Library; a burglary gone wrong leads from underground amateur boxing to the now-defunct East German Secret Police; the suicide of Hathaway’s old friend test his relationship with Lewis; a case of rape and murder causes Lewis to lock horns with the town’s elite; a fantasy author finds himself linked to an investigation of murder; the murder of an unpopular student-actor gives many potential suspects and motives; called to investigate a brutal murder, Hathaway’s attention may be drifting elsewhere. Cast: Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox, Clare Holman, Rebecca Front. Inspired by the Inspector Morse novels of Colin Dexter. (2008) Not Rated

Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns

Ten episodes tracing the history of jazz from its roots in the African-American community of New Orleans to its heights and continuing presence. Narrated by Keith David. (2000) Not Rated

Kavanagh Q.C.: Memento Mori Set

Kavanagh Q.C.: Mute of Malice Set

Kavanagh Q.C.: A Sense of Loss Set

James Kavanagh QC (Queen’s Counsel) is one of the top flight barristers in Britain. Each episode has him handling challenging cases and defendants which put his skills to the test regularly. All the while, his family often encounters rough patches that require much of his free time as well. Cast: John Thaw, Oliver Ford Davies, Nicholas Jones, Valerie Edmond, Rebecca Front.  Not Rated

King Corn

Fueled by curiosity and a dash of naiveté, college buddies Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis return to their ancestral home of Greene, Iowa, to find out how the modest corn kernel conquered America. With the help of real farmers, powerful fertilizer, government aid, and genetically modified seeds, the friends manage to grow one acre of corn. Along the way, they unlock the hidden truths about America’s modern food system.  Originally released as a documentary in 2006. Not Rated

Korean War Stories

In this Emmy Award winning PBS program, veterans share their stories, their memories, thoughts and feelings of the Korean War. Individuals interviewed include: former U.S. Senator John Glenn and U.S. Senator John S. Warner, baseball player Ted Williams, musician Willie Nelson, former U.S Secretary of State James Baker, Rep. Charles Rangel, N.Y., Lt. Colonel Charles B. “Brad” Smith, Gen. Raymond Davis, and many others. (2001) Not Rated

Lark Rise to Candleford: The Complete Season One

This 2008 BBC-TV series follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, a small hamlet gently holding onto the past, and Candleford, a neighboring market town bustling into the future. When young Laura Timmins leaves Lark Rise for a job at the Candleford post office, she discovers an eye-opening, exciting new world. Cast: Olivia Hallinan, Dawn French, Julia Sawalha, Liz Smith, Brendan Coyle, Claudie Blakley, Mark Heap, Ben Miles, Olivia Grant, Linda Bassett, Karl Johnson. Adapted from Flora Thompson’s memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood. Not Rated

Lillie

This Masterpiece Theatre production portrays the acclaimed British actress and courtesan Lillie Langtry from the blush of youth to the blight of old age. At a time when society expected women to be docile and demure, Lillie posed for celebrity endorsements, conducted her own business affairs, and paid her first husband to keep his distance. Even more scandalously, she openly entertained a string of lovers among Europe’s elite, including the very married Prince of Wales. Cast: Francesca Annis, Anton Rodgers, Denis Lill, Peter Egan, Patrick Holt, John Castle, Joanna David. (1979) Not Rated

Nancherrow

In 1947 post-war Britain food is scarce, the servants are gone and Diana Carey-Lewis is mourning the loss of her husband, the long-time master of Nancherrow. The massive family home now passes to their rebellious daughter, Loveday. The cold, damp walls of Nancherrow hold many secrets and demand a high price for all who live in its foreboding shadow. Cast: Joanna Lumley, Christian Kohlund, Katie Ryder Richardson, Senta Berger, Patrick Ryecart, Susan Hampshire, Donald Sinden, George Asprey, Robert Hardy, Lynda Baron, Patrick Macnee. Based on the novel “Coming Home” by Rosamunde Pilcher. (1999) Not Rated

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

This film by Ken Burns, traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years. Using archival photographs, first-person accounts of historical characters, personal memories and analysis from more than 40 interviews, and what Burns believes is the most stunning cinematography in Florentine Films’ history, the series chronicles the steady addition of new parks through the stories of the people who helped create them and save them from destruction.

The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency: The Complete First Season

Chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotste, the cheerful proprietor of Botswana’s first and only female-owned detective agency. Cast: Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, Lucian Msamati, Desmond Dube. Based on the novels by Alexander McCall Smith. (2009) Not Rated

North by Northwest

In this classic suspense film from Alfred Hitchcock, Roger Thornhill is a New York advertising executive who is kidnapped by a gang of spies who believes Thornhill is George Kaplan, a CIA agent. Thornhill escapes, but must find Kaplan in order to clear himself of a murder that Kaplan is accused of committing. Following Kaplan to Chicago as a fugitive from justice, Thornhill is helped by beautiful Eve Kendall.  Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis. (1959) Not Rated

The Photographers

Ten National Geographic photographers discuss work experiences. (2000) Not Rated

Pie in the Sky

After 25 years in the force, Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe has lost his appetite for the job. He plans to take early retirement and open his dream restaurant, Pie in the Sky. But his accountant wife, Margaret, doesn’t think the numbers add up. And his boss, ACC Fisher needs him around to handle those delicate cases at which he excels. Although craving retirement, Crabbe discovers that crime solving can be just as hard to resist as his signature steak and kidney pie. Cast: Richard Griffiths, Maggie Steed, Malcolm Sinclair. (1994) Not Rated

Project Runway: The Complete Fifth Season

Features host Heidi Klum, co-host Tim Gunn, and a panel of judges, with celebrity guests including Natalie Portman and Brooke Shields, and never-before-seen footage as the next group of wannabe designers takes the stage. Rating: TV14.

Queen Victoria’s Empire

This PBS Empires series episode looks at  Queen Victoria and the figures who shaped British imperialism. Uses personal accounts and historical reenactments in Britain, India, and Africa to reveal the frequent clash of personality and culture that would mark Queen Victoria’s reign and tells the story of how a small island nation would come to control three-fourths of the world’s trade and one-fifth of its population in one of the greatest empires the world has known. (2000) Not Rated

A Rather English Marriage

From Masterpiece Theater, after Reggie Conyngham-Jervis, a wealthy ex-fighter pilot, and Roy Southgate, a retired milkman, are widowed on the same night, they decide to overlook their differences and move in together. Soon, their unlikely relationship is threatened by the arrival of an alluring woman with a hidden agenda. Cast: Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay, Joanna Lumley. (1998) Not Rated

Roman Holiday

Audrey Hepburn, the essence of 1950s chic, stars in an Oscar-winning performance as a cosseted European princess who goes AWOL in Rome and is soon taken under the wing of tabloid journalist Gregory Peck and his photographer sidekick, Eddie Albert. She thinks the boys don’t suspect who she really is, but they’re onto her — and sense a sensational story if they can just keep Audrey’s handlers from retrieving her too soon. (1953) Not Rated

San Francisco’s Great Quake

On April 18, 1906, the greatest natural disaster in American history struck without warning. This National Geographic special tells the terrifying and inspiring tale of a pitched battle between man and nature told by the stories of people who lived through it. (2004) Not Rated

Sensitive Skin: The Complete Seasons One and Two

This BBC-TV series looks at life through the eyes of a successful couple living in metropolitan London. Along with their friends, Al and Davina Jackson struggle with sexual temptation and professional jealousy and try to cope with their fear of the future. Cast: Joanna Lumley, Denis Lawson. (2005 and 2007) Not Rated

The Spanish Civil War

The war that changed the course of Spanish history features archival film and location footage, plus dramatized eyewitness accounts to describe the struggle between the supporters and opponents of the Spanish Second Republic between 1936-1939. (2001) Not Rated

They All Laughed

New York’s Odyssey Detective Agency is hired by two different clients to follow two beautiful women suspected of infidelity. Soon the detectives become romantically involved with the women they are trailing. Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara, John Ritter, Dorothy Stratten, Colleen Camp, Patti Hansen, George Morfogen, Blaine Novak, Sean Ferrer, Linda MacEwen. (1981) Rated PG

The Three Tenors Christmas

The world’s three most famous operatic tenors — Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti — met in Vienna for a special Christmas-themed concert, and this DVD features highlights from their holiday show. (2000)

Trial & Retribution: Set 3

The grueling work of Det. Chief Supt. Michael Walker (David Hayman) and his squad continues as they investigate a variety of baffling crimes in this collection of feature-length episodes from the British police procedural series. In these installments, Walker’s department attempts to find a newlywed who vanishes on his honeymoon, probes the suspicious death of a young girl and tries to solve a disturbing rape-and-murder case. Created and written by Lynda La Plante.  (2005) Not Rated

Wallis & Edward

Edward, Prince of Wales, has a string of mistresses until he falls for American divorcee Wallis Simpson. When he becomes King of England, he must give her up, which divides him between the love for a woman and his duty to his country. Cast: Joely Richardson, Stephen Campbell Moore, Miriam Margolyes, Margaret Tyzack. (2005) Not Rated

We’re No Angels

Three convicts escape from Devil’s Island and arrive at a nearby French colonial town. Their plan to steal supplies and clothing from the local store is ruined after they take a liking to the store’s owner, especially his attractive daughter. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Joan Bennett, Basil Rathbone, and  Leo G. Carroll. (1955) Not Rated

Wycliffe: Series 2

The wild, craggy Cornish coast seems ideal for hiding serious crimes, but forthright and observant Detective Superintendent Wycliffe leads an investigative team charged with solving each baffling case. Cast: Jack Shepherd, Jimmy Yuill, Helen Masters, Tim Wylton, Aaron Harris, Adam Barker. Based on the novels by W. J. Burley. Not Rated

Music CDs – November&December 2009

Alter the Ending Dashboard Confessional, CD 781.66 DAS 2009

Attention Deficit Wale, CD 781.649 WAL 2009

Battle Studies John Mayer, CD 781.66 MAY 2009

Beauty Will Rise Steven Curtis Chapman, CD 781.7 CHA 2009

Before I Self Destruct 50 Cent, CD 781.649 FIF 2009

Bernstein: Mass Jubilant Sykes, CD 782.323 BER 2009

The Bridge Melanie Fiona, CD 781.643 FIO 2009

Church Music David Crowder*Band, CD 782.254 DAV 2009

The Circle / When We Were Beautiful Bon Jovi, CD 781.66 BON 2009

Cosmic Egg Wolfmother, CD 781.66 WOL 2009

Desperate Measures Hollywood Undead, CD 781.66 HOL 2009

Easy Does It Jake Owen, CD 781.642 OWE 2009

ECHO Leona Lewis, CD 781.63 LEW 2009

En Concert Jack Johnson, CD 781.66 JOH 2009

Glee: The Music, Volume 1 Glee Cast, CD 781.546 GLE 2009

Hello Hurricane Switchfoot, CD 781.66 SWI 2009

I and Love and You The Avett Brothers, CD 781.642 AVE 2009

Just Like You Allison Iraheta, CD 781.63 IRA 2009

Kris Allen Kris Allen, CD 781.63 ALL 2009

The Live Anthology Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, CD 781.66 PET 2009

The Long Way Home Terri Clark, CD 781.642 CLA 2009

Love Unstoppable Fred Hammond, CD 782.254 HAM 2009

Memento Mori Flyleaf, CD 781.66 FLY 2009

Monsters Of Folk Monsters of Folk, CD 781.66 MON 2009

Natural Forces Lyle Lovett, CD 781.642 LOV 2009

Ocean Eyes Owl City, CD 781.66 OWL 2009

Old Things New Joe Nichols, CD 781.642 NIC 2009

Out Standing In Their Field Steve Morse, CD 781.643 STE 2009

Raditude Weezer, CD 781.66 WEE 2009

Revolution Miranda Lambert, CD 781.642 LAM 2009

The Singles Collection Britney Spears, CD 781.63 SPE 2009

Splendor in the Grass Pink Martini, CD 781.63 PIN 2009

Soulbook Rod Stewart, CD 781.63 STE 2009

Still BeBe Winans/CeCe Winans, CD 781.643 WIN 2009

Strict Joy The Swell Season, CD 781.66 SWE 2009

Take One Adam Lambert, CD 781.63 LAM 2009

Them Crooked Vultures Them Crooked Vultures, CD 781.66 THE 2009

Until The Whole World Hears Casting Crowns, CD 781.7 CAS 2009

Waking Up OneRepublic, CD 781.63 ONE 2009

Your Songs Harry Connick Jr., CD 781.65 CON 2009

New DVDs: TV Series, Nonfiction and Feature Length Films – November 2009

An Awfully Big Adventure

An engaging comedy about a star-struck young girl lured into the grown-up world of the theater. Young Stella Bradshaw quickly discovers what it takes to make it in the theater. Cast: Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Georgina Cates, Peter Firth. (1995) Rated R

The Barefoot Contessa

With extraordinary beauty, talent and grace, Spanish dancer Maria Vargas was born to be a star. Aided by American movie director Harry Dawes, she attains great success and fortune in Hollywood’s land of dreams. But, though she gives her all for stardom, there is one thing Maria will never compromise – her soul. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien, Marius Goring, Valentina Cortesa, Rossano Brazzi, Warren Stevens, Bessie Love, Elizabeth Sellars. (1954) Not Rated

Battlestar Gallactica: The Plan

The Cylons began as humanity’s robot servants. They rebelled and evolved and now they look like humans. Their plan is simple: destroy the race that enslaved them. But when their devastating attack leaves human survivors, the Cylons have to improvise. The story of two powerful Cylon leaders, working separately, and their determination to finish the task. Cast: Tricia Helfer, Edward James Olmos, Grace Park, Callum Keith Rennie, Dean Stockwell, Kate Vernon, Michael Trucco, Michael Hogan, Rekha Sharma, Aaron Douglas, Alisen Down. Not Rated

Beyond Christmas

While three elderly businessmen are having a Christmas Eve dinner, they are visited by two kind-hearted strangers who return their wallets. The men are all killed in a blizzard, but return to Earth as the couple’s guardian angels. Cast: Harry Carey, Charles Winninger, Aubrey Smith, Jean Parker, Richard Carlson. (1940) Not Rated

The Bridge on the River Kwai

British soldiers captured by the Japanese during World War II are forced to construct a strategic railroad bridge which a commando team is instructed by the British High Command to destroy. Cast: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald, Ann Sears, Geoffrey Horne. Based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. (1957) Rated PG

California Suite

Five couples have come to the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles for diverse reasons, and they must all confront some rather amusing personal dilemmas. Cast: Alan Alda, Michael Caine, Bill Cosby, Jane Fonda, Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Richard Pryor, Maggie Smith. Screenplay by Neil Simon. (1978) Rated PG

Call Me Claus

Lucy is a cranky, volatile producer at a home shopping network in charge of hiring the station’s on-air Santa Claus. The “real” Santa, who finds himself at the end of his 200-year contract, must convince Lucy that she is the perfect candidate to fill his shoes. Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Nigel Hawthorne, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Victor Garber, Taylor Negron, Frankie R. Faison, Alexandra Wentworth. (2001) Not Rated

Candide

Leonard Bernstein’s comic operetta is based on the classic Voltaire tale of an innocent young man’s journey through a life filled with colorful characters and unexpected life lessons. Cast: Robert Orth (Pangloss), Michael Slattery (Candide), Nancy Allen Lundy (Cunegonde), Gabriele Ribis, Rosalind Elias, Hilda Ramos. Recorded in the Teatro Argentina, Rome, Italy, June 2003.

Dogtown

This National Geographic special profiles life at Dogtown, a sanctuary for stray dogs located in Utah’s canyon country and part of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Shows how sanctuary workers transform problem dogs into well-behaved pets. (2008)

Fail Safe

A computer malfunction causes nuclear-equipped American bombers to destroy Moscow and the president of the United States has to take terrible measures to appease the Soviets and prevent all-out nuclear war. Cast: Henry Fonda, Dan O’Herlihy, Walter Matthau, Frank Overton, Edward Binns, Larry Hagman, Fritz Weaver. (1964) Not Rated

Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens

Based on the book Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel and produced as an episode of the PBS television series: Nova. A dramatization of the life and achievements of 17th century Tuscan astronomer Galileo Galilei. Focuses on Galilei’s struggles with the Catholic Church over his controversial theory that the earth revolves around the sun.

Hamlet

Hamlet, a prince of medieval-era Denmark, senses treachery behind his royal father’s death. His mother is all too dangerously entangled in that treachery. This film portrays Shakespeare’s immortal tale of high adventure and evil deeds. Cast: Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, Paul Scofield, Ian Holm, Helena Bonham-Carter. (1990) Rated PG

The Haunted Airman

RAF Flight Lieutenant Toby Jugg is wounded during the war and confined to a wheelchair. He arrives at a remote mansion in Wales to recuperate. While recovering he begins to suffer from terrible nightmares and visions. Toby finds that he can’t trust the hospital staff and psychologists, especially once other patients begin to die. Cast: Julian Sands, Rachael Stirling, Robert Pattinson.  Based on “The Haunting of Toby Jugg” by Dennis Wheatley. (2006) Rated R

Incredible Human Machine

Brilliantly designed and marvelous in its mechanics, the human body is incredible. With stunning footage and powerful first hand accounts, take a fantastic journey through an ordinary day in the life of the human body. Witness striking feats of medical advancement, from glimpses of open-brain surgery to real-time views of Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler’s vocal chords. Meet athletes and other unique people who push the human body to its ultimate limits.  As seen on the National Geographic Channel.

Inside Mecca

This National Geographic special examines the spiritually charged history of Mecca and its place at the center of the fastest growing and perhaps most misunderstood religion in the world.  (2003)

Inside the U.S. Secret Service

Originally broadcast on the National Geographic Channel in 2004.  In the post-9/11 world, where the stakes have dramatically escalated, the Secret Service agent is the first and last defense for the President of the United States. Agents operate in an arena where there is no margin for error. Go inside and meet the dedicated men and women who are sworn to protect the President at any cost. Get an agent’s-eye view of the daily challenges faced through the decades by Secret Service veterans, from keeping tabs on the president’s children to dealing with the privacy of the First Family.

Inside the Vatican

National Geographic, with unprecedented access, provides a rare glimpse inside the secret archives and private chapels of the Vatican.  Privileged accounts from Vatican officials, historians, and devoted individuals who work closely with Pope John Paul II provide insight into the remarkable history of the holy city and the unique traditions that have survived for nearly 2000 years.  (2002)

Inside the White House

This National Geographic documentary, narrated by Morgan Freeman, takes viewers on an in-depth tour of the White House, including its private quarters. Interviews with White House staff members as well as every President and First Lady living at the time of production are included, as is a behind-the-scenes look at a state dinner preparation.

Inspector Lewis: The Pilot and Complete First Series

Following the death in 2000 of his eponymous mentor in Inspector Morse, Sergeant Lewis was promoted to Inspector and took a two-year sabbatical in the British Virgin Isles. Newly widowed, he now returns to Oxford and soon finds himself in charge of his own murder case. But it is notes that Morse made on an earlier case which help Lewis solve his case. Cast: Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox, Clare Holman, Rebecca Front. Inspired by the Inspector Morse novels of Colin Dexter. (2006) Not Rated

Journey to the Edge of the Universe

This National Geographic production uses CGI technology created from images taken by the Hubble Telescope to present a view of outer space.

Look Back in Anger

Fierce, funny, and cathartic, John Osborne’s classic ‘kitchen sink’ drama as directed by Academy Award winner Judi Dench is a masterpiece of ensemble acting.  Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Gerard Horan, Siobhan Redmond, Edward Jewesbury. (1989) Not Rated

Love in the Afternoon

Frank Flannegan, an American playboy infamous for his scandalous affairs is smitten by Ariane, the beautiful, innocent daughter of the worldly detective, hired by a man who believes that Frank is carrying on with his wife. Frank turns out to be no match for Ariane and they stumble through one of the funniest seductions. Cast: Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, Maurice Chevalier, John McGiver. (1957) Not Rated

A Month by the Lake

Two women pursue a handsome bachelor at a luxurious lakeside resort. Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, Uma Thurman, Alida Valli.  Based on the novel by H.E. Bates. (1995) Rated PG

Metropolitan

When a group of young sophisticated high society friends in New York take in a new member with more humble origins, they begin to learn what life is like outside their sheltered world. Cast: Carolyn Farina, Edward Clements, Taylor Nichols, Christopher Eigeman, Allison Rutledge-Parisi, Dylan Hundley. (1990) Rated PG-13.

A Midwife’s Tale

Dramatic exploration of the life of Martha Ballard, a woman who lived through the economic boom and bust, and political and social turmoil of the decades following the American Revolution. Based on the book by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. (1997) Not Rated

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Christmas is the perfect season for Clark Griswold and his family. Clark’s a disaster waiting to happen. You have to see it to believe it. There are 25,000 lights on the Griswold rooftop. An exploding turkey. And a house full of relatives. Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Diane Ladd, John Randolph, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Julia Louis-Dreyfus. (1989) Rated PG-13

Quartet

The quartet consists of novelist Marya Zelli, her Polish husband, Stephen, wealthy philanderer/artist H.J. Heidler and his wife, Lois. Though she has been indulgent of H.J.’s past indiscretions, Lois isn’t keen on her husband carrying on an affair with Marya under their own roof. Meanwhile, Stephen sits in prison, jailed for his various petty thefts. Once Stephen is released, he learns about the triangle. When the dust settles, it is Marya who suffers the most. Cast: Alan Bates, Maggie Smith, Isabelle Adjani, Anthony Higgins. Based on the novel by Jean Rhys. (1981) Not Rated

Roberto Clemente

This episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, tells the story of Roberto Clemente, an exceptional baseball player and committed humanitarian who challenged racial discrimination to become baseball’s first Latino superstar. Not Rated

Secrets of the Titanic

This National Geographic special documents Dr. Robert Ballard’s famous expedition, the first to uncover the passenger ship Titanic that had sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean seventy years earlier.

Shroud for a Nightingale

Adam Dalgliesh visits John Carpenter Hospital to interview an arms dealer, but while he is there, a nurse dies a horrible and violent death during a teaching demonstration. Cast: Roy Marsden, Joss Ackland, Sheila Allen, Liz Fraser, Thelma Whiteley, Andree Evans, John Vine. Based on the novel by P. D. James. (1986) Not Rated

Six Degrees Could Change the World

This National Geographic program discusses why many scientists believe that the Earth’s average temperature could rise by as much as six degrees Celsius by 2100. Explores what each rising degree could mean for the future of humanity and our planet. Illustrates how global warming has already affected the reefs of Australia, the ice fields of Greenland, and the Amazonian rain forest. Explains what’s real, what’s still controversial, and how existing technologies and remedies could help dial back the global thermometer.  (2008)

State of the Union

When an idealistic businessman is chosen to run for President, he is caught between the ruthless ambition of a string-pulling newspaper owner and the integrity of his devoted wife. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Van Johnson, Angela Lansbury, Adolph Menjou, Lewis Stone.  Based on the play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. (1948) Not Rated

A Touch of Frost: Season 14

Three episodes from the British detective series featuring Detective Inspector Jack Frost, a policeman who approaches his cases with a dry wit and sense of moral justice. Cast: David Jason, Bruce Alexander, John Lyons. Based on characters created by R.D. Wingfield. Not Rated

Twice upon a Yesterday

Victor, an out of work actor, tries to stop his ex-girlfriend, Sylvia, from marrying another man. When she refuses him, Victor is miraculously given a second chance to go back and correct the mistake which led to their break-up.Cast: Lena Headey, Douglas Henshall, Penelope Cruz, Gustavo Salmeron, Eusebio Lazaro, Mark Strong, Charlotte Coleman, Neil Stuke, Elizabeth McGovern. (1999) Rated R

Unnatural Causes

Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh investigates the bizarre murder of a man with his hands cut off found floating in a dinghy out at sea. Cast: Roy Marsden, Simon Chandler, Kenneth Colley, Mel Martin, Bill Nighy. Based on the novel by P.D. James. (1993) Not Rated

Vietnam: A Television History: The Fall of Saigon

Three episodes from Vietnam, a Television History, looks at the end of the war, peace efforts by diplomats in Paris and the American opinion of the Vietnam War.

Volcano: Nature’s Inferno

This National Geographic special explains what a volcano is, explores how volcanoes build new land mass, and chronicles past volcanic eruptions throughout the world. Features comments from leading volcanologists and visits to some of the world’s most famous volcanoes including Mount Pinatubo in the Phillipines and Mount Unzen in Japan. (1997)

Woman of the Year

In this hilarious excursion into the battle of the sexes, Tracy plays Sam Craig, the down-to-earth sportswriter of the New York Chronicle. As Tess Harding, the paper’s bright international columnist, Hepburn makes his life miserable. As soon as they start taking swipes at each other in their columns, there is little peace between them. In the office and in the bedroom the squabbling continues, until their problems are overcome by their deep love for each other. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Fay Bainter, Reginald Owen. (1942) Not Rated

New Releases on DVD – November 2009

The Accidental Husband

When New York’s most practical-minded ‘doctor of love’ convinces one of her distraught callers to break off her engagement, the caller’s unpredictable fiance decides to get revenge. Creating a fake marriage license, he ‘accidentally’ weds himself to the doctor, who is already engaged. A wildly unpredictable romance is set in motion that neither one expects to find. Cast: Uma Thurman, Colin Firth, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Rated PG-13

Angels & Demons

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon discovers evidence of the resurgence of the most powerful underground organization in history, the Illuminati. Upon learning of an unstoppable terrorist act against the Vatican, Langdon travels to Rome and joins forces with Italian scientist Vittoria Vetra and together they will follow the 400-year-old Path of Illumination that leads to the Vatican’s only chance for survival. Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgård, Pierfrancesco Favino, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Armin Mueller-Stahl.  Based on the novel by Dan Brown. Rated PG-13

The Answer Man

Reclusive author Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels) — who’s intentionally been out of the spotlight since he penned an inspirational self-help book two decades ago — finds himself in need of spiritual healing in this quirky indie romance. Though everyone still looks to Arlen for answers, he’s an emotional cipher without a clue … until he meets an angst-ridden, overprotective single mom (Lauren Graham) and a recovering alcoholic (Lou Taylor Pucci). Rated R

Bruno

Flamboyantly gay Austrian television reporter Bruno (Sacha Baron Cohen) stirs up trouble with unsuspecting guests and large crowds through brutally frank interviews and painfully hilarious public displays of homosexuality. An incredible chameleon who completely disappears behind his flaming alter ego, the bold Baron Cohen serves up nonstop laughs in this comedy by successfully rubbing people the wrong way. Rated R

Four Christmases

Every Christmas, Brad and Kate escape divorced parents and exasperating relatives by getting on a plane. But this year, heavy fog shuts down the airport, forcing the couple to celebrate Christmas with four sets of relatives. Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Kristin Chenoweth, Jon Voight, Sissy Spacek. Rated PG-13

Funny People

When a famous comedian discovers that he has less than a year to live, he decides to return to the places and people that matter to him the most. Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman. Rated R

I Love You, Beth Cooper

When bookish high school valedictorian Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) uses his graduation speech to express his adoration for resident hottie Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere), he gets the shock of his life when she responds by showing up on his doorstep that very night. Rated PG-13

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Manny and the herd discover a lost world of ferocious dinosaurs while Scrat goes nuts over the beautiful Scratte. Voices: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah. Rated PG

Is Anybody There?

Growing up in a seaside nursing home run by his parents takes its toll on 10-year-old Edward (Bill Milner), but things begin to look up for the lonely boy when a retired magician (Michael Caine) with a zest for life moves in. Set in the 1980s, this poignant tale follows the developing friendship between Clarence — a spirited old troublemaker hiding from his past — and death-obsessed Edward, a youngster unable to live life in the moment. Rated PG-13

My Sister’s Keeper

A former defense attorney (Cameron Diaz) finds herself back in the courtroom when she and her husband (Jason Patric) are sued for medical emancipation by their 11-year-old daughter, Anna (Abigail Breslin), who is expected to donate a kidney to her dying older sister. The subsequent trial tests ethical boundaries and the limits of parental love. Joan Cusack and Alec Baldwin round out the cast in this powerful drama based on Jodi Picoult’s novel. Rated PG-13

Not Forgotten

Every family has its secrets, and it’s those secrets that come back to haunt banker Jack Bishop (Simon Baker) when the disappearance of his daughter, Toby (Chloe Moretz), disrupts his picture-perfect life in a Southwest border town. Forced to face his past, Bishop travels to Mexico and back into the thrall of his former faith — the death-worshipping cult of Santa Muerte — as he searches for Toby.  Rated R

Nothing Like the Holidays

Debra Messing and John Leguizmo head up an all-star cast in this multicultural ensemble comedy that follows a trio of Puerto Rican siblings on their way home to Chicago for a Christmas season family reunion. Directed by Alfredo De Villa, the holiday tale also features performances by Alfred Molina, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, Freddy Rodriguez, Vanessa Ferlito and Melonie Diaz. Rated PG-13

Star Trek

Capt. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his trusted team on the starship USS Enterprise boldly go where no man has gone before in this installment of Gene Roddenberry’s sci-fi franchise that follows the early days of the intergalactic adventurers. The crew includes Spock (Zachary Quinto), Chekov (Anton Yelchin), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg) and Sulu (John Cho). Eric Bana co-stars, and Leonard Nimoy appears as an older version of Spock. Rated PG-13

The Taking of Pelham 123

When a group of hijackers led by criminal mastermind Ryder (John Travolta) take the passengers aboard a New York subway train hostage and demand a king’s ransom, it’s up to subway dispatcher Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) to bring them down. This action thriller — an update of the 1974 film — also stars James Gandolfini, John Turturro, Luis Guzmán and Michael Rispoli.  Rated R

The Ugly Truth

The search for ‘Mr. Right’ has left Abby, a romantically challenged morning show producer hopelessly single. She receives an eye-opening education when she gets teamed up with Mike, a hardcore TV personality who wants to prove his theories on what makes men tick by helping her find true love. The unexpected results may surprise them both. Cast: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Eric Winter, John Michael Higgins, Nick Searcy, Kevin Connolly, Cheryl Hines. Rated R

Up

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. Rated PG

Whatever Works

While falling for a young Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood), an aging New York City eccentric (Larry David) finds himself caught in a series of bizarre situations involving the girl’s parents and his own Greenwich Village group of pals. Written and directed by Woody Allen, this romantic comedy also stars Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Michael McKean and Henry Cavill. Rated PG-13