Video

In Series 2, Doc Martin (played to great effect by Martin Clunes) leaves his surgical practice in London after developing a crippling fear of blood, moving to the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Portwenn to become a general practitioner. These nine episodes focus on the quirky village folk he encounters, e.g., his new receptionist, the schoolmistress, and various patients. The soundtrack is very clear, and the photography of the seaside village is spectacular. This extremely entertaining series is highly recommended particularly for viewers who like "Britcoms."—Susan Clayton, Lake Cty. Lib., Lakeport, CA

This outstanding British drama is beautifully crafted from Angela Lambert's 1992 novel of the same name. The lives of Squadron Leader Reggie Conyngham-Jervis (Albert Finney) and Roy Southgate (Tom Courtenay) are irrevocably altered following the deaths of their wives at the local hospital on the same day. At the suggestion of a social worker, they move in together and develop a tentative, yet binding, friendship threatened by the arrival of Liz Franks (Joanna Lumley), who has a hidden agenda. Told through a series of flashbacks and expertly adapted for screen by Andrew Davies, this made-for-TV production won a Peabody Award, a Royal Television Society Award, and four BAFTA awards in 1999. The acting in the flashbacks, along with the film score and period songs and music, adds to the overall flavor. Unfortunately, there is a lack of extras, e.g, closed-captioning or commentary, which is disappointing. Nonetheless, recommended for lovers of literature-based films.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN

As filmmaker Cheryl Dunye states in this disc's bonus interview, the complete lack of representation of women who are both black and lesbian was the impetus behind these films, aka "the Dunyementary." She uses these short works (1990–94) as a kind of visual diary, chronicling her Catholic childhood in Philadelphia, where she tried to fit into her best friend's upper-class white world, and coming to terms with her own sexuality and her struggle as an artist and a filmmaker. Given that these are Dunye's first creative efforts—produced with bare-bones budgets—production values are sparse. Still, her endearing personality and self-deprecating sense of humor keep the viewer engaged. Indeed, it is the moments in which Dunye communicates most directly and intimately with her audience that work best. Dunye went on to star in and direct The Watermelon Woman (1996) and to direct the feature film My Baby's Daddy (2004). These early works are evidence of the wit and vision that would contribute to her future success. For film fans and gay/lesbian collections.—David Gordinier, Rochester, NY

Narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley, this stunning documentary clearly and thoughtfully relates the life and faith of Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963), from his early years in northern Ireland and his experience during World War I to his life at Oxford and beyond. The documentary also presents Lewis's friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien and the formation of the Inklings, a literary group whose members met and shared their work and faith at a pub near the Oxford campus. One of the most touching sequences is of Lewis meeting and marrying Joy Gresham, who died just four years after becoming his wife. Also featured is discussion among family members and friends as to the influence of Lewis and his writings, including The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity. With beautiful photography and narration, this revelatory film is highly recommended for both Lewis fans and those new to his work. Extras include a tour of the Kilns, Lewis's former home, and an interview with the director.—Susan Clayton, Lake Cty. Lib., Lakeport, CA

Originally broadcast on public television, this film offers an in-depth look at Virginia Lee Burton (1909–68), author and illustrator of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, The Little House, and Katy and the Big Snow and one of America's most beloved children's book illustrators. The filmmakers interview a number of Burton's acquaintances and do a solid job of contextualizing her work with the world around her and the time period in which she lived. Incorporating rare photographs, personal papers, and sketchbooks, this endearing film helps to solidify Burton as an important founder of modern children's literature as well as a strong supporter of midcentury women's folk art. Virginia Lee Burton will be most appreciated by educators and students of children's literature, as well as librarians.—Manya Shorr, Omaha P.L.

In 1989, this film caught the Guarneri String Quartet just past halfway through their 45-year collaboration. Famed not only for sterling musicmaking, they also have lasted 25 years without personnel changes. (The oldest member, cellist David Soyer, retired in 2001; the group disbands completely this month.) Assuming satisfaction with ongoing musical excellence, director Miller probes other reasons for their longevity, finding clues in rehearsal techniques (nothing is settled until all agree), nonwork habits (e.g., when on the road, second violinist John Dalley stays at a different hotel from the others), and their ability to get past egos (first violinist Arnold Steinhardt and violist Michael Tree discuss whether Tree should play the violin occasionally). The film was critically acclaimed, and the DVD transfer is acceptable, though certainly not HD quality. There are no tracks or extras. Recommended for musicians and music fans.—Bonnie Jo Dopp, Librarian Emerita, Univ. of Maryland, College Park

A revealing and intimate portrait of seminal and uncompromising poet and musician Smith, Dream of Life allows the so-called Godmother of Punk to reflect on her career, her personal and professional influences, and her role as a modern artist. Beautifully rendered and visually stunning, this documentary is the culmination of 11 years of footage from photographer Sebring, who lets Smith tell her own story of an influential and powerful performer whose lack of mainstream success belies her importance in rock'n'roll history. We find Smith on stage wailing and thrashing, backstage bonding with family members and band members, and, most interesting, off-stage in locales such as her parents' Michigan home and her own European apartment. It is a treat to watch Smith the mother and child along with Smith the artist. This eclectic, charming, and provocative film will appeal to both Smith devotees and wannabe documentarians. Watch the trailer at www.dreamoflifethemovie.com.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

As one of the most successful and influential hip-hop groups of all time, the Wu-Tang Clan deserves to have its story told with knowledgeable analysis, a smattering of musical performances, and solid biographical information. Unfortunately, this is not that film. While Barclay's documentary contains moments of interesting footage, primarily filmed during the early days of the band's success, far too much is devoted to superfluous, uninformative interviews with peripheral members of the band's community. Viewers will need to look elsewhere for a solid chronology and biography. Much of the latter part of the film centers on the 2004 death of the Ol' Dirty Bastard (Russell Jones), but even that portion fails to discuss in any detail the legal and personal issues that influenced his decline. The video production values are subpar, and the special features (apart from the included music video, Wu-Tang Is Born: Protect Ya Neck) are largely uninteresting. Not recommended.—Bill Baars, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins were united in their New Jersey high school by their goal to become doctors. Two are now working as physicians, and one is a dentist. They wrote about their lives in The Pact (2003) and The Bond (2007). This documentary follows the trio after the publication of The Pact and looks at how their lives have changed but also how they continue to live and work within their communities to help encourage others. Viewers meet their families, teachers, and others who helped them along the way and also see the difficulty in balancing careers with burgeoning success as authors and community work. Extras include a PDF document listing the doctors' three D's for achieving one's goals and a link to the film web site, www.thepacthemovie.com, which includes additional clips, a link to the Three Doctors Foundation site, www.threedoctorsfoundation.org, and information on where to go to help within one's neighborhood. It is inspiring to see that these young men haven't lost their focus and remain down to earth. An excellent film for school and public libraries.—Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress

This film dramatically demonstrates the hurdles and obstacles GLBT populations face as they approach their "golden" years. They are the first "out" generation, at the forefront of activists who emerged from the closet to fight prejudice and violence, having sacrificed family, friends, and jobs. Many whose partners have died are without financial security. Having worked in creative and artistic endeavors that compensated them sporadically and often inadequately, many have neither retirement funding nor Social Security contributions. Those interviewed tell stories of abuse, neglect, and ignorance, especially the transgendered. Multiple trailers can be viewed at www.10moregoodyears.com. Though the included Educator Guide has typos, it is useful and innovative. Recommended for the GLBT who have these people to thank.—Gerald A. Notaro, Univ. of South Florida Lib., St. Petersburg

James DeWolf (1764–1837) was a Rhode Island merchant who traded in rum, tobacco, sugar, and slaves. The rum, made in Bristol from sugar grown on his plantation in Cuba, was then exchanged for Africans from the Guinea Coast. While Bristol's entire economic structure was inexorably associated with the slave trade, this knowledge was tacitly ignored. DeWolf descendent Browne learned of her family's involvement through a history recorded by her grandmother and felt compelled to acknowledge and explore the ramifications of her relative's lucrative yet reprehensible occupation. She tracked down 200 other DeWolf descendents, nine of whom accompanied her to archives in Bristol as well as to Ghana and Cuba. At this point, the documentary becomes a rather personal mea culpa for the ugliness they've discovered. Extras include the 51-minute abridgment, family discussions with historians and scholars about slavery and reparations, PDFs of companion essays, and discussion guides. Recommended for students of American and African American history.—Lori Lampert, SUNY Coll. at Brockport Lib.

This enlightening, enjoyable look at some rarely discussed dimensions of female sexuality shows all that and more, free of demagoguery and with well-chosen experts like scholar Rachel P. Maines (author of the book upon which the film is based) and sex educator Betty Dodson guiding the way. Demerits for the puzzling angular framing of the interviewees, for the inclusion of the irritating "performance artist" Reno (was Margaret Cho busy?), and for not truly living up to its title—The Sociology of Orgasm is more like it—but otherwise recommended for all libraries. Some nudity and frank—not prurient—discussion of sexuality make this suitable for older teens and up; extras include extended interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a look at antique vibrators, and the film trailer.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB

This CNBC special addresses the ever-increasing use of technology to monitor Americans' daily lives. From special identifying codes left by our CD burners and laser printers to black boxes in our rental cars and all-encompassing workplace surveillance, the amount of information being collected about us has reached unprecedented levels. Hosted by correspondent David Farber, this eye-opening look at the data-mining and surveillance industries highlights some of the questionable and potentially damaging information sharing that is taking place. From stolen cell phone records to identity theft, Big Brother brings to light disturbing issues about which all Americans should be concerned. It includes interviews with important players in the industry as well as watchdog groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Slickly produced, with excellent-quality video and graphics, and shot in the typical fast-moving style favored by television news magazines, this program is recommended for everyone uneasy about the state of personal privacy today.—Rod Bustos, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta

Filmmakers Greenfield and Taksler take viewers into the world of eight professional balloon twisters. Filmed at Twist and Shout, an annual conference, the artists are seen plying their craft. As the latex squeaks, elaborate, amusing, and unlikely creations emerge. The making of balloon art, demonstrated in individual pieces and collaborative works as well, is almost enough to sustain the film, but Taksler and Greenfield look deeper. They skillfully let us see how each twister uses his or her offbeat talent to find a sense of self, a satisfying career, a desperately needed boost out of poverty, and, in one case, life-changing spiritual renewal. Except for a short, funny animated segment narrated by Jon Stewart, the production values are spare. Extras include a Q&A with the filmmakers, an instructional segment on making a balloon dog, and a selection of deleted scenes. This touching and funny film will have wide appeal.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

These two productions take different approaches to reminding us of our dependence on cheap oil. After the Peak, with a tag line, "Your Local News from the Future," is a docudrama set in Orange County, NC, during an oil supply disruption. TV news reporters interview members of the community who are affected. This concept brings home the vulnerability of a society based on the prolific use of petroleum. Unfortunately, the acting and staging are amateurish.

Blood and Oil is based on a 2004 book by Klare, an energy and security expert, who narrates. Archival TV clips illustrate a series of U.S. government actions, including wars, he believes have been taken to keep vast amounts of oil flowing into this country. Klare is particularly critical of the government's close relationship with Saudi Arabia. He sees a militarizing energy policy emerging in China and Russia and predicts clashes over African oil. DVD extras include a lecture on Iraq and American foreign policy. After the Peak would suit high school libraries and YA collections in public libraries. Blood and Oil is recommended for public and academic libraries.—David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC