By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Rated R) — Gabourey Sidibe stars as Precious Jones, a 16-year-old, morbidly obese, illiterate, poverty-stricken girl who is pregnant for the second time after being raped by her father. Her first child (also a product of incestuous rape) was born with Down Syndrome. Precious’ mother (played by Mo’Nique) physically and verbally abuses the teen, who has no friends, but retreats into a rich fantasy life, where she dreams of becoming a pop star. With the help of a teacher and others, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the girl, but before things improve, Precious’ situation will first need to get much darker.
“The Who: The Kids Are Alright” (Unrated) — This is one of the greatest rock-n-roll documentaries ever made. Highlighting the band’s tumultuous career from its rocky early ’60s Mod roots to the death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978, this new Blu-Ray release has been beautifully remastered — especially the sound of early TV performances where tape speeds were out of phase. This release includes more than 100 hours of extra footage, a documentary on the remastering of film and an interview with lead singer Roger Daltrey.
“Civilisation: Complete Series” (Unrated) — Two years in the making. More than 100 locations in 13 countries. A landmark television documentary event. First broadcast in 1969, Lord Kenneth Clark’s “Civilisation, A Personal View” still ranks as one of the greatest series about Western culture ever produced. Using art, music, literature and architecture to illustrate the march of Western civilization, Lord Clark asks important questions such as: What is the difference between Art and Culture — and are they worth saving? If you are a fan of James Burke’s “Connections” and “The Day The Universe Changed” series, then this is one collection you need to add to your video library.
“Tenspeed & Brown Shoe” (Unrated) — Jeff Goldblum and Ben Vereen’s short-lived 1980 detective comedy series finally gets a DVD release. Goldblum plays Lionel “Brown Shoe” Whitney, a stockbroker who fantasizes about becoming a hard-boiled detective. Vereen is E.L. “Tenspeed” Turner, a grifter who plays on Brown Shoe’s delusions in the hopes of making a big score. Hilarity ensues.
TV SERIES
“Walker Texas Ranger” The Complete Series Pack
“Johnny Bravo” Season One
“Wiseguy” The Collector’s Edition
“In Plain Sight” Season Two
“Greek: Chapter Four”
“Tremors” Complete Series
“Hannah Montana” Miley Says Goodbye
“National Geographic — Lost JFK Tapes: The Assassination”
“Walker Texas Ranger” The Seventh Season
“Scarecrow and Mrs. King” The Complete First Season
“Matt Houston” The First Season
“Silk Stalkings” Season One
© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.