'Pete Kelly's Blues' BD: Jack Webb Has Reasons to Sing the Blues

Warner Archive releasing several classic musicals, such as the recently reviewed "Yankee Doodle Dandy," on Blu-ray in 2014 is a highlight in a not-so-great year for the world. The BD release of the terrific 1951 Jazz Age film "Pete Kelly's Blues" continues the winning streak regarding this effort, which the Unreal TV year-end wrap up on December 21, 2014 will feature.

Just as the also recently reviewed courtroom thriller "Twilight of Honor" takes advantage of the popularity of star Richard Chamberlain in his also reviewed television series "Dr. Kildare," "Blues" benefits from the fame of star Jack Webb regarding his classic series "Dragnet."

The "Blues"/ "Dragnet" connection becomes abundantly clear when Webb starts his trademark voice over noir narration with verbal imagery that would make Raymond Chandler proud.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the epic Webb-hosted, five-minute trailer for "Bues" provides an awesome behind-the-scenes look at the film and a good overview of the plot. (Time constraints prevented confirming whether the trailers on the BD set include this one.)

Webb plays the titular cornetist, whose troubles begin when gangster Edmond McCarg struts into the Kansas City bar where Kelly and his band play. The purpose of the visit is to present Kelly et al with an offer of management that they cannot refuse (or else). Edmond O'Brien, who went onto win a Best Actor Oscar for "The Barefoot Contessa" four years later, does a great job playing playing the tough and restrained violent persona of McCarg.

Martin Milner turns in a wonderful "before they were stars" performance as young drummer Joey Firestone, who learns that resistance is futile regarding guys like McCarg. The wholesome charm that Milner displays provides a nice preview of his later television performances in the anthology drama "Route 66" and later in the police series "Adam-12."

Another memorable performance comes in the form of jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, who performs the theme of the film and another song, as a roadhouse owner.

Archive perfectly describes the manner in which Janet Leigh portrays Ivy Conrad as "a gin-swilling heiress who moves in on Kelly's heart" (and pays the price for grabbing at his pride and joy without asking first), Peggy Lee is even more fatale femme singer Rose Hopkins, whom new manager McCarg thrusts on the band, A scene in which alcoholic Rose tries to make it through a song while blitzed out of whatever remaining brain cells she possesses almost certainly is a reason for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination that she receives for her role.

The fast-paced '20s-style action that perfectly matches the music and overall theme of the film largely revolves around the efforts of McCrag to enforce his hold on the group and the ensuing violence. We also have Kelly contending with Ivy and Rose, and with bar owner Rudy pulling every trick in the book to maximize his profits. One of the best lines in the film relates to a joke about that publican finding a way to cut water.

Writing once again that an Archive release is awesome because they do not make 'em like that anymore seems as cheap as many of the antics that make "Blues" so entertaining, but that is the best way to convey the quality of these films (and the awesome remastering that goes into them.)

Although the plethora of extras in "Dandy" far outshines such features on any home entertainment video release, the special features in "Blues" are also wonderful. The Oscar-nominated short "Gadgets Galore" is a hilarious look at the early days of the auto industry, and the Looney Tunes cartoon "The Hole Idea" is a very clever animated presentation about the invention of a portable hole.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Blues" is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Mentor' DVD: Documentarian Alix Lambert Exposes Unchecked Bullying in Glorified Community

The documentary "Mentor, " which DC-based documentary and independent film production Garden Thieves Pictures released on DVD and VOD on December 16 2014, presents a fascinating perspective on the widely covered topic of bullying. Although virtually everyone knows that bullying is prevalent at every level of American society and often causes severe emotional distress that can lead to suicide, documentary filmmaker Alix Lambert addresses a notable cluster of severe and unchecked bullying in Mentor, Ohio.

The first factor that makes this topic documentary worthy is that Mentor has been included in a list of the top 100 best places to live in the United States; the second factor is that the bullying at Mentor High School has been adequately intense to be considered a factor in at least five suicides; the element that makes the Mentor story a trifecta regarding newsworthiness is that it that the school administration seemingly has a history of turning a willful blind eye to the problem.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the trailer for "Mentor" provides a rather intense look at this rather intense film.

Much of the film revolved around the Vidovics, a Croatian family who fled their native land to escape war and moved to Mentor because of the quality of life that that community seemed to offer. They failed to consider that the "foreignness" of daughter Sladjana was almost certain to make her a target for at least some bullying. Not anticipating that the abuse would include physical contact and be severe enough to prompt her to kill herself was more understandable.

Interviews with the parents and siblings of Sladjana (as well as home movies) showed both the characteristics that made that girl a target of bullies and reported that the school demonstrated extreme insensitivity even following an incident in which a football player pushed this perfectly nice kid down some stairs.

It is equally sad that the nature of the bullying that small, thin, and pale glee club kid Eric Mohat experienced was readily apparent on the first image of that kid performing. He simply achieved the bullying trifecta of being very involved in what is perceived of as an effeminate activity, being a textbook 90-pound weakling, and being a bit of a nerd.  It goes without saying that he should have been praised for doing his own thing, being himself, and for being so proud regarding all that.

Lambert does an excellent job portraying both the love that the mother of Eric feels for her child and the effect of his horrible death on her. Losing a child is tragic, but it seems to hurt this woman even more than it affects others who suffer the same tragedy.

Other interviewed people include friends of the victims and attorneys who are involved in legal action against the Mentor school system. These individuals further contribute to the very personal vibe associated with the film.

All of the interviews and shared documents clearly showed that any efforts by Mentor High School administrators to address the bullying problem were ineffective; the film further indicated a lack of concern and/or sensitivity by those educators.

As mentioned above, the newsworthiness of all that occurred related to it happening in a community in which a national ranking and other indications provided a reasonable expectation that the city provided a good quality of life. Also as mentioned above, the degree of bullying seemed grossly disproportionate to the hype associated with life in Mentor.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Mentor" is welcome to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Star Trek The Next Generation: All Good Things' BD: Qtastic End to Mother of All Trek Spinoffs

[Editor's Note: Unreal TV has previously posted a review of  the Blu-ray edition of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" S7. Additionally, a Christmas miracle has occurred in the form of Unreal TV receiving the entire "Enterprise" series and three additional TNG sets on BD. Reviews will be published throughout 2015.]

The "Star Trek: The Next Generation" series finale "All Good Things" has everything that a fan of any show could want in a finale. Further, the CBS Home Entertainment feature-film style Blu-ray release of this historic episode provides it the regard to which it is due.

Other two-part TNG episodes that CBS has released in a feature-film style BD format include the recently reviewed "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" prelude "Chain of Command" and the less recently reviewed classic Borg-themed episode "The Best of Both Worlds."

The following clip, courtesy of CBS and YouTube, of the trailer for the "Things" BD release provides a strong sense of the exceptional quality of the remastering and the story itself.

"Things" is a true gift to trekkers and trekkies everywhere in that it includes most elements over which these fans drool. Only having a serious Borg threat would have made it better.

The fan favorite element of time travel has a particular "Back to the Future" vibe in this one. U.S.S. Enterprise captain Jean-Luc Picard is being tossed about in time back-and-forth between the present from the TNG perspective and periods that are roughly 20 years in the future and seven years in the past when he first takes command of the aforementioned flagship in the starship fleet of the aptly named Starfleet military organization. Further, two quasi-spoilers are the news that that he must get back in time and learns the power of love.

Sending Picard on these quantum leaps provides an awesome look at the lives of every primary character decades after the events of TNG and the bonuses of bringing back an awesome character from TNG S1, returning another departed character, and offering humor regarding how the appearances of characters and other elements of the series change during the seven-year run of the series.

One well-publicized amusing aspect of Picard et al going back to the future is that Lt. Commander William T. (Thomas, not Tiberius) Riker portrayor Jonathan Frakes following the Shatner course of gaining significant weight during the course of the series requires limiting his appearance in the scenes set in the past to a cleverly inserted clip from the pilot.

As Picard and his enterprising crew learn more about the latest weird occurrences in the long series of such events during their careers, other popular "Trek" elements emerge.

The underlying phenomenon around which the efforts of Picard focus in all three time periods is an anomaly that inconveniently is located in the essentially no man's land that is a result of negotiations between the Federation that Starfleet serves and the long-standing Federation enemies the Romulans. The bottom line is that any Starfleet or Romulan ship that enters that area can only do so for an exceptionally compelling reason.

Picard further learns that TNG-introduced foe the omnipotent (and very mischievous) Q is the force that is bouncing him around in time. A long overdue epiphany while watching this BD version of "Things" is that Q is the Endora of TNG.

Both the mystery surrounding the anomaly and the reason for Q becoming involved pay nice homage to the TNG pilot in which the Enterprise crew first encounters Q. This meeting occurs in the context of Q informing our heroes that mankind must stand trial for the harm associated with expanding their presence in the universe beyond the range that Q considers appropriate.

The crew proving in the pilot that they are not quite as stupid or savage as Q believes prevents TNG from merely being a TV Movie of the Week by resulting in Q allowing Starfleet to continue their operations subject to his scrutiny.

The manner in which Picard operates in each time period to which he is commuting has even higher stakes than the challenge that he faces in the pilot. The clever thinking that he devotes to the problem provides a nice twist and sends a positive message regarding the capacity of mankind. The missive is that we mortals may not be as foolish as Q (and Endora) believe us to be.

The plot further allows Picard portrayor Patrick Stewart to awesomely make full use of his classical theatrical training. Although the initial confusion of Picard regarding the time travel is more reminiscent of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens than the works of William "The Bard" Shakespeare, Shakespearean actor Stewart gets plenty of chance to exercise his acting chops related to both masters.

The special features includes deleted scenes, the promos for both parts of "Things," and what looks to be a spectacular "making of" documentary titled "The Unknown Possibilities of Existence."

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Things" or anything "Trek" is strongly encouraged to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Twilight of Honor' DVD: Dreamy Richard Chamberlain Goes From Medical Drama to Courtroom Thriller

As Warner Archive points out, the Oscar-nominated 1963 courtroom drama "Twilight of Honor" is a Richard Chamberlain vehicle that takes advantage of his well-earned star power regarding the Unreal TV reviewed television medical series "Dr. Kildare." Chamberlain's David Mitchell in this one is a young attorney who gets first-hand lessons in both the reality of the duty of an attorney to defend his or her share of undesirable clients and in the realities of being a criminal defense attorney.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube and Archive, of one of the best scenes in "Twilight" nicely showcases the talent of Chamberlain and conveys the exceptional tone of the film.

"Twilight" being an excellent example of the earnest social conscience films of the '50s and early '60s makes it a perfect choice for a film role for Chamberlain. His persona as a caring and assertive young professional who is also very human makes him highly compatible with the role of a rookie attorney whom a judge appoints to defend a drifter facing trial for killing a prominent local man.

Armchair litigators get a great lesson in criminal law in the form of a fact pattern in which it is undisputed that Ben Brown killed Cole Clinton, played by Pat "Mr. Haney" Buttram of the '60s sitcom "Green Acres," while sharing a hotel suite with Clinton and Brown's wife Laura Mae. (Newcomer Joey Heatherton earns a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for portraying Laura Mae.)

The related rubs are that the circumstances of said fatal encounter may make that incident a justifiable act that does not support a conviction under the applicable law and the contrary desire of the district attorney and others on that side of the legal system to see Brown convicted of the offense for which he is standing trial.

The true power broker behind all this is retired attorney/Mitchell mentor Art Harper, played by the largely invisible Claude Rains. Harper has an undeclared reason for his role in getting Mitchell appointed as defense attorney but is more transparent regarding the behind-the-scenes help that he provides his protege during the trial. Throwing Art's daughter Susan in the mix as a love interest for Mitchell adds a nice light tough to this serious film and sets the stage for wonderfully witty and cute banter at the end of the film.

The trouble regarding the highly relevant facts regarding the killing relates to Mitchell being able to get them out. Flawed confessions that the prosecution obtains from Ben, an alliance between the prosecution and Laura Mae, and public opinion being strongly against his client are only some obstacles that Mitchell faces in ensuring that Ben receives the fair trial to which that poor sap is entitled.

Like a tasty beef stew that marinates all day in a crock pot before hitting the dinner table, "Twilight" nicely simmers for roughly an hour (with a few periods of bubbling in the process) before the final attempt to serve up justice. This leisurely (but hardly boring) pace makes great story telling that is largely absent in this era in which action seemingly must be both non-stop and intense.

All of this amounts to "Twilight" being a great film to watch on a wintry Sunday afternoon. The only thing that would enhance this experience would be having the still dreamy Chamberlain join you for the screening.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Twilight" is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Star Trek: The Next Generation' S7 DVD: Warping Out on Trektacular Note

[Editor's Note: Unreal TV has also reviewed of the feature-film style Blu-ray release of the TNG series finale "All Good Things." "Evergreen" reviews of BD sets of TNG and "Enterprise" seasons will run throughout 2015.]

The recent CBS Home Entertainment Blu-ray release of the seventh and final season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" nicely rounds out the BD releases of the mother of all "Trek" spinoffs in time for the holidays. One can only hope that CBS adds "Deep Space Nine" and "Voyager" to the complete BD collections of the Original Series, TNG, and"Enterprise." Make it so, network execs!

The first thing that requires mentioning is that the picture and sound quality of this set seems to surpass even the excellent presentation of both in the recently reviewed S6 BD set. The sound effects and music are particularly exceptional.

The following clip (with some spoilers), courtesy of CBS and YouTube, of the trailer for this BD release awesomely offers a sense of every spectacular element of S7 and includes many season highlights in a couple of minutes.

S7 starts strong with the conclusion to the S6 cliffhanger "Descent," which ends with android science officer Data teaming up with evil brother Lore and the even more evil Borg in a nefarious scheme. This twist on the "evil twin" theme is highly entertaining.

Another two-parter "Gambit" commences a few weeks into S7; this one begins with the Enterprise crew discovering fairly early in a search for a missing Captain Picard that credible evidence exists that said commander is dead; in true "Trek" spirit, first officer Lt. Commander William T. (Thomas not Tiberius) Riker doubting that his leader and friend is no longer living leads to his going undercover.

This covert work involves Riker and an fellow Enterprise crew member joining a motley crew searching for the components of an ancient weapon of mass destruction. This adventure requiring both that Riker and his colleague pretend to be adversaries and that this dynamic duo engage in hostile activity against the Enterprise is very entertaining. It is equally nice that the resolution of the alien threat is very peaceful and lacks any hint that the Enterprise will devote its superior firepower toward achieving a just end.

This episode additionally ends on the same sitcom style note as a handful of others in the season. Said hilarity involves Riker trying to pull one over on a colleague only to find himself the loser in the exchange.

A desire to keep this review to a manageable length requires briefly mentioning that notable mid-season episodes include one in which the Enterprise learns of a theory that traveling at the extra-super-velocity known as warp speed is having serious adverse effects; another episode is reminiscent of the then uber-popular novels of horror writer Anne Rice in that it focuses on a ghost-like creature with a long history of involvement with the women in the family of Enterprise Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Crusher.

S7 then presents a series of Freudian episodes before ending its run with the series finale titled "All Good Things." As mentioned in the Editor's Note in this review, Unreal TV is separately reviewing the feature-film style BD release of that episode.

The last batch of episodes begins with the aptly titled "Journey's End." This one has soon-to-graduate Starfleet Academy cadet (and Crusher son) Wesley (played by Wil Wheaton) being uncharacteristically sullen and rude on returning to the Enterprise for a visit.

In this case, the rebellion in which Wesley engages greatly hampers the efforts of the Enterprise and the United Federation of Planets that it serves to relocate a group of American Indians living on a planet that is being ceded to the Cardassians (who play a central role in the then new "Deep Space Nine" series.)

Tying in the history of forceful relocation of Indians and a larger-scale issue related to the concept of the sins of the fathers makes this one particularly relevant to 20th (and 21st) century American culture.

Current off-the-rails former child star Brian Bonsall makes his final appearance as the reluctant warrior son Alexander of Klingon officer Worf in "Firstborn," which is the episode after "Journey's." This one has the efforts of Worf to start his son on the path to the Klingon version of manhood coincide with an apparent plot against Worf.

This offering nicely ties into DS9 by directly relating back to the third DS9 episode, which involves a pair of Klingon sisters who can be considered the Patty and Selma of the "Trek" universe. "Firstborn" further has a fun "phoned-in" cameo by a DS9 regular and adds a truly surprising twist to the resolution.

"Bloodlines" puts Picard and his newly discovered son in the spotlight. They meet as a result of a revenge plot against Picard. Once again, the parent-child conflict relates to the elder having difficulty accepting the desire of the younger to not meet expectations.

"Emergence" is just as Freudian as the episodes that immediately precede it, but the Enterprise itself is the willful child in this one. A series of mysterious mishaps, which include hurtling off at high speeds, coincides with the appearance of characters who represent various systems on the ship.

The final episode before "Things" involves the parent-child aspects of the relationship between Picard and Bajoran officer Ro Laren, whose experience growing up rough under Cardassian occupation provides her with enough issues for several years worth of therapy. The first scene in which Ro shows intense disappointment regarding apparent rejection of her by Picard says it all.

The larger conflict in this one involves the efforts of the Federation to curtail the raids of the rogue organization known as the Marquis, which continues attacking Cardassian ships despite a Federation treaty prohibiting such activity. The stakes include maintaining the truly delicate peace with the Cardassians.

Ro's ethnicity and her troubled past lead her to going on her own covert mission to infiltrate a Marquis group. Her personal beliefs and her growing alliance with that band combine to present an increasingly possibility that she will betray Starfleet in favor of her new friends. Her relationship with "daddy" Picard is one of the few things that are keeping her from going over to the dark side.

The typical (but hardly standard) plethora of S7 BD extras include a nice retrospective on the series, a hilarious gag reel, and the episode promos that kept Trekkers and Trekkies eagerly anticipating the latest adventure related to the "continuing mission" of the Enterprise.

The best way to wrap up these thoughts regarding this end to the "Trek" series that paves the way for those that follow is that it is one of the few programs that combines wide appeal scifi, insightful social commentary, cerebral plots, intriguing and/or likable characters, and good humor. They truly do not make 'em like that anymore.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding TNG is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Hotline' Documentary: Support and Phone Sex Operators Who Do More Than Phone it in

 
The 2014 documentary "Hotline," which is available on VOD and is coming out on DVD in early 2015, awesomely explores the world of people who either make their living or volunteer their time conversing on the telephone with individuals with a strong need to reach out and touch someone. The gamut of such services that the film covers runs from a homework help services to phone-sex operations.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of a promo. for a (presumably successful) Kickstarter campaign nicely conveys the scope and number of the titular services and provides a brief introduction to some "cast" members.

One spoiler regarding this production that meets the dual goals of a documentary to inform and entertain is that it conveys related oft-forgotten messages in our fast-paced and short-attention span modern society; speaking with someone on the telephone and taking the time to fully hear him or her is as important today as it ever has been.

As a former suicide hotline volunteer, Brooklyn filmmaker Tony Shaff knows of what he speaks in "Hotline." His profiles of the individuals listed below and the other participants in the film  clearly communicate that a strong need exists to get what no one at home is providing it be it  compassion, assurance about a better life, or sexual gratification. Shaff further shows that the human element is an important part of the communication that is being sought to meet one or more of the aforementioned needs.

The featured individuals include phone and in-person therapist Jamie Blaine who shares that his history of rushing off in the middle of the night to provide aid has prompted a comparison to Batman, Brad Becker who is a pioneer of LGBT hotlines, Jeff "one Lonely Guy" Ragsdale who volunteers himself as a sympathetic ear, famed psychic Ms. Cleo, and a couple of phone sex operators.

Ragsdale deserves special notice because he apparently is an average Joe who simply recognizes that he is far from being the only guy or gal out there who often does not get the friendly interaction that all of us need. It seems that he started by posting his cell number and offer to talk on telephone poles and still operates on a solo (and completely free) basis. 

The audience gets to see the smooth operators in action, hear war stories, and learn of the true passion that each holds for his or her work. We also get a sense of the incredible tolerance that absorbing all the pain or general discontent that comes through the phone line requires.

Much of the humor comes from hearing Ms. Cleo talk about her evolution from an anonymous phone-line employee to the star that she is today. Seeing the phone-sex operators ply their trade and discuss their adopted personas provides additional entertainment. One spoiler regarding this is that none of these segments is even remotely arousing.

Related appeal of "Hotline" is enhancing the aforementioned human element of the voice communications that can be very important at 2:00 a.m. or anytime during the holidays in which you are excluded from the reindeer games in which most people participate. Seeing a kind and caring face behind the understanding and compassionate voice is a real treat.

Unreal TV does not have a telephone number for questions or comments regarding "Hotline" but invites folks to communicate via the less personal means of email; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Under the Dome' S2: 'Lost' for the 2010s

The recent CBS Home Entertainment BD release of S2 of the Stephen Spielberg/Stephen King CBS scifi drama "Under the Dome" is perfect for marathon (rather than binge) watching over the holidays. It also makes one count the days until the 2015 premiere of the third season.

The sturdy creative packaging of the BD set and the video and audio enhancements in this version of this very well-produced series greatly contribute to enjoying these 13 episodes that follow the British television model that emphasizes quality over quantity.

The first clip, courtesy of YouTube, below of the trailer for "Dome" S1 provides a broad overview of the series. The second uber-awesome clip, also courtesy of YouTube, of a comically over-dramatic Australian promo. for S2 provides a look at that season.

The numerous parallels between "Dome" and the earlier series "Lost" scream out a comparison. Although thoroughly examining these similarities requires much more than the available space and time, it must be mentioned that the pilots of both programs begin with a catastrophic event that strands our heroes (and villains).

The epic footage during the pilot of "Dome" focuses on the enormous transparent item coming down on the town of Chester's Mill without any warning and with unknown (if any) provocation.

The inhabitants of this small community and a few outsiders who become trapped face challenges that include the consequences of having limited resources, being cut off from the rest of the world, and finding a way out of their predicament. The fact that some loved ones of these far more than seven stranded castaways are outside the dome and cannot join their special someones contributes to the drama.

S2 opens immediately where cliffhangers in S1 left off.  The most significant plot line is Locke-like town leader/used car salesman "Big Jim" Rennie having a noose around the neck of quasi-nefarious Jack-Sawyer hybrid Dale "Barbie" Barbara (nicely played by Mike Vogel of "Bates Motel") and ready to lynch him for an crime that occurs in S1. (Dean Norris of "Breaking Bad" seems born to play Big Jim.)

Other developments lead to introducing the Charliesque Sam, whom Eddie Cahill of "Friends" and "CSI: New York" portrays. The deal of Sam is that he is an EMT who becomes a hermit and an alcoholic following the apparent suicide of his sister Pauline, who was married to Big Jim, several years earlier.

The event that prompts Sam to venture from his cabin in the woods into the life of the town is the mysterious appearance of an adolescent girl. Teen sleuth and all-American boy Joe McAlister (who "young" Sam Winchester on "Supernatural" actor Colin Ford plays) and his sidekick/sweetie newcomer Norrie discover that the new girl in town looks just like Melanie Cross, who was the new girl in town twenty-five years earlier before disappearing.

S2 also introduces high school science teacher Rebecca Pine, who is more like the Professor from "Gilligan's Island" than a "Lost" character. Rebecca repeatedly utilizes scientific methods to counteract the effects of the latest mischief that the dome inflicts on the townsfolk.

Like the actions of the "Lost" island and discoveries on it, the dome seeks to test and control what occurs within its sphere of influence. It also does not hesitate to inflict punishment when it determines that doing so is apt.

The tests include an infestation of crop-eating insects, highly toxic rain, and an early onset of cool weather. The punishments include inflicting great physical and emotional harm.

The "Lost" parallel continues with plot lines related to characters finding a potentially viable escape route, setting primary action outside the dome, and learning more about the probable reason for the dome falling, what it wants, and the dire consequences of angering it.

The buildup to the S2 cliffhanger includes a fairly substantial bloodbath related to a main character going off the rails, the dome closing in on the town, and an attempted mass exodus. The final scene suggests a proverbial game-changer for the third season.

The plethora of extras include a discussion with producer Stephen King about this show based on his novel of the same name, a making-of look at the S2 season premiere, a gag reel, and deleted scenes.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Dome" is strongly encouraged to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'the little Bedroom' DVD: Heart-warming Non-sappy French Human Drama

Cinema Libre Studio provides lovers of great foreign art house films a nice holiday treat in separately releasing the 2010 French drama "the little Bedroom" and the recently reviewed 2013 drama "French Affairs" on December 9, 2014.

The accolades for "Bedroom" include the Swiss Film Prize awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film.

"Bedroom" takes a mid-weight tone in telling the initially parallel stores of octogenarian Edmond and geriatric home-healthcare nurse Rose and the bond that develops due to their comparable experiences and compatible needs. The great instincts that leads Michel Bouquet (unsure whether he is that Bucket man) and Florence Loire Caille demonstrate regarding their roles greatly enhance the success of this narrative.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the trailer for "Bedroom" includes portions of several key scenes that provide an excellent sense of the tone and the quality of the film.

The rapidly declining mental and physical health of Edmond intensifies the efforts of his son, who is planning a move to the United States, to relocate Edmond from Edmond's apartment into a care facility. Rose initially enters the picture as a visiting nurse and becomes more involved in the life of Edmond following an incident that first requires hospitalization and then has him moving into a long-term care facility.

For her part, Rose is dealing with a very tough death in her life and a husband who both is losing patience with her inability to cope with that loss and who must take an extended business trip to the United States.

The events that bring Edmond and Rose closer ultimately lead to the former moving into the titular accommodations in the home of the latter. One issue is that neither Edmond nor Rose inform either the care facility nor Edmond's son of this address change.

Although not set during the holiday season, this tale of a friendship with non-sexual benefits conveys the spirit of support and love that this time of year ideally represents. We all need to both be cared for and to be needed.

This success of "Bedroom" to be sweet minus the sickly and to have nice twists also make it a great film for everyone of every age who can read the subtitles.

Anyone with questions or  comments regarding "Bedroom" is encouraged to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Yankee Doodle Dandy' BD: Cagney Classic Non-Lacy George M. Cohan Bio-Musical

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release of the 1942 George M. Cohan bio-musical "Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney as the titular patriot is a recent edition to the  impressive Archive BD library of classic musicals. 

Unreal TV has reviewed the release of the 1962 Doris Day musical "Billy Rose's Jumbo" and shared thoughts regarding "Hit the Deck." A review of  the BD release of "Pete Kelly's Blues" starring Jack Webb is scheduled for the week of December 15, 2014."

"Dandy," which covers the life of song-and-dance/composer Cohan literally from his birth on July 4 (though records indicate that he was born the day before), 1878 until just before his 1942 death, is one of the more macho musicals ever made. Seeing the chorus boys in the plethora of recreations of the grand numbers for which Cohan is famous look more like chorus men is amusing from a 2014 perspective.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the original trailer for "Dandy" shows all that is special about the film. Further, the portion devoted to promoting the musical numbers is awesomely reminiscent of the cheesy (often greatest hits) records that '70s television advertised.

The film opens on a 1942 evening with Cohan being called from the theater where he is depicting FDR to meet with the real big deal in the White House. The next roughly 100 minutes consists of Cagney-introduced flashbacks telling POTUS the story of the entire life of arguably the most patriotic performer of the early 20th century.

One underlying theme in "Dandy" is "the family that plays together stays together." Young actors portray Cohan traveling and performing with his parents and sister from Cohan being a toddler right through adulthood. This includes a scene with the entire family doing a number in blackface that is unfortunate by today's standards.

A highlight from that era of Cohan's life (and from the film itself) is seeing the already large ego of a roughly 10 year-old Cohan swelling even more on starring in play called "Peck's Bad Boy." The series of comeuppances that immediately follow a performance truly are must-see.

The audience also learns of the circumstances of the breakup of the family troupe and the subsequent rise to fame that Cohan experiences. Discovering that some genuine chestnuts such as "Give My Regards to Broadway" are Cohan compositions is as fun as seeing spectacular stagings of songs, such as "Dandy" and "You're A Grand Old Flag" that modern audiences more closely associate with Cohan.

Other highlights include a 39 year-old Cohan trying to enlist in the Army to fight in The Great War (a.k.a. World War I) and an older Cohan contending with sassy teens who are unaware of his work.

Archive facilitates describing the awesome job that Cagney does with his role by quoting the statement in a Pauline Kael review that "Cagney is so cocky and sure a dancer that you feel yourself grinning with pleasure at his movements." The same is true regarding his entire performance.

The aptly described "Star-Spangled Extras" include (and go way beyond) a documentary on making "Dandy" and a Leonard Maltin-hosted recreation of a night at the movies in 1942. The latter includes the trailer for "Casablanca," a newsreel consisting entirely of WWII propaganda, a short, and a hilarious Bugs Bunny cartoon.

Not only do they not make 'em like "Dandy" anymore, not many home-video companies invest the care and love that Archive devotes to making the BD such a spectacular tribute. "Dandy," Cohan, and Cagney truly deserve no less.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Dandy" is welcome to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Mork and Mindy' CS DVD: Desert Island Worthy Release of Robin Williams Classic Sitcom

The most exciting news about the long-overdue (but well worth the wait) December 9, 2014 DVD release of the 95-episode complete series of "Mork and Mindy" is that any fears that this release is intended to profit from the August 2014 suicide of "Mork" star Robin Williams are COMPLETELY unfounded.

The recent (and expedited) renewed surge of DVD releases of "Happy Days" (including the recently reviewed S5 of that '70s sitcom and soon-to-be-reviewed S6) and its spin-offs after long dormancy periods strongly suggests that CBS Home Entertainment planned both this "Mork" release and the concurrent release of S4 before the death of  Williams. Additionally, the CS set lacks ANY mention of Williams passing.

The set further comes in a sturdy plastic clamshell case and has each of the 15 discs in separate non-overlapping spots. The outer packaging is a solid cardboard sleeve.

Although having an episode list for each disc is nice, even a one-sentence synopsis of these shows would have been terrific. (The S2 and S3 sets do have short episode descriptions; it is presumed that the S4 set does as well.)

A heartfelt August 2014 Unreal TV post on the value of Williams to the fans who followed his career from "Mork" onward communicates how awful exploiting his death would have been. Williams is the John Lennon, John Belushi, or Kurt Cobain of those of us who spent the late '70s in elementary or junior high school.

Rather than reality, the concept around which "Mork" is based is a character with origins in Williams' standup act. The titular oddly named being is a native of the planet Ork who is on earth to observe our culture and use telepathy to weekly report back to his superior Orson, whose deep voice and wide girth clearly make him a namesake of Orson Welles, on Ork.

The titular Mindy is a 21-year old all-American girl, played by Pam Dawber, who meets Mork almost immediately on his landing on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado. In true sitcom style, the pair immediately begin platonically sharing the wholesome apartment in which Mindy resides.

The pilot also brings Mork, who first appears in an S5 episode of "Days" several months before the 1978-79 season in which "Mork" premieres, back to his roots. A desire to learn more about male-female relationships has Mork consulting with self-proclaimed love expert Fonzie.

Fonzie provides the requested assistance in the form of having Laverne DeFazio of the "Days" spinoff "Laverne and Shirley" date Mork. (The aforementioned 2014 "Days" DVD bonanza includes the reviewed S7 and also covered S8 of "Laverne.")

This historic episode is the one time that actors from "Days," "Mork," and "Laverne" appear together. One can only hope that the recently reviewed "Joanie Loves Chachi" also would have been represented had this "Mork" episode not predated the premiere of "Joanie."

The chemistry between Fonz portrayor Henry Winkler and Williams in this pilot, the previous "My Favorite Orkan" "Days" episode, and the Spring 1979 "Days" clip show in which Mork explains that he is doing a spin-on to out of appreciation for his spin-off prompts sadness that Winkler and Williams did not go out to co-star in a series or films.

The hilariously catastrophic date with Laverne, a search for a human-sounding voice back in 1978, and a scene in which Mork becomes intoxicated are early examples of opportunities that the "Mork" writers provide Williams to engage in his manic improvisation and frantic physical comedy that makes him so special and that sets "Mork" above sitcoms from any era.

The following classic clip, courtesy of YouTube, in which Mork literally allows his emotions to run wild PERFECTLY illustrates Williams' talent to ride a churning stream of consciousness.

Further, the first harsh lesson in the reality of American life that Mork experiences is very relevant today. His eccentric behavior results in being taken into custody and subjected to an administrative hearing to determine whether he should be confined in a psychiatric facility.

This relates to the long history of labeling folks who do not conform to societal norms as mentally ill. A friend describes this as making someone pay either for hurting the feelings of another or for having the audacity to share awful and/or inconvenient truths.

The need to not have this review rival a latter Harry Potter novel in length requires skipping over the experimental middle seasons that introduced squabbling deli-owning siblings and other secondary characters to touch on the fourth season.

A rapidly-paced story arc at the beginning of S4 has our titular characters tying the knot and Mork laying and hatching an egg that contains their newborn baby Mearth, who has the appearance of a 50-something man. Legendary comedian (and Williams' mentor) Jonathon Winters famously plays Mearth and awesomely provides Williams a playmate who can keep up with him.

The introduction of this character further freshened "Mork" by providing someone who could replace Mork as the naive newcomer to earth.

The introduction of Mearth additionally provides Williams and Winters a plethora of opportunities to assume characters and riff for extended periods that present the challenge of editing that material down to several minutes.

The fourth season is notable as well for having some of the best guest shots of the series. William Shatner appears in a very Kirk-like role and legendary actor John Houseman is hilarious as the voice of a computer gone wonky.

One sad aspect of "Mork" is that filming the season finale before learning that the series would not be getting a fifth season prevents any form of special sendoff. At the same time, it is nice to think that this modern family is still living their daily lives.

The extras include three gag reels, at least one of which provides a great candid look at Williams doing his thing, and the aforementioned "Days" episodes.

Wrapping all this up is very tough (and prompts leaking eyes) because it feels like once again losing Williams. Like many comic geniuses, you either got him or did not.

Further, folks who regularly spontaneously do things such as comically engaging in the style of bitter sniping that makes the Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton film "Who's Afraid of VirginiaWoolf" so awesome to the confusion of those around them and who understand the world as deeply as Williams feel his pain.

Having to conclude these additionally makes one wish to be more Orkan regarding an enhanced ability to control emotions.

However the desire to keep classic DVD in the public consciousness that drives this site requires encouraging folks to plunk down the roughly $90 for which it is selling.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Mork" or Williams is strongly encouraged to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'The Dark Place' DVD: Brent Corrigan's Logo-style Neo Noir

The 2014 gay-themed thriller "The Dark Place," which truly terrific gay film distributor Breaking Glass Pictures recently released on DVD, has every element that destines it to air on the Logo network. Not that there is anything wrong with that nor with the fact that expectations that this would be a compelling film that happened to include a gay-theme were not met. Junk food can be as tasty as gourmet fare.

The multiple meanings behind the title refer to the troubled past of central figure 20-something Keegan Dark, the childhood home to which he returns after a long absence, the drama that he encounters on arriving to make amends with his estranged widowed mother Celeste, and the Dark family name. An additional spoiler regarding the title is that the significant other of our hero, who clearly does not mind being the butt of a joke, gets his personal dark place probed.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the trailer for "Dark" conveys all of the "Roswell" style drama that the young male actors deliver.

Keegan and wonderfully cute and devoted Belgian boyfriend/scene stealer Wil unexpectedly arrive at the Dark vineyard only to be attacked by unknown step brother Jake Bishop, played by gay porn star Brent Corrigan under his mainstream acting name Sean Paul Lockhart. Two spoilers are that Corrigan neither orders room service nor mentors any proteges, though our leads could have used his professional guidance regarding their one highly intimate scene.

Keegan soon learns that Celeste married Jake's doctor father Adrian and has formed a happy family with the Bishop men. Additional drama ensues when Keegan, who can remember every event in his life in videographic detail, quickly becomes suspicious of the new "steps" in his life.

In true camp pulp style, no one believes Keegan as the mysterious and traumatic events (which include Celeste falling into a coma) that unfold bolster his conviction that the new men in the life of his mother are up to no good. The "Falcon Crest" style elements that relate to evidence of nefarious doings associated with the impending IPO of the family wine business add to the fun.

The twinks at the center of all this are not doe eyed but are smooth and earnest; further, it is clear that their acting abilities are not what got them their roles. However, this is very apt in this film that seems consciously designed to offer 90 minutes of gay-themed pseudo-serious fun.

The camp is especially high in the final confrontation, which Breaking Glass shares that a reviewer refers to as a "powerful and satisfying climax." The fun elements include a witty lover's spat during a Mexican standoff, action hero-style daring do, and a "miraculous" resolution.

Further, no problem exists regarding most of the mystery being Scooby Doo level; the glaringly obvious clues include a scene in which Keegan comes very close to playing doctor with a foe.

As mentioned above, "Dark" exists to provide a pretense for looking at attractive young men and additional entertainment in the form of watching them try to pull off heavy drama. The only disappointment relates to thwarting an anticipated chance to refer to shooting the sheriff but not the deputy.

One genuine twist involves the one time that Corrigan really puts his butt on the line.

The conclusion regarding all this is as obvious as the majority of the reveals in "Dark;" this film belongs to the class of gay cinema that appeals to viewers who either enjoy watching hot young male things parade around on screen or take great delight in laughing at the unintentional humor in such productions. On a more positive note, this movie is MUCH better than the gay-themed television drama "Dante's Cove" which Unreal TV describes as "more than nine circles of Hell."

The special features include a commentary track and alternative and extended scenes.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Dark" is welcome to email me (and can even include the phrase "I never thought that this would happen to me" in their message.) You alternatively can connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'French Affairs' DVD: Oh La La Respectable Romantic French Drama

The 2013 French romantic drama "French Affairs," which uber-fantastic foreign and/or art house film distributor Cinema Libre is releasing on DVD on December 9 2014, genuinely harkens back to French cine of a few decades ago.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of a wisely selected scene from "Affairs" offers a nice look at the "Frenchness" of the production.

The very Gallic relationship around which "Affairs" centers is the doctor-patient interaction between Astrid the therapist and the prostitute-turned-travel agent Celine. Celine is seeking help with past and present relationship issues, and single-mother Astrid is struggling to deal with the angst that her teenage son David is experiencing. Astrid further is seeking to enjoy a full personal life in the face of David despising every man whom she dates.

The fourth member of the quartet that ultimately forms intersecting triangles is travel agency owner/Celine life partner Olivier. A chance meeting between Astrid and Olivier develops into an affair about which David (but not Celine) is aware.

David inadvertently contacting Celine in conjunction with planning a trip about which Astrid is unaware puts that travel agent in contact with the troubled youth about whom she has heard a great deal from her therapist. The apparently mutual desire for the friendship that Celine and David develop to become sexual adds to both the Frenchness and the drama of the film.

Related ambiguity exists regarding whether Astrid and Olivier are running off for a week together further contributes to the intrigue.

A more international element comes in the form of Olivier alternatively trying to be David's friend and to exert paternal power that he lacks regarding getting that lad to show Astrid more respect. Just about anyone who has been on either side of such a significant other/child of divorce relationship can relate to the interaction between David and Olivier; Olivier goes as far as using the tried but flawed method of referring to David as "buddy."

The Olivier/David dynamic coming to a head in a scene in David's bedroom during a larger climatic sequence in "Affairs" is especially realistic.

International feminist themes include the degree to which a woman should make sacrifices to allow a man to "rescue" her, the aforementioned conflict between being a mother and  a woman, and the desire to pursue romantic relationships with proven cads or otherwise unavailable men.

Rather than being lost in translation, the aforementioned themes tell entertaining and related stories that may get you thinking about your own relationships.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Affairs" is encouraged to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'When the Boat Comes In' S1 DVD: Great Series On Not So Great Aftermath to The Great War

BFS Entertainment, which superbly makes British films and television shows available in North America, continues its fine tradition in releasing the 1976 first series (my people call them seasons) of the BBC drama "When the Boat Comes In"  on DVD.


This program centers around the trials and tribulations that newly discharged soldier Jack Ford and the Seaton family experience in the years following the end of the Great War (a.k.a. World War I). This drama occurs in their Northern England shipbuilding and mining community of Tyneside.


The severe and long-term economic depression that plagues England during the 1920s is at the center of much of trauma that Ford and his adopted family face. The effects of those tough times include a miner's strike that deprives father Bill Seaton of his livelihood, high unemployment that prompts Jack to seek dodgy contract work, and dismal prospects for even the brightest and most talented of the young students in the class of daughter Jessie.

Additional drama comes in the form of younger Seaton brother  Billy facing harsh snobbery and financial challenges regarding his efforts to obtain higher education and ultimately becoming a doctor.

The pilot episode shows great enlightenment for both the 1920s and 1976. Jack meeting elder brother Tom Ford, Tom's fiancee Mary, and Jessie early in the episode leads to a friendship with Tom and potential romance with Jessie.

The aforementioned friendship with Tom leads to inviting Jack to Tom's impending wedding. The drama associated with this relates to speculation regarding the sexual orientation of Mary's brother, who served in the Army with Jack.

Jack handles the matter very well and expresses a modern attitude regarding the matter without causing Mary any of the anticipated shame associated with her brother.

Other drama in the pilot relates to a young former soldier whose WWI style post-traumatic-stress-disorder is not being properly treated. The tragedies associated with this neglect provide good social commentary that is as relevant in 2014 as the message regarding sexual orientation.

The well-depicted human misery that occurs during the ensuing 12 S1 episodes include the sudden death of the mother of a pre-adolescent boy, an unplanned pregnancy with a link to another woman saving herself, the death of a primary cast member, unrealized opportunities for financial security, ended and new romances, and accidents that highlight the dangers of working in the mines.

The aptly named episode "King for a Day" has Jack posing as a gentleman to facilitate a strawman purchase of a manor on behalf of his temporary employer. The bad behavior and selfishness by the gentry among whom Jack finds himself provides both wonderful comic behavior and a nice break from the darker world of the Seatons.

An episode that primarily occurs during a New Year's Eve is also notable both for consisting of a series of vignettes depicting the various activities of Jack and the Seatons. A party that literally has guests singing for their supper offers a look at the popular music of the day, the contrasts between simultaneous meetings of Tory Party women and socialist men are also entertaining, and seeing the gang try to get a grumpy Bill to lighten up provides further entertainment.

The S1 finale episode continues the nice pacing of the other episodes and nicely ties in the miners' strike and several other elements from earlier episodes. It additionally leaves the DVD audience eagerly anticipating the BFS DVD release of S2, which most likely will come in January or February 2015.

The conclusion regarding all this is that not many television programs capture the mood and style of an era as consistently and candidly as "Boat." These episodes further validate the theory that British television generally is superior to the video fare that is produced on this side of the pond.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Boat" is welcome to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Beware the Batman: Dark Justice' S1 P2 BD: Awesome Contribution to Year of the Bat Celebration

The Warner Archive DVD and BD releases of the second half of the 2013-14 first season of the animated Cartoon Network series "Beware the Batman" are an uber-awesome part of the Warner "Year of the Bat" celebration of the 75th anniversary of the caped crusader/dark knight.

Unreal TV participation in this homage to America's favorite highly damaged dark and brooding superhero has been limited to a post on the BD release of the first half of the first season of "Beware," a review of the BD release of the first season of the much lighter and campier "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," and a recent entry on the BD release of the second season of "Brave."

Warner Home Entertainment crowns off this tribute with the epic BD and DVD complete series releases of the '66 "Batman" series. The video quality and quantity/quality of special features (including a "Batgirl" pilot) seems mind boggling. Although Unreal TV does not have this set yet, it is at the top of the Christmas list.

Home Entertainment also offers a more "modest" S1 DVD set as an alternative to the one described above.

Returning to "Beware" S2 P2, these 13 episodes pick up where the cliffhanger at the end of S1 P1 leaves off; the first few episodes center around Batman trying to stop longtime enemy Ra's al Ghul from obtaining the world dominance that al Ghul seeks through misusing Wayne Industries tech. This crimefighting effort both requires teaming up with another old enemy and also brings plucky teen Barbara Gordon fully into the mix under her Oracle (rather than Batgirl) persona.

A later truly suspenseful (and cute) episode has Barbara facing the challenge of helping Batman with a concrete (this will be hilarious when you watch the episode) problem while contending both with preventing her teen boy date from learning her secret identity and with not having the detectives that overprotective daddy Lieutenant Gordon (voiced by Kurtwood Smith of "That '70s Show") has following his little girl on her big night out ruin that outing.

Other fun episodes have our titular hero teaming up with mutants; the one that is the most fun involves an actual bat/man hybrid. The other features meta-human Metamorpho, who sounds like Batman god Adam West but is voiced by Adam Baldwin.

The overall theme of many S1 P2 episodes is the J. Jonah Jameson/Spider-man style relationship that develops between Batman and vigilante-hating district attorney Harvey Dent; these episodes further build toward the transformation of Dent into the villainous Two Face. Before that evolution occurs, Dent teams up with bat foes Deathstroke, who has a wonderfully involved backstory, and Anarky.

The uber-awesome season finale spectacularly serves as both a great season ender and a series finale in the event that "Beware" does not get either a second season or a direct-to-video movie.  This one includes a climatic Batcave showdown involving several key players.

Said battle royale is primarily particularly notable for making excellent use of the video-game style CGI format of "Beware." It further evokes terrific thoughts of the similar confrontation between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader of "Star Wars" fame in which Luke learns a truth that is both awful and inconvenient.

The terrific blend of elements that the musings in this post addresses show both that Batman is still going strong after a classic camp television series, numerous animated shows, two enormously profitable film franchises, and several acclaimed direct-to-video animated films. Although citing all this to support making an analogy to a fuzzy pink bunny runs the risk of receiving a skull-crushing kick to the noggin, it seems that Batman is following in the footsteps of fellow legendary detective in that he is likely to remain in the public consciousness for well over a century.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Beware" or anything else Batman is strongly encouraged to email you; connecting on Twitter via @tvdvdguy is another option.

'Kids for Ca$h' DVD: Profiting from the Juvenile Justice System

The 2013 Alive Mind Cinema documentary, which was released on DVD on December 2 2014, "Kids for Ca$h" provides a thought-provoking look at the juvenile justice system in the years following the Columbine High School incident. The "bonus" general topic related to the challenge regarding proving a link between arguably connected developments.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the trailer for "Kids" indicates that the propaganda level of the film is higher than it seems in the actual documentary. It focuses on the stories of the young offenders who feel that they received unduly harsh treatment in the juvenile judicial system.

"Kids" centered around the evidence that improper financial motives were a factor regarding certain actions of  juvenile court judge Mark Ciavarella in Luzerne County Pennsylvania. These decisions related to the dispositions of cases over which Ciavarella presided.

Chronologically, Ciavarella was elected in the '90s on a platform of being tough on juveniles who were charged with crimes. On being elected, his activities included annual visits to high schools within his jurisdiction to deliver a "zero tolerance" message. He held true to these principles in adjudicating the cases before him.

The primary scandal regarding imposing sentences that some considered excessive related to Ciavarella receiving undisclosed payments for his role in building privately owned juvenile detention facilities. One aspect of this that was not disputed was that Ciavarella violated his legal duty to disclose that compensation. Whether that financial benefit motivated sentencing decisions by Ciavarella presented the more complicated dispute on which "Kids" focused.

A third element was two documented cases in which parents of a child who was before Ciavarella asserted that the judge improperly discouraged the family from obtaining legal counsel. These incidents provided those who accused Ciavarella of improper conduct with additional ammunition against him.

The search for the truth regarding the relevant events provided much of the drama in the film; the fact that Ciavarella was tough on juvenile crime long before the new centers were even being considered, the VERY limited provided information regarding the facts of each featured juvenile justice case, and the broader reality that the versions of every story are your side, the side of the other guy, and the truth are all critical to this documentary.

"Kids" does the proper job of a documentary in presenting both sides of the story and goes as far as highlighting the fact that a news story about a judge locking up kids to line his pockets is more "sexy" than one about merely not divulging otherwise legal and proper payments.

The participants include a candid Ciavarella, kids whom he sentenced, the parents of those children, attorneys, representatives of a juvenile justice advocacy group, and news professionals who covered the story. Each of these individuals with a horse in that race nicely presented their perspectives with very little (if any) drama. 

The film additionally addressed the broader issue of the proper means for handling teens who engage in behavior that brings them in the "system." The argument that most adolescents who start on the road to delinquency will escalate the frequency and/or intensity of their offenses unless they receive an adequately strong deterrent early in the process is as strong (if not stronger) than the assertion that a girl who posts disrespectful images of a school administrator is unlikely to escalate to the point of going on a rampage.

The increasingly strong sense of entitlement that teens are obtaining in this era of greater leniency toward them presents a strong case for effective discipline. The challenge relates to ensuring that the time truly fits the crime.

As an aside, the recently reviewed Canadian film "Blackbird" nicely addresses the need for proportionate and proper evaluation regarding juvenile offenders. The sad truth is that North American society is much closer to punishing people for thought crimes and for speaking out regarding actual possession than we were in 1984.

The bonus features on the "Kids" DVD include the trailer for the film and roughly 15 minutes of additional interviews.

Anyone with questions regarding "Kids" is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Five and Ten' DVD: Marion Davies Hits Audiences Where it Hearsts

Warner Archive once again demonstrates that its collection of classic rarities is seemingly infinite in releasing the 1931 Marion Davies melodrama "Five and Ten" on DVD.

Davies both produces and stars in this one that verifies the portrayal of her in "Citizen Kane" as a pretty face with limited talent; she simply does not connect with the audience or evoke the sympathy that her character should trigger.

The first thing to mention regarding the following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of a couple of early scenes from "Five" is that the audio and video quality of the DVD is much better than the one here. The second thing to mention is that these few minutes nicely introduce the themes and dynamics in the film.

On a deeper level, "Five" is a good film that includes copious commentary on both the unofficial caste system in American society and the viability of true love. In many ways, it seem like a kinder and gentler Ayn Rand creation.

"Ten" centers around discount-store tycoon John Rarick moving his wife Jenny, adult daughter Jennifer (played by Davies), and adult son Avery  from Kansas City to New York City to expand his retail empire and improve the social standing of the Rarick clan.

Soon on arriving to take a bite out of the Big Apple, Jennifer literally uses Daddy's money to buy her way into participating in a charity fair. Although blatantly shunned by most of the one-percenters at the event, Jennifer catches the eye of playboy architect Berry Rhodes.

The very dapper Leslie Howard of "Of Human Bondage" and "Gone With the Wind," plays this leading man. Archive shares that Davies is the force behind selecting Howard for this very well-cast role.

Despite the brakes being placed on the first effort of Berry and Jennifer to connect in a meaningful manner, a driven Jennifer orchestrates a second collision that ends up with Berry essentially inviting her up to his swanky bachelor pad to see his etchings.


The primary obstacle to true love in this case comes in the form of socialite Muriel Preston, who is the fiancee of Berry. The love between these bon vivants is not especially strong but provides each of them enough benefits to motivate them to continue its path.

A determined Jennifer does not let a little thing like an engagement to a leader in New York society deter her from pursuing her man. The lengths to which she will go (and the humiliation that it causes) and the compromise that Berry suggests provide much of the aforementioned social commentary.

Meanwhile back in the luxurious Rarick homestead, the highly capable and charming (but unfulfilled) Avery is struggling to avoid taking his place in the family business. Other drama comes in the form of the Madame Bovaryesque Jenny becoming involved with a gigolo despite begging John to devote even a small fraction of the attention that he focuses on his business on her.

These subplots provide some of the best moments in "Five."  A scene in which Avery simultaneously asserts his role as the eldest son and breaks down the barrier between master and servant is one of the best in the film.

The final moments of "Five" also are great in that they expertly combine the melodrama of the film with the twist that contributes so much to enjoying the films of the era.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Five" is welcome to either email me or connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'To Kill A Man' DVD: 'Cape Fear' Indie Foreign Film Style

Indie foreign film distributor Film Movement, which operates the oft-touted Film of the Month Club, once again shows that it can do no wrong. The latest success relates to both choosing to distribute the 2014 Chile/France drama "To Kill A Man" and in pairing that film with the Unreal TV reviewed drama "Apaches." Movement is making both titles available on DVD on December 2, 2014.

The numerous festival awards for "Man" include the Grand Jury Prize for World-Cinema Dramatic at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the trailer for "Man" awesomely conveys the intensity, frustration, and overall drama that makes this film so special.

"Man" stands out from the universally relatable and expertly crafted films in the Movement library by including an uber-sense of realism that Movement cites as a reason for adding that film to its offerings. The sad truth is that this tale of  dystopia and a warped legal system has real-world parallels.

Central character Jorge is a stereotypical quiet and unassuming working-class family guy with a wife and two kids; his troubles begin when local thugs, lead by Kalule, who live in nearby subsidized housing target him for harassment that includes brutal humiliation. Jorge being such a harmless and passive individual likely prompt that mistreatment.

Confrontations between Kalule and Jorge lead to one between the former and Jorge's teen son Jorgito. That one ends with Kalule shooting (and seriously wounding) the boy but receiving an arguably light sentence for that offense.

The efforts of Jorge and his clan to get further justice fail; their success regarding obtaining protection from Kalule on his release from prison is limited to a restraining order that their tormentor openly and sadistically flaunts. Not surprising, the response of the local police falls far below reasonable expectations.

The "Cape Fear" style harassment of Kalule building up to a horrific attack that is tough for all but the most jaded viewers to watch prompts a thoroughly whipped Jorge to finally act in a manner regarding which the title of "Man" is a huge spoiler.

Although the performances and the cinematography are very good in "Man," as mentioned above, the film stands out for its excellent portrayal of a harsh truth in our modern dystopian society. The bullied often continue acting unabated until the victimized turn vigilante. The manner in which this escalation occurs in the film seems very realistic, and the showing of the impact of the response that the harassment causes demonstrates that taking that drastic step is very tough and only substitutes one misery for another.

Any fool who has reasonably spoken out and subsequently become the target of the neighborhood psychotic teen boy, the brute who blasts his music while working on his car or motorcycle, the nasty older person down the street who goes well beyond "you kids get off my lawn," etc understands both the frustration related to being unable to get this harassment to stop and the impulse to utilize a self-help measure.

The fact that vigilante justice will only land you behind bars and make the tormenter the sympathetic figure enhances the aggravation related to this intolerable situation. Either enduring the terror or being driven out of your home being the only viable options only worsen the situation.

The  bonus short film "Our Blood," which is a rare United States film from the Movement library, is less dark than "Man." This one has a 19 year-old woman developing an inappropriately close relationship with the older step-brother whom she first meets on going to live with him on his bison farm.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Man" or "Blood" is encouraged to email me. You can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.

'Apaches' DVD: The Juvenile Delinquents of Corsica

The 2013 French drama "Apaches" is the latest DVD release in an awesome year-end series, which includes the recently reviewed Portuguese/French historical drama "Lines of Wellington" and the soon to be reviewed Chilean/French drama "To Kill A Man," from the fantabulous foreign independent film distributor Film Movement. Unreal TV fans know that this site eagerly awaits each selection from the Film of the Month Club that Movement operates.

The spoiler regarding this review is that this film is the "must-see" cool movie that is a perfect choice for a high school or college holiday break.

The following spoiler-laden clip, courtesy of YouTube, of a promo. for "Apaches" includes glimpses of the intensity and universal themes that make the film so great.

 "Apaches" entirely takes place on the Mediterranean island Corsica and derives its drama from the highly unpredictable consequences of the irresponsible behavior of relatively angry young Corsican Aziz and his comparably perturbed friends.

The universal theme of this dynamic is only one way in which this film is like every other Movement offering in that it would be equally good and relatable if shot word-for-word and scene-for-scene in the United States. The "Parties. Booze. Sex. Murder." tagline for the film says it all.

Other global truths that "Apaches" addresses are the related senses that wealthy people do not grant lower-income folks adequate regard and that many tourists mistreat the locals. Throwing in some teen angst and hormone-induced behavior makes for a movie that disaffected teens and their parents around the world can enjoy.

The catalyst for the ensuing mayhem occurs during an unauthorized small gathering that Aziz hosts at the vacation home that he helps his mother and father maintain in the absence of the French owner. Said party going literally and figuratively out of bounds includes a theft that ultimately leads to deadly consequences.

The most that can be said without giving away too much is that Aziz and his crew learn the hard way that they messed with the wrong guy when they chose his place as a party pad and justified stealing from him.

Liner notes in which director Thierry de Peretti states conscious choices to film on location and to use young local actors validate the feeling of authenticity that permeates "Apaches." You sense that these people lead the portrayed lives and that said existence can prompt the behaviors in which they engage.

The similar (but more charming) 15-minute Italian film "Margerita" offers a kinder and gentler look at youngsters who effectively are street kids. Having an ending that ties everything together and evokes thoughts of a classic moment in a John Hughes films is a nice "extra" in this "bonus short film."

Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Apaches" or "Margerita" is strongly encouraged to either email me or connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.