TIME: Almanac 1990/1990 Time Magazine Compact Almanac, The (1991)(Time).iso/time/cal/89choice.npt

Text File | 1991-05-04 | 21KB | 557 lines

Nonprint Editor's Choice

Video

Abused Children and the Law. Churchill Films, 12210 Nebraska Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90025. 35min. $285.

With an incisive journalistic eye for gathering experts' opinions,
observing shattered domestic scenes, and spying families gone awry,
this serious and provocative production examines the controversial
and emotional issue of child molestation. Adult.


Africa's Stolen River. National Geographic Society Educational
Services, Dept. 89, Washington, DC 20036. 59min. $26.95 (pub.
perf.).

This riveting, meticulously shot nature program vividly depicts
the devastatingly harsh conditions on an African plain when the
Savuti Channel mysteriously stopped flowing, wildlife perished, and
raging fires destroyed the landscape. Ages 16-adult.


Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. AIMS
Media, 6901 Woodley Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91406. 14min. Video, $290.
Film, $330.

From chewing gum entangled in his hair to the dentist's discovery
of a cavity, young Alexander endures a relentless barrage of
catastrophes in this fine live-action adaption of Judith Viorst's
popular portrayal of a boy's bad day. Ages 4-10.


American Dream at Groton. WETA Visions, P.O. Box 2626, Washington,
DC 20013. 60min. $44.95 (pub. perf.).

Interviews with distinguished alums and conversations with current
students and faculty reveal a prestigious boarding school's halting
attempts to humanize its privileged students' outlooks. Ages
16-adult.


And Then Came John. Library. 124 E. 40th St. New York, NY 10016.
36min. $350.

Active participation in community life for an adult with Down
syndrome is encouraged by a supportive California community and a
determined mother, whose snapshots reconstruct her son's youth.
Ages 12-adult.


Anne of Avonlea: The Continuing Story of Anne of Green Gables.
Direct Cinema. P.O. Box 69799, Los Angeles, CA 90069. 230min.
Video, $150 (pub. perf.). Film, $3,495 (Also available in home
video).

Magnificent setting back evocative portrayals in this lavish
adaption of three Lucy Maud Montgomery titles. This sequel to Anne
of Green Gables traces the heroine's teaching career and
relationship with Gil. Ages 10-adult.


Beauty & the Beast. Hi-Tops Video, 5730 Buckingham Pkwy., Culver
City, CA 90230. 26:10min. $1498 (pub. perf.).

Sophisticated animation of Mordicai Gerstein's delicate book
illustrations melded with animation of Mordicai Gerstein's an
extraordinary expressive narration and atmospheric music create a
magical work of art. The first of the stunning Stories to Remember
series. Ages 3-adult.


Blue Collar and Buddha. Filmakers Library, 124 E. 40th St., New
York, NY 10016. 57min. $295.

The cultural, social, and economic clashes between the longtime
residents of mostly Christian, blue-collar Rockford, Illinois, and
the new Laotian immigrants unfold in this stirring, nonnarrated
documentary. Adult.


Books Kids Love. Winward, P.O. Box 50, BL190, Amherst, NY 14226.
42min. Video, $29.95. (Pub. perf., $75).

An on-camera host links live-action at-home views and
well-reproduced illustrations in this innovative program that
encourages parents to read to their children as it introduces
approximately 50 high-quality books for various ages. Adult.


Calling the Shots. Direct Cinema, P.O. Box 69799, Los Angeles, CA
90069. 118min. Video, $79.95 (Pub. perf., $150). Film, $1,495.

Conversations with film directors, many of whom trace their career
roots to documentary filmmaking, constitute this ambitious work
focusing on the obstacles facing female filmmakers in a
male-dominated industry. Adult.


The Congress. Direct Cinema, P.O. Box 69799, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
90min. Video, $495. Film, $1,495.

Crystalline cinematography illuminates this evaluation of the
democratic system as it focuses on various members of Congress
throughout history. Ages 13-adult.


The Constitution: A History of Our Future. Coronet/MTI Film &
Video, 108 Wilmont Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015. 21min. $325.

This spirited production fosters an understanding and appreciation
of the U.S. Constitution through a competent blending of
authentically costumed vignettes, animated sequences, and patriotic
music. Gr. 6-10.


Diapers and Delirium: Care and Comfort for Parents of Newborns.
Lifecycle Productions, P.O. Box 183, Newton, MA 02165. 27min.
$24.95 (pub. perf.).

Buffered with humor and based on encouragement and practical
advice, this valuable how-to production offers tips for surviving
postpartum adjustments. Adult.


Ethnics in America. CPB/Annenberg Project. 2 programs (each
60min.).   Each, $29.95 (pub. perf.). Series, $275.

Diverse, articulate, and witty discourse about ethical dilemmas
makes stimulating viewing in Do unto Others and Under Orders, under
Fire, two segments sampled from a provocative 10-part television
series. Adult.


Family Gathering. New Day Films, 853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.
30min. Video, $325. Film, $450.

Interviews, home movies, historical footage, and stills create an
intriguing family album that recalls the talented filmmaker's
Japanese American roots, especially the tragic aftermath of her
grandfather's internment during World War II. Adult.


Fast Forward Future. Instructional Media Institute, c/o Weston
Woods, Weston, CT 06883. 61min. $100.

Thoroughly exploring the pressures associated with drug use, this
outstanding dramatization uses a high-tech setting to convey
refusal and problem-solving techniques. Gr.3-8.


First Degree Murder Trial. GPN, P.O. Box 80669, Lincoln, NE 68501.
4hrs. $75 (pub. perf.).

This lengthy, engrossing four-part program follows the actual
proceedings in a 1982 murder trial in which the defendant is
accused of premeditated murder in the fatal stabbing of an
acquaintance following a raucous holiday party. Adult 16-adult.


Frog on His Own. Phoenix/BFA Films & Video, 468 Park Ave. S., New
York, NY 10016. 14min. Video, $260. Film, $365.

Adventuring in a city park, Mercer Mayer's revered amphibian hops
from one unlikely location and humorous escapade to another in this
embellished adaptation set to Handel's music. Ages 3-adult.


Girltalk. Filmakers Library, 124 E. 40th St., New York, NY 10016.
55min. $445.

Three streetwise women, seemingly no more than children themselves,
are intimately observed and interviewed in this humanizing
portrait. Ages 16-Adult.

Goggles. Coronet/MTI Film & Video, 108 Wilmot Rd., Deerfield, IL
60015. 12min. Video, $250. Film. $320.

Urban youngsters inventively overcome the manipulations of older
boys in this live-action adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats' story. Ages
4-8.


Great Chef's Great B-Que. Great Chefs' Television Productions, P.O.
Box 70677, New Orleans, LA 70172. 90min. $19.95 (pub. perf.).

Sparkling footage and toe-tapping music invite viewers along in
lively exploration of top barbecue restaurants and a practical
sampling of recipes for home kitchens. Ages 16-adult.


He's No Hero. Intermedia, 1300 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle, WA 90109.
18min. $189.

Pulsating rock music opens this dramatization involving a pregnant
teen and her apparently uncaring boyfriend as black-and-white
flashbacks and teen conversations help explore male sexual
attitudes, stereotypes, and roles. Ages 12-17.


How Hitler Lost the War. Varied Directions, 69 Elm St., Dept. BL,
Camden, ME 04843. 68min. $59.95 (pub. perf.).

Convincing testimony proposes that U.S. arms and resources did not
win World War II as much as Hitler's military and tactical blunders
lost it. Ages 15-adult.


Inside Life Outside. New Day Films, 121 W. 27th St., New York, NY
10001. 57min. $290.

This graphic documentation of one family's daily life on the
streets of New York City memorably humanizes the plight of the
homeless. Adult.


The Impossible Takes a Little Longer. Indiana University,
Audio-Visual Center, Bloomington, IN 47405. 46min. Video, $170.
Film, $595.

Sensitively raising viewer consciousness about the competence with
which four disabled women handle their office duties, this fine
documentary reveals creative adaptations in scheduling and the use
of modern technology. Ages 14-adult.


It Won't Happen to Me. MTI Film & Video, 108 Wilmot Rd., Deerfield,
IL 60015. 32min. Video, $495. Film, $595.

This poignant dramatization depicts a highschooler who finally
comes to terms with his addiction to alcohol in a support group
that he joins to avoid criminal charges. Gr. 7-12.


Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth, will Bill Moyers. Mystic
Fire Video, P.O. Box 1202, Montauk, NY 11954. 2 programs (each
58min.). Each, $29.95 (pub. perf.). Series, $149.95.

Bill Moyers and the late mythology scholar Joseph Campbell
articulately discuss heroes and heroic actions and compare the
images of God in world religions and ancient cultures. The Hero's
Adventure and Masks of Eternity represent this inspiring six-part
series. Adult.


Koko's Kitten. Churchill Films, 12210 Nebraska Ave., Los Angeles,
CA 90025. 16min. Video, $325. Film, $435.

Through her phenomenally communicative relationship with the
scientist who raised her, gorilla Koko expresses her desire for a
kitten. Scenes of the massive mammal gently fondling her delicate
pet leave indelible impressions. Ages 4-10.


Lyle Lyle Crocodile. Ambrose Video Publishing, 381 Park Ave. S, New
York, NY 10016. 24min. $69.95 (pub. perf.). (Also available in home
video.)

Charles Strouse's original music score fuels this delightful
animated adaptation of Bernard Waber's House on East Eighty-eighth
Street, recounting the escapades of a crocodile who shares the
Primm family's city apartment. Ages 4-8.


The Making of Liberty. Guggenheim Productions, 3121 South St. NW,
Washington, DC 20007. 57min. $29.95 (pub. perf.).

Magnificently shot, musically enhanced images capture the Statue
of Liberty's design, construction, and recent restoration while
celebrating nineteenth-century. French sculptor Frederic-Auguste
Bartholdi's 20-year involvement with the monument . Ages 14-adult.


Marc Brown Does Hand Rhymes. American School Publishers, 11 W. 19th
St., New York, NY 10017. 20min. $30.

Fine camera work of Marc Brown's charming book illustrations and
of his interactions with schoolchildren highlights this adaptation
of Brown's book as expressive hand movements are accompanied by
joyful tunes. Ages 3-5.


Morris Goes to School. Churchill Films, 12210 Nebraska Ave., Los
Angeles, CA 90025 14min. Video, $305. Film, $405.

Artful three-dimensional puppet animation, whimsical
characterization, and buoyant music expand B. Wiseman's simple I
Can Read book into an engaging exploration of the pleasures of
primary school. Ages 4-8.


Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. Weston Woods Studios, Weston, CT
06883. 14min. Video, $120. Film, $425.

Backed by African music and a cadenced narration, John Steptoe's
vivid illustration, depicting the legendary rivalry of two sisters,
are artfully captured in this adept adaptation. Ages 4-8.


No Easy Road: Michael Buerk's South Africa. Films Inc., 5547 N.
Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640. 43min. $129.

This well-crafted, eye-opening personal odyssey documents BBC
correspondent Buerk's troubling observations during his four-year
stint as a reporter in South Africa. Ages 17-adult.


Noah's Ark. Hi-Tops Video, 5730 Buckingham Pkwy., Culver City, CA
90230. 27min. $14.98 (pub. perf.).

Exemplary animation expands on Peter Spier's renowned picture book,
making viewers feel part of the rough, biblical boat ride. Narrated
by James Earl Jones and set to Stewart Copeland's score, this is
an unforgettable voyage. Ages 3-8.


Notes from a Lady at a Dinner Party. Barr Films, 12801 Schabarum
Ave., Irwindale, CA 91706. 25min. $395.

A handsome, budding architect, the architect's former teacher and
the teacher's flirtatious young wife are featured in this
well-acted, provocative adaptation of a Bernard Malamud short
story. Adult.


Old Sturbridge Village. Select Video, 3301 W. Hampden Ave.,
Englewood, CO 80110. 30min. $24.95 (pub. perf.).

Descriptive views and the comments of costumed interpreters display
the exacting mission and meticulous execution of living-history
museums in this fresh and informative Video Tours title for both
travelers and students of history. Ages 11-adult.


Paucartambo: The Rest of the River. Wombat Film & Video, 250 W.
57th St., New York, NY 10019. 60min. $59.95. (Pub. perf., $250).

Spectacular cinematography records the exhilaration and fear
experienced by kayakers during a return trip through turbulent
waters in the Peruvian Andes. Ages 16-adult.


Power of Choice: Depression and Suicide. Live Wire Video
Publishers, 3315 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94118. 30min.
$64.95 (pub. perf.).

Using a light tough to explore serious issues, a probation officer
turned comedian helps teens to put their crises in perspective and
to respond to friends in need. One in a 12-part series. Ages
13-adult.


Ramona. Churchill Films, 12210 Nebraska Ave., Los Angeles, CA
90025. 2 programs (each 27min.). Each video, $59 (pub. perf.). Each
film, $435. (Also available in home video.).

Undeniably realistic and humorous family interactions are portrayed
by an appealing cast in The Perfect Day and Rainy Sunday, two
superb segments in a high-quality, 10-part series adapted from
Beverly Clearly's popular novels. Ages 5-10 and adult.


Revolt of Mother. Fries Home Video, 6922 Hollywood Blvd., Los
Angeles, CA 90028 46min. $24.95 (pub. perf.).

With memorable acting and beautiful staging, this adaptation of a
Mary Wilkins Freeman story portrays the common experience of
woman's decision to get what she wants. Ages 14-adult.


The Scientific Method. Barr Films, P.O. Box 7878, Irwindale, CA
91706. 23min. Video, $360. Film, $510.

A well-crafted script and great camera work mark this useful
investigation into the necessary steps of observation, hypothesis,
and experimentation to help students construct their lab projects
scientifically. Gr. 7-12.

A Season in the Sun. Benchmark Films, 145 Scarborough Rd.,
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. 55min. Video, $595. Film, $795.

In their inimitable tradition, Joan and Alan Root powerfully
document animals' struggle for surviving during East Africa's
annual drought. Ages 12-adult.


The Tale of the Wonderful Potato. Phoenix/BFA Films & Video, 468
Park Ave. S, New York, NY 10016. 24min. Video, $300. Film, $495.

This jubilantly animated, lightheartedly instructive fare traces
worked history through the impact of the lowly but influential
potato. Ages 6-adult.


Talking to the Enemy: Voices of Sorrow and Rage. Filmakers Library,
124 E. 40th St., New York, NY 10016. 55min. Video, $445.

A moving personal dialogue is established between two individuals
who begin to bridge the bitter gap separating Israel and Palestine
in this compelling study of the human dimensions of the war-torn
conflict. Ages 16-adult.


Tin Toy. Direct Cinema, P.O. Box 69799, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
5min. Video, $75. Film, $175.

Unusual camera angles depict a mechanical toy's wary perspective
during his encounter with a diaper-clad baby in this winsome
triumph of computer animation. Ages 2-adult.


Voices from the Attic. Direct Cinema, P.O. Box 69799, Los Angeles,
CA 90069. 57min. Video, $250. Film, $895.

Filmmaker Debbie Goldstein's return to the Polish peasant's home
where her mother and 14 other family members eluded the Gestapo is
intensified by historical documentation, relatives' recollections,
and Goldstein's perceptions as a child of Holocaust survivors. Ages
12-adult.


Waltzing Matilda. AIMS Media, 6901 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA
91406. 8min. video, $150. Film, $195.

The familiar Australian song about an "unlucky swagman who runs
afoul of a rich landowner" is enchantingly adapted in this clay
animation short featuring roadside chorus of native animals. Ages
4-adult.


The Wannsee Conference. Films, Inc., 5547 N. Ravenswood Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60640. 85min. $89 (pub. perf.).

A stunningly realistic enactment of the January 20, 1942, meeting
of Nazi bureaucrats that sealed the fate of Europe's Jews. Ages
16-adult.


Who Cares for the Children? Filmakers Library, 124 E. 40th St., New
York, NY 10016. 58min. $445.

On-site evaluations of available day-care and the observations of
child care experts thoughtfully address the needs of working
parents, their children, and their day-care providers and
contemplate the social risks of a day-care shortage. Adult.


Wild Women Don't Have the Blues. California Newsreel, 149 Ninth
St., San Francisco, CA 94103. 58min. Video, $250. Film, $850.

Captivating music and mellifluous narration fire this dynamic
documentary that highlights the tradition of blues performers, from
the Roaring Twenties to the 1980s. Ages 14-adult.


The Wreck and Rescue of the Schooner J. H. Hartzell. Brauer
Productions, 402 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684. 58min. Video,
$225. Film, $1,100.

With period costumes and a backdrop of the scenic Great Lakes
region, this involving docudrama re-creates the 1888 grounding of
an imposing craft during a devastating predawn storm. Ages
14-adult.


You Don't Have to Die. Ambrose Video Publishing, 381 Park Ave. S,
New York, NY 10016. 30min. Video, $69.95 (pub. perf.).

A charming 10-year-old's unexpected triumph over cancer frames this
riveting program, which blends distinctive animation, convincing
reenactments, and candid interviews with the youngster's family and
friends. Ages 6-adult.


Filmstrips

Fox's Dream. American School Publishers, 11 W. 19th St., New York,
NY 10011. $30.

Artful photography and dramatic narration capture the mood of
Tejima's exquisite woodcuts in his timeless tale about a fox caught
in a wintry landscape. Ages 4-7.


Heckedy Peg. American School Publishers, 11 W. 19th St., New York,
NY 10011. $30.

In this stellar adaptation of Don and Audrey Wood's picture book,
folk music enhances the mood of the majestic visuals, reminiscent
of sixteenth-century England, in this tale of seven children who
fall under a witch's spell. Ages 5-7.


I Have a Friend. American School Publishers, 11 W. 19th St., New
York, NY 10011. $30.

This delightful story of a boy and his shadow is told through Keiko
Narahashi's watercolors and an original score that refreshingly
convey the joy of friendship and a fear of the dark. Ages 3-6.


Audio

The Alphabet Operetta, MVO Records, Rt. 1, Box 274, Vashon, WA
98970. 30min. Cassette, $9.95.

An original song for every letter of the alphabet highlights each
letter's sounds and eccentricities in this lively, imaginative, and
well-performed musical production. Ages 4-6.


Beginning with Excellence: An Adult Guide to Great Children's
Reading. Sound Advantage Audio Publishers, 61 Walk Hill St.,
Boston, MA 02130. 3hrs. 3 cassettes, transcript, $29.95.

Authors, editors, librarians, teachers, and children offer their
views on good books for children in this useful resource for both
professionals and parents. Adult.


Even Trolls Have Moms. Educational Graphics Press, P.O. Box 180476,
Austin, TX 78719 30min. Phonodisc or cassette, $9.95.

Thoroughly modern and roaringly original, Joe Scruggs' collection
of 11 consistently creative songs makes an inviting, easy-to-sing
along recording. Ages 4-9.


Fran Avni Sings Artichokes and Brussel Sprouts. Silo/Alcazar, P.O.
Box 429, Dept. 320, Waterbury, VT 05676. 42min. Cassette, $9.95.

Story songs, movement songs, and sing-alongs invite listeners'
active participation in this fresh, wholesome, and involving
resource, Ages 3-8.


The Kids of Widney High: Special Music from Special Kids. Rounder
Records, 1 Camp St., Cambridge, MA 02140. 40min. Phonodisc or
cassette, $9.98.

Proving that there are no limitations on creativity, this
collection of 14 songs composed and performed by high school
students with severe disabilities honestly evidence teenagers'
universal desires. Ages 10-adult.


Thinking about Drinking. SounDocumentaries, P.O. Box 777, Dept. BL,
Cambridge, MA 02139. 6hrs. 6 cassettes, $99.50.

Exposition, interviews, and vignettes address the topic of alcohol
addiction and consider pertinent personal, domestic, and societal
issues in a factual, illuminating, and provocative presentation.
Ages 15-adult.


Source: Booklist Magazine, Jan. 15, 1990.