The Piano (DVD)
This controversially erotic film from New Zealand established screenwriter-director Jane Campion as a universally recognized talent. Holly Hunter stars as Ada, a mute 19th-century woman sent to New Zealand in an arranged marriage with a patriarchal landowner (Sam Neill). She brings along her daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), and tries to also bring her beloved piano, much to the consternation of her new husband, who abandons the piano on a beach. Artistically and emotionally frustrated, Ada finds herself experiencing an erotic awakening when Baines (Harvey Keitel), an illiterate settler covered with Maori tattoos, rescues her piano, buys it from her husband, then strikes a strange bargain with Ada that gradually leads to her sexual awakening--and to an explosive confrontation.
Jaw-droppingly beautfiul with its purple and green palette of untamed New Zealand scenery, THE PIANO is both a ravishing love story and a psychosexual fairy tale on a par with WUTHERING HEIGHTS and JANE EYRE. Featuring a haunting piano score by Michael Nyman and brilliant performances, THE PIANO is a masterpiece, considered one of the best films of the 1990s.R"
Director: Jane Campion
ACTORS: Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin
Kidsongs - Play Along Fun Boxed Set (DVD)
A 4-disc boxed set from the Kidsong kids, including: PLAY ALONG SONGS: The Kidsong Kids engage in live action songs such as Come On and Join in the Game, Fooba Wooba John, Three Little Fishes, Chickie Chickie Beat, The Green Grass Grows All Around and others. A DAY AT CAMP: The Kidsong Kids sing 18 summer camp standards such as 99 Bottles of Pop on the Wall and When the Saints Go Marching In. Join the frisky young singers as they hike alone serene mountain paths, fish on a lake, participate in wheelbarrow races and of course, sing tunes around a flaming campfire. BOPPIN` WITH THE BIGGLES: The kids join Billy and Ruby Biggle on a magical trip to the `60s to sing such favorites as Locomotion, La Bamba and Walkin` the Dog. Locations include an authentic 1960`s diner and a Mexican fiesta! VERY SILLY SONGS: The Kidsong Kids sing and dance with exotic animals and special effects to such nonsense classics as Purple People Eater, The Name Game and Mail Myself To You. Along with the usual kids, such crazy characters as a whale with a tail of polka dots and a pig wearing a wig.NR"
J.R.R. Tolkien: Origin of the Rings - An Unauthorized Tribute (DVD)
Reclusive English college professor J.R.R. Tolkien utilized his free time to craft the Middle Earth saga (including LORD OF THE RINGS), a series which became one of the most beloved creations in literary history. But what was Tolkien`s life like and what were his influences? This documentary, through re-creations and never-before-seen interviews with members of his family and other experts, will provide valuable insight into the life of this brilliant writer who became known as The Father of Fantasy. NR"
Iron Maiden - Rock in Rio (DVD)
Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden have sold more than 50 million records over the course of their long, prolific career. ROCK IN RIO is a live performance by the band, filmed at the famed annual festival in Brazil, at which the top rock stars in the world strut their stuff every year. The Maiden perform 18 songs here, at the 2001 festival, including The Wicker Man, Wrathchild, and The Clansman. NR"
Mozart - Cosi Fan Tutte (DVD)
One of the most renowned opera sopranos ever, elegant beauty Cecilia Bartoli shines in this 2000 production of Mozart`s classic opera COSI FAN TUTTE. Inspired by the life of Austrian king Kaiser Joseph II, the complex, somewhat moralizing piece is staged here by the Zurich Opera House and co-stars illustrious opera performers Agnes Baltsa, Liliana Nikiteanu, and Roberto Sacca.NR"
