Library DVD Guide July - August 2008
|
Get more releases by genre: |
NEWS
Digital downloads on the rise
Though digital downloads are catching on at libraries, the high-definition disc format is still a long way behind standard DVD. Patrons are increasingly requesting downloads of movies and TV programs, says Mary Getchell, communications director for the Pierce County Library System, Washington’s fourth largest system, with 95,000 DVDs representing 19,500 different titles. Full story
RFID tags increase efficiency
Radio frequency identification tags increasingly provide a cost-effective way for libraries to get a grasp on sprawling inventories. But plain old barcoding isn’t ready for the history books just yet. Full story
DVDs, books cross promoted
The pen just may be mightier than the sword, but DVDs—not books—are killing at library checkout counters. “DVDs are a small percentage of the entire collection, but they circulate more than anything else,” says Ellen Druda, media and Internet services coordinator for Half Hollow Hills Community Library in Dix Hills, N.Y. Full story
UPCOMING TITLES
COMEDY
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Universal) A middle-age governess (Frances McDormand) is employed by an American actress (Amy Adams) with a glamorous life in this limited-release movie. Street Aug. 19, prebook July 15; DVD $29.98
DRAMA
Impact Point (Sony) Volleyball player Kelly Reyes (Melissa Keller) has thought of nothing else but the game until a mysterious reporter (Brian Austin Green) comes into her life and strange things happen. Street July 8, prebook June 5; DVD $24.96
Penelope (Summit) A woman (Christina Ricci) cursed with a pig nose tries to find true love in order to break the spell in this $9.7 million-grossing film. Street July 15, prebook June 10; DVD $25.99
Disfigured (Cinema Libre) An overweight woman befriends a recovering anorexic. Street July 29, prebook June 17; DVD $24.95
The Mighty Celt (Cinequest) Gillian Anderson stars as a single mother whose son has developed a passion for greyhound racing and one dog in particular. Street July 15, prebook June 18; DVD $24.99
Twin Daggers (Lionsgate) A hit man falls for his target in this film starring Lost’s Rhett Giles. Street July 22, prebook June 25; DVD $26.98
ACTION/ADVENTURE
Guardians (Lightyear/Warner) When a town is overrun with hideous creatures summoned from another dimension, the Guardians are called in to battle them and save mankind. Street July 15, prebook June 10; DVD $19.97
HORROR
Jekyll: Fear the Monster Within (Lightyear/Warner) When Dr. Jekyll creates his alter-ego avatar and then downloads it into his brain, he turns into a psychopathic hedonist. Street July 8, prebook June 3; DVD $19.97
SCI-FI/FANTASY
Dark City Director’s Cut (Warner) In this 1998 film starring Kiefer Sutherland and William Hurt, a man struggles with memories of his past in a world run by beings with telekinetic powers. Street July 29, prebook June 24; DVD $19.97, BD $34.99
WESTERN
Errol Flynn: The Warner Westerns Collection (Warner) This set contains Montana, Rocky Mountain, San Antonio and Virginia City. Street Aug. 26, prebook July 22; DVD $49.92
How the West Was Won Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Warner) This 1962 movie covers the 19th century westward expansion, from the Gold Rush to the Civil War. Street Aug. 26, prebook July 22; DVD $59.92, two-disc $20.97, BD $34.99
Western Classics Collection (Warner) This set contains Escape From Fort Bravo, Many Rivers to Cross, Cimarron, The Law and Jake Wade, Saddle the Wind and The Stalking Moon. All titles also will be available individually (DVD $12.97 each). Street Aug. 26, prebook July 22; DVD $59.92
FAMILY/CHILDREN’S
The Batman: The Complete Fifth Season (Warner) The Kids WB animated series features the Caped Crusader working with Superman, The Flash and Green Arrow, among others. Street July 8, prebook June 17; DVD $19.98
Teen Titans: The Complete Fifth Season (Warner) The Cartoon Network series features Robin, Starfire and Raven fighting against Brain and the Brotherhood of Evil. Street July 8, prebook June 17; DVD $19.98
TV DVD
Caroline in the City: The Complete First Season (CBS/Paramount) Lea Thompson stars as a cartoonist in this three-disc set. Street Aug. 12, prebook July 1; DVD $42.99
Dexter: The Complete Second Season (CBS/Paramount) This four-disc set contains the Showtime drama series about a forensics expert who also is a serial killer. Street Aug. 19, prebook July 8; DVD $42.99
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The Director’s Series: Andre Techine 4-Film Collection (Lionsgate) Four award-winning films from France’s acclaimed director: Wild Reeds, My Favorite Season, I Don’t Kiss and Hotel America; in French with English subtitles. Street July 22, prebook June 25; DVD $34.98
Dirty Money (Lionsgate) Two friends on opposite sides of the law fall in love with the same woman in this 1972 French film with English subtitles. Street July 22, prebook June 25; DVD $19.98
Heartbeat Detector (New Yorker) Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) stars as a psychologist who discovers a link between upper management and Nazism; in French with English subtitles. Street July 22, prebook June 25; DVD $29.95
DOCUMENTARIES
Life in Cold Blood (BBC/Warner) David Attenborough hosts this series about amphibians and reptiles. Street Aug. 5, prebook July 1; two-disc set $34.98
MUSIC
Snoop Dogg: Drop It Like It’s Hot (MVD) The rapper’s 2005 performance in Brussels, featuring hits “Gin & Juice” and “What’s My Name?” Street July 8, prebook June 3; DVD $19.95
SPORTS
Yankee Stadium: Baseball’s Cathedral (Shout Factory/Vivendi) This title looks at the famous ballpark, from its opening day in 1923 to 2008. Street July 1, prebook June 3; two-disc set $26.99
—Compiled by Cheryl Biggs and Cheryl Cheng
Click for a full list of new releases
Click for the previous Library DVD Guide