New Releases for October 28th, 2008 (Full List)
Dean Teaster's Ghost Town This hard-hitting "Western" set in 19th-century North Carolina reunites Herbert Coward and Bill McKinney, the villainous mountain men from the brutal 1972 film Deliverance, in a tale of revenge and family loyalty. Writer-director Dean Teaster weaves characters from his own family tree into the story, which was filmed in its entirety at Ghost Town in the Sky, a historically accurate theme park in North Carolina.
Hell Ride When rival bikers savagely murder his woman, Pistolero (Larry Bishop) and his cohorts Comanche (Eric Balfour) and the Gent (Michael Madsen) round up the crew and take to the streets in search of some old-fashioned revenge. Produced by Quentin Tarantino, this gritty nod to biker B-movies of the 1970s also stars Vinnie Jones and the legendary Dennis Hopper as leaders of the satanic biker gang the 666ers.
Care Bears Give Thanks The Care Bears are all about sharing and kindness, which is what makes them particularly happy that Thanksgiving has arrived. The gang celebrates the season with their brand of good-natured charm in six episodes of their heartwarming animated series. Food, fun and family are on the bill with "A Care Bear's Look at Food, Facts and Fables," "Gram Bear's Thanksgiving Surprise," "Gram's Cooking Corner" and other stories.
Christmas Caper A botched heist sends professional thief Cate (Shannen Doherty) into hiding in her tiny hometown. When Cate's sister, Savannah (Sonya Salomaa), is stranded on vacation due to bad weather, she asks Cate to watch her kids until she returns. Cate reluctantly agrees, planning to work out a new scheme in the meantime. But in a cozy suburban safe house, with a niece and nephew to care for and Christmas approaching, Cate finds her priorities shifting.
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Julia Ormond and Stanley Tucci, this Depression-era drama follows aspiring young journalist Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin), whose ingenuity and courage help save her family's house. With Kit's father (Chris O'Donnell) away looking for a job, her mother (Ormond) takes in boarders to make ends meet -- and when the family savings are stolen during a series of robberies, Kit sets about finding the thief.
Little Tikes Land Inspired by the beloved Little Tikes line of toys and outdoor products, this lively, computer-animated series follows the fun-filled backyard adventures of Lily Tikes and her imaginative friend, L.T. Garcia. Follow along as the Little Tikes explore an amazing underwater world and build a train in their own backyard. Episodes include "Rustee Rails Rides Again," "Cozy's Big Day," "Bubble Trouble" and "The Search for Tubbie T. Bear."
Tinker Bell Peter Pan's famed sidekick Tinker Bell gets a story all her own in this enchanting tale set in the magical world of Pixie Hollow. Joined by her friends Iridessa the light fairy, Rosetta the garden fairy, Fawn the animal fairy, Silvermist the water fairy and tinker fairies Clank and Bobbie, the super sprite is up to her old tricks -- and some new ones -- in this animated charmer. Voice talents include Kristin Chenoweth and Anjelica Huston.
Zoom: Back to the 70s Get ready to go retro with this nostalgic compilation from the Emmy-winning PBS children's series. Written and hosted by kids, "Zoom" stars seven youngsters from varied backgrounds performing material and activities suggested by the TV audience. Included are segments featuring all the hosts from the show's six seasons, along with four complete episodes. So, join the fun as the Zoomers stage plays, engage in life discussions, sing, dance and more.
Affairs of the Heart: Series 1 This collection of romantic dramas includes seven stand-alone episodes made for British television, based on stories and novels by Henry James, including "Washington Square" and "The Wings of the Dove." The pieces each explore James's signature theme of the frequently ill-fated social comingling of British aristocracy and free-spirited Americans. The talented cast includes Jeremy Brett, Lynn Farleigh, Rosalind Ayres and Diana Rigg.
In the Folds of the Flesh Sergio Bergonzelli directs this over-the-top, gore- and violence-filled exploitation centered on guests staying in an Italian villa who are killed off one by one by their hosts. Featuring undertones of incest and pop psychology, plenty of gruesome entertainment abounds, with pet vultures, decapitations and even a cyanide bath awaiting the helpless victims. Pier Angeli, Eleonora Rossi Drago, Luciano Catenacci and Fernando Sancho star.
The Little Rascals: The Complete Series Nostalgia buffs and fans of the beloved Our Gang series will relish this fully restored and remastered collection of 80 theatrical comedy shorts spanning the years 1929 to 1938. As always, lovable mischief makers Spanky, Darla, Alfalfa, Buckwheat and Froggy land in one predicament after another. The array of extras includes several featurettes, commentary by film historians and interviews with former Little Rascals.
American Hormones Three high school friends desperate to score see their perfect opportunity when a classmate decides to throw a party. Nothing will stop them from reaching their goal as they try to sweet-talk their love interests at the year's hottest bash. Will they get the hook up or fall flat on their faces? Anthony Marquez, Britton Mizell, Cory King and Marina Reza star in Foster V. Corder's hilarious coming-of-age comedy.
Carlos Mencia: Performance Enhanced* Carlos Mencia serves up a new batch of observations on society's touchiest issues in this juiced performance at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Fla. Mencia crosses a host of comedy borders as he riffs on gays in the military, the N-word, his recent trip to the Middle East, the hypocrisy of vegetarians and women's bizarre attraction to losers in this Comedy Central original stand-up special.
Hank and Mike When the multinational corporation that owns all holidays gives them a pink slip, beer-swilling, cigarette-smoking Easter bunnies Hank (Thomas Michael) and Mike (Paolo Mancini) are forced to brave the cold, harsh world of unemployment. Co-written by Michael and Mancini, this irreverent blue-collar comedy from director Matthiew Klinck also stars Joe Mantegna (TV's" Criminal Minds") and Chris Klein (American Pie).
Shut Up & Shoot Me Inconsolable after his wife perishes in a freak accident while vacationing in Prague, worrywart British tourist Colin Frampton (Andy Nyman) -- certain he can't live without her -- enlists hard-up Czech Pavel Zeman (Karel Roden) to end his suffering. But when Pavel's increasingly crazy schemes fail to result in Colin's death, the would-be killer's efforts attract the attention of a hulking mob boss (Robert Polo) in this inky Czech comedy.
Steve Harvey: Still Trippin' Drawing on funny experiences of his own life, comic giant Steve Harvey sounds off on family, work and travel in this stand-up set, which he delivers before a packed house in New Jersey. Following up his hit show "Don't Trip … He Ain't Through with Me Yet!" Harvey demonstrates, with his impeccable timing and unstoppable charisma, why he was included in the legendary funnyman foursome "The Original Kings of Comedy."
The Other Half Mark (Danny Dyer) and Holly (Gillian Kearney) have finally tied the knot, and Mark's made sure the honeymoon in Lisbon will be one to remember. But the trip turns Gillian into a soccer widow when Mark learns that England's team is in town for a big match. Although Mark tries to hide his enthusiasm, a series of coincidences leads Holly to believe that he married her just for this honeymoon -- and the soccer games that accompany it.
Wifey When a simple twist of fate robs him of his fortune and his materialistic fiancée, Shalae (Tiffany Lowery), self-made mogul Trump (Brian Hooks) is forced to move back into his old neighborhood with his tail planted firmly between his legs. Obsessed with getting Shalae back, Trump enlists the help of his childhood friend Malika (Jazsmin Lewis) to help him lure his dream "wifey" back into his arms.
Yeti: A Love Story A camping trip goes very wrong when five college students are kidnapped by a secret cult that plans to sacrifice them to a mysterious hairy beast called the Yeti -- who turns out to harbor a deep attraction to young men -- in this raunchy comedy. The situation starts to improve when one of the victims begins to examine his own desires and finds that the Yeti doesn't seem so unappealing -- but can the group escape from the crazed cult members?
Death Defying Acts When legendary escape artist Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) offers a handsome reward to anyone who can contact his dead mother beyond the grave, a sultry Scottish psychic and con artist (Catherine Zeta-Jones) takes up the challenge. But when the two fall in love, the boundaries between truth and deception become blurred. Directed by Gillian Armstrong, this entertaining period costume drama co-stars Saoirse Ronan and Timothy Spall.
Love. Blood. Kryptonite. In a suburban neighborhood, teen Jimmy Donovan (Alex Goode) sells pot to keep his 6-year-old sister in private school. When his addict mother lands in the hospital, Jimmy feels pressured to expand his business and begins peddling heroin. But he soon learns that there's a difference between hash and his new product -- one that endangers those he meant to protect. Allison Henry and Lucas Ellman also star in this engrossing drama.
Mysterious Creatures Timothy Spall and Brenda Blethyn star in this compelling drama based on the true story of Bill and Wendy Ainscow, a working-class British couple who spend their lives caring for their daughter, Lisa (Rebekah Staton), who suffers from Asperger's syndrome. Driven to desperation by 30 years of Lisa's unmanageable and often hostile behavior, Bill commits suicide, and Wendy makes two unsuccessful attempts to end her life. David Evans directs.
Red Emmy winner Brian Cox heads the cast as Avery Ludlow, a simple, affable man driven to extremes when a group of teenage miscreants kills his beloved dog, Red. When it becomes obvious that the boys won't be held accountable for their senseless act, Ludlow takes matters into his own hands. Tom Sizemore, Robert Englund and Amanda Plummer also star in this disquieting thriller directed by Trygve Diesen and Lucky McKee.
13 Hours in a Warehouse After a successful heist, five thieves hide in an old warehouse for the night. But when a series of mysterious numbers appears on the wall, followed by a bloody attack, they quickly catch on that somebody -- or something -- doesn't want them there. Soon, they're fighting for their lives. Does the clue to survival lie in the strange string of numbers that keep showing up everywhere? Dav Kaufman directs this taut supernatural thriller.
Rain of Fire Despite doomsday warnings from throngs of locals, wealthy industrialist Robert Caine (Kirk Douglas) makes the controversial decision to build a nuclear power plant near a sacred cave in the Middle East in this gripping thriller. But before Caine can reap the benefits of his latest bid for global domination, he discovers that his son, Angel (Simon Ward), is the Antichrist, who is planning to use his father's project to trigger the end of the world.
The Edgar Allan Poe Collection: Vol. 1: Annabel Lee & Other Tales of Mystery and Imagination Hosted by venerable actor Christopher Lee, this compilation features three short films adapted from the works of celebrated author and poet Edgar Allan Poe. Titles include George Higham's stop-motion animated "Annabel Lee," "The Raven" by Peter Bradley and "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Alfonso S. Suarez, featuring cult horror legend Paul Naschy.
The Thing on the Doorstep In this adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's story, Edward Derby (Erick Robertson) begins to believe that his young bride, Asenath (Angela M. Grillo), is exerting psychic powers over him, a fear fueled by stories of his late father-in-law's sorcery. Whether his torment is real or imagined, Edward is losing his grip on sanity, and only his down-to-earth former professor (J.D. Lloyd) may be able to help.
Weird Tale Collection: Vol. 1: The Yellow Sign and Others This collection features short film adaptations of three stories by Robert W. Chambers -- the influential horror writer known for his "weird" tales -- as well as the documentary "Chambers in Paris." "The Yellow Sign" stars Shawna Waldron as an art gallery owner whose dreams lead her on a journey through her past lives. "Tupilak" centers on vengeful Inuit spirits, and "The King in Yellow" tells of a cursed play that causes madness.
Zombie Strippers A deadly government-controlled virus strikes a small Nebraska strip club, where the head dancer is quickly infected and transformed into a flesh-eating zombie -- and becomes an instant hit with the customers. To be or not to be a zombie: That is the question facing the remaining jealous strippers in this outrageous horror comedy, starring slasher icon Robert Englund (best known as Freddy Krueger) and adult-entertainment icon Jenna Jameson.
Fanny Hill: Unrated John Cleland's ribald novel comes floridly to life in director Gerry O'Hara's adaptation of the classic tale. As soon as buxom country lass Fanny Hill (Lisa Raines) lands in the city, she begins a tryst with the son of an affluent family. But while preparing to wed her paramour, Fanny discovers his infidelity, setting her off on a succession of sexual adventures. The unrated version has about 25 minutes more footage.
The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon When King Edvard (Chris Geere) and his new bride, Queen Paige (Kam Heskin), honeymoon in the idyllic woodland of Belavia, they discover that Prime Minister Polonius (Todd Jensen) is secretly planning to ruthlessly level the forest and drill for oil. Now the royal couple must fight for Belavia's lovely ecosystem before it is destroyed forever. Catherine Cyran directs this entertaining romantic comedy.
Journey to the Center of the Earth Science professor Trevor (Brendan Fraser) has become the laughingstock of the academic community thanks to his outrageous theories. While on a trip to Iceland, Trevor, his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and their guide Hannah (Anita Briem) find themselves at the center of the planet, having discovered a whole world within our world. Adapted from the Jules Verne fantasy novel, this film marks the directorial debut of Eric Brevig.
Jake's Closet With his parents sliding toward divorce, the life of 6-year-old Jake (Anthony De Marco) begins to come apart. As he struggles to make sense of his evaporating home life, a friend (Matthew Josten) convinces Jake that something evil is lurking in his bedroom closet. But confronting the vile presence soon leads to an unnerving discovery in this taut thriller also starring Brooke Bloom, Sean Bridgers and Ben Bode.
Quench Looking for solace after a tragedy, grieving college student Derik (Bo Barrett) hitchhikes home to reconnect with his childhood friend Jason (Ben Schmitt), only to find that he's joined a kinky cult in this disquieting indie chiller from director Zack Parker. Although Jason's new persona and the sanguinary sex he engages in with his girlfriend (Samantha Eileen DeTurk) shock Derik, he soon finds himself drawn into the creepy sect.
Shiver When a sunlight-phobic teen (Junio Valverde) moves to a remote mountain town -- coinciding with a series of mass killings -- everyone naturally suspects the strange newcomer. But the forest holds a spine-tingling secret that explains everything. Academy Award-winning production designer Pilar Revuelta (Pan's Labyrinth) applies her artistic eye to this atmospheric Spanish-language horror film that premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2008.
Dead Space A feature-length prequel to the Electronic Arts' video game, this animated sci-fi horror adventure follows a group of space miners who uncover evidence of humankind's creators then unwittingly release a violent alien race from within a faraway planet. Now it's up to a special team of miners and space crew to stop the most ruthless, evil alien beings from wreaking havoc on the human race.
Night Head Genesis After spending years isolated in a laboratory, psychic-powered brothers Naoto and Naoya escape to the outside world. While using their abilities to protect people, the pair unwittingly incites other psychics called Night Heads to start a revolution. A powerful psychokinetic, Naoto has the power to injure people with his thoughts, while Naoya is a clairvoyant who can enter people's minds by touching them.
Ouran High School Host Club: Season 1: Part 1 After knocking over a pricey vase inside her school's exclusive Host Club, working-class scholarship student Haruhi finds herself in the club's debt. The only way to pay her way out is by working as a host. But there's a problem: They think she's a he. Should Haruhi fess up to the club's snooty members and tell them she's really a girl? Or is it more advantageous to go along with the charade? Only time will tell.
Pokémon All Stars: Vol. 13: Psyduck Get to know Psyduck in this specially created anthology of three episodes, part of a series spotlighting favorite individual characters. The set includes "Ninja Poké-Showdown," in which Team Rocket dons ancient battle gear to challenge Psyduck; "Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!" in which a movie director casts Psyduck in a leading role; and "Bye Bye Psyduck," which chronicles Psyduck's transformation into Golduck.
Pokémon All Stars: Vol. 14: Wobbuffet Meet Wobbuffet, the stretchy blue comedian of the Pokémon world, in this trilogy of episodes, part of a series spotlighting favorite individual characters. First, in "Wobbapalooza," our heroes journey to a festival in a town inhabited by nothing but Wobbuffets. Then, "The Wayward Wobbuffet" finds Ash racing to rescue Wobbuffet before Team Rocket can grab him for themselves. Finally, in "Who, What, When, Where, Wynaut?" Wobbuffett goes missing.
Amazonia Vertical Deep in the Amazon lives Auyan Tepui -- known to locals as the "Mount of the God of Evil." After becoming the first person to completely traverse the enormous table mountain, climber Slovak Becko Ondrejovic returns for more. But this time, he brings his friends along to experience this full immersion into nature. This Slovakian documentary features breathtaking vistas of a world virtually untouched by modernity.
Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens This documentary takes an in-depth look at the influential career of iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, from her earliest artistic efforts to her storied tenure at Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair magazines and beyond. Intimately filmed by Annie's sister Barbara Leibovitz, the program features interviews with the artist as she works at home, along with telling insights from many of the celebrities she has photographed, such as Mick Jagger.
Billy the Kid Filmmaker Jennifer Venditti documents the engrossing life of Billy P., a teen in small-town Maine enamored with girls and pro wrestling. But as the cameras roll, a more complex portrait emerges of a troubled but ultimately triumphant young man. From finding the courage to ask a girl on a date to confronting his painful childhood with remarkable humor, Billy is a testament to the power of love and family to overcome any obstacle.
Body of War Tomas Young left for Iraq a gung-ho soldier. He returned home paralyzed, struggling to deal with his physical limitations and his changing feelings about the war. This eye-opening documentary looks at the raging debate over the war in Iraq through the eyes of this courageous young hero who signed up for the military two days after Sept. 11, only to be sent to Iraq where a bullet shattered his life physically and emotionally.
Dutch Light Ten years in the making, this intriguing documentary (from filmmaking de Kroon brothers Pieter-Rim and Maarten) explores the mythical Dutch light, the distinct glow depicted in countless paintings by 17th-century masters such as Rembrandt. With insight from a panel of noted artists and historians, the de Kroons examine the possibility that the famous radiance is truly unlike any other in the world.
ESPN: Black Magic Filmmaker Dan Klores links the rise of the United States civil rights movement to the history of African American basketball players and coaches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson and musician Wynton Marsalis, this documentary explores the intersection of sports and culture through game footage and interviews with players such as Willis Reed and Dick Barnett.
On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald Originally aired on Showtime, this program weighs the innocence and guilt of Lee Harvey Oswald -- the man the Warren Commission determined to be John F. Kennedy's assassin but who always claimed to be "just a patsy." Interviews with the surviving witnesses to the crime are an eye-opening reminder that, even so many years later, many questions remain concerning one of the most shocking murders of the century.
Power of the Past with Bill Moyers: Florence Join journalist Bill Moyers for a guided tour of Florence, Italy, that focuses on the art and creativity of the Renaissance, and how key philosophical ideas from the period -- such as the importance of the individual within society -- live on today. Moyers examines some of the city's most important works of art, including several of Michelangelo's frescoes, and interviews such notable artists as filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli and author Umberto Eco.
Pururambo Globe-trotting Slovakian filmmaker Pavol Barabas explores Earth's biggest tropical island, New Guinea, in this breathtaking tour of a culture wholly unfamiliar with modern civilization and with no previous contact with white people. Along the way, Barabas finds people living high in trees under conditions roughly similar to those of the Stone Age. The film won the Culture Prize at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
Refrigerator Mothers In the 1950s and '60s, before autism was better understood by the medical establishment, doctors blamed the condition on frigid mothering. These "refrigerator mothers" lived with decades of guilt while their children underwent questionable therapies. The mothers tell their story for the first time in this stirring documentary, which also chronicles how Bruno Bettleheim got the cause of autism wrong and how others later challenged his error.
Roald Dahl: The Making of Modern Children's Literature With titles such as "James and the Giant Peach," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "BFG" and "Matilda," author Roald Dahl enthralled millions of children while raising the ire of critics who sometimes found his work too dark and subversive. This engaging -- and surprisingly complex -- portrait of Dahl explores the writer's life through interviews with friends and family. Dahl's writings are read by master thespian Ian Holm.
Run for Your Life Filmmaker Judd Ehrlich's documentary recounts the fascinating life and work of Fred Lebow, the eccentric founder of the New York City Marathon whose love and passion for road running sparked a worldwide phenomenon. Featuring archival footage and candid interviews with Lebow's family, friends and contemporaries, Ehrlich paints a vivid portrait of a man who transcended his own shortcomings to become the figurehead of the sport he loved.
Secrets of the Dead: Tomb of Christ Noted archaeologists Martin Biddle and Birthe Kiolbye-Biddle examine Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, long rumored to be the tomb where Jesus was brought before his resurrection, in this episode of the popular PBS series. The two Oxford scholars evaluate the evidence to separate fact from legend, and their attempts to develop a timeline for the day of the crucifixion may help solve one of Christianity's oldest mysteries.
Secrets of the Dead: Witches Curse Travel back in time to 1692 to attend the Salem witch trials, an outbreak of mass hysteria that led to the execution of 19 people and the imprisonment of more than 150 others, in this episode from the popular PBS series. Behavioral psychologist Linda Caporeal presents a new theory about the bizarre incident: that contaminated crops may have produced a natural hallucinogenic that affected many of the accused "witches."
Shadow Company Warfare isn't what it used to be. This fascinating documentary provides a look at the thousands of private contractors who work closely with the military to perform dangerous missions but whose role often goes unnoticed by the public back home. Are they mercenaries -- or merely civilians performing military tasks? Filmmakers Nick Bicanic and Jason Bourque explore the myriad impacts of waging a new kind of war with a new kind of soldier.
The Corporal's Diary This poignant documentary shares the video journal kept by 22-year-old Cpl. Jonathan Santos during the 37 days he served in Iraq before being killed in a bombing on October 15, 2004, along with several other soldiers. Jonathan's mother, Doris Kent, received the journal along with the rest of his belongings after his death, and the film follows her subsequent meetings with family members of other soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Speeches Collection: Vol. 2: Republicans vs. Democrats Celebrating the oratorical achievements of Democrats and Republicans, this series on public speaking spotlights the gifted politicians on both sides of the aisle who took the concept of spirited debate to inspiring new levels. Highlights include famous speeches by former U.S. presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman (both Democrats) and Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon (both Republicans).
Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon During the 1970s, gay porn icon Jack Wrangler starred in more than 80 films to become the quintessential gay fantasy, as this campy and outrageous documentary attests. Chronicling his infamous career -- with credits in such gems as Kansas City Trucking Co. -- and his unlikely marriage to 1940s pop singer Margaret Whiting, director Jeffrey Schwarz finds his most engaging subject in Wrangler himself, who turns out to be an ace raconteur.
2008 LeMans Official Review Six diesel-fueled racers from Audi and Peugeot lead the battle for the grand prize in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans contest in northwest France in 2008. Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen lead the winning Audi R10 team. In the LM P2 class, the Porsche Spyders from Van Merksteijn Motorsport and Team Essex make a most auspicious debut, while the Aston Martin DBR9 rules the GT1 class and Ferrari takes the GT2.
2008 Wimbledon Official Film Relive the magical two weeks of the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, which found Spanish player Rafael Nadal scoring his first Wimbledon title in his epic defeat of five-time defending champ Roger Federer. The match was quickly deemed one of the greatest in tennis history. Meanwhile, in a hard-won victory over her sister, Serena, Venus Williams claims her fifth Wimbledon title and seventh Grand Slam title.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Shifting Gears Witness NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s unprecedented transition from his father's company, Dale Earnhardt Inc., to Hendrick Motorsports through behind-the-scenes footage of his public announcements, private meetings and major adjustments. Follow Dale Jr. as he switches vehicles and sponsors, forms relationships with his new partners and teammates, and competes for the coveted Chase for the Sprint Cup Series title.
I Love My Cardio: Weight Loss Workout Blast fat and get energized with this cardio-friendly workout led by fitness trainer and certified instructor Amy Brown, who demonstrates the moves with confidence and clarity. The easy-to-learn exercises will boost flexibility and leave you and your heart feeling great. Interactive features let you choose between a 10-minute, 20-minute, 30-minute or full workout. A seven-day meal plan is also included.
I Love My Pilates: Ab & Waist Workout Firm up those stomach muscles and cut down that waist size with the help of respected Canadian instructor and certified trainer Amy Brown, who presents a thorough regimen designed to produce a trimmer and more vigorous you. The "Pick a Tick" option lets the viewer choose the ticker countdown that dictates the length of the program, from 10 minutes to the full workout. A seven-day meal plan is also included.
I Love My Pilates: Total Body Workout Tone muscle, burn fat, boost flexibility and get your heart pumping with a full-body Pilates workout from Canadian instructor and certified trainer Amy Brown, who demonstrates each move clearly and energetically. Additionally, the "Pick a Tick" option lets the viewer choose the ticker countdown that dictates the length of the program, from 10 minutes to the full workout. A seven-day meal plan is also included.
I Love My Yoga: Overall Body Workout Yoga trainer Annabel Fitzsimmons and Pilates pro Amy Brown guide beginners and experts alike through a series of yoga poses and stretching techniques designed to boost flexibility and blast fat. The workout is presented clearly and at a gentle, easy-to-learn pace, and interactive features let you choose between a 10-minute, 20-minute, 30-minute or full workout. A seven-day meal plan is also included.
Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry Through rare film footage and interviews with top players and coaches, this HBO Sports documentary chronicles the longtime college football rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes. From the first game in 1897 to the hotly contested and eagerly anticipated showdowns of the 21st century, this program covers the origins, history and traditions of one of college football's biggest rivalries.
NFL Greatest Games Series: Dallas Cowboys 10 Greatest Games Get ready for some of the best football action the Dallas Cowboys have ever rustled up in this collection of 10 complete television broadcasts, including Super Bowl VI, in which America's Team took on the Miami Dolphins. Other games include Super Bowls XII, XXVII, XXVIII and XXX; the 1992, 1993 and 1995 NFC Championship games; the 1975 "Hail Mary" game against the Minnesota Vikings and the glorious 1981 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.
NFL Greatest Games Series: Washington Redskins: 3 Greatest Games: Super Bowl Victories Rediscover the excitement of all three Washington Redskins Super Bowl victories, including Super Bowl XVII, when the Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins and MVP running back John Riggins set the record for most rushing yards in a Super Bowl. These original television broadcasts also include Super Bowl XXII, when Washington took on the Denver Broncos, and Super Bowl XXVI, when the Redskins faced the Buffalo Bills.
Step: Strong and Stable with Abbie Appel Step yourself into tip-top shape with this fun, high-energy exercise routine led by fitness expert Abbie Appel, that's designed to help you burn calories, boost your conditioning level, and build and tone muscle. Broken up into separate segments suited to different fitness levels, each routine is designed for maximum results, blending aerobics, athletic drills, and strength and balance movements to give you an effective, full-body workout.
The British Open Championship: 2008 Official Film Weather woes and a risky injury highlight the 137th Open, which finds Irish champ Padraig Harrington overcoming an injured wrist to defend his title, becoming the fifth golfer in 50 years to win an Open Championship in back-to-back years. Doing their best to snatch the big prize from Harrington are English pro Ian Poulter and Australian golfer and business tycoon Greg Norman. Drama hits peak levels in the thrilling back nine
UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin Reigning UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes on a formidable challenger -- "Ultimate Fighter" winner Forrest Griffin -- in a fierce battle for the coveted title, culminating in a memorable tête-à-tête inside the Octagon. Extras include several fights that weren't previously aired on pay-per-view television, plus a bonus featurette packed with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Wimbledon 2000 Final: Sampras vs. Rafter The legendary Pete Sampras is crowned the king of Centre Court as he wins his seventh men's final and his record-shattering 13th Grand Slam title at the Wimbledon Championships in 2000. Sampras bests the two-time U.S. Open champion, Australian Patrick Rafter, in a climactic match. But other highlights of the famed fortnight include a memorable five-set nail-biter between Rafter and Andre Agassi in the semi-final round.
Wimbledon 2004 Final: Federer vs. Roddick The world's top-ranked tennis player, Roger Federer, faces off against the previous holder of that title, Andy Roddick, on the historic grass of Centre Court in the men's singles final at the 2004 Wimbledon Championships. Underdog Roddick -- who had just won the U.S. Open -- has his sights set on victory, as his 140 mph serves amply demonstrate. But despite a shaky start, the defending Wimbledon champ Federer shines in the rainy finale.
Buffalo Bill, Jr. Dickie Jones stars as Buffalo Bill Jr. in this collection of episodes from the 1955 television series, including "Fight for Geronimo," in which Bill and his sister Calamity (Nancy Gilbert) must prevent Indian leader Geronimo from escaping on his way to prison. In other adventures, Bill and Calamity assist a railroad man against a dishonest competitor; the two look into a sheriff's murder; and Calamity is taken captive by a desperado.
Cathouse: The Series A spin-off from two "America Undercover" documentaries, this HBO reality show profiles Nevada's Moonlite BunnyRanch, a legal brothel outside Reno. Seventeen episodes, more daring than the originals, reveal what goes on behind the establishment's closed doors. Viewers will meet Moonlite prostitutes such as Air Force Amy and Sunset Thomas, discover their sexual secrets during actual client visits and see how they cut loose after a hard day's work.
Cowboy G-Men Russell Hayden and Jackie Coogan star as Pat Gallagher and Stoney Crockett, two federal government agents fighting crime in the Old West, in this anthology from the thrilling 1952 television series. Episodes include "Chinaman's Chance," in which the lawmen crack down on corrupt officials taking advantage of immigrant Chinese gold miners, and "The Golden Wolf," in which the duo goes after a pack of swindling fur traders.
Dark Shadows: The Beginning: Collection 6 Strange and bizarre secrets emerge in this collection of early "Dark Shadows" episodes filmed before the introduction of Barnabas Collins, the pining vampire who became one of the supernatural soap opera's most popular characters. When Jason McGuire arrives at Collinwood unannounced, he reminds Elizabeth of a long-forgotten bond they share. But Jason's traveling companion, Willie Loomis, can't seem to keep his eyes off an old family portrait.
Girlfriends: Season 5 In this fifth season, friends Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross), Toni (Jill Marie Jones), Maya (Golden Brooks), Lynn (Persia White) remain as close as sisters. Joan opens her restaurant, J-Spot; Toni becomes a mother; Maya releases her book Oh, Hell Yes!; and Lynn finds her musical groove. But the ups and downs of love don't escape them as Joan and William (Reginald C. Hayes) redefine their relationship, and both Maya and Lynn face affairs of the heart.
Mother & Son: Season 2 The second season of this Australian sitcom has the newly single 40-something Arthur Beare (Garry McDonald) still dealing with the consequences of living with his dementia-addled yet surprisingly manipulative mother, Maggie (Ruth Cracknell). Arthur is further challenged when he tries to find time alone with his new girlfriend and is bewildered when he discovers Maggie has been hoarding piles of cash.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: First Spaceship on Venus American Brinkman (Gunther Simon), African Talua (Julius Ongewe) and Japanese Sumiko (Tani) lead an international crew on the first manned flight to Venus, where they learn a valuable lesson about nuclear terror in this fan favorite from the beloved cult series. In between making fun of the film's less-than-prescient predictions of the future, Joel (Joel Robinson) tries to turn down Tom Servo's sarcasm sequencer.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Future War Evil cyborgs and their dinosaur sidekicks leave the future to chase a runaway human slave (Daniel Bernhardt) to late-1990s Los Angeles, where the fugitive finds help in the form of prostitute-turned-nun Sister Ann (Travis Brooks Stewart). Cheap sets, ludicrous plotting and endless kickboxing get a thorough pummeling from the MST3K crew in this beloved episode. On-ship antics include the formation of acid-rock band Narcotic Casserole.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Laserblast While sulking in the California desert, misfit teenager Billy Duncan (Kim Milford) stumbles on a powerful alien laser weapon, which he uses to wreak havoc on all who have wronged him. The venerable critic Leonard Maltin gave this space oddity a two-and-a-half star review, a fact that gets quite a drubbing by the crew at MST3K in this fan-favorite episode. Watch for Roddy McDowall in a brief cameo as Dr. Mellon.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Werewolf While digging in an Arizona quarry, archaeologist Tommy (Jules Desjarlais) gets scratched by a werewolf skeleton and soon begins exhibiting the telltale signs of lycanthropy. Later on, his colleague, Yuri (Jorge Rivero), seizes upon a revenge plan using Tommy's blood. The crew of the MST3K has a howling good time with this 1996 schlockfest. On-ship antics include a funny spoof of "Inside the Actors' Studio."
Sister, Sister: Season 1 Bookworm Tia Landry and party girl Tamera Campbell (played by real-life identical twins Tia and Tamera Mowry) are twins reunited for the first time at age 14 in the debut season of this charming mid-1990s sitcom. Looking after the titular duo under one roof in the suburbs of Detroit are Tamera's uptight dad, Ray (Tim Reid), and Tia's brassy mom, Lisa (the irrepressible Jackée Harry). A young Brittany Murphy co-stars as Sarah.
The Donna Reed Show: Season 1 Easily one of television's most adored and longest-running sitcoms, "The Donna Reed Show" revolves around the wholesome, suburban exploits of the Stone family, anchored by the loving, dutiful housewife and mother Donna (Reed). The show's first season introduces us to Donna and the rest of the beloved Stone brood, including Alex (Carl Betz), the hardworking pediatrician father, and siblings Mary (Shelley Fabares) and Jeff (Paul Petersen).
The L Word: Season 5 In the fifth season of Showtime's girl-on-girl drama, Iraq war veteran Tasha (Rose Rollins) returns to the combat zone, while Bette (Jennifer Beals) continues her passionate affair with sculptor Jodi Lerner (Marlee Matlin). Cybill Shepard reprises her role as university vice chancellor Phyllis Croll, and Katherine Moennig, Pam Grier, Laurel Holloman, Janina Gavankar, Leisha Hailey co-star in this ensemble cast drama.
Tougher in Alaska: Season 1 In the vast northern landscape known as Alaska, people have always had to work hard for their survival, and as this reality series from the History Channel reveals, the 21st century hasn't changed that much. From gold mining to logging, salmon fishing to law enforcement, each episode explores a unique trade and the adventures and challenges it poses in the rugged, harsh terrain that makes up the 49th state.
Adolphe Adam: Giselle Alina Cojocaru stars as peasant girl Giselle in this 2006 Royal Ballet production of Adolphe Adam's romantic tale, recorded live at the Royal Opera House in London. Staged by Peter Wright, the performance features the choreography of Marius Petipa. Marianela Nuñez and Martin Harvey also star, with Johan Kobborg dancing the role of Albrecht, Giselle's deceitful lover. Boris Gruzin conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
Nutcracker: The Story of Clara This acclaimed adaptation of Tchaikovsky's fabled masterwork from Graeme Murphy and the Australian Ballet tells the story of a famous Russian ballerina who immigrates to Australia in the 1940s, only to find a newly tumultuous life awaiting her there. Noel Smith conducts the State Orchestra of Victoria, and Vicki Attard, Siobhan Elsmann, Steven Heathcote and Dame Margaret Scott star in this 1994 production.
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Barry Wordsworth conducts the Orchestra of the Birmingham Royal Ballet in this opulent production of Tchaikovsky's moving work, which recounts a girl's imaginary Christmas Eve journey into a magical realm. Miyako Yoshida, Irek Mukhamedov, Sandra Madgwick and Joseph Cipolla star, with Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov and Vincent Redmon directing the choreography.
Vox Lumiere: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Inspired by the 1923 silent film adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel, performance group Vox Lumiere creates this unique stage performance that combines music, modern dance and film to bring new dimensions to the timeless drama. At the heart of the spectacle is Lon Chaney's groundbreaking turn as Quasimodo, which launches an uncanny interaction between the live performers and the haunting moving image.
Between the Lines: Sara Bareilles Live at the Fillmore San Francisco's historic Fillmore Theater provides the backdrop for an impressive performance by Sara Bareilles, the acclaimed singer-songwriter best known for "Bottle It Up," "Love on the Rocks" and her chart-topping hit "Love Song." Filmed during Bareilles' Between the Lines tour, the video also features a collection of behind-the-scenes footage and a jam session in picturesque Sausalito, Calif.
Chayanne: Vivo Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican pop sensation Chayanne offers up a dynamic live performance for an enthusiastic, standing-room-only audience of fans at this concert from River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. Songs include "Si Nos Quedara Poco Tiempo," "Este Ritmo Se Baila Así/Baila Baila Medley," "Dejaría Todo," "Provócame," "Torero," "No Te Preocupes Por Mí," "Te Echo De Menos," "Y Tú Te Vas," "Yo Te Amo/Atado A Tu Amor Medley" and many more.
Countertenors The soaring male falsetto -- once the domain of the renowned castrati of the 16th and 17th centuries -- is now achieved through natural means, as demonstrated by this beguiling group of countertenors. International sensations Michael Chance, Andreas Sholl and James Bowman showcase their extraordinary voices and expound on the appeal of this unique form of singing, grounded both in sacred and operatic traditions.
David Oistrakh: Artist of the People? The life and virtuosic work of Russian violinist David Oistrakh, once known as King David in the Soviet Union, is chronicled with depth and detail by filmmaker Bruno Monsaingeon in this intriguing portrait of an artist. Highlights include a range of performance footage throughout Oistrakh's legendary career, as well as interviews with his son, Igor, conductor Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and violinist Yehudi Menuhin.
Dog Fashion Disco: DFDVD II In addition to a collection of performance clips, interviews and backstage footage, this compilation video from cutting-edge metal band Dog Fashion Disco features the group's 2007 farewell appearance in Baltimore. Songs include "Valley Girl Ventriloquist," "Desert Grave," "Magical Band of Fools," "Worm in a Dog's Heart," "The Sacrifice of Miss Rose Covington," "A Corpse Is a Corpse" and "Rat on a Sinking Ship."
Gaelic Spirit: Bringing Together the Best in Irish Music Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Sinead O'Connor and other top musicians celebrate the diverse sound of Irish music in a night of performances at the Music Centre in Dublin's Temple Bar. The set list includes Morrison on "St. Dominic's Preview," Costello on "Little Palaces," O'Connor on "She Moved Through the Fair," Moore on "Tiles and Slabs," Emmylou Harris on "Waltz Across Texas Tonight," Mark Knopfler on "Raglan Road" and more.
Giacomo Puccini: Manon Lescaut Astrid Weber, Heiko Trinsinger, Zurab Zurabishivili and Kouta Rasanen lead a stellar cast in this production of Giacomo Puccini's celebrated opera, inspired by Abbé Prévost's novel L'Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut. Conceived by Dietrich Hilsdorf on the stage of the Robert Schumann Philharmonie, this stirring production is helmed by conductor Frank Beermann, with stage direction by Ansgar Weigner.
Gidon Kremer & Alban Berg: Violin Concerto Part concert film, part documentary, this effort from filmmaker Kriss Rusmanis is inspired by the life and times of Alban Berg, the Austrian composer responsible for works such as "Seven Early Songs" and "Wozzeck." Led by conductor Elgar Howarth, the live performance features the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the McCapra String Quartet and acclaimed baritone Norman Bailey.
Hans Werner Henze: Der Junge Lord A town is tricked into thinking a disguised monkey is actually a young lord in this comic operatic gem from renowned German composer Hans Werner Henze, who wrote the score to a libretto by author Ingeborg Bachmann. This sterling 1968 production features Edith Mathis, in an early career-shaping role, along with Donald Grobe, Barry McDaniel, Loren Driscoll and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin.
History of the Organ: Vol. 3: The Golden Age This installment of the "History of the Organ" series focuses on the Golden Age of organ music in the first half of the 18th century, highlighting the works of Louis Marchand, Jean-François Dandrieu and Johann Sebastian Bach. In addition to expert testimony from organ aficionados such as Xavier Darasse, Daniel Birouste and Gilles Cantagrel, this entry also features a performance by acclaimed organists Gustav Leonhardt and Andre Isoir.
Johan Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concertos 1-6 To perform Bach's ravishing Brandenberg Concertos in this 2007 concert, acclaimed Italian conductor Claudio Abbado handpicks an ace ensemble of musicians, including virtuosic Baroque violinist Giuliano Carmignola. Recorded live in the 19th-century building Teatro Municipale Romolo Valli in Reggio Emilia, the show also features Michala Petri, Reinhold Friedrich, Alois Posch, Ottavio Dantone, Alessio Allegrini, Jonathan Williams and others.
Merle Haggard: Live from Austin TX '78 Merle Haggard and his band, the Strangers, bring a sampling of California's Bakersfield-style country music to Austin, Texas, in this 1978 performance recorded live for the long-running PBS series "Austin City Limits." County music's 1970 Entertainer of the Year, Haggard sings 14 fan favorites, including his No. 1 hits "The Fugitive Song," "Sing Me Back Home," "Cherokee Maiden," "The Farmer's Daughter" and Workin' Man Blues."
Mushroomhead: Vol. 2 Filmed and edited by the band members, this follow-up volume from metal rockers Mushroomhead features hours of head-banging bedlam, including behind-the-scenes action, music videos and performance clips. Among the highlights: footage from the group's extensive Savior Sorrow tour, videos for "1200," "Simple Survival" and "Save Us," plus hilarious commentary by Stitch, Waylon and the rest of the boys.
Paul Hardcastle: Journey to a Different State of Mind Featuring a collection of his most transcendent songs, this multimedia volume from contemporary jazzman Paul Hardcastle incorporates mind-blowing imagery that's the perfect accompaniment for the visionary instrumentalist's avant-garde works. Musicals selections include "Constellation of Dreams," "Emerald Stardust," "Return of the Rainman," "Through the Looking Glass" and "Spirits of the Mind's Eye."
Robert Schumann: Genoveva Juliane Banse, Cornelia Kallisch, Shawn Mathey, Martin Gantner, Ruben Drole and Alfred Muff star in this acclaimed adaptation of German composer Robert Schumann's opera "Genoveva," produced by Nikolaus Harnoncourt. Inspired by the works of Johann Ludwig Tieck and Christian Friedrich Hebbel, Schumann's tale centers on an ill-fated countess who finds her life turned upside down when she's falsely accused of adultery.
Trace Adkins: Live from Austin TX Performing music from his "Dreamin' Out Loud" and "Big Time" albums, multiple gold- and platinum-selling country music singer Trace Adkins excites a Texas crowd with his rich baritone in this 1997 concert recorded live for "Austin City Limits." Songs include "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "If I Fall," "There's a Girl in Texas," "The Rest of Mine," "Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone" and "Big Time," plus eight more fan favorites.
Vladimir Ashkenazy: Master Musician Review the long and successful career of pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, highlighted by a performance of Rachmaninoff's Corelli Variations op. 42. Featuring appearances by his wife, Thorunn, conductor Daniel Barenboim and violinist Itzhak Perlman, the collection also includes director Christopher Nupen's definitive, intimate documentary portrait of Ashkenazi, The Vital Juices Are Russian.
West Coast Mobb Music: The True Hollyhood Story Hip-hop's best and brightest sound off in this documentary about making it big in the music business. Producer and filmmaker Darian "D-Buck" Smith interviews friends and colleagues about their successes and failures on the road to superstardom. EMI creative executive Big Jon Platt, along with rappers TQ, C-Bo, Mike Mosley and others in the independent and major label music scene, discuss the rocky road to fame.
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.
Camp de Thiaroye At the end of World War II, a squad of African soldiers led by Sgt. Maj. Diatta (Iprahim Sane) rebels against the injustices of French West Africa's supremacist rule. Refusing to be subjugated, the men face tragedy with the courage that will make them martyrs. Detained in a prison camp and denied equality, these brave veterans rise up against the French military they served so gallantly, only to encounter the ultimate inhumanity.
Chuecatown In a quickly gentrifying neighborhood of Madrid, the housing market for young, rich gay couples is hot … very hot. And as far as realtor Victor (Pablo Puyol) is concerned, the old ladies who already live there simply do not fit the demographic. So begins a darkly funny tale of murder and real estate -- a scheme that unravels when it comes to attention of a quirky detective (Rosa Maria Sardà) and her sexually confused son (Eduard Soto).
Devil Hunter Cult exploitation favorite Jesus Franco directs this sordid tale about Laura (Ursula Buchfellner), a sexy model who's kidnapped and whisked away into the jungle, and Peter (Al Cliver), the bold Vietnam vet who sets out to find her. Soon, Laura discovers it's not just her captors she has to fear; not only do the locals crave human flesh, but their bloodthirsty earthbound god wants Laura for himself. Antonio Mayans and Gisela Hahn co-star.
Eight Miles High In this German biopic, Natalia Avelon stars as Munich "It girl" Uschi Obermaier, a 1960s icon who rose from small-town beginnings in Bavaria to ultimately rub elbows -- and share beds -- with the likes of superstars such as the Rolling Stones. After meeting student activist Rainer Langhans (Matthias Schweighöfer), Uschi joins a political commune in Berlin, all the while remaining true to her own search for personal freedom.
Elite Squad In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, some cops are just as crooked as the drug lords who run the slums. On the brink of retirement -- and burnout -- Capitão Nascimento (Wagner Moura) must find a trustworthy successor to lead a dangerous mission. Co-written by director José Padilha, Bráulio Mantovani (City of God) and Rodrigo Pimentel, the gritty action-thriller is based on Pimentel's 19 years of experience as an elite squad police captain.
I Love Beijing Recently divorced cab driver Desi (Yu Lei) drifts through the Beijing dating scene as he woos a waitress, a librarian and a talk-show host in this elliptical portrait of a rapidly changing city. After chronicling old age and middle age, director Ying Ning makes young love the subject of the third installment of her Beijing Trilogy. The film won the Don Quixote Award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2001.
Kisarazu Cat's Eye: The Movie When a brain tumor leaves him with only months to live, young Bussan (Junichi Okada) tries living his life to the fullest by playing baseball with his buddies, rocking out with his band, Kisarazu Cat's Eye, and solving hilarious problems that pop up. Based on a popular Japanese television series, this stylish movie features cool flashbacks and co-stars Sho Sakurai, Yoshinori Okada and Wakana Sakai.
Kitaro Based on the popular manga series, Katsuhide Motoki's fantastical film follows the half-human, half-yokai Kitaro (Eiji Wentz) as he struggles to maintain harmony between the humans of Gegege Forest and the mysterious spirits -- yokai -- who share the same woods. When sinister forces discover a magical ball, Kitaro must recover the powerful device before it disrupts the delicate balance between the two groups that inhabit the forest.
No Mercy, No Future Roaming the night streets of Berlin in search of God, an untreated schizophrenic woman (a flawless Elisabeth Stepanek) from a wealthy family gives herself over to various men from the dregs of society. The bleak and brutal West German drama was improvised from a series of letters written by a real-life schizophrenic woman. The film earned director Helma Sanders-Brahms the Sutherland Trophy at the 1981 British Film Institute Awards.
Snowman Desperate to immigrate to the United States, Abbas (Akbar Abdi), a young Turkish man, decides to disguise himself as a woman and attempt to dupe an American man into marrying him, thus making him a full-fledged U.S. citizen. Directed by Davoud Mir-Bagheri, this uproarious Iranian comedy about passing as the opposite sex caused quite a stir when released in its native country. Dariush Arjmand and Parviz Parastui also star.
Sway A year after his mother's death, successful Tokyo photographer Takeru (Jô Odagiri) visits his tiny hometown and reunites with his brother Minoru (Teruyuki Kagawa) and his childhood friend Chieko (Yoko Maki). But soon, a deadly hiking accident sparks a painful trial, exposing seething jealousies and resentment within the family. Odagiri and Kagawa were both nominated for Japanese Academy Awards for their roles.
The King & I: Vol. 1 Based loosely on the true story of a royal eunuch who served several kings during the Joseon dynasty, this sweeping historical drama from South Korea chronicles the tale of Kim Chuh-sun (Man Suk Oh), who undergoes castration to be near the woman he loves. When Kim's childhood sweetheart, So-hwa (Hye-Sun Goo), is selected as King Seong-Jong's concubine, Kim does his best to protect her -- but destiny has cruel plans in store for both of them.
Them and Me / The Sky in a Garden French anthropologist and ethnographic filmmaker Stephane Breton documents his two journeys to Papua, New Guinea, where he forges a close bond with the Wodoni villagers. In Them and Me, Breton searches for universal commonalities between the Wodoni and himself. In Heaven in a Garden , he returns years later for what he knows will be his final visit with his friends. The result is a touching and poetic meditation on culture and tradition.
Tuya's Marriage Injured and unable to care for her children and disabled husband, Bater, strong-willed Tuya (Yu Nan) decides to divorce and find a new husband. With Bater's blessings, Tuya sets her mind to finding a man who will agree to care for her and her entire family. Set in Mongolia, director Quanan Wang's award-winning romantic drama follows Tuya's journey as she tries to find a man who loves her enough to take on such a tremendous responsibility.
Under the Phrygian Star With the second part of his Cellulose Diptych, award-winning director Jerzy Kawalerowicz returns to protagonist Szczesny (Jozef Nowak), now a full-fledged, middle-aged communist militant in pre-war Poland. Based on the writings of Igor Newerly, Kawalerowicz's epic chronicles the romance between Szczesny and the charismatic Madzia (Lucyna Winnicka), as the ill-fated pair fall in love amid the social and political upheaval of their homeland.
Visits: Hungry Ghost Anthology Modern metropolis Kuala Lumpur is the setting for this creepy quartet of Malaysian horror morsels. Low Ngai Yuen's "1413" is a tale of a double teen suicide that goes amiss when one party survives; in James Lee's "Waiting for Them," a ghost comes between two pals; Ng Tian Hann's "Nodding Scoop" finds a filmmaker documenting a bizarre ritual; and in Yuhang Ho's "Anybody Home?" an obsession proves fatal.
Yesterday Girl Eager to shed the constricting history of her postwar East German surroundings, Anita G. (Alexandra Kluge, the director's sister) escapes to West Germany only to encounter a different set of problems on the other side of the wall. Alexander Kluge's informal satire -- a vanguard film of the "New German Cinema" -- was nominated for the Golden Lion and won a Special Jury Prize at the 1966 Venice Film Festival.
