New Releases for September 30th, 2008 (Full List)
Iron Man After ultrarich inventor and weapons maker Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) escapes from kidnappers using makeshift power armor, he turns his invention to good by using it to fight crime. But when he must face the evil Iron Monger, his skills are stretched to the limit. Based on the Marvel comic, this captivating superhero tale from director Jon Favreau co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard.
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess Dora the Explorer teams up with Boots and the Snowflake Fairy in this feature-length adventure that follows the trio as they try to save Princess Sabrina and her snowy forest from a wicked witch who's stolen the princess's magic snow crystal. Dora and her friends put their brainpower to work and their special skills to the test in a race to rescue Sabrina from captivity and stop the mean old witch from melting the beautiful wintry forest.
Kirby: Right Back at Ya!: Cappy New Year & Other Kirby Adventures Any villains planning to harm the kind citizens of Cappy Town should plan to face the wrath of Kirby, the irrepressible pink hero made famous in the Nintendo video game franchise. Kirby shines in these seven adventures, including "Cappy New Year," in which King Dedede announces that the citizens of Cappy Town will not play any role in the planning of his New Year's spectacular, prompting the villagers to organize their own party.
Popeye the Sailor: 1941-1943: Vol. 3 This collection of historic shorts from Popeye's World War II years features the spinach-eating sailor taking on all manner of enemies, including soldiers from the Japanese empire. These entertaining cartoons -- some of them banned from television -- also provide a fascinating glimpse of public opinion in wartime America.
R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly When he discovers a pair of young ghosts (Madison Pettis, Luke Benward) living under his bed, nebbish 11-year-old Max (Sterling Beaumon) agrees to help the sibling specters solve the mystery surrounding their demise if they help make his life easier at school. Based on the popular writings of best-selling author R.L. Stine, this family-friendly thriller also stars Ali Lohan, Brian Stepanek and Diego Acuna.
Sesame Street: Abby in Wonderland In this Muppet-filled take on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, fairy-in-training Abby Cadabby gets swept up in an exciting adventure through a surreal and magical world where she encounters a host of strange characters. Favorite "Sesame Street" friends include Elmo as Red Rabbit, Bert and Ernie as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Grover as the Mad Hatter, Oscar as the Grouch of Hearts and Cookie Monster as the Chesire Cookie Cat.
Soccer Mom Obsessive soccer mom Wendy (Missi Pyle) poses as a world-class Italian soccer star in order to coach her daughter's (Emily Osment) team in this heartfelt comedy. But can minivan-driving Wendy keep up the charade long enough to steer the girls to victory at the big tournament? Director Gregory McClatchy's comedy co-stars Cassie Scerbo, Jennifer Sciole, Kristen Wilson, Dan Cortese, Master P and Victoria Jackson.
Man of the Moment Britain's Clown Prince Norman Wisdom returns with another hilarious adventure centered on the exploits of his bumbling alter ego Norman Pitkin, the awkward misfit with a knack for creating disastrous situations. When dimwit civil servant Norman is appointed as a British delegate and sent to Geneva for a worldwide conference, chaos ensues, as the blundering simpleton lands himself in the middle of crucial international affairs and negotiations.
The Deadly Duo When a dashing prince is captured by Chin forces and guarded by a lethal martial arts expert, Sung rebel leader Bao Ting-tien (Lung Ti) teams with the mysterious Little Bat (David Chiang) to rescue the royal on a perilous mission. The nonstop action includes a thrilling rope-bridge sequence in this kung fu spectacular from the "Iron Triangle," the nickname given to the trio of Ti, Chiang and director Cheh Chang.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall After his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), breaks his heart, Peter (Jason Segel) wants nothing more than to enjoy his vacation in Hawaii. One problem: Sarah's vacationing at the same resort he is, and even worse, she's bringing her new beau. Produced by Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Superbad), this hilarious comedy also stars Mila Kunis, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader.
Kenny Porta-loo deliveryman Kenny Smyth (Shane Jacobson) is probably one of the most underappreciated professionals on the planet. But without him, this much is true: There'd be a lot more crap to deal with. In a comedy of excremental proportions, Kenny makes his rounds with his dedicated Splashdown crew and ultimately finds himself at the mother of all waste management sites -- the International Pumper and Cleaner Expo in Nashville.
Mona When Bob's (Adrian Martinez) new girlfriend, Mona (Kristen Lewis), meets his old friend and new roommate, 30-something Eric (Alexander Lyras), sparks fly. Now, Bob and Eric have a big problem, and they have to decide if their friendship is worth more than love with a 20-something blonde beauty. Alan Kirschen directs this film festival award-winning romantic comedy that also stars Adrian Martinez and Neal Jones.
Sommore: The Queen Stands Alone Award-winning comedian Sommore -- one of the original "Queens of Comedy" -- rocks the house in this performance from her first one-woman tour. Originally broadcast on Comedy Central, the show features Sommore at her hilarious best. She brings her perspective as an African American woman to contemporary issues, with biting observations about life, sex, relationships and the perils of living in an unstable economy.
Bittersweet Writer-director Greg Levins helms this independent drama investigating the complexities of love and relationships, an emotional exploration of what attracts people, what keeps them together -- and what ultimately tears them apart. The film's ensemble cast includes Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break"), Shayna Levine (Palindromes), Amy Ferguson (Garden State), Liz Larsen ("Law & Order") and Thomas Barbour (Arthur).
Edward the King John Gielgud and Annette Crosbie star in this Emmy-winning British miniseries about the life of King Edward the VII, from his young years as a prince to his dramatic transformation into a grown man and, eventually, a monarch. The program recounts the historic tale of the son of Queen Victoria who, despite a mere nine-year rule, had a profound and lasting effect not only on his nation, but on the monarchy itself.
Rapture Despite the odds against them -- and the disapproval of friends and family -- two lovers (John O. Nelson and Dilshad Vadsaria) try to keep their relationship strong amid the challenges of raising a child, getting an education and holding steady jobs. Crystal Cotton, Kira Baskerville, Jarvia Udosen, Rodney Owens and Shanice Dowridge also star in this indie romantic comedy from director Willis L. Petrie.
Buried Alive When five of their fellow students disappear, Melanie (Brit Morgan) and her brother, Travis (Jeff Blum), investigate in this spine-tingling digital miniseries. Racing against time to rescue the victims -- who have been buried alive -- the siblings turn to the Internet for help. But will the Web posts, found footage and online diaries they use help them trace the psychotic kidnapper in time to rescue his victims?
Flu Birds A tight-knit group of teens find themselves fighting for their lives when unexpected visitors -- a flock of flesh-eating birds infected by a malicious virus -- crash their carefree camping trip in the woods. With each deadly swoop, the flying predators are spreading their dangerous strain and transforming the locals into bird feed. Can a shrinking group of survivors fight back and reclaim the skies?
Ghouls While accompanying her father (William Atherton) on a journey to explore their ancestral roots in distant Bucharest, college student Jennifer (Kristen Renton) learns that she could hold the key to a bizarre family secret involving a grisly bloodline -- and ghouls. James DeBello and Erin Gray (of "Silver Spoons" and "Buck Rogers" fame) also star in this Sci Fi Channel horror offering.
Island Fury / Barracuda Oodles of characters get eaten alive in this yummy B-movie double feature of tropical terror. In Island Fury, also known by the title Please Don't Eat the Babies, two teen girls meet a family of tourist-munching cannibals while vacationing on a remote island. In Barracuda, a beach-town sheriff and a young marine biologist team up to defend the locals against the onslaught of a menacing species of chemically altered barracuda.
Pulse 2: Afterlife In 2006's Pulse, technology unwittingly opened the door to the afterlife. This chilling sequel explores the aftermath of that encounter, as civilization struggles against spirits locked in an eternal battle for their own souls. With cell phones, the Internet and other devices outlawed, humanity must find a new way to live in an apocalyptic world ruled by tormented ghosts. Jamie Bamber, Boti Bliss and Noureen DeWulf star.
Rest Stop: Don't Look Back A year ago, young lovers Nicole and Jess (Julie Mond and Joey Mendicino) ran away from home and have yet to return, prompting Jess's brother and his friends to set out on a sweeping search for the couple. What the friends don't bargain for is a run-in with a murderous madman. The crazed psycho, it seems, might well be responsible for the disappearances of Nicole and Jess -- and could potentially become the catalyst for their own undoing.
Chapter 27 An overweight Jared Leto stars as Mark David Chapman -- the young assassin who infamously killed John Lennon on the front steps of The Dakota -- in this independent drama from fledgling filmmaker Jarrett Schaeffer. Lindsay Lohan (who in real life is a friend of Lennon's son, Sean) co-stars as a Lennon fan appropriately named Jude, who meets Chapman a few days before the murder without realizing what lies ahead.
Prometheus' Garden Inspired by the Greek myth of Prometheus, the titan known for stealing fire from King Zeus in order to give it to the mortals, this film is recognized as the first over which creator Bruce Bickford retained creative control. Celebrated for his startlingly original voice and perspective, Bickford became an international cult figure due to his collaborations with musician Frank Zappa (Dub Room Special, Baby Snakes, The Amazing Mr. Bickford).
Ghostboat Forty years after its mysterious disappearance at the end of World War II, a British sub resurfaces in 1981. Marine biologist Jack Hardy (David Jason) -- the one sailor who escaped the ship before it vanished -- is invited to join a new crew on the sub. But history begins repeating itself in a very spooky way as the ship takes on a life of its own and the crewmembers start to resemble their 1943 counterparts in this supernatural war thriller.
Summer Scars Six 14-year-olds cut school to joyride in the woods, where they meet Peter (Kevin Howarth), an adult drifter who invites himself to hang out with the youths. When Peter starts playing ruthless mind games on the kids, the day soon devolves into a hostage crisis. But through it all Peter seems determined to teach the kids a lesson about growing up. The unsettling coming-of-age drama was nominated for Best Film at the 2008 Welsh BAFTA Awards.
The Business After offing his abusive father, young Frankie (Danny Dyer) flees South London's ghetto for Costa del Sol -- Spain's criminal haven -- where he finds himself under the wing of a brash British playboy and drug trafficker (Tamer Hassan) … and in way over his head. It's a one-way trip into organized crime for Frankie as he's seduced by the mob's flashy lifestyle. But rivalries and duplicity soon lead to his downfall in this absorbing gangster yarn.
ARIA: The Animation This animated series follows the adventures of Akari, a young apprentice gondolier in the winding canals of Neo-Venezia, a city on the planet Aqua, formerly known as Mars but now, in the 24th century, a water-rich terraformed world. As she slowly works her way up in the Aria canal-guide company, she befriends and faces challenges with her teacher, fellow apprentices and various inhabitants of Aqua.
Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-Chan Sakura Kusakabe is destined to invent an immortality-granting technology that will cause all women to stop aging when they turn 12. Fearing a pedophilia outbreak, God sends his angelic assassin Dokuro-chan to prevent Sakura from completing his work. The angel adopts a nonviolent strategy to containing Sakura, but her short temper causes her to kill him -- and revive him -- again and again in this unique anime treat.
Case Closed: Season 2 Pint-sized supersleuth Conan Edogawa (voiced by Alison Viktorin) unravels more mysteries in the second season of this animated TV series. Still a genius trapped in the body of a kid -- thanks to an unexplained transformational encounter with a magical enemy -- Edogawa solves cases that take him into the fashion world, a haunted house and more. Accompanying him is his loyal girlfriend and crime-fighting partner, Rachel (Colleen Clinkenbeard).
Tweeny Witches: The Adventures In these exciting 12 episodes, junior witch trio Arusu, Sheila and Eva find fun and adventure in the Magical Realm, where they encounter a wily witch, a famous fairy and more. This collection from the offbeat anime series also finds the triumvirate learning the origin of Dragon House and rollicking with Atelia's underlings Mileth and Miletis. Along the way, the witches must team up with wizards to protect their worlds from a host of evil forces.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Vol. 6 Facing critical overcrowding on earth and its allied planets, three new Galaxy Alliance units -- the Land, Sea and Air teams -- search the universe for new inhabitable worlds to terraform. But when the evil Drule Empire attacks the explorers and threatens their mission, the teams must assemble their individual machines into the mighty Vehicle Voltron to meet the Drule menace, secure new planets for colonization and bring peace to the cosmos.
After the Storm: The American Exile of Béla Bartók After fleeing Hungary during World War II, composer Bela Bartok spent the final five years of his life in New York. This moving documentary chronicles Bartok's time in America, creating some of his finest work while battling poverty and sickness. Told through the words of his closest friends, colleagues and relatives, this revealing portrait features several of Bartok's best compositions performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster In sports, winning is everything, and the pressure to succeed can drive some athletes to start taking banned substances. Filmmaker Chris Bell points the camera at his brothers and himself, all users of steroids. By exploring the reasons behind and effects of steroid use within his family, Bell calls into question the win-at-all-cost attitude so prevalent within American society.
CSNY Déjà Vu With the country on the brink of political change in late 2006, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young revisited their Vietnam War-era protest album "Déjà Vu" on their North American "Freedom of Speech" tour. Journalist Mike Cerre, an embedded correspondent, travels with CSNY to document the tour and the emotional and political fabric of a country increasingly frustrated with the war in Iraq.
Freedom is Not a Gift from Heaven: The Century of Simon Wiesenthal A World War II concentration camp survivor who dedicated his life to bringing fugitive Nazi war criminals to justice, Simon Wiesenthal shares his fascinating life story in his own words and discusses his views on Europe's modern neo-Nazi movement. Throughout the course of this biography, Wiesenthal travels to former concentration camp sites and German high schools, where he discusses his strong passion for justice.
Hell on Wheels Indie filmmaker Bob Ray delivers a high-octane documentary that charts the revival of modern-day roller derby, beginning with the feisty group of women from Austin, Texas, who started it all back in 2001. The film's soundtrack features original music by …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Grupo Fantasma, RPG, Nashville Pussy, Alice Donut, the Crack Pipes, U.S.S. Friendship and more.
Larry Flynt: The Right to Be Left Alone Porn mogul and unlikely First Amendment crusader Larry Flynt endures an unending string of legal battles over a long and often infamous career, which includes entanglements with conservative figures such as Jerry Falwell and Donald Rumsfeld. Filmmaker Joan Brooker-Marks's surprising documentary also chronicles the outspoken Hustler publisher's campaign for United States president.
Monster Road Brett Ingram's award-winning documentary explores the world of legendary claymation filmmaker Bruce Bickford, the eccentric animator who became an international sensation following his collaborations with musician Frank Zappa in the 1970s. Using home videos, interviews and footage from several of Bickford's never-before-seen productions, Ingram paints a portrait of an artist noted as much for his iconoclastic worldview as he is for his art.
Queens of Heart Go backstage at the country's oldest drag club with this fascinating look at the psychology of drag that examines the skills needed for men to transform into women and the complex social interaction between performers and audience. Writer-director Jan Haaken's documentary spotlights Darcelle XV, a 75-year-old drag queen, activist and club co-owner who serves as a "community therapist" as she interacts with audience members of all stripes.
Rothko's Rooms Chronicling the life and incredible career of American artist Mark Rothko, this intimate portrait collects comments from family members, friends, artists, art historians, collectors and curators to provide insight into the man and his masterpieces. Through his giant abstract paintings, Rothko hoped to move viewers to feel something akin to religious awe and evoke emotional responses to such basic human experiences as tragedy and ecstasy.
Shadows in Paradise: Hitler's Exiles in Hollywood To escape Hitler's regime, thousands of intellectuals and radicals fled Europe for the United States in the 1930s; this documentary focuses on the prominent figures who moved to Hollywood and made contributions to American music, art and culture. Well-known exiles profiled here include Bertolt Brecht, Fritz Lang, Arnold Schoenberg, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Salka Viertel, Thomas Mann and many others.
So Much, So Fast Filmed over five years, this documentary from award-winning filmmakers Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan chronicles the events that unfold after 29-year-old Stephen Heywood is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Stephen decides to marry and start a family, while his brother rallies a group of renegade scientists to find a cure. Armed with a sense of humor and undying love for Stephen, the Heywood family refuses to give up hope.
Taxi to the Dark Side Just days after an Afghan taxi driver picked up three passengers and never returned home, he wound up dead at Bagram Air Base, killed by injuries inflicted by U.S. soldiers. Interviews, news footage and firsthand reports provide a gripping look at the case and the Bush administration's policy on torture. Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) directs this Best Documentary winner for the 2008 Oscars.
The Historic Pubs of Dublin Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes) as he leads you on an intimate tour of Dublin's most charming and famous ale houses, including The Stag's Head, Doheny & Nesbitt, Neary's and The Long Hall. Besides helping you decide where to begin your pub crawl when you next visit the Emerald Isle, this engrossing program explores the profound significance that a good pint in a good gathering place have long had in Irish culture.
The Unforeseen Robert Redford and Terrence Malick executive produce Laura Dunn's examination of unchecked development at the expense of environmental sustainability. Using Austin, Texas, specifically Barton Springs, as a backdrop, the documentary draws on archival footage and interviews with Redford, former Gov. Ann Richards, Willie Nelson, lobbyist Dick Brown and Austin land developer Gary Bradley to contemplate the true cost of the American Dream.
When We Left Earth Follow the 20th century's space race all the way to the moon -- and beyond -- in this incredible, comprehensive six-part documentary series narrated by Gary Sinise. Chronicling America's space program from the early days of the Mercury project to the era of the space shuttle, the sensational series features eye-popping footage from a host of various missions, plus in-depth interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers.
Words for the Dying Filmmaker Rob Nilsson's documentary chronicles the making of "Words for the Dying," the collaborative album of former Velvet Underground member John Cale and acclaimed artist Brian Eno, inspired by the works of poet Dylan Thomas. At once completely inspiring and undeniably unnerving, Nilsson's film captures the battle between Eno and Cale, as they clash over Eno's reluctance to allow cameras to witness his creative process.
Emma Smith: My Story As her adopted daughter listens, an aging Emma Smith (Katherine Nelson) reflects on her rich life, particularly the events that led to her courtship and marriage to Joseph Smith (Nathan Mitchell), founder of the Mormon Church. From her childhood with a strict father to her husband's martyrdom to her later years in Nauvoo, Ill., the biopic offers keen insight into the life of this key figure in Mormon history.
24 Solo Filmmaker Jason Berry tracks a grueling year in the life of competitive mountain-bike racer Chris Eatough in this 2007 documentary that follows him on location in California, Georgia, Maryland, Wisconsin and China. With his eye on besting Australian national champ Craig Gordon for a seventh world title, Eatough -- amid growing pressure from his sponsors -- takes on one of the toughest races he's ever tried to win.
Dance and Be Fit: Brazilian Body Brazilian-trained dance instructor Kimberly Miguel Mullen leads at-home participants through this dynamic, Latin-themed dance workout set to original rhythmic music composed specifically for this program. Each of the three 12-minute dance workouts -- consisting of reggae, samba and maculelê -- can be performed individually or combined, for a heart-pumping, body-toning, calorie-burning session that's safe, effective and above all, lots of fun.
Dance and Be Fit: Latin Groove Bilingual fitness phenomenon Desi Bartlett leads at-home viewers in two dynamic, upbeat workouts, each consisting of 20 minutes of dance-inspired choreography that incorporates salsa, rumba and meringue moves. With original music composed specifically for this program, these safe, efficient, easy-to-follow routines burn fat and tone muscles with a Latin flair that inspires participants to keep moving.
ESPN: J.C. Chavez Directed by actor Diego Luna (Y Tu Mamá También, The Terminal), this fascinating documentary chronicles the life and times of the legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, one of the most celebrated fighters of all time. With a career that saw him defeat a collection of world champions, including Hector "Macho" Camacho, Jose Luis Ramirez and several others, Chavez finished his reign boasting 108 wins out of 116 fights, 87 of which were won by KO.
NWA: Reclaiming the Glory Prepare for some serious action as the National Wrestling Alliance celebrates its 60th anniversary inside Atlanta's Omni Coliseum with big names and even bigger battles. Highlights include matchups between the Rock 'n' Roll Express and the Midnight Express, and Tommy Rich and Abdullah the Butcher; a three-way war between Los Luchas, the Naturals and the Real American Heroes; and bonus footage of the 2008 Hall of Fame ceremony.
Scott Cole: Millennium Stretch Fitness instructor Scott Cole guides viewers through this comprehensive guide to stretching, from simple movements done while sitting to more complex regimens that serve as a workout in themselves, either performed solo or with a partner. Drawn from tai chi, yoga, qigong and other disciplines, Cole's stretches help release tension, increase strength, enhance body awareness and improve flexibility.
UFC 85: Bedlam In the main event of this mixed martial arts extravaganza, young gun Thiago Alves looks to move up the ranks in a catchweight match with former champ Matt Hughes. England's Michael Bisping hopes to get closer to a title shot by defeating Jason Day. Other enticing matches include Thales Leites fighting Nate Marquardt, Mike Swick going up against Marcus Davis, and Fabricio Werdum challenging Brandon Vera.
Lewis Black's Root of All Evil: Season 1 Explosive funnyman Lewis Black hosts this courtroom parody program in which comedians such as Greg Giraldo, Paul F. Tompkins and Patton Oswalt ridicule pop culture targets like Paris Hilton, Donald Trump, Oprah, Viagra and video games. Highlights from the first season include debates over which of the following is more evil: beer or weed; high school or "American Idol"; and Kim Jon-Il or Tila Tequila.
My Name Is Earl: Season 3 In the third season of this popular comedy series, lottery winner Earl Hickey's (Jason Lee) luck changes when he lands in the slammer as a result of one of his good deeds -- taking the fall for a loved one. Joining the cast as one of the former ne'er-do-well's fellow inmates is "The War at Home" star Michael Rapaport. Also helping Earl on his karmic quest are his brother Randy (Ethan Suplee) and his ex-wife, Joy (Jaime Pressly).
My Three Sons: Season 1: Vol. 1 Venerable Hollywood veteran Fred MacMurray (Double Indemnity) headlines this classic series as Steve Douglas, an aeronautical engineer and widower who's wrestling with the challenges of balancing his career with raising his three energetic sons. One of television's longest-running family sitcoms, this Golden Globe Award-winning series was noted for deftly and effectively blending comedy with more dramatic overtones.
Numb3rs: Season 4 As the fourth season of the hit crime series opens, FBI Agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) and his math genius brother (David Krumholtz) continue dealing with the fallout from events that transpired in last season's finale. Some information the bureau has about mole Colby Granger (Dylan Bruno) may be erroneous, and the hunt is on when he escapes from prison. Peter MacNicol returns as a series regular, while guest stars this year include Val Kilmer.
Trial and Retribution: Set 1 David Hayman and Kate Buffery star as police detectives in the first season of this critically acclaimed British crime drama, in which each episode centers on a single case, from the investigation all the way through to the courtroom verdict. This program comprises the first four feature-length episodes of this suspenseful, emotionally charged series, which takes an unflinching look at the flawed processes behind society's pursuit of justice.
Dancing for Mr. B: Six Balanchine Ballerinas Through interviews and performance excerpts, ballerinas Mary Ellen Moylan, Maria Tallchief, Melissa Hayden, Allegra Kent, Merrill Ashley and Darci Kistler salute their legendary teacher, George Balanchine, and share the impact he had on their lives. A perfectionist who demanded the best from his students, Balanchine achieved considerable acclaim for his wonderful ballets such as "Concerto Barocco," "Serenade," "Firebird," and "Stars and Stripes."
30 Bachatas Pegaditas En Video This extensive collection of music videos rounds up a long list of hits from your favorite bachateros. Selections include "Amores Como el Nuestro" by Toby Love, "Gringo Muere de Dolor" by El Gringo de la Bachata, "Voy a Tener Que Olvidarte" by Andy Andy, "Te Quiero Igual Que Ayer" by Monchy & Alexandra, "Intentalo Tu" by Joe Veras, "Directo al Corazon" by Elvis Martinez, "Primavera Azul" by El Torito and "Niña Bonita" by Victor Manuel.
30 Merengues Pegaditas En Video Merengue lovers will adore this collection of music video hits from some of the genre's biggest stars. Selections include "Píntame" by Elvis Crespo, "Honey Tu Si Jony" by Kinito Mendez, "A Que Te Pego Mi Manía" by Grupo Mania, "Aunque Me Duela Mas Que a Ti" by Kelvin Martínez, "Mujeres Liberadas" by Melina Leon, "Nadie Se Muere" by La Makina, "Me Voy a Busca una Vieja" by Swing De Franklin and "Quiero Estar Contigo" by Giselle.
30 Salsas Pegaditas En Video With an eye on avid salsa fans, this collection of music videos delivers hits from some of the hottest salseros in the business. Selections include "Amores Como el Nuestro" by Jerry Rivera, "Todo Cambio" by La Organización, "Juguete de Nadie" by Puerto Rican Power, "Desesperadamente Enamorado" by Ley Alejandro, "Por Tu Mala Cabeza" by Luis Manuel, "Noche de Arreboles" by Joe Arroyo and "Hagamos Lo Que Dice el Corazón" by Grupo Niche.
Bill Evans: Live in '64-'75 This program stars legendary jazz pianist and composer Bill Evans in five short concerts filmed in Sweden, France and Denmark over 11 years, featuring rare performances of "Sareen Jurer," "Blue Serge" and "Twelve Tone Tune Two." Evans is accompanied by four different rhythm sections, including the dynamic duo of Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass and Alan Dawson on drums, and duets with saxophonist Lee Konitz on "My Melancholy Baby."
Cannonball Adderley: Live in '63 This program captures legendary jazz alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley at the top of his game, accompanied by his celebrated sextet for two 1963 concerts: one in Switzerland and one in Germany. Backed by Nat Adderley on cornet, Yusef Lateef on wind instruments, Joe Zawinul on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums, Adderley cuts loose on tunes such as "Jessica's Day," "Work Song," "Brother John" and "Jive Samba."
Cavalleria Rusticana Zhang Jiemin conducts the Orchestra e Coro del Teatro di San Carlo in this production of Pietro Mascagni's one-act opera, "Cavalleria Rusticana," featuring Sung Kyu Park as Turiddu and Barbara Di Castri as Lola, his married lover. Directed for the stage by Maurizio Scaparro and recorded live in July 2007, the production also features Ildiko Komlosi as Santuzza, Cinzia De Mola as Lucia and Marco di Felice as Alfio.
Classic Archive: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: Soprano This program features recently discovered and carefully restored footage of two glorious recitals by renowned 20th-century soprano Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, accompanied by acclaimed pianist Gerald Moore. These performances from 1961 and 1970 showcase the vocalist's soaring range on Mozart's "Die kleine Spinnerin," Schumann's "Der Nussbaum (Myrthen)," Mahler's "Lob des Hohen Verstands" and more.
Classic Archive: Gennady Rozhdestvensky: Conductor This carefully restored 1978 British television broadcast features acclaimed Russian maestro Gennady Rozhdestvensky conducting Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp Minor by Sergei Rachmaninov. Other selections include "Russian Easter Festival" Overture by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Symphony no. 4 in C Minor, op. 43, by Dmitri Shostakovich. The celebrated conductor is known for bringing to light lesser-known works of great composers.
Classic Archive: Gÿorgy Cziffra, Benno Moïseïwitsch and Jorge Bolet: Piano Virtuosos This special program showcases three piano virtuosos at the peak of their powers, including Hungarian musician Gÿorgy Cziffra playing selections from Bach, Scarlatti and Schumann, plus a thunderous version of Lizst's Hungarian Rhapsody no. 6. Ukrainian pianist Benno Moïseïwitsch performs pieces by Schumann and Rachmaninov, and Cuban musician Jorge Bolet plays selections from Chopin and Liszt, including the latter's "Grand Galop Chromatique."
Classic Archive: Pierre Boulez: Conductor This film features historic television broadcasts of renowned French composer Pierre Boulez conducting Claude Debussy's "Nocturnes: Fêtes" and "Jeux: Poème Dansé" in 1968 and "Images for Orchestra" and "Rondes de Printemps," among others, in 1974. This restored footage also captures Boulez conducting Arnold Schoenberg's "Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene," op. 34, in 1974 and Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" in 1997.
Claudio Abbado: Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 3 Celebrated Italian conductor Claudio Abbado leads the Lucerne Festival Orchestra in a magnificent interpretation of Gustav Mahler's Symphony no. 3, recorded live in 2007 at Switzerland's renowned summertime festival of classical music. Contralto Anna Larsson, the Tölzer Knabenchor boys choir and the female voices of the Arnold Schoenberg Chor accompany Abbado's world-renowned orchestra in this stirring concert.
History of the Organ: Vol. 2 This episode in the "History of the Organ" series focuses on the developments of the 17th and 18th centuries, from the influence of Dutch composer and teacher Jan Sweelinck to the mighty organ compositions of Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach. This program also examines the religious reforms of the age that led to the organ's increasingly vital role in religious worship. Organist Gustav Leonhardt and others perform music of the era.
Ice and Steel This program features the four-act opera "Ice and Steel" by the gifted but little-known Soviet composer Vladimir Deshevov, sung in Russian and filmed live at Saarländisches Staatstheater Saarbrücken in 2007. Immo Karaman directs the stage production, with Will Humburg conducting the Saarländisches Staatsorchester. The cast features Yevgeny Taruntsov, Anna Toneeva, Hiroshi Matsui and Oxana Arkaeva.
Jewel: The Essential Live Songbook In this installment of PBS's "Soundstage" series, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jewel performs live in two different locations: the historic Rialto Theater in Joliet, Ill., and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Highlights include the hits "Who Will Save Your Soul," "You Were Meant for Me," "Foolish Games," "Standing Still," "Hands" and "Intuition," plus covers of classic songs such as "Anything Goes" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Juan Gabriel: La Historia del Divo The legendary career of Grammy-nominated Mexican vocalist Juan Gabriel comes full circle in this collection of the singer-songwriter's best-loved material that begins with his very first hit in 1971, "No Tengo Dinero." Other selections include music videos for "Querida," "Con Tu Amor," "No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar," "No Vale la Pena," "Inocente Pobre Amigo," "Debo Hacerlo," "Toda Esta Bien" and "Inocente de Ti."
La Traviata Lorin Maazel conducts this critically acclaimed production of Giuseppe Verdi's renowned opera, recorded live in 2007 at the Teatro alla Scala di Milano and featuring that venue's orchestra, chorus and ballet. Angela Gheorghiu stars as the noble courtesan Violetta Valéry opposite Ramón Vargas as Violetta's lover, Alfredo. The production also features Roberto Frontali as Giorgio Germont and Natascha Petrinsky as Flora Bervoix.
La Traviata Ernst Märzendorfer conducts the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in this production of Giuseppe Verdi's famed tragic opera, filmed live in 2008 at Austria's Römersteinbruch St. Margarethen. Kristiane Kaiser stars as Violetta Valéry, the courtesan who changes her life for her beloved Alfredo, played by Jean-Françoise Borras. The supporting cast includes Magdalena Anna Hofmann, Georg Tichy and Michael Kurz.
La Traviata: Love & Sacrifice: The Story of the Opera An in-depth look at Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece "La Traviata," this documentary traces the opera's storyline, examines the ways it's been staged in theatrical productions throughout the years and analyzes many of Verdi's carefully crafted choices. Talented singers such as Kathleen Cassello, Angela Gheorghiu, Marie McLaughlin and Carla Basto are all featured performing the leading role of Violetta in this program.
Lionel Hampton: Live in '58 Lionel Hampton takes the stage in Belgium in this concert film from 1958 that showcases the multitalented jazz musician's dazzling skills on drums, piano, vibes, vocals -- and even dancing. Backed by a stellar orchestra that includes soloists Andy McGhee, Billy Mackel and Lou Blackburn, Hampton wows his Belgian audience with "Brussels Sprouts," "The High and the Mighty," "Hot Club Blues," "The Chase," "Hamp's Piano Blues" and more.
Nina Simone: Live in '65 & '68 Legendary jazz vocalist Nina Simone shines on a dynamic range of songs, including "Tomorrow Is My Turn," "Mississippi Goddam" and Bob Dylan's "The Ballad of Hollis Brown," in this set of concerts filmed in Europe in 1965 and 1968. The High Priestess of Soul showcases her achingly beautiful moodiness as well as her fiery tongue on tracks such as "Four Women," "I Put a Spell on You," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Backlash Blues" and "Go to Hell."
Oscar Peterson: Live in '63, '64 & '65 Legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson takes the stage in Sweden, Denmark and Finland with his Oscar Peterson Trio in this collection of three concerts filmed in Europe in 1963, 1964 and 1965. Backed by bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen, Peterson delights his European audiences with rollicking versions of "Satin Doll," "Reunion Blues," "Mack the Knife," "Misty," "Hymn to Freedom" and more.
Solti and Perahia: Bartok's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion Renowned pianists Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia team up with accomplished percussionists Evelyn Glennie and David Corkhill for a stirring performance of Hungarian composer Bela Bartok's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion. In addition to presenting the landmark performance in its entirety, this program also includes a behind-the-scenes documentary profiling Solti and Perahia's recording of the Grammy-winning piece.
Sonny Rollins: Live in '65 & '68 Celebrated jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins takes the stage to dazzle Danish audiences in this pair of concerts filmed in 1965 and 1968, with sterling backing musicians Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass), Kenny Drew (piano) and Alan Dawson (drums). Rollins and company perform "There Will Never Be Another You," "Darn That Dream," "Three Little Words," "On Green Dolphin Street" and more, including two versions of his classic tune "St. Thomas."
The Antonín Dvorák Cycle: Vol. 5 This film presents a moving performance of Czech composer Antonín Dvorák's religious cantata "Stabat Mater," op. 58, featuring the Prague Symphonic Choir and the Prague Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Libor Pesek. Filmed live at the Alte Oper Frankfurt, this performance showcases the vocal talents of soprano Eva Urbanová, mezzo-soprano Katerina Kachlíková, tenor Stefan Margita and bass Peter Mikulás.
Werther Daniel Carlberg conducts the Badische Staatskapelle in this performance of Jules Massenet's "Werther," the acclaimed opera based on the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Filmed live at the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe in 2007, this production stars Keith Ikaia-Purdy in the title role, with Armin Kolarczyk, Silvia Hablowetz and Ina Schlingensiepen in the supporting cast.
Zubin Mehta: Los Angeles Philharmonic Recorded live at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in 1977, this film showcases the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major, featuring David Breidenthal on bassoon, with Zubin Mehta conducting. Highlighting the great strides the Philharmonic made under Mehta's direction, this program also includes performances of Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, Dvorák's Symphony no. 8 in G Major and more.
7 Virgins While serving a sentence in a juvenile reform center, 17-year-old Tano (Juan José Ballesta) is given a two-day leave to attend his brother's wedding … and subsequently attempts to cram a full summer's worth of fun into 48 hours. Directed and co-written by Alberto Rodríguez, this poignant coming-of-age drama follows Tano as he reunites with his family and friends and learns to appreciate what he took for granted while living on the outside.
An Autumn Afternoon The final film from cinematic giant Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story), this poignant tale centers on aging widower Shuhei Hirayama (Chishu Ryu) and his efforts to find a suitable husband for his daughter, Michiko (Shima Iwashita). Despite his struggles to come to terms with modernity and the inevitable loneliness that awaits him, Hirayama decides that his daughter's life should not be spent caring for him.
Beaufort In the final days of the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, a band of soldiers prepares for the evacuation of a mountain stronghold called Beaufort. Their leader is 22-year-old Liberti (Oshri Cohen), whose strict adherence to the rules puts the men in harm's way. As the evacuation draws near, Hezbollah steps up its attack, testing Liberti's mettle and the men's allegiance to him. Eli Altonio co-stars in director Joseph Cedar's Oscar-nominated film.
I Dreamt Under the Water After his beloved junkie bandmate (Franck Victor) dies in his arms, the distraught Antonin (Hubert Benhamdine) retreats into the seediest corners of Parisian nightlife, where he becomes a prostitute who inevitably falls for his clients. But another unlikely romance beckons when he falls for the beautiful but unbalanced Juliette (Caroline Ducey). Writer-director Hormoz's provocative erotic drama also stars Christine Boisson and Hicham Nazzal.
Jellyfish The stories of three disparate women intersect at a Tel Aviv wedding. Newly single Batiya (Sarah Adler) works with the catering crew; Filipina Joy (Ma-nenita De Latorre) attends the event as the caregiver of an elderly woman; and the bride (Noa Knoller) sees her honeymoon dreams go up in smoke. Directed by popular Israeli novelist Etgar Keret and his screenwriter wife, Shira Geffen, the film won the Camera d'Or at Cannes.
OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies This parody of the original "OSS 117" series of the mid-20th century follows OSS agent 117 (Jean Dujardin) as he is sent to investigate the disappearance of fellow agent Jack Jefferson (Philippe Lefebvre), along with a Russian cargo ship, from Cairo. While on his mission, OSS 117 becomes entangled in a web of international espionage involving French, Russian, Egyptian, Belgian and neo-Nazi representatives, while also juggling multiple romances.
Palestine Blues While the Israeli government views the West Bank security wall as a critical safety measure, this searing documentary explains how it has also disrupted the lives of the people who live and work in the region. Palestinian American director Nida Sinnokrot shows how the 400-mile barrier separating the West Bank and the Gaza Strip from the rest of the country has hindered trade, work and social interaction, sparking a grassroots resistance effort.
Rumbo a Las Grandes Ligas Filmmaker Jared Goodman looks at what makes the Dominican Republic a hot training ground for baseball superstars such as homegrown heroes David Ortiz, Vladimir Guerrero, Carlos Gomez and others. On this small Caribbean island, United States Major League Baseball is more than a pastime; it is the pipe dream of many boys and an escape from brutal poverty. This winning documentary spotlights those dreams and this nation's baseball obsession.
The Collected Films of Takahiko Iimura: Vol. 1 Dating back to his innovative work of the 1960s, Takahiko Iimura is regarded as one of the pioneers of experimental video, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative and exploring the boundaries of still images and moving audio-visual sequences. This collection compiles many of Iimura's most influential and celebrated works, including the award-winning effort, Onan. Other titles include White Calligraphy, Aiueonn Six Features and Face.
The Good Boy Ángel (Álex González), an aspiring boxer, trains tirelessly for his shot at a big-time bout. But as desperation plagues his personal life, he's lured astray by the promise of easy money and risks losing everything -- including himself. When bank robber Vidal (Darío Grandinetti) returns to town, the charismatic former boxer pulls Ángel into his criminal enterprise. And soon, Ángel is a willing victim of Vidal's twisted exploitation.
The Rebel In 1920s Vietnam, Le Van Cuong (Johnny Nguyen) ferrets out rebels -- his fellow countrymen -- against the colonial French government, a job that grates on his conscience. His latest assignment is tracking down the rebel leader who assassinated a French politician. During the search, he crosses paths with the revolutionary's daughter, Thuy (Thanh Van Ngo). The government wants to use her to get to her father, which is where Cuong draws the line.
