Ken Burns: Here and There DVD

 Ken Burns – Here & There is a rare look at the over four decade intimate relationship Ken Burns has with his America and beloved community of Walpole, NH – and the importance that a "sense of place" and belonging has in one's life. That the essential American fabric of patriotism and goodness are woven through each of us - and often, the road less traveled is a good decision.

Ken Burns – Here & There is a rare look at the over four-decade intimate relationship Ken Burns has with his America and his beloved community of Walpole. And how this tiny town's influence looms large in the life of this legendary filmmaker.

Ken Burns has revolutionized how Americans both get and understand their own history by bringing it right into their homes. In fact, as the historian Stephen Ambrose notes, "More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source." 

But more than anything else, Ken Burns – Here & There is about the importance that a "sense of place" and belonging has in one's life. That where we come from – or where we go to – is central to who we are and may, ultimately, make all the difference in the world. That the essential American fabric of patriotism and goodness are woven through each of us - and that often, the road less traveled is a good decision.

My Thoughts

Ken Burns is an American filmmaker. This documentary focuses on his life and work in his hometown of Walpole, New Hampshire. What this show really delves into is how important it is to have a place you can call home and a community you can trust.

If you want to get a look at the man behind the films, this series gives you an intimate look at Kevin Burns. If will help you get a better understanding of his work. If you'd like to grab a copy of this awesome documentary for yourself, you can find it online on Amazon or on PBS.org.

Masterpiece: All Creatures Great and Small Season 1 l DVD

 Fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) follows his dream to become a vet in the magnificent Yorkshire Dales. He soon discovers that treating the animals is as much about treating their owners, and the Dales farmers are a tough crowd to please.

At Skeldale House James gets to know his newly formed dysfunctional family; his chaotic and erratic boss Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), his wayward brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) and the shrewd housekeeper Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley) who is endlessly steering the ship. When local farmers daughter Helen Alderson (Rachel Shenton) attracts James attention, he finds another, more enduring reason to stay in the Dales.

My Thoughts 

All Creatures Great and Small is a fun PBS series that centers around a young vet named James. Once he starts working in Yorkshire, he meets the colorful locals as well as their pets and learns they can all be quite a handful. His boss is also a little quirky. At home, his family and even the housekeeper also keep his on his heels. Every day is an adventure for this small town vet.

I really enjoyed this series. Its packed with laughs. As an animal lover, I really enjoyed the four-legged cast members in this fun series as well as the fun historical references. This a really unique series. If you're looking for something different, give this show a shot. If you want to grab a copy for yourself, you can find the DVD on Amazon or PBS.org.

Masterpiece: The Long Song DVD

Set during the final days of slavery in 19th century Jamaica, follow the trials, tribulations and survival of a plantation slave, July, and her odious mistress, Caroline. Told from July's perspective as she reflects upon her life, The Long Song is a tale of love, hope and defiance in the face of injustice.

Based on the award-winning novel by Andrea Levy, The Long Song is a poignant and inspiring story set during the final days of slavery in 19th century Jamaica. From executive producer David Heyman, this poignant miniseries follows the indomitable young slave, July (Tamara Lawrance, The Gurney), who works on a sugarcane plantation owned by her detestable mistress, Caroline Mortimer (Hayley Atwell, Howards End, Agent Carter). Their lives change with the arrival of the charming new overseer, Robert Goodwin (Jack Lowden, War & Peace), who sets out to improve the plantation for both the slaves and the mistress.

My Thoughts

The Long Song is a riveting historical miniseries set in Jamaica before slavery had been abolished. It centers around a woman named July and her memories of a time when she was a slave. She worked on a sugar planation for a horrible woman who mistreats her and every day of her life was a challenge. Things change for the better when a new man is hired to oversee the planation. He brings hope for a better future and the end of slavery which is just on the horizon.

This was a really powerful series that gives you an in-depth look at what life was like for slaves in the 19th century. You will witness firsthand the abuse they suffered at the hands of  their masters. But the miniseries also shows you hope, and one woman's glimpse at a better future. I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys realistic historical films. You can grab a copy of this DVD set from Amazon or PBS.org.

Frankie Drake Season 3 DVD

In Toronto during the roaring 1920s, crime runs rampant. This is the age of flyboys, gangsters, rum-runners, and speakeasies, but these are no match for unflappable heroines Frankie Drake (Lauren Lee Smith) and her partner Trudy Clarke (Chantel Riley) of Drake Private Detectives,the city's only all-female detective agency. 10 hrs, 3 DVDs.SDH.

My Thoughts

Frankie Drake is a fun crime series set in Canada in the 1920s. It centers around a female sleuth name Frankie and her friend Trudy. The pair of private detective give both the criminals and the cops a run for their money. Season Three includes 10 exciting episodes. 

No Friends Like Old Friends - Frankie works with Agatha Christie to find a missing friend.

Counterpunch - Frankie goes undercover as a boxer to bring down a dirty cop.

School Ties, School Lies - A young girl helps Frankie catch her teacher's killer.

A Brother in Arms - Someone claiming to be Frankie's half brother shows up.

Things Better Left Dead - Frankie sets up a plan to uncover a fake medium.

Life on the Line - A  gang goes undercover to help a toy store owner who is being threatened.

Out on a Limb - When a showgirl dies, Frankie has to go undercover in a mermaid bar.

Ward of the Roses - One of Trudy's school friends gets a bomb threat.

A History of Violins - Frankie must track down a stolen violin.

A Sunshine State of Mind - Frankie  helps an old friend who gets wrapped up in a real estate scam.

This series is filled with tons of great mysteries without a lot of violence. One of my favorite aspects of the series if how Frankie and Trudy overcome the common racial prejudices of the time period and have such a great relationship. If you'd like to grab a copy of this awesome DVD for yourself, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at PBS.org or Amazon.

Opioids Inc. DVD

 FRONTLINE: Opioids, Inc. The story of a drug company that pushed opioids by bribing doctors and committing insurance fraud. With the Financial Times, an investigation of how Insys Therapeutics profited from a fentanyl-based painkiller 50 times stronger than heroin.

Production Year: 2020
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)

My Thoughts

This documentary delves into the greed and dishonesty that has led to opioid addiction being a massive problem in the United States. The documentary investigates a drug company that pushed drugs on unsuspecting patients. They bribed physicians to push their products and made them so strong, it was nearly impossible to avoid becoming dependent. 

I experienced this crisis first hand when I lost a family member to opioid addiction after an auto accident. This DVD helps being to light a struggle that so many of us are facing right now. So often people belittle addicts when so many of them found themselves in this situation because they trusted their medical professionals. If you'd like to grab a copy of this informative DVD, you can find it  in stores nationwide or online at PBS.org or Amazon. 

Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas DVD

Lucy Worsley recreates how Christmas was celebrated during the age of Henry VIII--eating, drinking, singing, dancing and partying like people did 500 years ago.  On each of the traditional twelve days of Christmas, Lucy reveals a different aspect of the festivities--uncovering fresh insights into the Tudor mind and casting a captivating new light on Christmas itself.

Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudo Christmas Lucy Worsley recreates how Christmas was celebrated during the age of Henry VIII--eating, drinking, singing, dancing and partying like people did 500 years ago. Filmed at some of England's most historic and beautiful locations, she discovers the roots of some of the Christmas customs we still enjoy today, and explores why other festive traditions were lost.

With the help of food historian Annie Gray, she prepares two royal feasts in the kitchens of Hampton Court Palace. Dressed as Henry himself, Lucy samples a stuffed boar's head; later, she tastes a giant forerunner of the Christmas cake. Lucy joins Tudor carol-singers to hear a festive hit written by Henry; experiences the rabble-rousing fun and chaos created by the Lord of Misrule; and enjoys the kind of spectacular entertainment staged at court. She also discovers how ordinary Tudors liked to enjoy themselves--and why the holidays were such a welcome break.

On each of the traditional twelve days of Christmas, Lucy reveals a different aspect of the festivities--uncovering fresh insights into the Tudor mind and casting a captivating new light on Christmas itself."

My Thoughts

I've always been a huge fan of the Tudor dynasty. I love the drama of the royal family, but I also love the time period. A time when there were minstrels in court and woman wore beautiful dresses. Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas gives us a look at another aspect of life during the 1500s.  You'll learn all about the holiday meals and traditions. You'll get a glimpse at the music they played at their festivals. You'll even get to visit some of the historical locations where Henry VII himself celebrated the holidays.

This documentary is a historical masterpiece you won't want to miss. Lucky Worsley was the perfect host and might've stepped out of the time period herself. If you 'd like to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for yourself, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at PBS.org or Amazon.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Explore the Outdoors

 It’s a beautiful day in the Neighborhood in this collection of outdoor episodes. In “ Daniel Explores Nature ,” Daniel and his family are spending the day outside exploring when Daniel spots a beautiful red bird. As they watch the busy bird, they learn how a bird’s nest is built. But, when the nest falls out of the tree, they must figure out how they can help. 

Then, Daniel learns that there is so much to explore when you’re outside as he goes on a nature walk in the forest with O the Owl and Uncle X in “ Daniel’s Nature Walk .” They see frogs, worms, and even spot a rainbow in the sky. In “ Daniel Plays in a Gentle Way ,” Daniel Tiger is playing slowly outside at school, but his friends start to play too fast and rough with him. Daniel and his friends learn that sometimes friends want to play fast, but other times it's important to play slowly and gently. Along with these episodes, viewers will watch Daniel participate with friends and family in activities like learning about lizards, sharing toys with friends, learning to respect each other’s choices, and much more in “ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Explore the Outdoors .”

My Thoughts

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is adorable series about a little tiger and his friends, and all their fun adventures. This DVD has several great shows that center around making exploring the outdoors.  There are six episodes in all including:

Daniel Explores Nature

Daniel's Nature Walk

Daniel Learns About Lizards

Daniel Plays in a Gentle Way

Daniel's Toy

Daniel Feels Two Feelings

My children just love this show. Daniel and his friend all have personalities that kids can relate to, and every episode is educational.   Any fan of Daniel will want this DVD in their collection.

MASTERPIECE Mystery!: Endeavour, Season 7

In Season 7, Endeavour and his colleagues enter a new decade and era of change. Opening on New Year’s Eve 1969, normal order has been resumed and the team reunited at Castle Gate CID, with Chief Superintendent Bright back in charge. However, the events of the past year have left their mark: old friendships will be challenged and new relationships will blossom.

Amidst the dawn of women’s liberation, social progression and scientific growth, the 1970s begin for Oxford’s finest with the discovery of a body at the canal towpath on New Year’s Day. With the only clue in the investigation being a witness who heard whistling on the night of the crime, the team have their work cut out to uncover their culprit. 

My Thoughts

Endeavor is an exciting crime thriller series that centers around a group of police in Oxford in the sixties. Season 7 includes 3 exciting episodes.

Oracle - Morse spends New Years 1969 in an opera house, but a murder in Oxford sets him on a quest to find the killer.

Raga - Two rival gangs start trouble of the streets. 

Zenana - Morse investigates a college campus accident which leads to a series of odd discoveries. 

Even though I'm coming into this series late, I still really enjoyed the dynamics of the characters. It's a nice switch to watch mystery series set in the sixties and early seventies. The show stays very true to the time period and the mysteries will leave you biting your nails. If you'd like to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for  your collection, you can find it on PBS.org or on Amazon.

Asian Americans DVD

This program delivers a bold, new perspective on the Asian American experience that will surprise, move, and inspire audiences. The five-part documentary traces the epic story of Asian Americans, spanning 150 years of immigration, racial politics, international relations, and cultural innovation. It is a timely, clear-eyed look at the vital role that Asian Americans have played in defining who we are as a nation.

Through the lens of the country’s fastest growing population, “ Asian Americans ” illuminates the way one group of Americans, who were long excluded and considered outsiders, have pursued their visions of the American dream. Their stories are a celebration of the grit and resilience of a people that reflect the experience of many Americans. Explore the impact of Asian Americans on the country’s past, present, and future, told through individual lives and personal histories.


My Thoughts

Asian Americans is a really touching documentary that delves into the history of Asian Americans. The five-part DVD delves into 150 years of culture. The journey begins with immigration and covers many important areas including racial politics, international relations, and innovation. Most importantly, it show us show a hard working group of people have overcome all the odds and built a beautiful life.

This is a great documentary that gives us an inside look at the struggles Asian Americans have faced and the battles they have overcome. If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS.org, or on Amazon.

American Experience: The Vote

Honoring the 100 ^th anniversary of the passage of the 19 ^th Amendment of women’s suffrage, “ The Vote ” tells the dramatic story of the epic and surprisingly unfamiliar crusade waged by American women for the right to vote. Focusing primarily on the movement’s final decade, the film charts American women’s determined march to the ballot box, and illuminates the myriad social, political and cultural obstacles that stood in their path.

The series features the voices of unsung warriors of the movement: Mae Whitman voices Alice Paul, Audra McDonald voices Ida B. Wells, Laura Linney voices Carrie Chapman Catt and Patricia Clarkson voices Harriot Stanton Blatch.

Ida B. Wells was an early leader in the civil rights movement and was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also became very involved in the women’s suffrage movement and established several notable women’s organizations. She was arguably the most famous black woman in America at that time. Harriot Stanton Blatch was the daughter of women’s rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton and later championed by Alice Paul , a well-educated singularly-driven Quarter of the movement’s third generation which used the new, “unladylike” tactics that heightened the movement’s visibility as thousands of American women took to the streets to boldly demand their right to full and equal citizenship. Suffragists decided in 1915 to concentrate their energy on the passage of a federal amendment. One faction of the suffragists, the National American Woman Suffrage Association led by President Carrie Chapman Catt, was determined to pursue a moderate course of action by working within the political system. While another, Alice Paul’s National Women’s Party, deployed more confrontational and controversial methods of practice. 

My Thoughts

Women went through so such get the right to vote. The picketing, the arrests, the postcards, the lobbying, the arguing, the force feedings, the constant disappointments. This documentary touches on all that the suffragettes endured so woman would vote today.  I think of women like Alice Paul, the Pankhurst family, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and all they went through and I realize how much I value my right to vote and how I won't waste it, even if I don't like the candidates. 

The Vote reveals just the tip of the iceberg of what some of the women went through to obtain the vote. America and many other countries have fought he same battle. Watch it, imagine yourself in these women's shoes, and then get out there and vote this November.  If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS.org, or on Amazon.

ARTHUR: THE ULTIMATE FRIENDSHIP COLLECTION ON DVD

Join Arthur and his friends for 48 friendship-filled stories with more than 10 hours of fun! In this value packed collection, Arthur, Francine, and Buster must complete a report on ancient Rome in “ Team Trouble .” Will they be able to work together to complete the school assignment? Then, in “ D.W., Bossy Boots ,” D.W. loves to get her own way.

Can she learn how to be nicer to her friends to continue playing with them on the playground? Plus, Arthur receives some bad news in “ Arthur’s Faraway Friend ” – Buster is leaving town to go live with his dad for a while. Is this the end for the two buddies? Answers to these questions and valuable lessons on how to work together as a team, care for others’ feelings, build new friendships, and much more in this 3-disc set of Arthur and his friends’ adventures!

My Thoughts

Arthur is a show that has been around for years. When my teens were little, they loved it. I was happy to see that it was still around a decade later when I had a second batch of kids. Arthur and his little sisters take us on many exciting adventures. Each one teaches a valuable lesson. This DVD set includes forty-eight wonderful episodes all about Author and his friends. Just a few of the episodes you can watch include:

Author Makes The Team
Team Trouble
Poor Muffy
The Big Blow-Up
The Contest
Waiting to Go
The Squirrels
Mr. Alwaysright
I Owe You One
Besties
Muffy Misses Out

I just loved this DVD. All the episodes help teach kids how to deal with the everyday tiffs between siblings.  Arthur is a timeless classic, and I'm sure that some day I'll be watching it with my grandchildren. If you're a fan of the show,  this is a DVD you'll want to have in your collection. You can find online at Amazon or on PBS.org.

NOVA: Eagle Power DVD

The bald eagle is a North American legend with a deep connection to Native American cultures and emblematic status that helped it make a remarkable journey back from the brink of extinction. But what makes this iconic predator so extraordinary? And how does it fit into the global family of some 60 eagle species spread across six continents? NOVA takes viewers into the lives of these spectacular birds, revealing their exceptional strength, eyesight, and flying skills.

Following a nest of bald eagle chicks, viewers watch young birds face everything from sibling rivalries to insect swarms and learn the skills they will need to survive. Meanwhile, researchers’ study one special golden eagle, using cutting-edge filming technology to capture her hunting techniques and flight maneuvers. Learn about the eagle and see how these birds’ exceptional adaptations help them survive and thrive in every imaginable habitat.

My Thoughts

I always enjoy watching documentaries with my children because they're actually leaning something from them. Eagle Power gives you a bird's eye view of the life of our feathered friends. You'll see majestic eagles, and follow their flights, watch them gather and build their nests, and watch them perform acrobatics in the sky that will rival anything you'll see in the Olympics. You're all learn about their connection to Native Americans and all the various species.

This documentary is stunning and educational. It gives you a real sneak peek into the life of eagles, allowing you to see them and appreciate them in so many ways. My children loved it just as much as I did. Watching Eagle Power brings quality to family move night and teaches children to admire and appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer. If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS, or on Amazon.

BERENSTAIN BEARS: BEAR FAMILY VACATION DVD

This July, PBS Distribution will be releasing more than an hour of Berenstain Bears family vacation fun and adventures on DVD. The Berenstains go on a trip to the cabin that is full of mishaps; go to an amusement park; sleep in a 'haunted' lighthouse; get immersed in a family reunion; and more. Children will watch Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister through the ups and downs of their family trips, which always culminate in a worthwhile lesson.

Every purchase supports public television for all.

Families can also find full episodes of PBS KIDS series for free on PBS Stations, the PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel and PBS KIDS digital platforms, including pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app. 

My Thoughts

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 2 brings us hours of beary good fun.  Join these classic characters in some of they most popular episodes. These are stories the whole family can enjoy together time and time again. This DVD includes a selection of home of their greatest episodes including:

Too Much Vacation

Visit Fun Park

The Haunted Lighthouse

By the Sea

Car Trip

Family Get-Together

If you want to pick up a copy of The Berenstain Bears, Golden Sister Edition, you can find it in stores nationwide on online at Amazon. They make a great traditional addition to any family DVD collection.

American Experience: The Man Who Tried to Feed the World

In 1966, drought and an exploding population confronted India with the imminent threat of a severe famine that many scientists and intellectuals feared was a harbinger of global catastrophes to come. As the world’s population outstripped its ability to produce food, India turned to Norman Borlaug, an unassuming plant breeder from Iowa whose combination of scientific knowledge and raw determination had made him a legend among a small handful of fellow specialists.

“The Man Who Tried to Feed the World ” recounts and explores the story of the man who would not only solve India’s famine problem, but would go on to lead a “Green Revolution” of worldwide agricultural programs estimated to have saved one billion lives. He was awarded the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his work but spent the rest of his life watching his methods and achievements come under increasing fire.


My Thoughts

The Man Who Tried to Feed the World is a documentary that centers around a time period where India faced severe famine. In 1966, India's population was growing rapidly and food production couldn't keep up. A scientist named Norman Borlaug who specialized in plant breeding was called into help. His knowledge solved the problem in India, but was also the beginning of the Green Revolution. His work has helped keep the world fed for generations.

This was a great documentary that gives you some historical information on India as well as a scientific look at how we manage to feed our world. It was very eye-opening and gives you a new appreciation of the food on your plate. If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS.org, or on Amazon.

Somewhere South, Season 1

Celebrity chef, author, restaurateur and award-winning host for PBS’ “ A Chef’s Life ,” Vivian Howard, hosts a culinary journey that explores the cultural twists on classic dishes and new traditions that are being formed in the American South. Vivian examines some of the popular dishes that unite us all – dumplings, hand pies, porridge, and many others – and speaks on how these dishes change from culture to culture. In North Carolina, Vivian tries the collard sandwich, a staple of Lumbee Indian cuisine in the Carolinas. Then to West Virginia to eat pepperoni rolls, a dish inspired by coal miners. Vivian travels to Charleston, where rice is king, and enjoys grits along with other rice dishes that are among the favorites of South Carolina’s bustling food scene.

The ensemble cast includes Gregory Fitoussi ( Mr. Selfridge , Spiral ), Adil Ray ( Citizen Khan , Ackley Bridge ), Pallavi Sharda ( Lion ), Dakota Blue Richards ( Endeavour ), Bessie Carter ( Howards End ), Viveik Kalra ( Blinded by the Light ), and Marc Warren ( Safe, Hustle ). 


My Thoughts

Somewhere South is a series all about southern cooking. Host Vivian Howard takes us all across the countryside to sample dishes from various cultures. It addition to learning about the food, you also learn about the people who make them. Vivian's easy personality makes her the perfect host for the series. This is a great way to learn about the history of the south and also learn some new recipes.

This DVD set offers six hours of some of the tastiest Southern dishes. It's a great show for any foodie whose looking for something new.  If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS.org, or on Amazon.