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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
November 2006 DVD Selections
A Star is Born
Barbra Streisand joins with Kris Kristofferson in this 1976 updated version of an old classic. The story is about a rock star (Kristofferson) who discovers and falls in love with a singer (Streisand) only to realize that his ego isn’t strong enough to withstand her rising career while his is falling. While she tries to help him his demons take over. Drugs and booze are his downfall, and she is helpless to stop his destruction. Memorable songs fill the story, and perhaps, the most memorable is the theme song, Evergreen, which was co-written by Streisand and Paul Williams. The DVD contains a commentary by Barbra as well as some additional scenes and wardrobe tests with the star who brought her own clothes to wear in the film! This is a wonderful story about love, insecurity, and the music business, and life. The DVD has a remastered soundtrack. And it has two wonderful performances by two actors/singers. This is a must-see, and a must-have DVD, especially for those who remember the 1970’s.
The Ant Bully
Lucas is tired of being picked on by the neighborhood bully and his big sister frustrates the little guy. So, who does he take his frustrations out on? The ants. The ants, on the other hand, feel like “the destroyer,” as they call him, is going to be their demise unless they do something about him. So, Ant Zoc (voiced by Nicolas Cage) develops a formula to shrink Lucas down to their own size. They take him to their colony and Lucas must live with them and learn to be an ant. Then, and only then, might he be resized and sent home. To his amazement, and that of the ants, he becomes an important part of the group, going above and beyond (literally) to save the colony from a real exterminator. The DVD contains a “making-of” feature, as well as several animated shorts. There’s an Ant Habitat screensaver and more. The film will have you thinking twice the next time you go to step on an ant!
Cars
The highly-anticipated DVD finally hits the shelves with the adorable cars that filled the big screen. The bonus features include a look at how the creator, John Lasseter, got his kicks on Route 66 and what cars inspired him. There is a fun animated short, some deleted scenes, and several more features that make this DVD delightful and entertaining. The next time you get into a car and put your foot on the pedal, you’ll definitely think of one of these cars. They are just as memorable as other animated characters, so monsters and insects watch out – the cars are on their way!
Classic Comedy Teams Collection
In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s three comedy teams rules the big screen. The Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, and Laurel and Hardy entertained audiences with their slapstick comedy and instantly became classics. This three-disc set includes two films from each of the comedy teams. The Three Stooges double feature of Gold Raiders and Meet the Baron, the Abbott and Costello double feature of Lost in a Harem and Abbott and Costello in Hollywood, and the Laurel and Hardy double feature of Air Raid Wardens and Nothing but Trouble combine to make this a set filled with laughs and plenty of fun. All three of these comedy teams have been emulated through the years, but nothing compares to the real thing. These were the genuine classic comedy teams. They are legends in the comedy world and Hollywood.
The DaVinci Code
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is drawn into this incredible story that changes not only his life, but the lives of many others, and could possibly change mankind. Once a part of the quest to unravel the mystery, Langdon is steadfast in seeing it through to the end, no matter where it takes him. And it does take him several places. Along with Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tatou), the clues lead him through Paris, London and Scotland in search of the Holy Grail. Whether you believe in what the story says is the biggest cover-up in modern history or not, you will find the clues and the code exhilarating. The DVD contains many interesting bonus features including a discussion with the author Dan Brown, and his reflections on writing the book and making the film. There are also behind-the-scenes features with the cast and director Ron Howard, who reveals that filming in the Louvre was as exciting as the weightless flight for his Apollo 13 movie. And everyone confides that being face to face with the Mona Lisa was an experience they’ll never forget. Features about the music and the characters round out the bonuses, and viewers get a look at the hidden codes within the film. You’ll be amazed at some of these hidden codes that play out throughout the film. The bonus features add immensely to the enjoyment and understanding of this movie.
Flower Drum Song
This Rogers and Hammerstein musical finally comes to DVD. The other musicals from this duo have been available for years, however this one has been held back. Now viewers can enjoy the delightful story of Chinese Americans in San Francisco who are dealing not only with their traditions and heritage, but also the younger generation who are becoming more Americanized and more adaptable. With songs like “I Enjoy Being a Girl, “ “Grant Avenue,” “Don’t Marry Me,” and “The Other Generation,” the story weaves together the traditions of old China – including arranged marriages – with the modern world. It’s a fun, tuneful, and completely enjoyable film. There is a special feature about turning the novel into a Broadway play then the film, and a wonderful feature on Rogers and Hammerstein. Also, viewers are treated to a look at the songs and the actors who turned the story into a memorable film. A slew of bonus features add to the wonderful DVD. This movie, like many of the other musicals of its day, stands the test of time.
Adventures of the Gummi Bears – Volume 1
Seasons 1-3 of the fun animated series is now available on DVD in this 3-disc set. This show follows the family of bears which were inspired by the chewy candy. 47 episodes combine to make this a great holiday gift for young viewers.
Ice Age - The Meltdown
Manny (voiced by Ray Romano) finally decides it’s time to start a family once again, but the only female woolly mammoth on the planet is Ellie (voiced by Queen Latifah), and they detest each other. She was raised by possums and think she's one of them! So, what’s a fellow to do? The Ice Age is coming to an end and things are changing rapidly, not only for the planet, but also for the trio. The DVD contains some “cool” bonus features, including a great short with the popular little Scrat, the little fellow who has a hard time keeping his acorn. There are bloopers, a sing-a-long, a section on the creatures of the Ice Age period, and hours of other features. This is truly a fun-filled DVD for everyone in the family. Everyone has their favorite character from the film. Who’s yours? Manny, Scrat, Sid, or Diego? Whoever it is, there’s plenty of fun with all the characters in this delightful DVD.
Lassie
That loveable Collie comes to DVD with a heartwarming story. When her family is forced to sell the pooch because they need some money, her new owner moves her hundreds of miles away. But Lassie leaves and follows her heart back to the little boy she loves so much. This adventure takes her on a trek across the British landscape where she encounters all kinds of dangers and difficulties. But she is determined to make it home. This lovely story will touch your heart and bring back all the love and emotion of this adorable dog. In 1938 Lassie was introduced to the public in a short story in the Saturday Evening Post, and ever since then she has been part of our culture. How many times do you look at a Collie and call it Lassie?
MacGyver – Season 7
The final season of MacGver is finally available to complete the series. The series was filled with action and humor as MacGyver managed to get himself into and out of several sticky situations – just by using his brain and skills. He never carried a gun. He didn’t need to. He managed to “MacGyver” his own weapons out of simple objects, which was often more comical than serious, however he did it. And his legacy lives on today. We all manage to “MacGyver” tools every now and then. Enjoy the final season starring Richard Dean Anderson as the loveable and sensitive hero.
The Mr. Moto Collection – Volume 1
Fans of the famous Japanese detective and the star, Peter Lorre, can now rejoice with this first volume of sleuthing and heroics. Mysterious Mr. Mot (1938), Mr. Moto Takes a Chance (1938), Thank You, Mr. Moto (1937), and Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937) are included in this boxed set. The detective series was based on the Japanese detective in J.P. Marquand’s bestselling books. Bonus features include a look at Peter Lorre, and several other featurettes. The world of the Japanese secret agent comes to life in these classic films that find Mr. Moto in several locations around the world. These fully restored films are a collector’s dream come true for fans of the Japanese secret agent Mr. Kenturo Moto.
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front
The popular doll comes to DVD in this live-action story about Molly McIntire, a nine-year-old girl living in America in the middle of World War II. It was a time when everything was turned upside down, and Molly’s life was no exception. First her teacher’s fiancé is killed, then her father goes to England to serve. Her family takes in a young British girl, her mother takes a job in an aircraft factory, and Molly wonders what will happen next. Everything has changed and her life is topsy-turvy. But she realizes that everyone has to make sacrifices in the troubled time. It’s a heartwarming story for the entire family. In the film Molly works hard to perfect her tap dancing skills and the DVD bonus features include some tap-dancing lessons and a look at the world of USO shows with a tap dancer who performed during the war. This film is not only an entertaining story, it is a reminder of what life was like in the 1940s – with rations, air raid drills, and war.
  
Screen Legend Collection
Cary Grant, Rock Hudson and Bing Crosby are all screen legends. Now there are several boxed sets, each focusing on one of these remarkable stars of the silver screen. Each set includes 5classic films starring the legend. Some of these films might not be too familiar to movie audiences of today, but fans of the stars will remember them in their earlier roles. The Rock Hudson collection includes Has Anybody Seen My Gal, A Very Special Favor, The Golden Blonde, The Last Sunset, and The Spiral Road. The films take the hunky star from one end of the world to another. No, they are not the Doris Day comedies for which many of us remember him, but they are all good films and will be appreciated by movie lovers. Not once does Cary Grant say “Judy, Judy, Judy,” in the films in his collection: Thirty Day Princess, Kiss and Make Up, Wings in the Dark, Big Brown Eyes, and Wedding Present. However he always shines in every one of his performances. And Bing Crosby’s set includes Waikiki Wedding, Double or Nothing, East Side of Heaven, If I had My Way, and Here Comes the Waves. He sure had a way with a song. In Waikiki Wedding he sings some memorable tunes, including Blue Hawaii, which was later made even more famous by Elvis. All of these films star some magnificent actors, include the three legendary stars themselves in lesser-known movies that reflect the stars’ early years in the industry.
Strawberry Shortcake – Cooking Up Fun
This delicious DVD comes with a special 12-page cookbook filled with recipes and activities, just in time for the holidays. In the story, little Apple Dumplin’ wants to help Strawberry and her friends when they bake some scrumptious desserts, but she is too little. However, the little girl learns a lesson about responsibilities. In the second part of the DVD, the girls want to host a cooking show, which leads to some problems between the girls, however they decide that their friendship is the most important thing and for that, they definitely know the right recipe. Young girls will be delighted again with this newest Strawberry-scented DVD filled with fun and entertainment.
That Girl- Season 2
Marlo Thomas’ 5-season groundbreaking series showed the world that a single woman with a career was not a bad thing. Before Mary Richards, Ann Marie was the first career-minded young single woman on television who wasn’t considered a “spinster.” With her sensitivity, wit, charm, and intelligence, Marlo Thomas brought Ann Marie into our living rooms every week. The DVD contains all 30 fun-filled episodes, with a-list co-stars including Ethel Merman. There is also an unaired pilot starring Marlo Thomas called “Two’s Company.” While this show never made it to the air, the star caught the eyes of studio execs and soon Marlo Thomas was starring in this wonderful series. She was just as adorable in the unaired pilot, but they managed to find another role for her and as they say, the rest is history. Another bonus feature is a look at the show and it’s history with Marlo. She explains what made Ann Marie so popular and how the mood of women and young girls was ripe for this show. These days it’s hard to think that a single career-minded woman was something new, but back when this show started it was truly groundbreaking as women were finding out they could do more than just get married. And it’s also hard to imagine this series without Marlo Thomas. She was Ann Marie. And, who couldn’t resist That Girl?
Wings- Season 3
Take off with non-stop laughs with the third season of this popular TV show. Join Joe, Brian, Helen, Roy, Antonio and the gang as they find themselves in everyday situations that manage to be quite humorous. Who would have thought that the tiny island of Nantucket would be so much fun? And who would have thought that the small airport on that tiny island would be filled with so many wacky people? This delightful series is fun entertainment for the entire family.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
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