Through a Dog’s Eyes (available on DVD June 8, 2010)
Through a Dog’s Eyes will have viewers seeing dogs in a whole new light. This primetime PBS special follows the inspiring stories of people with disabilities as they experience the heartwarming and sometimes challenging process of being matched with a service dog.
The program features Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants, one of the country’s leading service dog organizations. Her unique teaching method combines the latest canine research with an unwavering kindness and respect for dogs. Watching Jennifer’s work, and following the life-changing journeys of the service dog recipients, provides powerful new insights into one of life’s most extraordinary relationships: the human/canine bond.
A heartwarming look into the special bond between people and dogs, Through a Dog’s Eyes is narrated by Neil Patrick Harrisand includes special feature “Jennifer Arnold’s Step-by-Step Training Tips for You and Your Dog.”
The White Ribbon (available on DVD and Blu-ray June 29, 2010)
Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon” could be considered a mystery in that things happen for no apparent reason. The Doctor (Rainer Bock) breaks his arm after falling off his horse, which tripped over a wire strung between two trees. Not long after, someone abducts the eldest son of the Baron (Ulrich Tukur); he isn’t found until the next morning, at which point it’s discovered that he had been bound and beaten with a cane. A barn owned by the Pastor (Burghart Klaußner) is burned to the ground. The mentally challenged son of the Midwife (Susanne Lothar) is viciously attacked and almost blinded. Why is all of this happening? Are they acts of revenge? Are they punishments for the sin of weakness? Are they the beginnings of war, intolerance, and terrorism? Your guess is as good as mine. This movie isn’t about solutions.
What is it about, then? The story takes place in the days before World War I, when authority was not questioned and life was lived according to much simpler routines. The setting is a German farming community, which has maintained stability by not upsetting the “natural order”; it was expected that the Baron would own the land, the men would have control over their women and children, and the peasants would not have the same rights as their superiors. The Pastor, for example, raises his children not to love God so much as fear Him, and he continuously instills the idea that they must feel guilty for everything that they do. So as to remind them of the path of righteousness from which they have strayed, he ties a white ribbon onto their arms – a symbol of purity.
But in spite of outward appearances, purity is not something to be found behind closed doors. The Doctor, so kind and caring with his patients, grossly mistreats the Midwife and sexually abuses his daughter on a regular basis. The Baron is a demanding man who does what he wishes with no regard for anyone else, including his own workers. But was he, in fact, responsible for the death of a local woman? Or was it an accident? The woman’s husband, while grieving, knows that he can’t prove it either way. The woman’s son, on the other hand, is convinced of the Baron’s guilt. This leads to an act of retribution that generates even more hostility amongst the villagers. By then, memories of the previous incidents rise to the surface. Suspicion spreads. Distrust builds. People suffer.
Blu-ray Special Features include Making of “The White Ribbon”, “My Life” – A look at Michael Haneke’s Career, Cannes Film Festival Premiere, and An Interview with Michael Haneke.
Oceans (available on DVD June 8, 2010)
A breathtaking BBC/Discovery Channel co-production, Oceans. This 8-part series follows expedition leader Paul Rose, maritime archaeologist Dr. Lucy Blue, marine biologist Tooni Mahto and conservationist Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of Jacques Cousteau, as they explore our planet's biggest and least understood frontier, the ocean. Additionally, discover the untold story of how our planet's geological forces have shaped human civilization.
Diving in some of the planet’s most challenging environments, beneath frozen Arctic ice-sheets, the Caribbean’s mysterious black holes and the deep submerged caves of the Mallorca they reveal new mysteries about our oceans.
Packed with engaging personalities, amazing discoveries and unbeatable adventure, this series builds a vital understanding of the planet’s biggest and least understood asset – its oceans.
How The Earth Changed History (available on DVD June 29, 2010)
Witness how our planet's geological forces have shaped human civilization as the BBC releases to DVD and Blu-ray the groundbreaking documentary series - How The Earth Changed History.
This BBC/National Geographic co-production reveals how geology, geography and climate have had a greater influence on mankind than we imagined. How The Earth Changed History will show how the natural forces of the planet influenced the success or failure of whole societies and how the environment has affected every aspect of our history from art to industry, religion to war, world domination or collapse.
Our planet has amazing power, and yet that’s rarely mentioned in our history books. This series tells the story of how the Earth has influenced human history, from the dawn of civilization to the modern industrial age. It reveals for the first time on television how geology, geography and climate have been far more powerful influence of the human story than has previously been acknowledged. A combination of epic storytelling, visually stunning camerawork, extraordinary locations and passionate presenting combine to form a highly original version of human history.
Also included in this Blu-ray is the Special Feature “Filming in Extremes” an interview with Iain Stewart.
The Closer: The Complete Fifth Season (available on DVD June 15, 2010)
At work, L.A. Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson is a woman in charge. Got a suspect to grill, a case to crack, a murderer about to walk? Call Brenda in and watch the fireworks. But at home...well, that’s another story. Kyra Sedgwick headlines a sizzling 4-Disc, 15-Episode Season 5 of the series that combines heart, humor and homicide into a show that’s equally compelling as a police procedural and a personal drama. As a cop, Brenda takes on everything from a corpse that comes COD to a serial killer to Sharon Raydor, an internal affairs officer as tough as she is. As a civilian, Brenda loses one family member (’bye, Kitty) and gains another: her surly niece Charlie. Brenda can outsmart, outmaneuver and out a killer. But can she handle a teenager?
Special Features include Police Files: Unaired Scenes, Seen At The Crime Location Map – Travel To Various Locales Where Memorable Series Moments Were Shot, and a Gag Reel!
Don't forget to check out the Free Movie Club for great NEW prizes!
- Joy Dominguez
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