The Jazz Singer directed by Alan Crosland
Year of release 1927, Running time 89 minutes, Not Rated
"The Jazz Singer," reissued in this three-disc, digitally upgraded anniversary set, invites you to imagine the enormous impact of its first 1927 screening. Al Jolson, a most appealing performer of the time, is captured with a crisp, clear re-mastered soundtrack. Since a portion of the original film is actually silent, it's easy to see how sound did revolutionize the film industry. In addition, the accompanying two DVDs provide a full history of how sound came to the movies, how it changed the existing industry, who was responsible for the "talkie," and some swell early clips of sound in film. Make time to read through the three brochures that compliment this set as they contain exciting supplementary imagery. 3/10/08

Sneakers, DVD, directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Originally screened in 1992 and then released in DVD format in 2003, Sneakers maintains its original dynamic. With the aid of clever word play, political antics, and a full assortment of investigative talents the plot quickly captures your attention. This film is bolstered by the strong ensemble cast, including Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, David Strathairn, and Ben Kingsley. Sneakers shows how idealistic '60s radicals might be corrupted by circumstance yet can still manage to fulfill their personal objectives. 3/1/07
view title in Library Catalog

Nada+, DVD
The cover announcement for this DVD reads, "Cuba's answer to Amelie!" Although there are similarities between these films, "Nada +" is clearly more playful and graphically amusing. The main character, Carla (Thais Valdes) is as unique and adorable as can be. Her position at the post office allows for the depiction of several bureaucratic scenarios as well as zany characters. The plot unfolds with both great tenderness and the occasional slapstick romp. At 90 minutes you really can't go wrong with this delightful Spanish language film directed by Juan Carlos Cremata Malberti. 10/2/06
view title in Library Catalog

Weather Systems by Andrew Bird, CD
Comparisons are surely the quickest means of description. But because Andrew Bird's style is unique or alternative, comparing isn't an option. The quality of his musicianship, range of instruments, and his artistic imagery combine to produce a wondrous CD. In this brief nine song CD his pop rhythms transport you via harps and whistling and any number of sounds, to a place sublime. 12/1/05
view title in Library Catalog

Verve, Remixed 3 by various artists, CD
Third in a series of CDs that combine legendary jazz vocalists with today's notable DJs. By remixing the songs of a Nina Simone or Sarah Vaughan, the tracks continue to be distinctive and even take on a new life. Although I'm suggesting the third CD in this series, certainly each one follows this format and is consistently innovative. 9/1/05
view title in Library Catalog

A Talking Picture, DVD, 2003
A Talking Picture written and directed by Manoel de Oliveira is multilingual and multifaceted. Starting as an incredible travelogue, the film progresses with ease towards a most insightful scene, which includes Catherine Deneuve, John Malkovich, Irene Papas, and Stefanie Sandrelli. The narrator, actress Leonor Sileira, escorts the viewer from port to port while providing historical commentary. To prepare for writing this brief paragraph, I first checked the Internet Movie Database (a great site for filling in any movie query) only to find that the last comment received for this film was "boring movie." In order to disprove the unhappy reviewer you must be patient and watch this entire film. 6/1/05
view title in Library Catalog

American Gypsy by Tony Furtado, CD
An enjoyable blend of reworked country standards and original compositions by Tony Furtado. The individual selections are thoughtfully arranged and executed with fine fingering on instruments ranging from banjo to electric slide guitar. According to Mr. Dewey (of cataloguing fame) this CD is a country selection, but since Mr. Furtado has traded his Stetson for a stocking cap, genre distinctions needn't deter the listener. 11/22/04
view in Library Catalog

Good Bye, Lenin!, DVD, 2003, directed by Wolfgang Becker
Lately the malleability of time features prominently in popular films. In Good Bye, Lenin! directed by Wolfgang Becker, time essentially stands still. This foreign film (German) both delights and confounds the viewer by illustrating the lengths one will go to in caring for a loved one. The setting is East Berlin circa 1990 where Communism's heyday is passing and the Wall is ready to topple. This movie is categorized as a drama, yet holds several endearing scenes of an unusual family dynamic. On the more charming side are the efforts made by the protagonist, Alex, to reinvent history with his clever news highlights. I would recommend Good Bye, Lenin! to anyone in the mood for a small film with a big heart. 9/16/04
view title in Library Catalog