A Very British Gangster (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite being an American, I'm very interested in England and am a bit of an Anglophile so I generally gravitate towards the country's films. A Very British Gangster was an exceptional documentary that revealed the full complexity of a man whose life seems to have already been decided. We discover at the end of it that he is going back to jail but his attitude and everything about his character suggest that his final destination is a foregone conclusion. The police follow him everywhere and it's quite likely that the filmmaker was not the only individual who recorded many of these conversations. What we find most is that Dominic Noonan is, in many ways, a normal man with a variety of relationships and concerns that must be negotiated. Most of his criminality is merely hinted at here, but it seems very unlikely that--even if he is re-released--he will conjure up the will to change his life. This is an endearing and well-crafted portrait of a doomed man.

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In A Very British Gangster, world-renowned, award-winning BBC journalist Donal MacIntyre dives into Manchester's underworld, revealing Britain's most notorious and powerful crime family--the Noonan dynasty. With surprising chivalry, Dominic Noonan answers to his poverty-stricken streets while lurking from trial to trial, dodging arrest on a slew of serious criminal charges. Dominic's 10-year-old son, Bugsy, wants none of the prestige his father holds, and his candid confessions of boxing dreams--hopeful words from the child of a very violent man--are heart-wrenching. DVD Features: Deleted Scenes.

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Plunder: The Crime of Our Time (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)As telling a scene as any I've watched in a documentary happens in the 2010 film PLUNDER: THE CRIME OF OUR TIME, where demonstrators marching against Wall Street corruption refuse to talk to a C.N.B.C. television news reporter. You'd expect it to be the criminal bankers avoiding journalists, not their subprime mortgage scam victims. Yet the people seeking justice do not want to talk to C.N.B.C. and other corporate media.
Journalist-director Danny Schechter's PLUNDER: THE CRIME OF OUR TIME presents good reason for the silence of the financially slaughtered lambs. Showing television news clips from the years leading up to 2008 collapse, we see C.N.B.C. and other such "news" providers only interview individuals warning of the crisis when alongside financial services flacks who talk over them, drowning out the truth. To those who lost their homes in the subprime mortgage bait-and-switch, corporate news may as well be partners with the lenders who took advantage of them. No wonder Schechter tells that C.N.B.C. reporter, "They hate you."
That scene typifies the tone of PLUNDER: THE CRIME OF OUR TIME, which reports what's happened from the point of view of those who matter, average Americans. Danny Schechter takes it to the streets in a blow-by-blow recount of the victimization of millions of Americans that is the second Great Depression. The facts need no point-counterpoint; the wealthy took the money and ran.
See PLUNDER: THE CRIME OF OUR TIME.

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A hard-hitting investigative film by Danny Schechter. The “News Dissector” explores how the financial crisis was built on a foundation of criminal activity uncovering the connection between the collapse of the housing market and the economic catastrophe that followed. To tell this story Schechter speaks with bankers involved in these activities, respected economists, insider experts, top journalists including Paul Krugman, and even a convicted white-collar criminal, Sam Antar, who blows the whistle on intentionally dishonest practices.

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Run Granny Run Review

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(More customer reviews)This film is about so much more than an unexpected Senate run by a senior citizen. It is about making the most of every minute of our lives, of one woman's determination to help make the world a better place and step up to the plate in spite of a million reasons not to. It's about age, yet it's not just about age. We see through Doris's eyes how an elderly person is sometimes dismissed and treated like a child, in spite of an obviously quick mind and reported history as a smart and successful businesswoman. Yet we also see Doris as the "regular citizen" who fights for what she believes in and doesn't wait for others to do it -- a lesson we all can learn at any age. I loved this film!

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Doris Haddock-- Granny D-- is the nation's oldest political newcomer. A former housewife and office assistant, Doris was happily retired for over 20 years--but when her husband died, she needed a reason to live. So at the age of 90, she laced up her sneakers and walked across the United States to rally against the influence of big money in elections. Her epic journey galvanized popular attention to a political system gone awry, but for Doris the walk was a warm up. Now 94 and still fed up with politics as usual, she jumps at an unexpected chance to run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Judd Gregg (an intellectual sparring partner of George W. Bush). With just 4 months until Election Day, this great-grandmother of sixteen faces a series of challenges that would be daunting for a candidate of any age. Doris and her motley crew of political aces and amateurs work against all odds to craft a feisty campaign that personifies her democratic ideals of , by and for the people. A tale of doggedness versus dollars, grit against greenbacks, RUN GRANNY RUN is an unlikely portrait of a remarkable activist and citizen.

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Better Basketball's Read and React Offense Review

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(More customer reviews)I think this is a great offense to teach kids how to play basketball. Because I had only 4 weeks of practice before the New England Super Regionals, I was able to only put in a few layers - dribble penetration including post slides, pass & cut & laker cuts.
I had a lot of height on this team so I went with a 3-out 2-in set.
Below is a link to some video highlights of my 12U team. While the video doesn't necessarily have great "textbook examples" (I had limited game footage and many of the highlights are baskets off transition), notice the passing! I attribute much of this great teamwork to the principles of the R&R offense.
[...]
Next year, I am looking to put in a few more layers. These kids are still very young and are soaking this stuff up!!!
Thanks,
-Rakesh ("Coach Shukla")

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When we say Read & React is a complete offensive system, we should probably clarify what we mean by "complete".We mean that you can use this offensive system with absolutely any style of play or coaching philosophy you already have in place. We mean it that can be easily customized to take advantage of your team's greatest strengths. We mean that any age group and any skill level can learn and apply it easily to up the quality of their game.So when we say "complete", we mean it's the only offensive system you'll ever need in your coaching career. Other coaches, after learning the Read & React system, have confessed that they're not even sure how they could create a defense to counteract it - even when they already know the principles behind how the offensive system works!

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Omar & Pete (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Omar and Pete is a poignant look at these two longtime friends that have spent a considerable portion of their lives in and out of the prison system. Before examining the world outside, as Omar is about to be released from yet another stint in the correctional system, he reveals his thoughts and fears regarding his past and his uncertain future of freedom once again.
Upon re-entering society, this story begins by following Leon `Omar' Mason in his sometimes difficult and painful journey to start a new life. Despite the best of intentions and making decent strides to improve himself, Omar eventually suffers from multiple relapses due to a drug addiction, he deals with the agony of a death in the family, and his battle with other personal problems threaten to consume him altogether.
Pete Duncan, a resident manager at a transition house where Omar is placed, is a recovering drug addict who has been out of prison for 10 months now and he helps others to repair their broken lives. Time is spent here looking at Pete and his rewarding efforts and it is evident that he has found the correct mindset to keep himself productive and healthy in society.
I'd like to say that the ending to Omar's story ended up being a happy one but I can't do that. After failed attempts at detox programs and counseling plus new felony offenses, Omar was once again incarcerated and he faces a long prison sentence. Pete, on the other hand, is still going strong these days. He is drug free and out of the transition house and was subsequently promoted from a drug counselor to a residential supervisor.
`Omar & Pete' is a well produced documentary in my opinion and emotional in its content. There aren't any easy answers or quick fixes regarding transition from prison back to mainstream society but this story looks at the struggle from several distinct perspectives and it does an admirable job in that regard.

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A "vivid, sobering portrait" that "packs considerable cumulative punch" (Variety) OMAR & PETE is a compelling and highly personal film that examines the social, economic, and personal barriers two ex-offenders face as they try to reintegrate into their communities and families. In and out of prison for more than 30 years, Omar and Pete are determined to change their lives. Upon release, both participate in the Maryland Reentry Program, which is designed to help long-term repeat offenders stay out of prison. This intimate and penetrating film follows the two long-time friends for several years after what they hope will be their final prison release. In that time, their lives take divergent paths as one wrestles with addiction and fear while the other finds success and freedom through helping others. Their story boldly exposes the many barriers to successful reintegration and the complex, often frustrating challenges that men who were formerly incarcerated face when reentering society. Written, produced, and directed by Academy Award nominated and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Tod Lending, OMAR & PETE provides an honest and unflinching portrait of how challending life on the outside can be for men who have lived much of their lives behind bars. DVD Features: Deleted Scenes; Filmmaker Interview; Filmmaker Statement; Filmmaker Biography; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection [NOTE - Aspect ratio 16:9 Widescreen]

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Infamous Times - The Original 50 Cent Review

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(More customer reviews)INFAMOUS TIMES: THE ORIGINAL 50 CENT (2005)
directed by Froi Cuesta
approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
By now its old news that Queens rapper Curtis Jackson named himself after Brooklyn stick up kid "50 Cent" a.k.a. Kelvin Martin. This DVD tries to give some context for the crime ridden Fort Greene projects where Martin got his reputation. Brooklyn in the 1980s was a dangerous place and Mr. Martin provided some of that danger. We are told that this is a man who would rob drug dealers and pimps. A criminal even in the criminal underworld, Kelvin Martin alienated most of his friends by the end of his life and seems like an unlikely figure to admire.
Like other DVDs made for a rap audience, this movie romanticizes Kelvin Martin's violent exploits. This is a problem with America in general these days, that "underdogs" are expected to be lawless animals who don't know any other way. Martin's friends and family are interviewed throughout and others close to him provided personal letters and photos to piece together his story. His friends talk about his "career", from his early days stealing jewelry to his time in Riker's to his later stint in the military. His girlfriend talks about his "softer side" and says he didn't bring his criminal life to their relationship. We hear from his daughter who never got to know her father since he was gunned down. Some faces hip hop fans will recognize are DJ Scratch from EPMD and legendary producer Eric B. who both knew the young Martin. An interesting section of the movie is where people discuss why they think he got the name "50 Cent". Standing at just over 5 ft., its likely that he simply got the name because he was a short dude. One theory I hadn't heard is that while in jail he encountered the Five Percent Nation and later put a materialist spin on it.
The sections with rapper Curtis Jackson are thankfully short. They interview some of his former associates and Jackson himself. They discuss the controversy over Jackson's "Ghetto Qua'ran". Of course this is the track where he basically "names names" of all the major NYC criminals from his youth and led to a "renewed interest" in these men by the NYPD. One name mentioned was "Slim" a.k.a. Chaz Williams who was Jackon's manager and is interviewed on this DVD. Another name was "Supreme" a.k.a. Kenneth McGriff, supposedly the inspiration for the movie 'NEW JACK CITY' and "business associate" of the Murder Inc. label, who Jackson was feuding with. All of this is also covered in the book 'QUEENS REIGNS SUPREME'.
Kelvin Martin, despite being close to his family, was not a respectable person even by street criminal standards. At one point, one of Martin's friends tells the story of when he had to remind Kelvin that he was breaking the "codes of the streets". Martin responded "F%ck those codes". Maybe this is the message Curtis Jackson is trying to send by recording the type of music he does. Jackson says he named himself after the original 50 Cent because "he's the same type of person".
I will say that the production value of this DVD is much higher than most other rap-related DVDs. There are graphics and re-enactments and the sound levels are mostly listenable throughout. There is also a followable structure throughout and best of all, no yelling doofuses hogging for camera time. The DVD also includes brief segments on such glamorous topics as Brownsville Brooklyn's Blood street gang (which includes footage of a pitbull fight) and Vernon, NY strip club "Sue's Rendezvous" (which states that the lowest amount the dancers make is $50,000).
At the end of the movie, Curtis Jackson promises to keep Kelvin Martin's name alive. This movie is good for what it is, but why not a DVD on somebody like Frederic Morrow?

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A powerful music-driven video magazine chronicling the nation s most reputed street figures, notorious neighborhoods and the alluring frills of the fast life, this explicit exposé goes behind the stereotypes typically associated with legendary hustlers to uncover the true tales of pain and betrayal that all too often destroys their lives and, most times, finds them dead or in jail. Volume one of The Infamous TimesTM has already shipped platinum to major retail outlets throughout the U.S. and is on pace to quickly become one of the best selling urban DVD s to date. Running 120 minutes, the main feature of this landmark series tells the true story of Kelvin50 CentMartin, a cold-blooded crook who, armed with an arsenal of weapons, robbed, killed and extorted many of Brooklyn s biggest hustlers at the height of New York s brutal crack cocaine epidemic and from whom the multi-platinum rap superstar, Curtis50 CentJackson, borrowed his moniker. This is the true story of the legend who inspired the biggest name in rap.

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Thinking XXX (Extended Cut) (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Thinking XXX (Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, 2004)
I've been stepping up my watching of documentaries these past few years. Sort of a combination of feeling like too much of the time I spend in front of a screen is wasted and wanting to find out more about subjects that I know nothing, or little, about. It's not that much of a sacrifice when you've got stuff like this out there waiting to be seen. Celebrated photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, while taking the photos for his book XXX: 30 Porn-Star Portraits, decided to film the process as well. The result is a fascinating look at the people behind the porn, as it were.
One (or, at least, I) always expects porn stars to be nice, bubbly, somewhat vacuous. I know, prejudice is a horrible thing, but there it is. And to be fair, a few of the folks who get camera time here come off exactly that way. But the majority are quite another thing entirely. Everyone, by now, knows the Jenna Jameson story, how she went from being "just another porn star" to being one of the biggest movers and shakers in the adult entertainment industry. (One of the interviewees notes that the E! True Hollywood Story episode on Jenna Jameson was the series' most watched episode of all time.) that sort of drive, intelligence, and ambition is very well represented here, and by many more stars than Jameson. Yeah, there are a lot of naked bodies to look at, and they're aesthetically pleasing, but the flesh on display is not the only attraction here; these people, and the other commentators Greenfield-Sanders ropes in to give their opinions (among them Gore Vidal, Nancy Friday, Karen Finley, and John Waters), really have interesting stuff to say about the business, about their lives, about the cultural mystique that allows such an industry to become the billion-dollar juggernaut it is. These is good people, these is! (And I had no idea Nina Hartley was still making movies-- I remember her from almost a quarter-century ago. More power to her!)
As well as all that, there's what (I assume) Greenfield-Sanders originally set out to document, the art of composing the pictures themselves. He works on antique equipment, so this isn't just a documentary about point-and-shoot camera technology. Even if it were, his idea here-- portraits of the stars clothed, then nude, in the same positions-- required a lot of forethought, a lot of retakes, and, no doubt, a lot of patience from everyone involved. Ever wonder what goes into one of those big coffee-table books of photography? I have little doubt that what Greenfield-Sanders shows us is no more than the tip of the iceberg, but it's enough to get a person wondering.
Rent this, send the kids to bed, and watch it. Prurient interests aside, I think you'll learn something. This one was definitely not filed in the "wasted time" folder in my head. ****

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Studio: Hbo Home VideoRelease Date: 06/13/2006Rating: R

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Rickson Gracie: Choke (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)Rickson Gracie "Choke" is more than just a fight video - it captures the anxiety, preparation, and visceral intensity behind the competitors as they prepare for competition. View at the Ultimate Fighting Championship with a much deeper background.
The video captures the preparation for, and competition in Vale Tudo Japan 1995, a mixed martial arts competition where almost anything goes. ("Vale Tudo" is Portuguese for "Anything Goes", but the rules are not quite that extreme.)
The video takes an in depth look at 3 of the participants.
1 - Todd Hays is an all around gifted athlete, with a background in kickboxing. His mixture and fear are apparent as he attempts to use this event to pay for his Olympic bobsleading dreams.
2 - Koichiro Kimura is a Japanese amateur shootfighting champion, who wants nothing more than to test himself against the best. You get to meet his parents, who are affraid he'll die in the ring.
3 - Rickson Gracie is the defending champion, as well as the best of the famous Gracie family. It's no suprise that he gets the lion's share of the publicity.
In addition to the gritty reality of the fighting, you're introduced to some humorous back scene footage: Rickson's desire for a belt in addition to a trophy brings some chuckles, as does his last minute desire to hit the restroom. A near blind Yuki Nakai is both valiant and funny when he screams, "Rickson, I'm coming for you!"
If you're looking for a technique video, this is not it. If you're looking for 2 hours of fighting from the best guys out there today, again this is not the video. If you're looking to understand the mind of the fighter, in the context of the ring, this is the only DVD out there. I was rivited from start to finish.

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This exquisite piece of work is far more professional than any of the American pro wrestling mega-event videos produced recently. The often-gory fights are well handled and only play a small role; this video is not solely about fighting. Done in documentary style, "Choke" takes an introspective look at the men--their goals, their dreams, and their families--who become the ultimate fighting machines in the ring at the 1995 Vale Tudo World Fighting Championship in Tokyo. \nDelving into the life of the undefeated and undisputed world freestyle fighting champion, Rickson Gracie, a 30-year-old jujitsu expert from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this video displays a side that you rarely see in sports: the articulate, intelligent family man who turns his training into the art of movement and athleticism--not violence. It also explores the world of two men expected to offer a serious challenge to Gracie: American heavyweight kickboxer Todd "Hollywood" Hays and Japanese shootfighting heavyweight champion Koichiro Kimura. These two men provide some of the more uplifting moments in the documentary. Hays, who is also a member of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team, explains how he will use his performance money to fund his dream of buying a bobsled that will allow him to be a driver in the 1998 Winter Games. Kimura completes his training but then has to ask the permission of his elderly parents to compete. The big man bluffs his way through with a warm smile and a respectful manner.\n"Choke" is an insightful look at a full-contact, controversial sport. The only warning it should carry is that some of the scenes are graphically violent and some of the language is X-rated. "--Gordie Sholtys"

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The Burton Snowboards: For Right or Wrong (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This was a very interesting DVD as it shows what it is like behind the scenes for these professional snowboarders. It gives you a personality to put with each of the riders. If you are expecting a more tradional snowboard video then this might not be what you're looking for. While it shows a good amount of riding it is not tradional in the sense of stock snowboarding clips set to a soundtrack. Overall a good DVD though.

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FOR RIGHT OR WRONG - DVD Movie

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Baseball - A Film By Ken Burns (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)Contained in these ten DVD's are just about every historical moment in baseball.
Inning 1 Baseball from its inception in the 1840's to the 1900's This explores baseballs roots from Abner Doubleday to the beginnings of what we know as modern day baseball.
Inning 2 1900 to 1910. The beginning of the World Series. Great footage and photos of old parks and players.
Inning 3 1910 TO 1920. Covers Babe Ruth, the Black sox, Grover Cleveland Alexander and more. Footage of Fenway being built
Inning 4 1920 to 1930 Really the beginnings of the Yankee dynasty but the Cardinals rule the National league with the famed gas house gang.
Inning 5 1930 to 1940. More footage of all the great stars of the day, Ruth, DiMaggio, Williams and more.
Inning 6 1940 to 1950. The effects of war on the American pastime. The splendid splinter goes to war, he comes back and picks up where he left off.
Inning 7 1950 to 1960. The Yankee dynasty continues. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, The shot heard around the world, Don Larson's perfect game. The Giants and Dodgers pick and leave.
Inning 8 1960 to 1970. The Los Angeles Angels are born, The Kansas City A's become the Oakland A's, The Royals and Mets are born. The Padres are born and move into a small stadium outside of San Diego. And then there was the Seattle Pilots. Those amazin Mets win the World series. Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax get agents but are unsuccessful in changing baseballs anti trust act and re sign with the Dodgers. Maris passes the Babe with an asterisk.
Inning 9 1970 to 1994. Curt Flood loses his war against baseball but the players eventually win. The players union gets stronger. The Reds come to power. The A's win a couple world series. Roberto Clemente's life cut short. Washington loses another team called the Senators.
The film also has some great commentary interspersed through out all of the DVD's. At the end of each DVD is a trivia game based on the decade that the DVD covered. While the movie is based for the most part on New York teams this is truly a must for all baseball fans. There is no other collection of materials that covers baseball like this one does in terms of breadth and depth.
I have watched this m any times now and it's still just as interesting as the first time I watched it.

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Ken Burns tops himself with this epic of American history, told in "nineinnings," with a skilled narration by John Chancellor and the voices of Paul Newman,Jason Robards, Billy Crystal, and other stars. The series spans 150 years, starting with themyth-debunking tale of baseball's true beginnings -- when it was a game "one degreeabove mayhem." Then follow the growth of America's National Pastime through thedecades of glory and record-setting achievements, as well as the scandals, the bigotry,and the big money. The series portrays the game as a mirror of America itself -- thepassions, prejudices, and ambitions that have shape the country.

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Kevin Richardson's Natural Bodybuilding DVD- Naturally Intense- The Workout Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an awesome video...Kevin is very intense and shows the routine he uses. It is even more inspirational to know that he is natural. If you want to pick up your intensity...watch this DVD.

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Champion Natural Bodybuilder, Kevin Richardson's natural bodybuilding video, Naturally Intense,shows the high intensity workouts and principles that enabled him to transform himself from a 125lb teen into a 225lb ripped to shreds natural bodybuilding champion- without the use of steroids or drugs of any kind! Training only 20 minutes three times a week Kevin has been able to mould a world-class physique while still maintaining a balance in life. You don't need to spend countless hours in the gym, to achieve your goals, and Kevin's Naturally Intense approach allows for bodybuilding to truly be a healthy and wholesome pursuit. Having successfully trained hundreds over the past 16 years, he is truly the modern guru of natural bodybuilding.Along with his workout partner, future fitness sensation and drummer extraordinaire, LaFrae Sci, you will see exactly how Kevin trains. No camera tricks, no out takes, just pure hardcore training that show some pretty fantastic examples of pushing it to the limit and beyond. The incredible weights lifted and the phenomenal physiques prove without a doubt that you do not need drugs or special supplements to realize the upper levels of human physical development. The DVD is filmed at the legendary hardcore Fifth Avenue Gym, a bodybuilding mecca co-owned by Kevin, which has been the birthplace of bodybuilding champions since it first opened in 1979. Critically acclaimed in reviews in Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Magazine, the video is a definite must for anyone interested finding out what it really takes to make their bodybuilding and fitness dreams a reality. Visit Kevin's Official Website at www.naturallyintense.net.
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

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Anyone and Everyone - Documentary Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the years I have seen many coming out films, dramas, comedies, short films, and documentaries. Each of these have had one thing in common: they have told our stories, the stories of gay men and lesbians on their personal journeys. Susan Schutz had produced a coming out film that breaks out of this mold by telling us the coming out journey of the parents of gay and lesbian children. Each family in the film has a unique story -- Schutz has included families from all across the nation covering a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. When I first saw this DVD I was totally blown away by the honesty and openness of each family. I laughed, I cried, I was moved. This is truly an amazing film. It should be seen by anyone and everyone.

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Connected by having a son or daughter who is gay, parents across the country discuss their experiences in the documentary Anyone and Everyone. In it, filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz, depicts families from all walks of life. Individuals from such diverse backgrounds as Japanese, Bolivian, and Cherokee, as well as from various religious denominations such as Mormon, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Hindu, and Southern Baptist, share intimate accounts of how their children revealed their sexual orientation and discuss their responses. The parents also talk about struggling with the pain of their sons and daughters dealing with not being accepted by relatives or friends, and being ostracized by religious congregations. "It was so evil and so bad that we almost couldn t talk about it... You just had the idea it was so terrible that it was unspeakable," said a Mormon mother in the film. "Having heard all these awful things and what homosexuality was and then having a member of your family, a person that you have seen, a child that you have seen since the child was born, a person that was absolutely wholesome, good, kind, gentle and that put together with the word lesbian didn t add up," said a hispanic mother. This film is especially important since up to 26% of gay teens who come out to their parents or guardians are told they must leave home. Of the approximately 1.6 million homeless American youth, 20-40% identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Nearly 40% of LGBT (GLBT) students report being physically harassed. In a 2001 Department of Health study of youth in Massachusetts, about 40 percent of gay and lesbian students attempted suicide, compared to about 10 percent of their heterosexual peers.

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King Corn (Green Packaging) Review

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(More customer reviews)King Corn is kind of like Super Size Me's little brother. It traces the pervasive influence of corn on modern America, including the obesity epidemic and the fact that Iowa is growing trillions of bushels of *non-edible* corn to continue receiving lucrative government subsidies. College buddies Ian and Curt, both from the east coast, discover that they both had distant relatives from the same small town of Greene, Iowa. Ian and Curt decide to go to Iowa and plant one acre of corn, following it through its lifecycle, including where it goes after the harvest.
The film starts off slowly as the reasons for the trip are explained. The prerequisite talking heads introduce some scary factoids about how Americans are literally made of corn; if you do a hair analysis, it's like a diet diary, and the vast majority of the American diet (corn-fed beef, fast foods and processed foods) contains corn derivatives. Much of the corn we ingest is in the guise of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a cheaper alternative to sugar that is produced via a scary chemical conversion involving several toxic acids. HFCS has been directly linked to the current obesity crisis and its impact on Type II Diabetes (the body processes HFCS differently from table sugar). Prior to the 1970s, hardly any company used HFCS due to its high cost. But after then-Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz did away with the old New Deal market control policies in favor of rapid expansion in 1973, there was a constant surplus of cheap (and non-edible) corn, fueling the rapid expansion of the corn syrup industry. Here's a quick test: walk into any convenience store and count how many items contain corn, specifically corn syrup. The list includes obvious choices like soda and candy, but you'll also find HFCS in deli meats, breads, ketchup, pickle relish, spaghetti sauce, and cough syrup. Oh yes, and one main variety of corn grown in Iowa (Liberty) is genetically modified, as is at least one ingredient in HFCS manufacturing.
Corn production geared towards ethanol is briefly mentioned, but the majority of the focus in King Corn is on the impact of non-edible corn on the nation's food supply. In this respect, it's kind of a gentler version of Supersize Me; there's no shock value for the most part. Also mentioned is the disastrous consequence of converting cattle from grazing animals to force-fed confined ones. Cattle normally forage for a plant-based diet, but it is far more profitable to bring them up to market weight by forcing them to stand still and eat continuously. In addition, the acids present in corn cause deadly ulcers for the cows, who are slaughtered before developing acidosis. The end result is that 70% of the antibiotics in the US are used on livestock (antibiotics combat both the acidosis and the infections resulting from confinement). Literally everything at McDonald's contains corn: your hamburger is corn-fed, the bun contains HFCS, your soda contains HFCS, the French fries are fried in corn (or soybean) oil, and your ketchup and pickle contains HFCS. Ditto for most vending machine foods, frozen dinners, and anything you don't make from scratch. It's extremely difficult to escape buying foods containing corn, since a variety of pseudonyms are used, including baking powder, caramel color, dextrose, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, stearic acid, and vanilla, making it a nightmare for anyone with corn allergies.
Perhaps the most effective element is that of nostalgia. Ian and Curt also take time to find their long-lost relatives in Greene, and to reflect on the rapid changes in our recently agrarian society that have forced farmers to maintain massive farms harvesting non-edible corn. In other words, the farmer can't even feed himself with what he's growing. Without the hefty government subsidies, such large-scale corn operations would be out of business. They interview various farmers and ranchers who are disgusted with the system, but who have little real choice (one farmer says flatly, "We're growing crap!"). We're shown the evolution of farming equipment and of the family farm itself as a quaint reminder of the past; there are nostalgic shots of Main Street and hometown parades, quiet diners and local bars.
Ian and Curt's visual style is playful; the charts and graphs are hand-drawn, interspersed with stop-motion plastic farm toys to get the point across (and the dancing corn on the map of the US was great, too). The quirky soundtrack is a standout as well. DVD extras include some outtakes, a music video, bios, and some great 1950s-style educational clips. King Corn is a thought-provoking look at the old adage "You are what you eat," and boy, it's scary.

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KING CORN is a fun and crusading journey into the digestive tract of our fast food nation where one ultra-industrial, pesticide-laden, heavily-subsidized commodity dominates the food pyramid from top to bottom corn. Fueled by curiosity and a dash of naivete, college buddies Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis return to their ancestral home of Greene, Iowa to figure out how a modest kernel conquered America.With the help of some real farmers, oodles of fertilizer and government aide, and some genetically modified seeds, the friends manage to grow one acre of corn. Along the way, they unlock the hilarious absurdities and scary but hidden truths about America s modern food system in this engrossing and eye-opening documentary. A graceful and frequently humorous film that captures the idiosyncrasies of its characters and never hectors (Salon), KING CORN shows how and why whenever you eat a hamburger or drink a soda, you re really consuming ... corn.

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Beyond The Mat - Director's Cut (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this under the impression that all the features from the first disc would be retained, in addition to adding a new commentary with Jesse Ventura and Mick Foley and an interview with them as well. The new Ventura/Foley commentary is nothing special as they only talk for a total of about half the movie, and for some reason it's an intrusive video commentary where the disc pauses to switch tracks every time it comes on - would have been much better to just let them talk the entire time and leave it as an audio only track.
My problem here is, they removed the director only commentary and also the Mick Foley solo commentaries from the previous disc. I don't see why this happened, as the Terry Funk & director commentary from the previous disc IS still on there. It's not like they couldn't have fit all of it on one disc.
A very solid documentary that everyone should check out if they have not already, but I'd advise picking up the previous release, as the special features are stronger.
For the sake of completeness, I'd give the original DVD relase 4 stars.

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Barry Blaustein's critically acclaimed documentary about wrestling takes viewers beyond the ring and into the lives of the men and women who inhabit this colorful, competitive, and surprisingly complex world. During the five years he spent working on the film, Blaustein discovered that the control wrestlers exert in the ring is often contrasted by the lack of control they have in their own lives. Some pursue dreams--others are pursued by personal demons. Always relaying his love and respect for his subject matter, Blaustein travels on the open road with the wrestlers, shares their most intimate moments with their families, and witnesses their victories and defeats in the ring. 108minutes.

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Survivorman (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)***** This set does not contain "The Making of Survivorman". That extra footage came out after I purchased this DVD. Try Survivorman's website for the latest version. *****
The two colorful DVDs come in a classic plastic container. The picture quality and sound are perfect. Each episode is shown in its entirety and without commercials. It doesn't get any better than this.
Disc One
Desert - Les salvages his broken bicycle after it strands him in the desert. He later uses those parts to aid his situation.
Boreal Forest - Just what it implies. The forest. It's in one of these forest/jungle outings that Les almost amputates his finger when his knife slips.
Swamp - Bullfrogs and turtles are Les's main staple as he builds a raft out of the swamp.
Jungle - At night the jungle floor moves with activity.
Disc Two
Arctic - No food anywhere, except for his pack of seal blubber. Polar bears stalk his sleeping area.
Mountain - Shelter building and fire making at its best.

Winter Plane Crash - My favorite. Les fakes a broken arm to reflect a real plane crash situation. He builds a nice shelter from the busted up airplane, and traps rabbits with a snare.
Canyonlands - The loneliness of the canyons grates on Les's nerves as he smokes out a living quarters and catches small animals for food.
Lost at Sea - Les takes flight in a rubber raft and gets hit by a nasty unexpected storm.
I can't wait to see what Les has planned for Season Two. I'll be the first to buy his DVD.

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Imagine being stranded in the most extreme environments on earth for seven days - completely alone with virtually no supplies. How could you possibly survive? With no support crew and operating the camera himself, survival expert Les Stroud tackles that question as he tests himself in the toughest types of wilderness, ranging from the desert to the Arctic. Among his adventures, he battles life-or-death situations - the aftermath of a winter plane crash, abandoned in the mountains, lost at sea and much more. If you like living on the edge, you can't afford to miss a minute of these nine extended episodes!Disc 1: Arizona Desert Boreal Forest Georgian Swamp Costa Rican Ocean Disc 2: Arctic Mountains Pacific Coast Canyonlands Lost at Sea

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Baadasssss Cinema - A Bold Look at 70's Blaxploitation Films (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being a fan of the blaxploitation genre, I was excited to hear about the DVD release of BaadAssss Cinema. However, upon viewing it, I became very disappointed. First, let me start off by saying that the 56-minute running time does not justify the price being charged for this DVD. Second, this title is anything but a bold look at 70's blaxploitation films. The documentary is organized by years, which doesn't work well. It would have been more interesting and flowed better if it were organized by different styles of blaxploitation films, such as gangster films or horror films, or films featuring strong female leads. The documentary focuses almost exclusively on films starring people who were interviewed, such as Pam Grier, Fred Williamson, Gloria Hendry, Quentin Tarantino, and Melvin Van Peebles. A lot of time is devoted to Sweet Sweetback's BaadAsssss Song, Shaft, and Pam Grier's Foxy Brown and Coffy. There's no denying that these films played a pivotal role in the blaxploitation movement, but why isn't Dolemite included? Is it because Rudy Ray Moore wasn't interviewed? The documentary is astonishingly shortsighted. No mention is made of movies like Abby, the black rip-off of The Exorcist, or Darktown Strutters, or even the Shaft sequels for that matter. Were they left out because the filmmaker thought they were an embarrassment to the genre, or because they are too obscure for the target audience? Lastly, most people interviewed feel that the blaxploitation movement died out around 1976, so the remaining years of the 70's are left out. The only two post 1976 films featured are Original Gangstas and Jackie Brown, both made in the 90's. There is so much missing from this documentary, and the only people who will benefit from it are blaxploitation completists and people new to the genre. If you're looking for information on black cinema of the 1970's, I suggest the book "What It Is...What It Was!The Black Film Explosion of the '70s in Words and Pictures." Unlike BaadAssss Cinema, it features articles with insight and interviews that matter (ironically with many of the same people interviewed in BaadAsssss Cinema). Overall, BaadAssss Cinema fails to make the blaxploitation movement seem important.

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In this groundbreaking documentary from the Independent Film Channel, filmmaker Isaac Julien takes us back to the early 70s and the explosion of blaxploitation films, today one of American cinema's most beloved cult genres. Featuring a wealth of footage from such classic films as Superfly and Shaft, and interviews with such key players as Richard Roundtree, Quentin Tarantino, and Pam Grier, BaadAsssss Cinema gets to the bottom of exactly what helped the blaxploitation genre achieve its revered cult status.DVD Features: Extended interviews with Pam Grier, Quentin Tarantino and others; Letterbox Format; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

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Drake and Josh, Vol. 1 - Suddenly Brothers (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Drake and Josh is my favorite show on Nickelodeon. Even though there are no DVD season boxsets out yet, this DVD came out in early 2005 and I bought it. Here is my review ( I have no life ).
[*] Indicates a "DVD Great"
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[*]Pilot: 4.5/5 This is the first episode of the series. Drake and Josh become step brothers and Drake realizes that Josh is a real loser in school. In a case of mistaken identity, Josh has to fight a "jealous boyfriend".
[*]Dune Buggy: 4.5/5 Drake and Josh get a dune buggy from Drake's friend, Trevor, but find out that it doesn't run. After getting it fixed, Drake and Josh aren't allowed to even drive it. Josh gets grounded for lying because of Drake, and Drake takes the dune buggy for a ride regardless. He crashes into a tree and tries to hide his injuries.
Two Idiots And A Baby: 4/5 Josh volunteers to babysit, but Drake abandons the baby to play a concert with his band. Josh soon loses the baby and looks tirelesly around the house for him. Soon, Meghan reveals that she had it the whole time and nobody knows what happened.
[*]First Crush: 4.5/5 Josh promises to play a birthday song on guitar at a girls birthday party. Having no idea how to play it, he has Drake teach him, but the strings on the guitar snap. Drake comes up with a plan that makes Josh look like he's playing it but he really isn't.
Special Features: Outtakes: 5/5 On this DVD there are 8 minutes of outtakes. They are pretty good, too, and are well worth watching. Makes the DVD all more worth the money.
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Overall, this is an excellent DVD. The quality for some reason is furry-like on the episodes, but the episodes are still great. It has some of the first episodes of this great series. I really think you should buy it. Since it is from the first season, you will notice some things. First, the whole entire house looks different; especially Drake and Josh's room. The door doesn't even face the same way, and the whole room looks different entirely. You will also notice some "slip-ups" by the director, but you'll forgive them. You should really buy this DVD if you are a Drake and Josh fan. It's really just a bummer there are only 4 episodes and there hasn't been a new volume to this for about a year and a half now.
4.5/5

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Fifteen-year-old Drake and Josh are schoolmates, but not close friends.As a matter of fact, Drake thinks Josh is a bit of a goof.Imagine his shock when he discovers this goof is about to become his stepbrother and new roommate when his mother marries Josh's father!

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