New Videos - December 2007
On DVD:
Chalk – DVD TAC-1607
Follow the frenetic and awkwardly painful journey of three novice teachers as they navigate one memorable school year. Provides a teacher's perspective into the absurd, provocative and occasionally volatile world of public education.
Lo sceicco bianco (The White Sheik) – DVD TAC-1608
Ivan Cavalli brings his new wife Wanda to Rome on the least romantic honeymoon in history--a rigid schedule of family meetings and an audience with the Pope. But Wanda, dreaming of the dashing hero of a photo-strip cartoon, drifts off in search of the White Sheik, thus setting off a slapstick comedy.
Prova d’orchestra (Orchestra Rehearsal) – DVD TAC-1609
A controversial yet comical film, it depicts the turmoil of Italian society through events that take place during a rehearsal gathering set in a 13th century chapel, as the musicians rebel against their conductor.
Sasom i en spegel (Through a Glass Darkly) – DVD TAC-1610
While vacationing on a remote island retreat, a family's already fragile ties are tested when Karin discovers her father has been using her schizophrenia for his own literary means. As she drifts in and out of lucidity, her father, husband, and younger brother are unable to prevent Karin's harrowing descent into the abyss of mental illness.
Nattvardsgasterna (Winter Light) – DVD TAC-1611
In this stark depiction of spiritual crisis, small-town pastor Tomas Ericsson performs his duties mechanically before a dwindling congregation. When he is asked to assist a troubled parishioner with his debilitating fear of nuclear annihilation, Tomas is terrified to find that he can offer nothing but his own uncertainty.
Tystnaden (Silence) – DVD TAC-1612
Traveling home by train through a country seemingly on the brink of war, two sisters--the sickly, intellectual Ester and the sensual, pragmatic Anna--along with Anna's young son, Johan, are forced to disembark in an unknown city in order for Ester to rest. Attempting to cope with their alien surroundings, the sisters resort to their personal vices while vying for Johan's affection, and in so doing sabotage what little remains of their ambiguous relationship.
Ingmar Bergman gor en film (Ingmar Bergman Makes a Film) – DVD TAC-1613
The year is 1961 and Ingmar Bergman is making a movie - Winter Light. This documentary film offers views on set construction and lighting, rehearsals and editing, as well as intimate conversations with Bergman and members of his cast and crew.
Hacking Democracy – DVD TAC-1620
Electronic voting machines count about 87% of the votes cast in America today. But are they reliable? Are they safe from tampering? From a current congressional hearing to persistent media reports that suggest misuse of data and even outright fraud, concerns over the integrity of electronic voting are growing by the day. And if the voting process is not secure, neither is America's democracy. The timely, cautionary documentary Hacking Democracy exposes gaping holes in the security of America's electronic voting system.
The Battleship Potemkin – DVD TAC-1621
Dramatization of actual events in Czarist Russia (1905). Shows the fierce mutiny aboard the battleship "Prince Potemkin" and the bloody aftermath in Odessa, where the Czar's troops ruthlessly massacred hundreds of innocent civilians who had sympathized with the mutineers. The film is notable for its use of non-actors in roles.
Troop 1500 – DVD TAC-1622
Girl Scout Troop 1500 in Austin, Texas, is specifically for daughters of incarcerated women. This film profiles some members of the troop and their mothers, and the girls contributed to the interviewing and photography.
Leonard Bernstein’s Candide: a Comic Operetta in Two Acts – DVD TAC-1623
Leonard Bernstein's brilliant comic operetta is based on the classic Voltaire tale of an innocent young man's journey through a life filled with colorful characters and unexpected life lessons. Performed in concert-style.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley – DVD TAC-1624
Set in 1920's Ireland, follows two brothers who join guerrilla squads fighting British soldiers for Ireland's independence.
Zwartboek (Black Book) – DVD TAC-1625
Rachel, a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazi's during World War II in The Netherlands, sees her hiding place blown up. She escapes with her rescuer, a young sailor, but the boat sails into a trap set by the Germans. She escapes and joins the resistance, and under the false name Ellis de Vries she meets SS-hauptsturmführer Ludwig Muntze on a train smuggling weapons. She goes to his headquarters to meet him again and gain his trust, and soon they fall in love.She joins his office as a spy, but when someone within the resistance betrays her, she is now seen as an enemy betraying both sides. All that's left to do is run with the man she learned to love and find a way to prove her innocence by finding the real betrayer.
Orlando – DVD TAC-1626
Orlando, an English nobleman, defies the laws of nature with surprising results. Immortal and highly imaginative, he undergoes a series of extraordinary transformations that humorously, hauntingly illustrate the eternal war between the sexes.
Gattaca – DVD TAC-1627
Story about an all-too-human man who dares to defy a system obsessed with genetic perfection. Vincent is an "In-Valid," who assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. However, a week before his mission, a murder marks Vincent as a suspect. With a relentless investigator in pursuit and the colleague he has fallen in love with beginning to suspect his deception, Vincent's dreams steadily unravel.
Das leben der Anderen (Lives of Others) – DVD TAC-1628
A 1984 East Berlin simple surveillance assignment: Capt. Gerd Wiesler, a Stasi officer and a specialist in surveillance, has been assigned to keep an eye on Georg Dreyman, a respected playwright, and his actress girlfriend, Christa-Maria Sieland. Though Dreyman is known to associate with blacklisted director Albert Jerska, a known dissident, Dreyman's record is spotless. Wiesler discovers that Minister Hempf has an ulterior motive in spying on this seemingly upright citizen. Wiesler's sympathies shift from the government to its people - or at least to this one particular person.
Rome: the Complete Second Season – DVD TAC-1629 pt. 1-2
In the year 44 B.C., Julius Caesar has been assassinated and civil war threatens to destroy the Republic. In the void left by Caesar's demise, egos clash and numerous players jockey for position. The brutally ambitious Mark Antony attempts to solidify his power, aligning himself with Atia, but coming to blows with her cunning son Octavian, who has been anointed in Caesar's will as his only son and heir. Meanwhile, Titus Pullo attempts to pull his friend Lucius Vorenus out of the darkness that has engulfed his soul in the wake of personal tragedy.
Nue proprieté (Private Property) – DVD TAC-1630
Pascale lives with her adult twin sons in a renovated Belgian farmhouse. Each is still reeling from the divorce that divided the family some years earlier. Both boys pursue their respective interests, but neither seems compelled to embrace adulthood or the responsibilities that come with it. Pascale falls in love again and dreams of a new life for herself and her lover. Her dream is to own a countryside B&B. But what would seemingly be a happy time in her life takes a turn for the worse as she finds herself unable to rise from the shadow of her ex-husband and selfish children. In a bid for survival, Pascale leaves the house in the hands of her sons, never suspecting that in her absence, long-buried resentment and rivalry will boil over, igniting a war between the brothers.
War with Iraq: Stories from the Front – DVD TAC-1631
ABC News correspondents travel with all four branches of the Armed Forces in Iraq as they head into combat. It's a snapshot of their lives and experiences as people, not just as reporters and their lives and relationships with their military counterparts.
Dateline Afghanistan: Reporting the Forgotten War – DVD TAC-1632
As the United States and its allies engage in a continuing battle to free Afghanistan of its ties to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, many journalists from around the world cover the ongoing conflict. Go inside the ranks of these brave men and women as they risk their lives to present the truth of what's really going on today.
Brute Force – DVD TAC-1633
Joe Collins, along with his fellow inmates, lives under the heavy thumb of the sadistic, power-tripping guard Captain Munsey. Only Collins's dreams of escape keep him going, but how can he possibly bust out of Munsey's chains?
Shut Up & Sing: Dixie Chicks – DVD TAC-1634
Follow the Dixie Chicks, the top selling female band of all-time, through the now infamous anti-Bush comment made by the groups lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003. Follow the lives and careers of the Dixie Chicks over a period of three years during which they were under political attack and received death threats, while continuing to live their lives, have children, and make country music. At a time when the United States is fighting for democracy and freedom in another country, it raises questions about our own right to freedom of speech and the negative consequences it sometimes has.
Night on Earth – DVD TAC-1635
Five cities, five taxis, and a group of strangers make for an interesting night. A collection of 5 stories that span continents, time zones, and languages.
Ace in the Hole – DVD TAC-1636
An early look at the impact of mass media in the public arena, featuring the story of a cynical and manipulative journalist who takes advantage of a trapped treasure hunter to further his failing career.
Life: Globalization and the Millennium Development Goals – DVD TAC-1637 pt. 1-13
“Life: Series 5” is a 13 part series that examines the difficulties in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The impact of globalization on economies, delays in international aid, injustice, corruption, increasing inequality, and the desperation of poor health and poverty hamper social development.
The Films of Charles & Ray Eames: Volume 1 – DVD TAC-1638
“Powers of Ten” illustrates a picnic in Chicago and then begins moving ten times farther out every ten seconds, until our own galaxy is visible only as a speck of light. Then, we move inward into the hand of a sleeping picnicker with ten times more magnification every ten seconds. “A Rough Sketch” is an earlier version of the same concept illustrated in “Powers of Ten”. “901: After 45 Years of Working” examines the Office of Charles and Ray Eames as it is being dismantled and cleaned out.
A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash – DVD TAC-1639
A rock-solid argument that the era of cheap oil is in the past. Goes deep into the uncomfortable realities of a world that is both addicted to fossil fuels and blissfully unaware of the looming "peak oil" crisis. Debunks the conventional wisdom that oil production will continue to climb, and instead stare bleakly at a planet facing economic meltdown and conflict over its most valuable resource.
Beyond the Gates – DVD TAC-1640
In April 1994 the airplane of the Hutu President of Rwanda crashes and the Hutu militias slaughter the Tutsi population. In the Ecole Technique Officielle, Christopher, a Catholic priest and Joe Connor, an idealistic English teacher give sanctuary to twenty-five hundred Rwandans survivors in the school, which is under the protection of the UN Belgian force and under siege from the Hutu militia. When the Tutsi refugees are abandoned by the UN, they are murdered by the extremist militia.
Talk to Me – DVD TAC-1641
Washington, D.C., in the mid-to-late 1960s, vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness were combining to become a unique and powerful effect. It was the place and time for Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, Jr. to fully express himself and "tell it like it is." With the support of his irrepressible and tempestuous girlfriend Vernell, the new ex-con talks his way into an on-air radio gig. He forges a friendship and a partnership with Dewey Hughes. From the first wild morning on the air, Petey relies on the more straight-laced Dewey to run interference at WOL-AM, where Dewey is the program director. At the station, Petey quickly becomes an iconic radio personality. Combining biting humor with social commentary, Petey openly courts controversy for station owner E.G. Sonderling. Petey was determined to make not just himself but his community heard during this turbulent period in American history. As Petey's voice, humor, and spirit surge across the airwaves with the vitality of the era, listeners tune in to hear not only incredible music but also a man speaking directly to them about race and power in America. Through the years, Petey's style, on- and off-air - would redefine both Petey and Dewey, and empower each to become the man he would most like to be.
Craft in America – DVD TAC-1643
Craft in America is an exploration into the hearts and minds of artisans devoted to a diverse array of mediums -- from furniture making and basket weaving to pottery and metalsmithing. Each episode reveals that craft has earned itself a place within the realm of fine art.
A Midwife’s Tale – DVD TAC-1644
The life of Martha Ballard, a frontier midwife in Maine, is reconstructed through her diary. She lived through the economic boom and bust, and political and social turmoil of the decades following the American Revolution.
Sicko – DVD TAC-1645
Michael Moore interviews Americans who have been denied treatment by the United States health care insurance companies -- companies who sacrifice essential health services in order to maximize profits. Sheds light on the how complicated it can become for communities and individuals, and the sacrifices they have made when they are denied health care coverage.
Red Without Blue – DVD TAC-1646
“Red Without Blue” is the groundbreaking documentary about the indestructible ties of family. This visually arresting film chronicles the close, yet sometimes strained relationship between identical twins Mark and Alex as Alex undergoes a transformation into a woman named Clair. Captured over a period of three years, RWB documents the twins and their parents, examining the Farleys' struggle to redefine their family.
La shou shen tan (Hard-Boiled) – DVD TAC-1647
Tequila is a die-hard cop, hell-bent on bringing down the gun smugglers responsible for his partner's death. To avenge his partner's murder, Tequila joins forces with a rebel cop, and then the body count soars.
Dreamworlds 3: Desire, Sex & Power in Music Video – DVD TAC-1648
A look at how the narratives of music videos shape individual & cultural attitudes toward femininity, masculinity, sexuality and race.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – DVD TAC-1649
Founded when Jefferson was president and the Revolution was still a part of living memory, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, in Philadelphia, is home to more than two centuries of American artwork. This program goes behind the scenes at the nation's first art museum and art school to consider the evolution of painting in America. A viewable/printable educator's guide is available online.
What’s Up With the Weather? – DVD TAC-1650
Examines both sides of the global warming debate.
A Day with Zaha Hadid – DVD TAC-1651
Zaha Hadid discusses her current work while taking the camera through her retrospective exhibition "Zaha Hadid has arrived" at Vienna's MAK, a museum for design and contemporary art.
House 2006 – DVD TAC-1652
This program follows the construction of a modern domestic house from beginning to end.
Rome, Impact of an Idea – DVD TAC-1653
In the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V commissioned Domenico Fontana to lay out a network of streets connecting Rome's most important churches. This program explores Sixtus' urban planning scheme, showing how his vision transformed the city.
The Secret Life of Machines – DVD TAC-1654 v. 1-2
The first and second set of episodes from the television series “The Secret Life of Machines”, produced in 1988 and 1991.
The Secret Life of Office Machines – DVD TAC-1655
The third set of episodes from the television series “The Secret Life of Machines”, produced in 1993.
On VHS:
Anatomy of a Murder – Videorecord TAC-1926
A riveting courtroom drama of rape and premeditated murder.
The Andromeda Strain – Videorecord TAC-1927
A remote village in New Mexico is contaminated by a crashed satellite. Scientists fight the clock trying to analyze the lethal organism and discover a solution.
An American Werewolf in London – Videorecord TAC-1928
The European adventure of two American youths turns to terror after they are attacked by a werewolf.
Angels with Dirty Faces – Videorecord TAC-1929
Two childhood friends grow up and go their separate ways--one a criminal and the other a parish priest. Rocky Sullivan returns to his old neighborhood to find his lawless life style idolized by the young hoodlums there. Jerry Connelly, the parish priest sees his hard work turn unavailing because of Rocky's corruptive influence.
Ashes and Diamonds – Videorecord TAC-1930
Portrait of a young Polish nationalist assassin who, when World War II ends, finds himself living uncertainly, moving from echoing bars to seedy hotel rooms, finding comfort in a girl and crazy jokes.
The Assault—Videorecord TAC-1931
A nightmarish, but all-too-true, tale of war and its inevitable, undeniable impact on fragile human lives.
The Apostle – Videorecord TAC-1932
A gifted, charismatic Southern preacher, loved by his community, is secretly plagued by the darker side of human desire and rage. When he commits a crime of passion, he is forced to run from the law and set out on a new mission: to find the road to redemption.
Army of Darkness – Videorecord TAC-1933
Ash is back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites" when demonic forces time-warp him into England's Dark Ages. There he romances a beauty and faces legions of undead beasts.
Collapse: Failure by Design – Videorecord TAC-1934
When builders use innovative materials or designs, sometimes the result is disastrous. Explore the flaws of four structures that failed the test of integrity and collapsed.
On CD:
Classic Blues from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings – Compact disc TAC-147
This compilation ... spans half a century and features Delta, St. Louis, Southwest, and Chicago styles.
The Titanic (Lead Belly) – Compact disc TAC-148
The Library of Congress recordings, volume 4.
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (Lead Belly) – Compact disc TAC-149
The Library of Congress recordings recorded by Alan Lomax (Volume 5).
The Best of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – Compact disc TAC-150
Recorded Oct. 30, 1958-Feb. 10, 1964.
Live at the Regal (B.B. King) – Compact disc TAC-151
Recorded live Nov. 21, 1964 at the Regal Theatre, Chicago, Illinois.
Brilliant Corners (Thelonious Monk) – Compact disc TAC-152
Principally jazz quintets ; the 4th work for piano solo. Recorded Dec. 1956, New York.
Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus – Compact disc TAC-153
Recorded at Nola Penthouse Sound Studios, New York City, Oct. 20, 1960.
Lead Belly’s Last Sessions – Compact disc TAC-154
Recorded Sept. 27, Oct. 15, and Nov. 5, 1948, in the home of Frederic Ramsey, New York City.
Maiden Voyage (Herbie Hancock)—Compact disc TAC-155
Recorded May 17, 1965, at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The Complete Blue Note Recordings (Thelonious Monk) – Compact disc TAC-156 v. 1-4
Featuring Thelonious Monk, piano, in ensembles with various musicians; recorded 1947-1958.
The White Album (The Beatles) – Compact disc TAC-157
Blood on the Tracks (Bob Dylan) – Compact disc TAC-158
Bringing it All Back Home (Bob Dylan) – Compact disc TAC-159
The Buddy Holly Collection – Compact disc TAC-160
Recorded between 1954 and 1959.
Electric Ladyland (Jimi Hendrix) – Compact disc TAC-161
Exile on Main St. (Rolling Stones) – Compact disc TAC-162
A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles) – Compact disc TAC-163
Highway 61: Revisited (Bob Dylan) – Compact disc TAC-164
Modern Times (Bob Dylan) – Compact disc TAC-165
Nevermind (Nirvana) – Compact disc TAC-166
No Direction Home: the Soundtrack (Bob Dylan) Compact disc TAC-167
Companion to the television documentary of the same title directed by Martin Scorsese. Recorded 1959-1966.
Revolver (The Beatles) – Compact disc TAC-168
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles) – Compact disc TAC-169
Rubber Soul (The Beatles) – Compact disc TAC-170
Midnight Special (Lead Belly) – Compact disc TAC-171
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East – Compact disc TAC-172
Recorded live at the Filmore East, March 12 & 13, 1971.
Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll: the Complete 50’s Masters – Compact disc TAC-173 v. 1-5
Includes every studio master take ... released during the l950's as well as a collection of alternate takes, early live tracks and previously unreleased material.
The Chess Box (Chuck Berry) – Compact disc TAC-174 v. 1-3
Most selections previously released by Chess between 1955 and 1973.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: 1923-1934 (Louis Armstrong) – Compact disc TAC-175 v. 1-4
Hitsville USA: the Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 – Compact disc TAC-176 v. 1-4
Ray Charles Genius & Soul: the 50th Anniversary Collection – Compact disc TAC-177 v. 1-5
