Burnat’s film Five Broken Cameras has been nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category. While in detention Burnat texted Michael Moore for help. Moore tweeted about it and all was good. The immigration folks hadn’t been briefed on what an official Academy Award nomination looks like. BTW we recently added Five Broken Cameras to the […]
Continue readingHot Docs: Kansas vs Darwin
Hot Docs highlights interesting new documentaries we’ve recently added to our collection. Kansas vs Darwin (DVD 10562) addresses the ongoing argument between the theory of evolution and intelligent design by focusing on a specific, famous battle with the Kansas State Board of Education. In 2005, the school board considered requiring teaching intelligent design to be […]
Continue readingBurning question: Does Best Picture matter?
With all the Oscar hullabaloo (of which we’re guilty as well), it’s easy to accept that the Oscars matter, that the acting winners represent the fines that Hollywood offers, and that an institution as venerated as the Academy is the official tastemaker. Take a step back and read this interesting and controversial opinion from Rob […]
Continue readingEven more short films screening in DC
Continuing yesterday’s theme, there are more and more opportunities to see what’s new in the burgeoning short film scene. This weekend, DC Shorts will present a series of award-winning short films, including previous Oscar contenders (and some of this year’s nominees). The hour-and-a-half showcase costs $12 and runs twice daily throughout the weekend. Take advantage […]
Continue readingWatch Academy Award-winning short films right now
The 85th Academy Awards kick off one week from tonight. We’ll have plenty of lists of past winners and nominees in the coming weeks, but for now, let’s direct attention to the lesser-heralded short film catagories. Since 1932, the Academy has honored short films in a number of categories, including documentaries and animation. Though they […]
Continue readingToday’s film oddity: The Kidnappers Foil
Here’s a piece of film history so unusual that it must be shared. For forty years, con artist and filmmaker Melton Barker traveled across the United States, roping in small towns to produce a short film titled The Kidnappers Foil that would star local children and premiere in a local theater. As you could imagine, […]
Continue readingHot Docs: It’s a Girl
Hot Docs highlights interesting new documentaries we’ve recently added to our collection. It’s a Girl (DVD 10633) exposes the expanding issue of “gendercide” in India and China. Because of cultural traditions and one-child policies in these countries, female children are often mistreated, killed, abused, or abandoned. It’s a Girl reveals these injustices and who is […]
Continue readingIs the special effects business in trouble?
Common sense dictates that special effects sell movie tickets. If you look at a list of the most successful movies in the world, 18 of the 20 highest-grossing live-action films are notable for their high-quality CGI. Big, splashy effects drive people to seats, get them to buy DVDs, and frequently win critical acclaim. One recent […]
Continue readingCozy up with some romantic films
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and there’s no avoiding it if you’re in any center of commerce. If you’re one of those people who likes this annual, culturally mandated celebration of love and greeting cards, we’re got you covered. Our Pinterest page has a section for romantic films and […]
Continue readingNew Acquisitions – February 2013
The Oscar season onslaught has begun! The big movies from fall 2012 are starting to hit DVD, and we’re picking them up. The first big name in our batch is Flight, the Robert Zemeckis film that has Denzel Washington in contention for Best Actor. Other notables include documentary nominee Detropia and Frankenweenie, Tim Burton’s return […]
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