Editorial Review

This majestic, French-made film wishes viewers a "latcho drom"--a safejourney--as it follows the roots of the Rom, traveling people better known as Gypsies. Stunning and evocative, it transcends language and culture, bringing together the best elements of Read more

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Reviews (34)

Travelling Gypsies Both By DVD & CD
The Gypsies left their original homeland in northern India around 1000AD. This much has been established by historical and linguistic research, but the reason for their exodus westward is less certain. They reached Europe by the early C14th, crossing from Asia Minor by way of Crete and the Peloponnesus, and continued their dispersal westward and northward. By the end of the C14th they were already settled in large numbers in the Balkans and Danube lands, where an undeveloped economic structure and primitive technology gave Gypsy smiths and cobblers the chance to compete with local artisans. Early accounts of their arrival suggest that the curiosity and sympathy they originally aroused were accompanied by suspicion and hostlity, and soon their status changed dramatically from protected guests to persecuted outlaws. Within a 100 years of their first appearance, most countries in western Europe had passed savage laws for their expulsion: some even legislated to include the death penalty. 'Lacho Drom' is a wonderful travelogue of Rom music which traces this migration. The music and demeanour of the people says it all; languages that transcend regional barriers. Clearly, by Czechoslovakia, we have entered the Rom estate popularised by European literature's cliches, extolled by the excessive practice of all vices known to Man. The film's concluding lament caps an increasingly sad tale of persecution born, nevertheless, with brave equanimity. The appropriate footnote, if you can source it, is Joseph Koudelka's grave portfolio of Gypsies that was published by Aperture in the mid 1970s. I hestitate to trumpet aesthetics here, where it obviously hurts, but Koudelka's images are some of the most stunningly beautiful you'll ever see. There's nothing vouyeristic about Koudelka as in nearly every instance he's acknowledged by his subjects. And that implicit trust is rarely evinced anywhere, anytime, resulting in a candour that might well move you to tears.

A wonderful and moving documentary!
This is one of my favorite documentary, still wish that they would release on DVD! I love the stories, and the beauty that it shows. It also is a great way to see the life style of Nomads from all over the world!

The gypsy journey
Fascinating, educating, beautifully done. Congratulations to the film maker and the sound maker. A story in music louder than words. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film - French    4. International    5. Movie   

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Reviews (3)

Another round of shows with the Crocodile Hunter
Somewhat disapointing collection of shows from the Crocodile Hunter TV series, I wish they would make available more of the original episodes on VHS, from which much of this footage was taken from.They are very good documentries in their own right.

Some interesting parts, but . . .
I'd only seen one episode of the show when I purchased the video for myfriend's son (age 12), and that episode was intense, informative andthrilling.With a title that includes "most dangerous" Iexpected more of the same, but the first segment with tiger sharks wasdownright boring.Lots of the same shots, lots of exclamations of wonder,but no real information - for example what were all the smaller fishswimming with the sharks?Baby sharks?Lamprey?The video does improveas it goes along, but with all the "dangerous" bits isolatedSteve seems a bit of a fool and quite the pest to bother the poor animals! My twelve-year-old friend was not enthralled either, so I'd say skip thisone and try one of the others.

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I'm a huge crocodile hunter fan and this video is a great recap of excite bits from some of the best episodes plus a few things you dind't see on camera. Its got some of the bits from indonesia when 2 komodo dragonschased him down, about a zillion snake bites ( includeing hte infamoustimber ratter day! )< when terri started to fall off the cliff, and tonsmore. TOTALLY worht buying, even ifyorue not a fan per se its worth thewatch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

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Reviews (17)

Gives a good understanding of the tragedy and the events leading up to it.
The Jonestown tragedy had previously been made into the exploitation film "Guyana - Crime of the Century". However, this TV production, with a running time of about three hours gives a betterunderstanding of how it could happen. The story starts when Jim Jones is a child, being indoctrinated by a Christian fundamentalist friend. He starts the integrated People's Temple Church after discovering how racist the established churches in San Francisco are. He really wants to do something good for the community and he does, but power corrupts and the church turns into more of a money making cult and Jones turns into a cruel leader. His drug use and paranoia doesn't make things better. After moving to Guyana, Jones has complete control over his folloers, and with him as a leader, Jonestown is headed for destruction.
Before Waco,Before Heaven's Gate.
Jim Jones,A crazy preacher brainwashes his People's Temple cult to move from Illinios,I think to Jonestown.Africa,where they are forced to drink a Kool-Aid laced with syinide. Jim Jones himself had jungle fever,so he was dying anyway. Some of the People's temple did get away. The People's Temple did call Jim Jones"DAD"

Entertaining, but highly inaccurate
Powers Boothe, while obviously talented and provided a strong character, he did not capture the real Jim Jones in any sense.This movie is so full of inaccuracies that it is not worth viewing to obtain any true information regarding the Peoples Temple movement. I would recommend some of the documentaries such as Purple Haze or the A & E Biography of Jim Jones-Journey into Madness.I found this motion picture misleading and almost total fiction as I know many, many family members and survivors of Peoples Temple and have written/researched Peoples Temple extensively. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Drama    3. Feature Film-drama    4. Movie    5. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Documentarian Errol Morris has a knack for finding the fascinating quirks of his subjects, and this brings Stephen Hawking's book Read more

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Reviews (16)

Interesting Look
A very fine and intriguing documentary from Errol Morris about the life and work of physicist/celebrity Stephen Hawking, who revolutionized the way we think about the universe in his monumental book of the same name. The film is really divided into two stories, the life of Hawking as he struggles to overcome his paralysis, and the brilliant work he achieved in spite of his physical limitations. One gets the impression that had Hawking never became ill, he wouldn't have been as compelled to carry out the kind rigorous intellectual work that he of course did carry out, and (he himself notes that he was quite bored with life prior to his paralysis). Morris does a fine job with the material; the first half hour of the film suffers from a dry PBS feel, but the aesthetic and intellectual intensity takes off from there, the film never digresses into a mere sob story. Morris nearly always keeps the material more intellectually intriguing than it is uplifting and sentimental.

Biography and Science
Many documentaries focus on either the scientific ideas of a person, trying to explain them to an audience wherein most people can understand what is being talked about.
...
A Brief History of Time is an uncomfortable combination of autobiography and a bibliography of some (generally Hawking dominated) concepts in cosmology.While it does go into more depth (and is slightly more entertaining) than Stephen Hawking's Universedoes when it covers these topics, the movie is greatly distracted by anecdotes about his life.Some of these offer an entertaining glimpse into his life and personality, some into how certain of his and other scientests' ideas were come across, but others are pointless and annoying, and on the whole they distract from the science, which is really the most interesting topic the film could cover.Read more

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Reviews (41)

Do You Ever Wonder?
Does it ever make you wonder why this film (slated for DVD release in 2002)never made it to that point?
MADE 10 YEARS BEFORE 9/11 ATTACK
My friends and I rented this after the 9/11 attack, knowing it was made 10 years before, we wanted to see what Nostradamus really said...
It will blow your mind!
Regardless of weather you belive in Nostradamus' prophecies.It issimply amazing to watch a video produced in 1981 accurately (more or less) predict things that happened nearly 20 years later.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

The legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine blazed across tracks and into America's consciousness before meeting a tragic death in an auto accident at the age of 24.In this tribute to "Pre," narrated by writer Ken Kesey, a number of his contemporaries speak movingly of him as an athlete and a person.After setting high school running records in his native Oregon, Prefontaine went on to the University of Oregon, where as a freshman he began to dominate the American track scene and appeared on the cover of Read more

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Reviews (20)

The Best
This was my favorite of the (I believe?) three Prefontaine movies out there. "Without Limits" and "Prefontaine" are both good Hollywood/drame type movies, and while all three stay true to Pre's story, "Fire on the Track" is much more moving. It tells the story documentary-style with real footage and interviews with those who knew Pre best, tied together with strong narration and driven ultimately by the raw story of Prefontaine. If you're a runner and looking for motivation, or a runner/non-runner looking to learn about one of the greatest American athletes of all time, look no further than to "Fire on the Track."

Inspirational
I highly recommend this movie to ANYONE who needs inspiration or motivation. Perhaps you are in sales and need a little extra drive to get over the rejection of a lost sale,etc. This movie will tell you to never quit no matter what your odds.
A very long run for a short slide....
Very little actual running here. Mostly a Nike commercial. Lots of silly interviews that don't add anything. Watch one of the movies, instead. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biographies    2. Special Interests    3. Sports    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (5)

Interesting / Teachers & Students should see
I feel this program should be seen by teachers and students who themselves have a misunderstanding of what life is like for students who need extra help.We all learn differently, and whose place is it to judge others ? Bottom line is I have seen too many times, students who will not seek help, due to stigma placed on them by peers, teachers, and family.Maybe we have lost sight of education and its purpose ... isn't getting an education the goal ?Great program for classes who cannot understand we are all not the same, we are individuals, learn differently, etc.The goal I had when purchasing was to show students who are rude and or cruel to other students in hope they will will have no misunderstandings why we all need help.

FOR ANY PARENT WHO'S CHILD HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ADD OR ADHD ORANY PARENT SUSPECTING HIS CHILD HAS A LEARNINGDISABILITY
I'M A MOTHER OF A 7 YEAR OLD ADD DAUGHTER I LIVE IN CANCUN-MEXICO WHERE INFORMATION OTHER THAN PSICOLOGIST'S VIEW OF "THE PROBLEM" IS VERY HARD TO COME BY, MY DAUGHTER SPENT 3 YEARS IN OCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND EVERYWHERE I WENT I WAS TOLD TO MEDICATE HER, HOWEVER SOME INSTINCT TOLD ME NOT TO....IT DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SPEND A FORTUNE ON BOOKS LIKE I DID I'LL RECOMMEND 3 BOOKS THAT WILL GET YOU STARTED AND WELL ON YOUR WAY IN FINDING OUT WHAT'S GOING ON AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT AND HOW TO HELP; NO MORE RITALIN, NO MORE ADHD - RIGHT BRAINED CHILDREN IN A LEFT BRAINED WORLD - THE ADD AND ADHD DIET, UPDATED VERSION. GOOD LUCK, HELENA

Misunderstood Minds
I teach high school and this video did a few things for me. First, it showed me the importance of elementary school teachers in pin pointing learning disabilities. Second, it is important for parents to explore different possibilities for why students aren't performing. I have an 8 yr old nephew who was just diagnosed with severe dislexia and the original prescription was drugs for ADD. Explore the possibilities! Third, the specific story of the teenager drove home the importance of having smaller classes in high school. I have 35 kids in each class. I know that for some, that is small. I have 6 classes. It is impossible for teachers, most of us wish we could, to be able to cater to the needs of each individual student. The video showed the importance of not only giving a correct diagnosis for a students problems, but the importance of following through and working with the student, so he or she can really succeed. The real stories showed the emotion that not only the students go through, but the families as well. It is a firm reminder that children need understanding, not labels. I recommend Misunderstood Minds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

The unlikeliest cult hit of 2004 was Read more

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Reviews (876)

Fade in, fade out....and read these fascinating reviews.
After seeing this movie my immediate reaction was to log on to Amazon and read the customer reviews.The reviews did not disappoint.Love it or hate it (there are few opinions in between) they make for very entertaining reading.
Flint to be struck - do you feel like igniting your mind?
All of a sudden we find a number of films aimed at the populace and explaining the Law of Attraction with its underpining concepts of quantum physics. Coincidence? Proof positive of the point of it all? Bleep! opened the cultural door to a number of other films, chief amongst them "The Secret" which is presently skyrocketing to underground success on the internet (and as of this writing not available on amazon - one has to go to the film website to view or purchase it).
Ruined An Excellent Film
If you want to watch the original film the way it was in the theaters and on the first DVD, you can't.The randomness is a novel idea but it created a disjointed collage that interrupts my thoughts, concentration and enjoyment.The whole movie isn't even on one disc.They split it onto two discs.The interviews are a good addition but if you want to watch the movie buy the What the Bleep DVD separately. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Originally aired on PBS's Read more

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Reviews (12)

just FINE!
Reviewer Hadrian12's spotlight review says perfectly everything to say about this film. Thanks for that.
A Caped Prima Donna, but he Loved Music, and it Shows!
Using interviews with his son and daughters, his brother, the writers, choreographers, and conductors he worked with, and many of his friends, and clips of his rehearsals and performances, we see the life of a very talented, but troubled genius.
Absolute BERNSTEIN!
It has been said many times that music is the universal language.While the truth of this statement is self-evident, occasionally even universal languages require translators.For that, great men such as Leonard Bernstein have stepped to the fore to assist the rest of us in understanding what is perhaps man's single greatest art form.
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Reviews (5)

Excellent Research on the Black Dahlia Case
It is a great review of the brutal case and current research.I have often wondered if the Black Dahlia event, was really the first murder performed by the Zodiac. There has to bea triangle of terror, linking the three cases of the Jack the Ripper,Black Dahlia, and the Zodiac .London artist Walter Sickert had passed away ,in 1947.He is considered ,by some researchers ,to be the leading Jack the Ripper suspect.And the wealthy ,oddball art patron Dr.George Hodel ,is now suspected of being the BD killer,by even his own son,retired LAPD cop,Stephan Hodel. Beth Short lived in Vallejo(NorCal), as did the leading Zodiac suspect Arthur Leigh Allen. Their houses were three streets apart .In time the cases will show a definative connection between the three directly,i'm sure of this.The film adds more insight and raises many questions of interest for the Black Dahlia case.

Tv film- Black Dahlia
This is info to the reviewer from Marion, Ind who wanted to know if there was ever a film made on The Black Dahlia. Yes there was back in the 70's with Lucie Arnaz . It was a tv film and don't think that it was ever put on VHS. I'vebeen looking for it myself and they don't seem to repeat this film on tv.

GREAT DOCUMENTARY
An exceptional documentary, with dramatized re-enactments.Most chilling is the re-enactment of author John Gilmore interviewing the most likely suspect.This segment, showing Gilmore and the suspected killer talking in a bar is followed by a re-enactment of the murder, as it was presented in Gilmore's book, SEVERED: THE TRUE STORY OF THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.A fascinating exploration into the twisted and strange Black Dahlia case, one of the most sensational, unsolved murder cases in the history of American crime. ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

Pamela Anderson & Tommy Lee Gone Wild!
This is not a video you buy for the plot or dialogue.This is a pretty unedited home movie of Pamela & Tommy Lee's wild boat trip.A few bits of pieces of this have ended up on the internet.This is the whole thing (over an hour), basically, Pamela & Tommy Lee fooling around in all sorts of ways.The couple certainly seems "comfortable" doing just about everything "on camera" (and I mean "everything"). ... Read more

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Reviews (4)

The Crocodile Hunter tells his story
If watching the Crocodile excites you and you are looking for more crocodile action, this is it with a nice history lesson on Steve.
Steve is cool.
In this video, learn all about how Steve first became interested in crocodiles and with nature itself.From early family films to the forming of his show on Animal Planet.How Steve's parents formed Australia Zoo which is now runned by Steve and his staff. featured are interviews by Steve, his wife Terri, and his parents; Bob and Lyn Irwin.

What a beauty!
Steve Irwin is a man who genuinely enjoys his job (and life) with a passion. Steve's life (all 38 years of it, anyway) is documented in this hour-long Animal Planet video, from catching his first crocodile at thetender age of nine to the recent birth of his daughter Bindi Sue. Steve isbecoming a worldwide celebrity due to the popularity of his show TheCrocodile Hunter that he hosts along with his wife Terri Irwin. Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

An examination of the relationship between political power and personal conscience, Joseph Mankiewicz's traditional Read more

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Reviews (26)

NOT ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT!!!
Along with "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "King Lear," "Julius Caesar" remains one of my favorite tragedies of William Shakespeare. (With "Coriolanus" not so far behind.) This play of Shakespeare's and (this move for that matter) was what got me into Shakespeare in the first place, and later an English Major in college. Like I said, this is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, and this movie in no way whatsoever falls short of the book. It was truly a blessing to get James Mason (Brutus), John Gielgud (Cassius) and Marlon Brando (Mark Antony) together. This movie (with virtually no special effects) shows that it takes good directing, good actors, and a good script to make things work. Some of you probably know that this was the first play of Shakespeare's to be performed at the Globe Theatre. Moving on to the material at hand, this play repesents moral ambiguity in a political setting. We meet Cassius and Brutus. Cassius is not happy with the fact that the ambitious Julius Caesar is to be crowned, and the flawed, but still virtuous Brutus reluctantly agrees to take part in the conspiracy to assasinate Caesar. Like in the play, we meet Mark Antony (Brando) and he seems insignificant. But he will later prove very significant. We only meet Calpurnia (Caesar's wife) and Portia (Brutus's wife) briefly. But they do make the most of their one scene. For that matter, even the Soothsayer who only has a minor part does well. (Perhaps good acting often means making the best of even a small part.) As most of you know, around the halfway point Julius Caesar meets his fate, and Louis Calhern portrays the famous line: "Et Tu Brute? Then fall Caesar" well. Marlon Brando is nothing short of phenomenal when he appears to make peace with the conspirators and then reveals his real feelings in the famous" "Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" passage. The naive (but still likable) Brutus delivers his convincing funeral passage well. Unfortunately for him, Mark Antony's counterspeech is nothing short of hypnotic. (One of the best things about this play is that rather than good guys and bad guys, we have 3 major characters with 2 opposing views, and we can be lead into sympathy and understanding with either of them.) Despite the limited resources of the time, Louis Calhern's ghost of Caesar is frightening and effective. This leads to the final confrontation between Brutus and Cassius versus Octavius and Mark Antony. (For the record, at this point in time, Brutus and Cassius DID hold the advantage.) The battle where Antony crushes Cassius is so well done in that (1) it shows Antony's stategy, (2) it is well done without excess blood or special effects, and (3) it DOES NOT glorify war. It DOES in fact show war as the ugly and repulsive thing it is. Despite Cassius's faults (possibly through the good acting of John Gielgud), we are moved into sympathy for him when he meets his fate. (For the record, Mike Ansara, the servant of Cassius who is with him to the end would play a sympathetic Klingon Captain in "Star Trek's" 'Day of the Dove' and would be the voice of Mr. Freeze in the animated Batman series.) And James Mason continues his phenomenal performance of Brutus right up to the end. As in the play, the crowning touch is the respectful eulogy Mark Antony gives to Brutus, and Marlon Brando more than delivers. While I fear that some movies like a recent and really garrish "Hamlet" would have had Shakespeare crying in his grave, this production of "Julius Caesar" would do William Shakespeare proud.

Sic Semper Tyrannus
James Mason, John Gielgud and Edmond O'Brien carry the day here in this largely marvelous film adaptation of Julius Caesar; to my mind, Shakespeare's greatest play.All three put their vast stage experience to work, and in particular Gieulgud's reading of Casca's complaints about Caesar's ascension is hypnotically powerful.All three are far more eloquent than Marlon Brando, who looks a little uncomfortable as Marc Antony and doesn't quite capture the two-sidedness of the fighting voluptuary who sees no reason he shouldn't step into Caesar's shoes.Louis Calhern is miscast as JC but gave rise to one of Hollywood's great anecdotes.Calhern volunteered to lie-in as Caesar's corpse during Antony's funeral oration and said after one take, "Can we do that again?I wasn't very good."Hollywood's byzantine union rules for stage extras hampered the filming of the battle scenes so thoroughly that this was the last time such a scene was ever shot in California.

I call him "The Beard" (see below)
Next time I review Midsummer Night's Dream remind me to instead rant a bit about people who call it Midsummer's Night Dream and completely ignore any other intelligent comment on that great play. Bard, shmard, who gives a rat's patoot? That whiny review wouldn't cut in in "scholarly circles" whatever the hell those are in this age. We're lucky anyone refers to him at all, even as "Billy."
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Reviews (19)

"She`s 13 Going On 21".....
Streetwise is a very sad documentary about the lives of
EVERYTHING LARRY CLARK's"kids" tried and failed to be...
Directed by Martin Bell,who directed his first feature film in 1990,the under-appreciated "American Heart", this 1985 academy award nominee is perhaps one the truly finest documentaries ever made. Inspired by a photo-essay for LIFE by Bell's wife,the brilliant photographer Mary Ellen Mark, "Streetwise" documents the daily lives of a group of throwaway kids who survive on the streets of Seattle through indomitable will to survive; there is,however,one casuality in the film - a teenage boy who committs suicide after viewing rushes of himself visiting his father in prison. His funeral becomes a point of transition in the film,which thereafter encourages the kids to react directly to the camera - not dramatising themselves,but acknowledging it's presence and the fact that the camera is now an active element in their lives,having it's own effect on their social environment. A very strange and disturbing film,oddly reminiscent of Paul Morrissey's "Trash" only in this case completely real. Since nobody pretends the camera isn't there - they frequently talk to it - it is questionable if "Streetwise" is really a documentary in the first place - or something else,a new kind of film that is totally sui generis - certainly no one has ever done anything even remotely comparable. This is one of the most unique films ever made. It could have been the start of a whole new way of making films,but Bell's later work is more along conventional fictional-narrative lines - although still quite good. But with "Streetwise" one ends up wondering which is better - the form or the content. In this case,both are of equal importance. These are real kids - not actors. They've just learned to adapt and accept the camera,the same way they've survived by adapting to and accepting a horrifyingly abnormal condition in life. It's nothing like "Kids",that's for sure. This is probably one of the best films ever made.

Easily The Best Documentary Ever Made
"Streetwise" is easily the best documentary ever made.It also ranks among the finest motion pictures of all time which makes it all the more astonishing that it has never been released on DVD.I have an old VHS copy that I taped many years ago off of cable TV and I drag it out now and again when I want to watch something incredible and compelling."Streetwise" perfectly captures a moment and place in time--namely downtown Seattle in the early 1980s.It is a haunting and transcendent film that makes you wonder whatever became of most of these kids.I highly recommend "Streetwise" and I urge whomever is holding up the release of this film on DVD to get off their butts, settle the issues, and get this film out on DVD.There is still time, albeit not much, for a 20th anniversary release! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

The first gymnast to ever score a perfect 10 at the Olympics was Nadia Comaneci. From a small town in Romania, Nadia (Leslie Weiner, in her only feature film role) rose to international stardom. Under the coaching guidance of Bela Karoli, she pushed herself with the will of a champion. This movie does a wonderful job of showing how hard gymnasts must work as well as showing how much they must give up in their personal lives in order to achieve success. After winning three gold medals at the 1976 Olympics, her life spins out of control when Bela is removed as her coach. For the first time in her life she is on her own, she is the object of jealousy from her teammates, and her weight is out of control. She seeks out her former coach and asks for his help. Together they put Nadia back on the winning track. A family film with a lot to offer, Read more

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Reviews (47)

We loved Nadia!
My daughters have grown up watching this video, sometimes every day!Grandma said that if she never had to watch it again it would be fine with her...guess we overdid it.When I hear the music of the competitions I stop what I'm doing to watch that part again.Truly a classic and family favorite.

Fabolous Nadia
Full of enthusiasm! I liked this movie a lot.
A Great Movie!
I had this tape on VHS a long time ago and lent it to someone who did not return it.I want to purchase it again and wanted to buy one of the used ones - can't believe that someone would have the nerve to try and sell a VHS tape for $199.00 though - is the case solid gold or something??? - shame on you!!
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Editorial Review

For earthbound humans, Read more

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Reviews (215)

Absolutely amazing
I happened to catch this documentary by accident while channel surfing on one of the HD channels and couldn't take my eyes off the screen.This is easily one of the most beautiful and fascinating films I have ever seen.I recommend getting the DVD to watch "the making of" special feature.It is almost more amazing how they made this film.

winged
Video was well done.The inflight closeups of the migrating birds was spectcular.Was a bit too long and became boring but not to take away from the quality of the program.The bits and pieces of pollution really struck home.Those parts you do not forget.I had seen parts of the video a another location and decided to purchase my own copy to keep and loan.
Incredible Photography
I first saw this on HD Net on my cable channel and had to have a personal copy. The photography is absolutly stunning; extremely sharp focus in very difficult shooting conditions. I think the first question that goes through peoples mind is "How did they get those up close shots?" I was pleasently surprised to find a special feature section on the DVD which gave the entire story of the five year effort to bring this to the screen.
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Editorial Review

MacLachlan, author of Unclaimed Treasures, has written an affecting tale for children. In the late 19th century a widowed midwestern farmer with two children--Anna and Caleb--advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay, and when she goes off to town alone, young Caleb--whose mother died during childbirth--is stricken with the fear that she has gone for good. But she returns with colored pencils to illustrate for them the beauty of Maine, and to explain that, though she misses her home, "the truth of it is I would miss you more." The tale gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love. ... Read more

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Reviews (156)

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Sarah, Plain and Tall is a heartfelt story about a family who lost a mother and wife. Jacob, Caleb and Anna's father, must make the decision to place an ad for a wife and mother for the best for all of them.Sarah, a young lady from Maine, returns letters back and forth to the whole family getting to know them better.She decides to come down to the prairies of Kansas from the sea for a month to see if this is a life she could become accustomed to.When the children see the yellow bonnet coming down the road, excitement was in the air along with anticipation.Would she decide to stay and marry Jacob, or would this place be too small and too far away from the sea for Sarah.
great great GREAT!
The book is about the Ann and Caleb's mom dies in her sleep after having Caleb. After a few years Jacob (the dad) writes an ad asking for a new wife. And Sarah answered back, and she answered all the questions.
great great GREAT!
The book is about the Ann and Caleb's mom dies in her sleep after having Caleb. After a few years Jacob (the dad) writes an ad asking for a new wife. And Sarah answered back, and she answered all the questions.
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Editorial Review

Covering the entire 20th century in one video series is an ambitious project, but one that Peter Jennings and ABC News are up to. In Read more

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Reviews (23)

STARTING TO WORRY
I have used this series for a few years now and have had great success with it. Not just the old school compilation of talking heads, but an engaging, well-paced documentary. However, as others have said, I am getting concerned about its availability in the future when VHS players go the way of the 8-track. Anyone out there know of plans to put this on DVD?

History with Emotion
This series is so helpful to recall the chronological order of all of the things once learned in history classes at school. Hoever this series not only gives the facts, but adds a personal element to it by interviewing average citizens who remember the historic events recalled. By no means is this your "boring documentary". I have seen the series several times, and I still learn new things, and I still moved everytime, at the strength of our country and the tremendous blessing it is to live here.

Brings History to life
My teacher showed this video in class and everyone in class enjoyed it immensly. I can't wait to watch it again. A great keepsake. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Box set
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (135)

Myth, Mysticism, and Mischief
Joseph Campbell, in the last years of his life, still had a twinkle in his eyes. He speaks of myth -- the myths of many traditions -- from a lifetime of study, but he's not above chiding Bill Moyer or the audience to explore on their own.
Exceptionally insightful
This DVD series is excellent in terms of framing the existence of myth in the human experience, since the inception of recorded human stories, and how that directly translates into the evolution and development of all religions.

Understanding the core of mythology can resurect your thinking
The Power of Myth transformed my thinking about mythology. It exposed me to a much finer way of thinking about religion and cultural mythology. It showed me how important myth is on so many levels in society, especially didactically.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Religion    4. Special Interest    5. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

This film about Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrsellasie, who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and is considered one of the greatest runners of all time, is a dramatization that often appears to be a documentary. Beautifully photographed, the footage shot in Haile's native land is often spectacular enough to make you think you're watching a Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (25)

Beautiful and inspiring...!
This is a movie I would recommend for people who like to think about life, and how dreams and determination can help improve a person's situation... Not recommended at all for people who want adrenaline rushes, unexpected twists, violence, or sex.
three minutes
There is not much here.You learn a little bit about how Gebrselassie became a runner, and a little bit about life in Ethiopia.But the pace of the movie is so very, very slow, you get only the most vague, broad ideas.It is disappointing to be given only a glimpse, not something more substantial -- the vast majority of the 83 minute running time is simply wasted.If you are interested in Gebrselassie's races, you will also be disappointed.There are snippets from one of his Olympic 10,000 meters races, but they probably add up to less than a minute; and there is nothing whatsoever about any of his other races.
one of the greatest, most original films ever made
This film is an original, not a documentary, not a drama, but a completely one off mix of the two, the moving, thrilling tale of Haile Gebresalassie, Ethiopia's greatest runner. It tells tells the story of his life, his childhood in Ethiopia and his stunning career as an athelete. Gorgeous film of Ethiopia, heart-stopping footage of the Olympics. Not to be missed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie