Downing of a Flag DVD

 Downing of a Flag is a documentary film that focuses on the Confederate Battle flag and its impact on the people, politics, and perceptions of South Carolina and beyond.

Through firsthand interviews featuring various perspectives and a wealth of historical footage, Downing of a Flag traces the symbol's controversial relationship with the Palmetto State, exploring its true meaning and how an unspeakable tragedy served as the catalyst for its long-debated removal. The story begins with the end of the Civil War and chronicles the flag's more than 150-year journey from the blood-soaked battlefields of Virginia to its use in American popular culture in the 1970s and 1980s, to its final removal from the South Carolina State House grounds in July 2015. Preceded by the killing of nine Black parishioners at Charleston's historic Mother Emanuel AME Church by a white supremacist, the Confederate Battle flag's furling and the days and actions that led to that event could represent the final shots and battles of the American Civil War. Despite representing an end to a significant chapter in United States history, Downing of a Flag shows that the events of 2015 did not complete the story. Instead, we continue to see the flag used as a symbol, and as a result, it continues to haunt American democracy.

My Thoughts

Downing of a Flag is a documentary that teaches the history behind the confederate flag. The DVD takes you through 150 years of history. It starts out during the Civil War when it was seen on the battlefield and follows the flag through the different decades. Finally, we learn how the flag was used, ending in 2015 when white supremists carried the flag  during a brutal attack, leading to it being removed from the state house in South Carolina.

The confederate flag is still used as a symbol today  and its a constant reminder of the most trying times in America. This documentary is thought-provoking and informative. If you want to grab a copy for yourself, you can find it on PBS.org or online at Amazon.

Great Performances: Broadway Musicals - A Jewish Legacy DVD

Narrated by Tony®-and Academy Award®-winner Joel Grey, this entertaining documentary mingles cultural history with illuminating perspectives on the origins and meanings of some of Broadway's most beloved songs, stories and shows. With performances by Matthew Broderick, Kelli O'Hara, Zero Mostel, Nathan Lane, Barbra Streisand, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth and many more!

Engaging, humorous and provocative, Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy examines the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical. The film showcases the work of legends such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Interviews with songwriters and luminaries including Sheldon Harnick, Stephen Schwartz, Harold Prince, Arthur Laurents, Charles Strouse and Mel Brooks provide insight, alongside standout performances and archival footage.

My Thoughts

There is nothing I enjoy more than Broadway Musicals. I play the soundtracks in my car and sing along at the top of my lungs.  I only live a few hours from New York, and try to catch a few shows a year. I love experiencing new musicals as well as the classics. This DVD gives us a behind the scenes look at some legendary musicals composed and performed by Jewish artists.  There are interviews and performances by some of my favorites performers including the legendary Barbara Streisand, Idina Menzel, and Kristen Chenoweth.

If you love Broadway, this is a documentary you'll definitely enjoy. It will give you more insight into the work that goes in a live show, and the chance to get up close and personal with the stars you love. If you want to grab a copy of this awesome DVD, you can find it online at Amazon or on PBS.org.

NOVA: Saving Notre Dame DVD

When the Notre Dame cathedral caught fire in April 2019, Paris came very close to losing over 800 years of history. Now engineers are in a different race against time: to rebuild the roof and secure the medieval structure. Underneath the charred scaffolding and vaulted ceilings of the cathedral, scientists study the components of Notre Dame's iconic structure to puzzle out how best to repair it.

But it's a complicated and dangerous task. Underneath the charred scaffolding and vaulted ceilings of the cathedral, scientists study the components of Notre Dame's iconic structure to puzzle out how best to repair it. Deep below the streets of Paris, researchers explore medieval quarries, investigating the marine fossils they hold to figure out where the cathedral ceiling's original limestone was mined from. In a cutting-edge laboratory, glass conservators painstakingly repair Notre Dame's stained-glass windows, removing vaporized lead left behind by the inferno. And in the countryside, carpenters show how specific trees could be chosen for their grain to mimic the curves of the timbers of the cathedral's towering attic—the so-called "forest." As Luck Would Have It, advanced scanning technology had recently been used to create an elaborate digital model of the cathedral, creating an invaluable reference for the original structure. Even as investigators try to piece together what happened the day of the fire, scientists come together across disciplines to determine how they can reconstruct this icon of history and culture—and how such a catastrophe can be avoided in the future.

My Thoughts

Like most people around the world, I watched the television in horror when I heard that Notre Dame was on fire. For me, the loss of such a structure had nothing to do with religion. It was the loss of history; of artwork; something that can never be replaced. In Saving Notre Dame, we follow the path of destruction, getting a first hand view of the firefighters fighting to put out of the flames. But more importantly, it shows you what came after the fire. Scientists have been studying the structure  to try to restore it to its original glory. Artists work to repair the stained glass, and a digital model is used to help the workers to their best to bring the cathedral back to life.

This documentary is a fascinating look at everything that went into the construction of Notre Dame and the battle to restore if. If you'd like to purchase the DVD for yourself,  you can find it online on PBS.org or on Amazon.

Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations DVD

Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations By virtually every yardstick, antisemitism in the US and Europe is rising and worsening in ways not seen since the 1930s. It comes in the forms of vandalism, social media abuse, assault and murder. Like a virus, it mutates and evolves across cultures, borders and ideologies, making it all but impossible to stop. Emmy®-winning filmmaker Andrew Goldberg and producer Diana Robinson explore its infectious behavior in Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations. Goldberg travels through four countries to speak firsthand with victims, witnesses, antisemites, and interview subjects including Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Fareed Zakaria, George Will, Deborah Lipstadt and many others.

With opening narration by Julianna Margulies, the film examines the far right in the US and how it has incited such acts as the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. In Hungary, witness the country's prime minister run a massive campaign against Jewish Holocaust survivor and billionaire George Soros that is very reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. Moving to the far left in England, see the traditionally anti-racist Labour party conflating Israel and Jews, causing tremendous harm to the Jewish community. And in France, delve into the seemingly endless wave of violence against Jews by Islamists and radicals.

The increasing antisemitism within each of these four countries paints a terrifying portrait of how this kind of global hatred begins, and how easily it disseminates. As activist Maajid Nawaz explains, ""If we don't draw a red line in the sand when it comes to antisemitism, Muslims will be next, gays will be next, and everyone else who is deemed a minority will be next.""

My Thoughts

Antisemitism in Four Mutations is a documentary that delves into the core of antisemitism. Every day, Jewish people face hate crimes as serious as murder. In addition, people spew hate from the safety of their computers or vandalize property. The DVD touches on many recent issues such as the shooting at synagogues and even lets us meet a holocaust survivor. This documentary will show you that hate didn't die with the Nazi party. We still have a long way to go to make sure we don't make the same mistakes again.
Hate of any kind shouldn't exist in our world, but sadly this does. This documentary will open to  your eyes to the struggles our Jewish brothers and sisters faced every day. If you want to grab a copy of this  DVD for your library,  you can find them in stores nationwide, at 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.

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.

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.

The Greatest Bond

A touching and inspirational documentary, “ The Greatest Bond ” is an in-depth chronicle about the high cost of war on the brave heroes and heroines who fight for our freedom and a few whose lives have changed by the unconditional love of service dogs that have been trained by female prison inmates. Centered around a service dog organization called Patriot Paws based in Dallas, Texas, many of these traumatized men and women come to Patriot Paws in their darkest hours, as a last resort.

Viewers follow a group of disabled US veterans who are about to be given a service dog and watch them transform as the dogs expand the veterans’ world and start to heal them as well. Not only do these dogs help the veterans on a very practical level, they provide constant emotional support, protection, and relief from the terrors of their combat-related PTSD. Peppered among the vulnerability of the veterans’ stories, viewers experience the lighthearted joy of the puppies, the redirected lives of the female inmates, and the good-natured humor of the Patriot Paws trainers. While the service dogs help on a fundamentally practical level, the audience will be left with the knowledge that ultimately these dogs save lives.

My Thoughts

The Greatest Bond follows the lives of several real life veterans after they return home from battle. Many veterans deal with mental illness and depression as well as physical injuries. This documentary gives us a new appreciation for what veterans sacrifice for us, but it also shares a ray of hope. The veterans in the documentary are given support animals to help them through their difficult times. You also get to see how animals and can help inmates and  meet the trainers who work with the dogs.

Whether you're an animal lover or someone who supports our veterans, you'll love this documentary  and all the deep, meaningful moments it shares. It's touching on many different levels. 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.

NOVA: Cuba’s Cancer Hope

In Cuba, as in the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Decades of economic and political isolation have starved the country of medical resources, leading Cuba’s biomedical researchers to get creative and invent their own immunotherapies. Among them are very promising lung cancer vaccines that can help jumpstart the body’s immune response to cancer. Some U.S. patients are even defying their country’s trade embargo to travel to Cuba for treatment.

This program explores the fascinating history of Cuban biomedical research and follows the journey of two cancer patients, one from the island and one from the U.S., receiving the new vaccines. As they prove effective in some patients, Cuban scientists are teaming up with a leading U.S. cancer institute to develop an even more effective treatment by combining the best of both countries’ research and medical technologies.

My Thoughts 

Cancer is a leading cause of death all over the world, but in Cuba it has become an even bigger problem. Lung cancer especially has been extremely brutal for the citizens. Because they have been put off from other countries for so long due to political isolation, they haven't had access to the same treatments widely available in countries like the USA. This documentary follows the journey of two different cancer patients. One is from Cuba and one is from the United States. Both are trying a new vaccine designed to improve the body's immune response to cancer. In addition, you learn if the countries can overcome their differences to help treat their patients.
This was a fascinating DVD to watch and will help give us hope that a cure for cancer is somewhere on the horizon and that Cuba can get the help that is available now. 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.

Expedition with Steve Backshall, Season 1

In this new series, adventurer and naturalist Steve Backshall ventures into undiscovered territory, endures extreme physical challenges, encounters extraordinary wildlife, and teams up with remarkable people along the way. From free-diving in underground river systems descending deep into the caves of the Maya underworld to kayaking Himalayan whitewater and scaling unclimbed Arctic peaks, these expeditions push Backshall and his expert crew to the limit.

Some of the locations he explores include Oman’s Dhofar Mountains where he is the first to ascend the desert rock face, a Bornean cave system that has only recently been spotted from a dark shadow on a satellite image, and Greenland where he will attempt to summit an unclimbed mountain in the country’s remotest peaks. Backshall and his crew explore many other exciting and untouched locations along the way.  


My Thoughts

Expedition with Steve Backshall follows Steve around the globe as he explores some of the earth's greatest wonders. Whether it's kayaking rapids or scuba diving in caves, you get to see miracles of nature seen by few human eyes. Steve brings you to unexplored areas of the world like snow covered alps and jungles. You'll see the landscape and the beautiful animals that live in these areas. This season includes ten exciting episodes that will take you all over the globe. They include:

Oman: Desert Canyon
Greenland: Frozen Frontier
Suriname: Lost World
Mexico: Flooded Caves
Borneo: Dark Shadow
Bhutan: White Water
Greenland: Ice Mountain
Suriname: Ghost River
Oman: Desert Fortress
This documentary gives you a look at some of the most beautiful, untouched areas of the world without ever leaving the comfort of your home. If you want to get a copy of this amazing documentary on DVD, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

NOVA: The Truth About Fat

For generations, fat has been the enemy, and overweight individuals have been stigmatized and shamed. We’ve demonized it as a cumbersome health risk and cast overweight individuals as too gluttonous or lazy to make healthy choices, but scientists are coming to understand that fat is not so simple. In fact, it’s a fascinating and dynamic organ – one that has more to do with biological processes than personal choices. Now, NOVA asks and answers the questions that surround fat. Do we control our fat or does it control us?

Why don’t sumo wrestlers suffer from the health problems that other obese people do? Why has evolution hardwired us to hang onto fat even when it’s unhealthy? What would happen if you had no fat at all? Through real-life stories of hunter-gatherers, supermodels, and a Biggest Loser contestant, this program explores the complex functions of fat and the role it plays in controlling hunger, hormones, and even reproduction.

My Thoughts 

NOVA always comes out with interesting new documentaries. They teach us about our world and in some cases even about ourselves.The Truth About Fat breaks down the myths about fat and how in some cases, it's actually good for you. It shows you the science behind fat, and why sometimes a sumo wrestler can be healthy even though they are considered obese. It also teaches you how the diet of hunter-gatherers was affected by fat. And if you're a fan of The Biggest Loser, you can meet a contestant.

This documentary gives you the lowdown on fat and and how important it is in your life. If you want to get a copy of this amazing documentary on DVD, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

Ken Burns: Country Music

Directed and produced by noted documentarian, Ken Burns, “ Country Music ” is an epic series that explores the roots of “America’s music.” Focusing on biographies of country music royalty and its original trailblazers: the Carter Family, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash , and more, the documentary also features over 100 interviews with country music stars, 40 of which are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. These include Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Naomi and Wynonna Judd , among many others.

The documentary traces the history of the genre from its early years in the 1920s when country music was called “hillbilly” music, to when Hollywood B movies started the fad of singing cowboys, to the rise of Juke Joints after WWII, which changed the style of the music completely. Throughout, the documentary focuses on the constant struggle between the desire to make country music as mainstream as possible and the periodic reflexes to bring it back to its roots.

At the documentary’s heart are the stories of unforgettable songs and the artists who created them.

My Thoughts

Country Music is an awesome documentary series that brings you eight episodes all about some of the greatest  country legends in history raging from the 1920s to present day. There are features on country music celebrities including Johnny Cash, Jimme Rodgers, and John Denver to name only a few. There were also some great historical extras including the rise of the radio and the phonograph. They also touch on instruments like the fiddle and banjo. Ken Burns has made a real contribution to the history of country music and the culture surrounding it.

This DVD set is a must-have for anyone who is a fan of country music and would make a great holiday gift for anyone whose a fan of the genre. The segment on Jimmie Rodgers was my favorite, but they were all great.  Ken Burns did an amazing job.  If you'd like to purchase this awesome DVD set, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

Becoming Evil: Serial Killers - 7-Part Documentary Series from Mill Creek

Becoming Evil: Serial Killers - 7-Part Documentary Series 

A 7-Part Investigative Documentary Series

True crime. Americans have become fascinated with the media genre in which actual crimes of real people are explored in depth. A genre which exploded at the beginning of the 21st century. A genre that focuses on murder. The more hideous and bizarre, the better with the biggest sub category of true crime being the story of the serial killer. At the heart of these stories lay perplexing questions. Who are they? Why do they kill? Prior to the true crime explosion, psychologists and criminal investigators thought they had the serial killer figured out. But it turns out the answers are much more complex and troubling.



Becoming Evil: Serial Killers is a shocking, new investigative documentary series that profiles some of history’s most notorious mass murderers. This 7-part documentary series is filled with expert interviews and in-depth portraits of some of America’s most infamous killers including John Wayne Gacy, David Berkowitz, Richard Ramirez, James DeAngelo, Aileen Wuornos, Jeffrey Dahmer, Andrew Cunanan, Ted Bundy and many others.

Includes Digital Access!

Episodes:

Ep. 1 - Mind of the Serial Killer
Ep. 2 - Victims and the Media
Ep. 3 - America's Most Notorious Serial Killers: The First Wave
Ep. 4 - The Second Wave: America's Most Notorious Serial Killers
Ep. 5 - Lady Serial Killers
Ep. 6 - International Serial Killers
Ep. 7 - 21st Century Serial Killers

Journey to the South Pacific

Journey to the South Pacific 

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South Pacific will take moviegoers on a breathtaking IMAX® adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea.  Join Jawi, a young island boy as he takes us on a journey of discovery to this magical place where we encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures of the sea.  Home to more than 2,000 species of sea life, this exotic locale features the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth.  An uplifting story of hope and celebration, Journey to the South Pacific highlights the importance of living in balance with the ocean planet we all call home.

My Thoughts

This is such a great show.  The Journey to the South Pacific documentary gives you an upfront and personal look into the world of sea life. I enjoy all documentaries, and this one is no different. This time, we follow different animal families including whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.   You learn how they survive the wild terrains of their habitat. There's so much action in this show, it's not much different than watching a movie. Expect, this is real life, which makes it so much more fascinating. 

I really enjoyed watching this documentary. I love watching the animals interact and seeing the beautiful landscapes of far-off lands I know I'll never be able to visit. The narration gives you just enough plot without interfering with the nature effect.  My whole family enjoyed watching this show together, and my children range in age from 7-18.  With Journey to the South Pacific, you can make family movie night both fun and educational.

A BEAUTIFUL PLANET4K UHD Digital from Mill Creek

A BEAUTIFUL PLANET4K UHD Digital

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence, A Beautiful Planet is a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before.  Made in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the film features stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet – and the effects humanity has had on it over time – captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).  From space, Earth blazes at night with the electric intensity of human expansion – a direct visualization of our changing world.  But it is within our power to protect the planet.  As we continue to explore and gain knowledge of our galaxy, we also develop a deeper connection to the place we all call home. 

My Thoughts

I love documentaries, especially ones that take me to places I know I'll never be able to visit myself. A Beautiful Planet gives us a look at the world through the eyes of an astronaut. Using footage from NASA and the International Space Station, we get to see our home  in ways we never imagined only a few decades ago.  The documentary also looks into whether its possible for us to protect the planet as we gain knowledge of our galaxy.

I really enjoyed watching this. The colors of the earth are so spectacular. To see our world and how small we are in the vastness of the universe really puts things into perspective. This is a great show to watch with your children to help them learn a little about the world they live in.