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

Amadeus

Adapted from Shaffer’s play, the film presents the life of Antonio Salieri, a mediocre 18th century Viennese composer obsessed with and jealous of the musical genius of the age: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Cast: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones. (1984) Rated PG

Amarcord

Federico Fellini satirizes his youth and turns daily life into a circus of social rituals in this portrait of provincial Italy during the Fascist period. Italian dialogue, English subtitles. Cast: Pupella Maggio, Armando Brancia, Magali Noel, Ciccio Ingrassia. (1973) Not Rated

Barcelona

Ted Boynton is an American businessman looking for love. His cousin, Fred, is out for lust. Together, they launch an all-out attack to find the girl of their dreams in the city of Barcelona. Cast: Taylor Nichols, Chris Eigeman, Tushka Bergen, Mira Sorvino, Pep Munné, Hellena Schmied, Nuria Badia, Jack Gilpin, Thomas Gibson. (1994) Rated PG-13

Battlestar Gallactica: Season 4.5

From their initial action-packed battles against the Cylons to their desperate attempts to find the fabled 13th colony, Earth, a determined band of human survivors has captivated audiences everywhere with their desperate quest to find a new home for the dwindling numbers. Join them now as the fleet journeys into the furthest reaches of unexplored space. Starring: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell. Not Rated

Bones: Season Four

In the fourth season of this darkly comic procedural drama inspired by true events, forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) continue to crack unsolved murder cases. The season begins with a two-parter in which, during a trip to England, Brennan and Booth find themselves assisting with a high-profile investigation involving the murder of a British heiress.

Castle: The Complete First Season

A famous crime and horror novelist, Rick Castle, helps Kate Beckette of the NYPD homicide department solve crimes. Castle’s non-traditional approach to solving the crimes conflicts with Beckett’s conservative approach, leading to much tension and a hint of romance. Cast: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic. Rated TV-PG

The Climb

Two hotshot climbers forge an uneasy friendship in order to reach their ultimate summit. Flamboyant Derrick Williams earns the climb of a lifetime, but ‘Safety Man’ Michael Harris never takes unnecessary risks. Cast: Jason George, Ned Vaughn, Kyli Santiago, Clifton Davis, Dabney Coleman. (2002) Rated PG

Criminal Minds: Season Four

The Behavioral Analysis Unit’s founding member Agent David Rossi returns with his elite team of FBI profilers to stop the country’s most twisted criminal minds before they strike again. Cast: Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook.  Not rated

Dexter: The Third Season

Dexter is back with a new take on taking life. He is ready to put the past behind him, until a high-profile case sides him with powerful Assistant DA Miguel Prado, and the pressure might be too great for even Dexter to hack. Cast: Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Michael Hall, Erik King, James Remar, Lauren Velez, David Zayas ; with special guest star, Jimmy Smits. Not Rated

Damage

A middle-aged man and his son’s fiancee are entangled in an intensely erotic affair that is as irrestible as it is destructive. Cast: Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Miranda Richardson, Rupert Graves, Ian Bannen, Leslie Caron.  Based on the novel by Josephine Hart. (1992) Rated R

8 1/2

Fellini’s autobiographical film about a famous film director who loses his inspiration in the midst of making of film. Cast: Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimee, Sandra Milo, Barbara Steele. (1963) Italian dialogue, English subtitles. Not Rated

Eureka: Season 3.0

Make a return trip to the seemingly ordinary small town were extraordinary things happen. Reunite with the town’s hard-working sheriff, Carter, as he tries to deal with his adopted hometown’s unique geniuses, volatile experiments, and Earth-shaking secrets, all while trying to raise his feisty teenage daughter on his own. Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, Jordan Hinson, Erica Cerra, Neil Grayston, Chris Gauthier. Not Rated

A Father’s Choice

After the death of their mother, Chris and Kelly find themselves in the care of the cowboy dad they have never really known. Cast: Peter Strauss, Mary McDonnell, Michelle Trachtenberg, Yvonne Zima, Susan Hogan, Roger R. Cross, Eddie Velez. Made for TV (1999) Not Rated

Fiddler on the Roof

Tevye is a poor milkman in czarist Russia, where he provides for five unmarried daughters and a sharp-tongued wife. Faced with mounting financial strain and growing anti-Semitism, Tevye strives to maintain balance despite the precarious nature of his situation. Cast: Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, Paul Mann. (1971) Rated G

The Films of Michael Powell

A Matter of Life and Death: British flyer Peter Carter survives a jump from his burning plane without parachute and wakes up in a nether world between Earth and the next life. He is informed that he should have died and must go to Heaven, where he is put on trial for his life. He falls in love with June, an American radio operator. (1946)  Age of Consent: Based on the life of controversial Australian artist Norman Lindsay. Lindsay is a jaded painter who heads Down Under looking for a way to revitalize his creative soul. His self-imposed exile is interrupted by Cora, an uninhibited young woman on her own journey of self-discovery. (1969)

The First Churchills

Tells the story of the 50-year marriage of John and Sarah Churchill, the first Churchills to make their mark on British history. John was a handsome and charismatic general who won the battles that shaped the future of England. Sarah was a fiery beauty whose passion and intellect made her a favorite at court and won the undying devotion of her husband. The turbulent history of 17th century England is seen through the eyes of Sarah, and are filtered through her love for John and their shared love of England. Cast: Susan Hampshire, John Neville, James Villiers, John Westbrook, John Standing, Margaret Tyzack, Frederick Peisley, Job Stewart, Alan Rowe. Originally broadcast by BBC1 in 1969. Not Rated

The Fish Fall in Love

Released after 20 years in prison, Azziz returns to his hometown to find that an old flame has converted his family estate into a popular restaurant. Afraid that he plans to sell the house, Atieh cooks up a plan to save her business. The Iranian drama puts a tasty spin on the classic fable The Thousand and One Nights, as Atieh decides to create an amazing new meal every day to keep Azziz coming back for more. Persian dialogue, English subtitles. Cast: Reza Kianian, Roya Nonahali, Golshifteh Farahani, Mariam Saadat. (2006) Not Rated

The French Chef with Julia Child

Chefs of all ages and abilities can share Julia’s love of fine French food and learn to cook some of her most-loved dishes with this collection of 18 episodes from her original 1960’s series. Includes downloadable recipes and a bibliography. Not rated

The Great Fever

Originally produced as an episode of the PBS series, American Experience in 2006.  In June 1900, Major Walter Reed, Chief Surgeon of the U.S. Army, led a medical team to Cuba on a mission to investigate yellow fever. For more than two hundred years the disease had terrorized the United States, killing an estimated 100,000 people in the 19th century alone.  This production documents the heroic efforts of Reed’s medical team. Eventually their discovery enabled the United States to successfully eradicate the disease among workers constructing the Panama Canal, making possible the completion of one of the most strategic waterways in the world.

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Fifth Season

The drama continues in the fifth season of this popular and critically successful series as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Cristina (Sandra Oh), Izzie (Katherine Heigl), George (T.R. Knight) and Alex (Justin Chambers) cope with various crises both inside and outside Seattle Grace Hospital. Professional challenges notwithstanding, the young doctors also juggle complicated personal lives. Patrick Dempsey and Chandra Wilson co-star.

The Grocer’s Son

When his father suffers a stroke, Antoine reluctantly returns home from the big city to his small mountain village to help out with the family business, a grocery that makes daily rounds to the town’s elderly inhabitants. But when Antoine’s poor manners rub the villagers the wrong way, can the lovely young Claire help smooth things over?  French dialogue, English subtitles. Cast:  Nicolas Cazalé, Clotilde Hesme, Jeanne Goupil, Daniel Duval, Lilane Rovère.  Not Rated

The Hoover Dam

An episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, tells the dramatic story of how a ragtag army of workers re-routed the mighty Colorado and erected the 700 foot high damn. More than 100 workers died building the marvel that forever transformed the West. (1999) Not Rated

House M.D.: Season Five

Dr. Gregory House pushes new boundaries in medicine while dealing with emotional chaos. Cast: Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer, Kal Penn, Peter Jacobson, Olivia Wilde. Originally broadcast on Fox during the 2008-2009 season. Not Rated

Italy Revealed

This Discovery Atlas video takes a look at Italy through the lives of a group individuals who live there. Narrated by Isabella Rossellini. (2006) Not Rated

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth

Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell discuss the themes and roots of human myth which is seen as man’s attempt to relate himself to the universe. Starting with various topics Campbell shows both how man creates his universe and is controlled by the myth he has created. (1988) Not Rated

Light of My Eyes

The precarious romance between two people cast adrift in a lonely urban landscape. Antonio is a “fallen angel,” an ordinary man without direction or ambition. Maria is a single mother whose life is slipping out of her control. As Antonio is drawn deeper into her fragile situation, he discovers a sense of hope they both might not be ready for yet. Italian dialogue, English subtitles. Cast: Luigi Lo Cascio, Sandra Ceccarelli, Silvio Orlando, Barbara Valente, Toni Bertorelli. (2001) Mature themes. Not Rated

Lost Subs: Diasater at Sea

They are among the most powerful and deadly war machines ever built, and yet they are chillingly vulnerable to fickle fate, human error and the crushing, unforgiving waters of the sea. Tells the stories of four submarine disasters, including the USS Squalus and the story of the disabled nuclear-powered Soviet K-19. A National Geographic special, 2002.  Not Rated

A Mind to Murder

Investigating a savage death at an exclusive psychiatric clinic, Dalgliesh is caught in a whirlwind of political intrigue and deceit. Cast: Roy Marsden, Frank Finlay, Jerome Flynn, Robert Pugh, Christopher Ravenscroft, Suzanne Burden, David Hemmings. Based on the book by P. D. James. (1994) Not Rated

Midsomer Murders: Set 13

The cozy villages of Midsomer County reveal their most sinister secrets in these four contemporary British television mysteries. Cast: John Nettles, Jason Hughes, Jane Wymark, Laura Howard, Barry Jackson. Based on the characters created by Caroline Graham. (2006) Not Rated

Miss Marple: Series Four

Presents four episodes of the Emmy-nominated series starring Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple. Based on the novels by Agatha Christie. Originally produced as episodes of the PBS Masterpiece Mystery! series.  Not rated

The Mentalist: The Complete First Season

Celebrity psychic, Patrick Jane, uses his paranormal talents bring killers to justice. At crime scenes across California, Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases. Cast: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti. Not Rated

Mozart and the Whale

Donald and Isabelle have a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. Donald, a good-natured but hapless cab driver has a knack for numbers. He falls head over heals in love with the beautiful but complex Isabelle when she joins the autism support group he leads. Cast: Josh Hartnett, Radha Mitchell, Gary Cole, Sheila Kelley, Erica Leerhsen, John Carroll Lynch, Nate Mooney, Rusty Schwimmer, Robert Wisdom, Allen Evangelista. (2004) Rated PG-13

The Music Man

Silver-tongued con artist Harold Hill hoodwinks the stubborn townsfolk of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy’s band, but his game ultimately and romantically backfires. Cast: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, Ronny Howard. (1962) Rated

The York Underground

An episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, tells the story of how New York City’s subway was built in 1900.(1997) Not Rated

One Woman, One Vote

This episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, documents the 72-year struggle for women’s suffrage which culminated in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. It illuminates the story of the fledging alliances that grew into a sophisticated mass movement. This film portrays the movement’s leaders, among them Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Howard Shaw, and Alice Paul. Narrated by Susan Sarandon. (1995) Not Rated

Open City

Director Roberto Rossellini’s unsettling drama portrays the harrowing struggle of everyday women and children as they try to shield resistance forces from the Nazis and to maintain compassion and self-respect despite Rome’s de facto occupation during World War II’s waning days.  Cast: Anna Magnani, Aldo Fabrizi. Italian dialogue, English subtitles. (1945) Not Rated

The Orphan Trains

An episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, examines the efforts of the Children’s Aid Society in New York, organized by minister Charles Loring Brace, which from 1853 to 1929 sent over 100,000 unwanted and orphaned children from the city to homes in rural America. Hosted by David McCullough and narrated by Stacy Keach. (1995) Not Rated

The Philadelphia Story

A sophisticated romantic comedy about a rich, spoiled socialite who learns some things about who she is and what she really wants on the eve of her second marriage. Cast: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Mary Nash, Virginia Weidler.  Based on the play by Philip Barry. (1940) Not Rated

La Scorta

When a judge and his bodyguards are brutally murdered by the Mafia, four reluctant young cops are assigned to protect the new prosecutor where the only thing that lies ahead of them is more danger. Based on a true story. Italian dialogue, English subtitles. Cast: Claudio Amendola, Enrico Lo Verso, Carlo Cecchi, Ricky Memphis, Francesca D’Aloja. (1993) Mature themes, Not Rated

Snowcake

Recently released from prison, Alex offers a ride to a hitchhiker, only to have her killed instantly when they are involved in a brutal car accident. Alex then approaches the girl’s mother, and the events that unfold dramatically change both his life and those of others around him. Cast: Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Hampshire, James Allodi, Callum Keith Rennie, David Fox, Jayne Eastwood, Julie Stewart, Selina Cadell. (2007) Not Rated

Stargate Atlantis: Season Five

Forgotten worlds and parallel universes abound in the fifth season of this popular sci-fi series. Follow the continuing adventures of Lt. Col. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), Col. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), Dr. Keller (Jewel Straite) and the rest of the Atlantis crew as they attempt to unlock the secrets of the Ancients and protect the Earth’s inhabitants from the threats posed by the hostile forces of the Pegasus galaxy. Not Rated

Sea Spies: Secrets Beneath the Waves

From National Geographic Television, witness how technology, commerce and conflict have shaped the struggle for supremacy of the seas – not on the surface, but at the very bottom of the ocean. Hosted by Dr. Robert Ballard. (2004) Not Rated

Submarines: Steel Boats, Iron Men

This documentary examines the special qualities and the life of naval personnel who serve on submarines, and the challenges they face. Ride along on the USS Hyman G. Rickover. (2005) Not Rated

Too Bad She’s Bad

Sophia Loren in an early role as a lusciously larcenous petty thief. Marcello Mastronianni is the naive young cabbie who tries to set her straight, while Vittorio de Sica, as Loren’s smooth con man papa make sure his not so little girl stays on the crooked and narrow. Italian with English subtitles. (1955) Not Rated

Two and a Half Men: Season Six

Harper siblings Alan (Jon Cryer) and Charlie (Charlie Sheen) continue to help Alan’s son, Jake (Angus T. Jones), navigate his teen years in this popular sitcom’s sixth season. Free-spirited Charlie never fails to keep nebbish Alan on his game, while Jake sits back and enjoys the ride. Besides putting up with their overbearing mother (Holland Taylor) and making sure Jake stays on track, the brothers try to muddle through the mine field of romance.

The Winter Guest

An inside look at the lives of eight people living in a remote and icy Scottish village. The story focuses on the relationship between a mother and a daughter, played by real-life mother and daughter Emma Thompson and Phyllida Law. (1997) Rated R

Wire in the Blood: The Complete Sixth Season

Dr. Tony Hill is a clinical psychologist with an extraordinary understanding of the criminal mind. Working alongside detective inspector Alex Fielding, Tony must race against time to profile and track down vicious murderers before they strike again. Based on the characters by Val McDermid. Cast: Robson Green, Simone Lahbib. Not Rated