Audio/Visual

New DVDs: TV Series and Feature Length Films – December 2008

Richelle

‘Allo ‘Allo: The Complete Series Seven

René, a French café owner during World War II, wants only to run his café and enjoy the occassional transgression with his waitresses. Now the Germans and the Resistance want him executed, his mother-in-law is missing, and he is smuggling food to a downed British airmen in a storm drain.  Cast: Gorden Kaye, Richard Marner, Carmen Silvera, Kim Hartman, Vicki Michelle, Richard Gibson, Kirsten Cooke, Guy Siner, Arthur Bostrom, Sue Hodge, Kenneth Connor.  Originally broadcast on BBC TV in 1991. Not Rated

 

‘Allo ‘Allo: The Complete Series Eight

Things are looking up for René Artois. The British airmen have finally escaped to England, Captain Bertorelli and his Italian troops have gone home, and the war is going badly for the Germans. Could this mean the return to a peaceful life? Cast: Gorden Kaye, Richard Marner, Carmen Silvera, Kim Hartman, Vicki Michelle, Richard Gibson, Kirsten Cooke, Guy Siner, Arthur Bostrom, Sue Hodge, Kenneth Connor.  Originally broadcast on the BBC during the 1991-1992 season.  Not Rated.

 

‘Allo ‘Allo: The Complete Series Nine

The end of the war is in sight and Rene is eagerly anticipating a quick return to normalcy. Unfortunately, this is Nouvion, and normalcy will have to wait. Cast: Gorden Kaye, Ricahrd Marner, Carmen Silvera, Kim Hartman, Vicki Michelle. Originally broadcast as a BBC television series in 1992.  Not rated.

 

 

Byron

Relive the true story of one of history’s greatest romantic and tragic heroes. Byron was a figure who defined the romantic spirit of the early 19th century. In five days he rises from obscurity to superstar status, but throws it all away in a scandal.  Cast: Jonny lee Miller, Natasha Little, Vanessa Redgrave, Julie Cox, Philip Glenister. A 2005 BBC Production.  Not Rated.

 

Count Dracula

Jonathan Harker visits the Count in Transylvania to help him with preparations to move to England. It is in the Count’s castle that Jonathan becomes a prisoner, and discovers Dracula’s true nature. Cast: Louis Jourdan, Frank Finlay, Susan Penhaligon, Judi Bowker, Mark Burns, Jack Shepherd.  Based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Originally broadcast on BBC TV in 1977.  Not rated.

 

Mulberry: The Complete Series

Mulberry, the cheerful Cockney son of Death and Springtime, starts his “career” as the Grim Reaper’s apprentice when he is sent to collect the acerbic and reclusive Miss Farnaby. He instead joins the staff in her creaky manor house, becomes her personal servant, and endeavors to help her enjoy life during the three month extension grudgingly granted by his dad. What will happen when winter ends and spring arrives? Will life go on?Cast: Geraldine McEwan, Karl Howman.A BBC TV Production broadcast in 1992.  Not Rated

 

Liz Lemon is the head writer of a live variety program in New York City. Liz’s life is turned upside down when brash new network executive Jack Donaghy interferes with her show, bringing the wildly unpredicatable Tracy Jordan into the cast. Now it’s up to Liz to manage the mayhem and still try to have a life. Cast: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Alec Baldwin.  Not Rated.

More Christmas CDs

Richelle

A Midwinter Night’s Dream Loreena McKennitt, CD 781.723 MCK 2008 – On her first full-length holiday album, Loreena celebrates the season with a CD that blends the five songs from A Winter Garden (1995) with eight new recordings inspired by seasonal favorites. 13 tracks including ‘The Holly & The Ivy’, ‘Good King Wenceslas’, ‘Seeds Of Love’, ‘Coventry Carol’ and more.

 

NOW Essential Christmas Various Artists, CD 781.723 ESS 2008 – THE ESSENTIAL NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL CHRISTMAS presents 25 of the most beloved holiday favorites from some of the greatest music artists of all-time, all on one CD.

 

 

 

Christmas Duets Elvis Presley, CD 781.723 PRE 2008 – Elvis’ most cherished holiday classics reinterpreted by today’s biggest female stars with Elvis Presley! The album features ‘Blue Christmas’ with Martina McBride, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ with Carrie Underwood, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ with LeAnn Rimes, ‘Santa Clause Is Back In Town’ with Wynonna Judd ‘Silent Night’ with Sara Evans, ‘White Christmas’ with Amy Grant plus Gretchen Wilson, Karen Fairchild & Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John and three Bonus Tracks.

 

What A Night! A Christmas Album Harry Connick Jr., CD 781.723 CON 2008 – Holidays with Harry and his 2008 release, What A Night! A Christmas Album. Harry Connick, Jr. is an accomplished singer, pianist, and actor who emerged in the late 1980s as a Sinatra-style crooner for a new generation. As a musician, his influences include Bebop, New Orleans Jazz, and big-band swing. His score for the film When Harry Met Sally brought him national acclaim and an Oscar. He has appeared in many films and he is known for his Pop music as well.

 

And Winter Came Enya, CD 781.723 ENY 2008 -Twenty years after her landmark Watermark album, Enya’s seventh studio disc, And Winter Came continues a phenomenally successful career that has included more than 70 million albums sold worldwide. And Winter Came is an enchanting evocation of the changing landscape of winter as well as the festive cheer of the holidays. One of the most successful female artists of all-time, and second only to U2 as the biggest selling Irish artist in history, Enya brings her beguiling and ethereal music to bear on the darkest and yet most hopeful season with And Winter Came.

 

Playlist Plus: A Very Special Christmas Various Artists, CD 781.723 VER 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas – Holiday Memories Various Artists,CD 781.723 TIM 2002 -America’s Favorite Christmas Collections. This special edition of The Time-Life Christmas is based on the multi-million-selling collection The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas, as seen on TV. This 2 CD album features your favorite songs, all original recordings, all original artists, and digital mastering for the best sound quality.

New Music CDs – December 2008

Richelle

Prospekt’s March Coldplay, CD 781.66 COL 2008

Paper Trail T.I., CD 781.649 T. I. 2008

A Twist In My Story Secondhand Serenade, CD 781.66 SEC 2008

808s & Heartbreak Kanye West, CD 781.63 WES 2008

Day & Age The Killers, CD 781.66 KIL 2008

Safe Trip Home Dido, CD 781.66 DID 2008

Hit Man [LIVE]David Foster & Friends, CD 781.63 FOS 2008781.66 TV 2008

Night Ripper Girl Talk, CD 781.66 GIR 2006

Secret Diary Girl Talk, CD 781.66 GIR 2006 leCD 781.66 GIR 2004

Soul Seal, CD 781.66 SEA 2008

That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy Toby Keith, CD 781.642 KEI 2008

The Greatest Songs Of The EightiesBarry Manilow, CD 781.63 MAN 2008

Brad PaisleyPlayCD 781.642 PAI 2008

Ray LaMontagne Gossip In The GrainCD 781.66 LAM 2008 

New Books on CD – December 2008

Richelle

Against Medical Advice James Patterson and Hal Friedman – The best selling novelist presents his first nonfiction title with the story of Cory Friedman, a young man who endured years of suffering with Tourette’s syndrome.

Ahead of the Curve: Two Years at Harvard Business School Philip Delves Broughton – A Harvard MBA has been the golden ticket to American business. The author relates his educational experiences.

The Beach House Jane Green – When she learns she may lose her beloved house, Nantucket resident Nan takes out an ad — rooms to rent for the summer.

Black & White and Dead All Over John Darnton – New York police detective Priscilla Bollingsworth investigates the death of a merciless local newspaper editor.

The Bodies Left BehindJeffery Deaver – A night time call to 911 brings Brynn McKenzie to a scene of horror and a forced flight into the woods of Wisconsin.

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Daniel G. Amen – The author states that anxiety, depression, anger and obsessiveness can be controlled by healing your brain.

The Christmas Sweater Glenn Beck – When 13-year-old Eddie receives a Christmas sweater instead of bicycle he is very disappointed. Later after his mother’s death, the sweater is all Edie has to remind him of her.

The Condition Jennifer Haigh – The McKotch family is devastated upon learning about the medical condition of their only daughter.

The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American IdealsJane Mayer – The decisions made following the events of September 11, 2001 will continue to affect America is the coming years.

Devil May Care Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming – A new James Bond thriller written to celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth.

The Gate House Nelson DeMille – The author returns to the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island and the changing world of ultra-WASP, John Sutter.

The Given Day Dennis Lehane – At the end of World War I, America was a country torn by political and civil unrest. This sweeping novel centers on the events surrounding the Boston Police Strike of 1919. Starred reviews.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – A wonderful story about a unique book club that became an alibi to protect its members from arrest by the Germans during WWII.

I See You Everywhere Julia Glass – The complex bond between sisters is explored in this tale of conscientious Louisa and iconoclastic Clem.

Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba…and Then Lost it to the Revolution T.J. English – The true tale of organized crime and political corruption that preceded the Cuban Revolution.

Heat Lightning John Sandford – The author’s latest outing features Minnesota investigator Virgil Flowers and a disturbing series of murders.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How It Can Renew AmericaThomas L. Friedman – The noted author of The World Is Flat looks at America’s loss of focus and the global environmental situation and how these two problems are linked.

Hot Mahogany Stuart Woods – Stone Barrington is enjoying a quiet meal at Elaine’s when he is drawn into the cutthroat world of priceless antiques.

The Laughter of Dead Kings Elizabeth Peters – Vicky Bliss is back! The beautiful and brainy art historian/sleuth is in Egypt searching for solutions in the mysterious Valley of the Kings.

Legally Dead Edna Buchanan – U.S. Marshal Michael Venturi has a nightmare situation when a relocated government witness terrorizes a small town.

The Lucky One Nicholas Sparks – On a tour of duty in Iraq, U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a young woman that changes his life.

A Most Wanted ManJohn Le Carré – Issa, a young Russian man smuggled into Hamburg, meets up with Annabel, a civil rights lawyer, and Tommy Brue, as they become victims of rival intelligence operations in the War on Terror.

My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey Jill Bolte Taylor – The author, a brain scientist, experienced a massive stroke at the age of 37. She shares her perspective on the brain and its capacity for recovery.

Rough Weather Robert B. Parker – Spenser is a bodyguard at a society wedding when his nemesis, Gray Man, guns down guests and kidnaps the bride.

Tailspin Catherine Coulter – Psychologist Timothy MacLean is in danger of being killed by a former patient.

This Land is Their Land: Reports from a Divided Nation Barbara Ehrenreich – A satirical take on class disparities in the United States.

The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008 Bob Woodward – The author’s fourth book about the Bush administration takes the reader through the highest levels of decision-making at the White House, Pentagon and State Department.

We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of VietnamHarold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway – The author of We Were Soldiers Once… And Young, revisits his relationships with ten American veterans as well as a Vietnamese general and two of his commanders.

New CDs – November 2008

Richelle

 

Fearless Taylor Swift, CD 781.642 SWI 2008 – “Taylor Swift has defied a lot of conventional wisdom. In the midst of a recording-industry implosion, she sold 3 million physical copies of her 2006 debut. At a time when Nashville is dominated by Stetson-wearing male singers in their 30s and 40s, the 18-year-old emerged as country’s newest superstar with a repertoire full of girly songs aimed at teens. She is a blond, blue-eyed, amazonian starlet who — unlike nearly every other person who fits that description — writes her own songs, plays an instrument, answers to no Svengali and doesn’t rely on high-priced studio ninjas and trendy producers. Britney she ain’t.”–Rolling Stone Magazine (via Amazon)

 

 

The Promise Il Divo, CD 782.42 DIV 2008 – Andrea Bocelli’s new album, Incanto, is a collection of the most famous Italian songs, with the release set to coincide with the famous tenor’s 50th birthday.

 

Dark Horse Nickleback, CD 781.66 NIC 2008 – Nickelback have established themselves as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. With over 26 million albums sold worldwide they have made their mark in rock and roll history. Their new album, ‘Dark Horse’, is one of the most anticipated releases this year. The band brought in legendary producer Mutt Lange to produce the record with Nickelback and longtime collaborator Joey Moi.

 

 

Self-Titled David Cook, CD 781.66 COO 2008 – American Idol winner David Cook is set to release his self-titled debut album on November 18th, 2008. Produced by Grammy winning Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock), David Cook is a quality album full with radio hits. Cook co-wrote 9 songs from his debut, along with songwriters like Chris Cornell, Brian Howes & Cathy Dennis. The 1st single “Light On” was co-written by one of rock music’s most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd.

New Releases on DVD – November 2008

Richelle

Get Smart

When the headquarters of the U.S. spy agency CONTROL is attacked and the identities of its agents are compromised, the Chief has no choice but to promote his analyst Maxwell Smart, who has dreamed of working in the field. Smart will do whatever it takes to thwart the latest plot for world domination by KAOS. Cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, James Caan. Rated PG-13

 

Hellboy II

The fate of mankind hangs in the balance when a ruthless prince awakens an unstoppable army of creatures to wage war with the human world. It’s up to Hellboy and his team of paranormal outcasts to face off with the forces of darkness in ultimate battle of good versus evil. Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, Seth MacFarlane, John Hurt. Rated PG-13. Based on the Dark Horse comic book created by Mike Mignola.

 

Kung Fu Panda

Po works in his family’s noodle shop while dreaming the day away about becoming a Kung Fu master. His dreams soon become reality when he is unexpectedly chosen to join the world of Kung Fu and study along side his idols. Before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way. It is now up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Voice of Po: Jack Black. Audience MPAA rating: PG; for sequences of martial arts action.

 

Tropic Thunder

When three of Hollywood’s biggest stars head into Vietnam to shoot a war movie, they find that the action becomes much more real than any of them expected. Cast:Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Steve Coogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Brandon T. Jackson, Bill Hader, Nick Nolte. Rated R

More New DVDs: TV Series and Feature Length Films – November 2008

Richelle

Damages

Patty Hewes, the nation’s most revered and most reviled litigator, and her ambitious protégée, Ellen Parsons, become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country’s wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs. Cast: Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Ted Danson. Not rated.

The Dark Crystal

Jen, a Gelfling (one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race), is told of a prophecy by his master, a wise and gentle mystic. Jen sets to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, making it whole again, and restoring light to the world. Voices: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire. (1982) Rated PG.

Labyrinth

A teenage girl’s baby brother is kidnapped by the King of the Goblins; in order to rescue him she must navigate a devilish labyrinth. Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, Christopher Malcolm, Natalie Finland, Shari Weiser, Brian Henson, Ron Mueck, Rob Mills, Dave Goelz, David Alan Barclay, David Shaughnessy. (1986) Not Rated

The Sally Lockhart Mysteries: The Shadow in the North

Sally Lockhart has started her own financial consulting business. When her client loses a fortune from the unexpected collapse of a shipping line, Sally is determined to find out why so many of their ships have mysteriously vanished without a trace. Cast: Billie Piper, Jared Harris, J.J. Feild, Matt Smith, David Harewood, Hayley Atwell, John Standing, Julian Rhind-Tutt. A Masterpiece Mystery! Production of WGBH Boston and the BBC. Hosted by Alan Cumming. Not Rated.

Sleepers

Sentenced to the Wilkinson School for boys, four pals are mistreated at will by a cadre of sadistic guards. 15 years later, they have an unexpected opportunity for revenge. Cast: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt. (1996) Rated R

Christmas CDs – 2008

Richelle

It’s not too late to put these Hot Holiday Items on hold!

Click on Titles to order them from the Library Catalog

I’ll Be Home for Christmas Brian McKnight, CD 781.723 MCK 2008 – Christmas cheer runneth over with McKnight’s first true holiday collection featuring all of your favorite Christmas classics and three new McKnight holiday originals – presented in that smokey R&B mold that McKnight does so well; McKnight’s famed vocal prowess will definitely make this the most wonderful time of the year! As an extra special bonus, Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts and Babyface also make guest appearances on the album! McKnight’s visibility will be growing around the holiday season and into 2009. Already a household as a result of his hits, a stint in Chicago on Broadway, and his own radio show (KTWV the Wave /LA, McKnight is also the host of his very own video countdown Soul Sessions with Brian McKnight on BET .

Songs of Joy & Peace Yo-Yo Ma & Friends, CD 781.723 MA 2008 – Imagine a party, a musical party inspired by the holiday season. A party that celebrates the universal hopes, dreams and joy animating seasonal festivals the world over – Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Yule and New Year’s Day. That is what brought Yo-Yo Ma together with a remarkable group of friends – some old, some new – to create SONGS OF JOY & PEACE. It is Yo-Yo’s hope that everyone who listens to this album will hear a song familiar, comfortable and beloved to them as well as discover and fall in love with music that is brand new.

A Swingin’ Christmas Tony Bennett Featuring the Count Basie Big Band, CD 781.723 BEN 2008 -2008 album release Swingin’ Christmas featuring the Count Basie Big Band. Bennett has 15 Grammy Awards along with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001). ‘Tony Bennett is among the most recognized human beings on the planet.’ ~Vanity Fair. The album tracks are ‘The Christmas Song’, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’, ‘Christmas Time is Here’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘The Christmas Waltz’, ‘Christmas Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Christmas Tree’.

A New Thought for Christmas Melissa Etheridge, CD 781.723 ETH 2008 -What if someone made a Christmas album for everybody else? That’s exactly what Melissa Etheridge has done. Working alongside her producer David Cole, Melissa’s songs celebrate a spiritual time of year where people can rejoice in their traditional, or non-traditional ways, and celebrate a winter solstice filled with love and peace. This ten song album has newly composed songs such as “Ring The Bells,” “Light A Light,” and “It’s Christmas Time” interspersed with traditional holiday standards such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Blue Christmas.” This album begs the question, “If we’re all talking about peace on earth, what if we all concentrated on peace on earth and made it happen?”

It’s Christmas Mandisa, CD 781.723 MAN 2008 – Mandisa’s debut album True Beauty gave inspiration and hope to women everywhere and challenged us to rethink our definition of beauty, and proved she had more than just talent – but something important to say. This fall, she returns with her first full-length Christmas album It’s Christmas. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp), It’s Christmas strikes a balance between traditional Christmas carols and newer songs, and features special appearances by Michael W. Smith and Matthew West.

Joy to the World Faith Hill, CD 781.723 HIL 2008 – The first holiday album from super-star Faith Hill, ‘Joy To The World’ is a joy to behold, featuring beautiful new versions of ten traditional and modern classics, complete with horns, strings, woodwings, percussion and chorales, much like the big-band orchestras of the 40’s and 50’s. One of the most popular music stars in America, Faith Hill celebrates the joy-and faith- of the season with ‘Joy to the World.’

A Winter Symphony Sarah Brightman, CD 781.723 BRI 2008 – Arrival — Colder than winter — Ave Maria (with Fernando Lima) — Silent night — In the bleak midwinter — I’ve been this way before — Jesu, joy of man’s desiring — Child in a manger — I wish it could be Christmas everyday — Amazing grace — Ave Maria — I believe in Father Christmas.

Don’t Come Home for Christmas Jeff Dunham, CD 781.723 DUN 2008 – YEAR-ROUND FAMILY FUN! CONTAINS INSTANT SING-ALONG CLASSICS (AND A FEW TWISTED ONES)!!!Don’t Come Home For Christmas is the first CD of songs ever released by Jeff Dunham and his beloved group of characters! Tracks include Achmed’s “Jingle Bombs,” Bubba J’s “Roadkill Christmas,” and Walter’s heart-felt “I Hate Christmas.” Join Jeff and “Guitar Guy” along with Peanut, Bubba J, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Sweet Daddy Dee, José Jalapeño, and Walter as they make Christmas very special – and hilarious – like only they know how.

New CDs – November 2008

Richelle

A Hundred Million Suns Snow Patrol, CD 781.66 SNO 2008 – The Grammy-nominated band’s fifth studio album was recorded throughout the Summer of 2008 in Hansa Studios in Berlin (where Bowie recorded “Low,” “Heroes” and “Lodger”) and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. Snow Patrol are one of the biggest selling UK bands this decade and A Hundred Million Suns follows up the 2006 Number One, seven-times platinum phenomenon Eyes Open which sold 2.1 million copies in the UK and over 1 million in the US. Eyes Open achieved platinum awards across the world from the US and Canada to Germany, Australia and beyond, selling over 4.5 million copies. Their single “Chasing Cars” has just received its 2 millionth download in the US.

Evolver John Legend, CD 781.643 LEG 2008 – The album Evolver features superstars Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Estelle.The album’s first single ‘Green Light’ impacted Urban & Rhythm formats August 19th, 2008. John Legend’s debut CD Get Lifted & sophomore CD Once John Legend is the winner of five Grammy Awards.

 

Incanto Andrea Bocelli, CD 781.63 BOC 2008 -Andrea Bocelli’s new studio album is a collection of the most famous Italian songs – including Mamma, Funiculi Funicula and Santa Lucia. They are the songs which have enchanted Andrea since childhood. Released to coincide with his 50th birthday, the album is a personal tribute to his musical heritage. Popularized through concert, radio and record and the film industry by the great tenors of the 19th and 20th centuries, this selection of songs is a celebration of the Italian tenor tradition.

 

 

Tina! Tina Turner, CD 781.63 TUR 2008 – Tina! is the 2008 CD to compliment the eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s long-awaited return to arenas throughout North America. Capitol/EMI releases a new 18-track CD and digital collection of Turner’s Top Hits, rare live recordings and two exclusive new tracks. Few rock performers can work a stage and an audience as masterfully as Tina Turner has been doing since the 1960s. First achieving stardom alongside then-husband Ike Turner, R&B siren Tina left to pursue an even more successful solo career that also included movie roles.

Closer – The Best of Sarah McLachlanSarah McLachlan, CD 781.66 MCL 2008 – 2008 Album, Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan contains 24 classic tracks personally selected by the artist from her award-winning catalog, as well as two newly recorded and previously unreleased songs, “U Want Me 2” and “Don’t Give Up On Us”, working with her longtime producer Pierre Marchand.

 

Our Love Is Here to Stay: Ella & Louis Sing Gershwin Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, CD 781.65 GER 1998 – When Ella and Louis recorded a series of albums together for Verve in 1956 and 1957, George Gershwin’s songs were a constant theme, including a double LP of Porgy and Bess that delighted Ira Gershwin. This 1998 compilation pulls together material from those recordings to celebrate a union of jazz’s greatest singers with a songwriter who had been an essential resource for jazz since the 1920s. The chemistry is consistently inspired, with Armstrong’s gravelly voice, perfect rhythmic sense, and still-eloquent trumpet providing a fine complement to Fitzgerald’s consummately smooth delivery and extraordinary range. Also included are Ella and Louis’s own takes on Gershwin from contemporary sessions, including Fitzgerald’s Jazz at the Philharmonic version of “Oh, Lady, Be Good!” (from At the Opera House) that includes Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Stan Getz among the tenor saxophonists. Collectors will want the CD reissues of the original albums to get a complete picture of the Fitzgerald and Armstrong partnership, or Fitzgerald’s own extended encounter with Gershwin in the Songbook series; nevertheless, this is a delightful introduction to an inspired collaboration.

Whatever: The ’90s Pop and Culture Box Various Artists, CD 781.63 WHA 2005 – Remember the 1990s? Dot-com booms and stock market pinnacles? The fall of the Wall, the rise of Desert Storm, Presidential impeachment, and Beavis & Butt-head? The decade of grunge power, alt-rock diversity, and hip-hop evolution? It’s an era that’s oh-so-close, yet already so far away. If you’re pining for those ’90s, and we know you are-our monolithic new 7-disc box takes you back in style.

 

New DVDs: Feature Length Films and TV Series – November 2008

Richelle

 

Boston Legal: Season Four

Follows the personal and professional exploits of a group of attorneys working at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Cast: William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette. Not rated.

A Heart in Winter

Camille, a concert violinist, becomes intrigued by her lover’s business partner, Stephane. She interprets his distance as a sign of intellectual seduction. The love triangle that develops reveals the complexity and imperfection of the three characters. French dialogue with English subtitles. Cast: Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Béart, André Dussollier. Not Rated

Mad Men: Season One

In the glamorous and ego-driven world of advertising, everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems. Set in 1960 New York, this series reveals the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue’s “Golden Age,” where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold. And no one plays the game better than Don Draper, the biggest ad man–and ladies’ man–in the business. Cast: Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Maggie Siff, Aaron Staton, Bryan Batt, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, Michael Gladis, Rich Sommer. Not rated. Originally broadcast on AMC July 19-Oct. 18, 2007.

MI-5: Volume 5

A series of sinister terror strikes, combined with severe fuel shortages, has plunged Britain into crisis. As a chronically weakened prime minister fights to hold onto power, the public mood turns increasingly anarchic. MI-5 supremo Harry Pearce and team leader Adam Carter begin to face the horrifying possibility that the country is under attack from sinister forces right at the heart of the establishment. Cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Peter Firth, Anna Chancellor, Hermione Norris, Raza Jeffrey, Nicola Walker, Miranda Raison. Not Rated

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima

Screen chronicle based on actual 1917 events outside Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children report visions of the Virgin Mary and confront anticlerical government oppression in the process. Cast: Gilbert Roland, Angela Clark. Videodisc release of the 1952 motion picture. Not rated.

The Nun’s Story

Audrey Hepburn portrays a nun whose life journey takes her from the staff of a mental asylum to a surgical nurse in the Belgian Congo. She returns to Belgium as WWII breaks out and is torn between the needs of the Resistance and the church’s neutrality. Cast: Peter Finch, Dame Edith Evans, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger, Mildred Dunnock. From the book by Kathryn C. Hulme. Not rated.

Perfect Strangers

When Melanie goes home from a local pub with the best looking man in the room, she’s captivated by his charm and attentiveness. He sails her away to his “castle”–A rundown shack on a deserted island. But soon, his passion turns to obsession and romance turns to rage and Melanie realizes that she is the victim of a kidnapping. Torn between fear and desire, Melanie must escape her schizoprenic captor. A moment of panic leads to murder and madness. Melanie’s time is running out, but for her perfect stranger, it may already be too late. Cast: Sam Neill, Rachael Blake, Joel Tobeck, Robyn Malcolm, Madeleine Sami. Rated PG-13

Pushing Daisies: The Complete Season One

Ned can bring the dead to life briefly when he touches them, and must touch them again to reverse the spell. Along with a private eye, he uses his gift to help solve crimes and collect the rewards. Cast: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Jim Dale, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz, Kristin Chenoweth. Originally broadcast during the 2007-2008 television season.

A Raisin in the Sun

Dreams can make a life worth living, but they can also be dashed by bad decisions. This is the crossroads where the Younger family find themselves when their father passes away and leaves them with $10,000 in life insurance money. Decisions will need to be made on how to best spend the money – from buying a new family home, buying a liquor store or even paying for medical school tuition. While no choice is easy, life on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s is even harder. Cast: Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Justin Martin, Bill Nunn, David Oyelowo, Ron Cephas Jones, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Stamos. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry. Not rated.

Rough Riders

A fact-based, rough and tumble western depicting a young and energetic Theodore Roosevelt leading his legendary Rough Riders in their fight against oppressive Spanish rule at the turn of the 20th century. Cast: Tom Berenger, Gary Busey, Brad Johnson, Illeana Douglas, Chris Noth, Brian Keith, George Hamilton, Sam Elliott. Not rated.

The Searchers

Ex-confederate soldier Ethan Edwards searches five years for his niece, the only member of his family to survive a Comanche massacre. Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Not Rated

The Shoes of the Fisherman

All eyes are focused on the Vatican, hoping to see the puffs of white smoke signaling the selection of the next Pope, but this time, much more is at stake, for the new pontiff may be the only person who can bring peace to a world on the brink of nuclear war. Cast: Anthony Quinn, Oskar Werner, David Janssen, Vittorio De Sica, Leo McKern, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Barbara Jefford, Rosemarie Dexter. Based on the novel by Morris L. West. Rated G

30 Rock: Season 2

The primetime Emmy-winning workplace comedy that exists behind-the-scenes of a live sketch comedy show has returned, with some of the original stars returning also. Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan. Not rated.