Wartime Britain

While the DVD world is filled with action/adventure movies about World War II, there are far too few good movies about the lives of the people on the homefront: This excellent set features three of the best. Island at War is an epic, yet intimate, look at the Britons living on the tiny Channel Island during the German occupation, while The Heat of the Day shows the seedier side of patriotism as a sinister government agent tries to blackmail a woman into bed. The third film, Housewife, 49, tells the story of a timid housewife who discovers her inner strength and independence through the volunteer work she does to help the war effort. The acting in all three is top-notch, particularly Victoria Wood’s performance in Housewife, 49, and Michael Gambon’s as the sinister seducer in The Heat of the Day. The entire cast of Island at War is phenomenal, particularly Philip Glenister as the sinister Baron Von Rheingarten.

GBH

It takes a while to get involved in this complicated tale of British politics, but the effort is worth it. Robert Lindsay is absolutely fascinating to watch as the egomaniacal Labour party leader as he tries to mold the country to his vision of what it should be, but it’s Michael Palin’s dramatic turn as the emotionally troubled school administrator who stands up to him that steals the film. (Palin’s commentary on Episode 1 is well worth your time, too.)

The September Issue

The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Vogue, without a doubt the bible of fashion that tells the world what is in and what is out. And if Vogue is the bible of fashion then the Messiah is editor in chief Anna Wintour. While she may have the legendary reputation of being a grueling dictator, this documentary does great job of detailing the demanding, strenuous job she has being the final judge of practically every item of clothing that we see when we step into a mall or department store.

200 Motels

If touring is anywhere near as strange as it is depicted in this cult classic, then we’re lucky there are still bands left for us to hear. Directed by Tony Palmer, the film stars Frank Zappa and his band, The Mothers of Invention, singing about everything from tuna fish sandwiches to nun suits painted on a box as they cavort around a soundstage acting out their weird and wonderful stories of life on the road. Fans of the musician and his unique blend of silly lyrics and truly complicated compositions will love seeing Zappa and his musicians perform (on and off stage). The rest of the world may have trouble getting into this unique – and oh so 70s – vision. But it’s worth it, in a weirdly satisfying way.

Public Enemies

The story of notorious depression-era bank robber John Dillinger, a charismatic outlaw who was hated by the cops but loved by the people, is the kind of edgy mainstream role Johnny Depp seems custom made for, and he makes the most of it in this explosive Michael Mann movie. Marion Cotillard, who plays Dillinger’s main squeeze Billie Frenchette, gives the movie just the right touch of soul. The high def video resolution, which looked like crap when projected in theaters, works much better on DVD.

Chris Angel Mind Freak Collectors Edition

The tricks – sorry, illusions – that magician Chris Angel does on his show, Mindfreak, are amazing. The way he brings them out of the showroom and to the people on the street is cool, too, although their astonishment at watching him float on air or do a fancy card tricks feels phonier and phonier the more you watch the show. The big problem with watching Mindfreak, however, is the freakish man behind it all. You admittedly need a big ego to do what Angel does, but the man’s endless talking about himself and how great he is gets a little old after a while. Having family and other sycophants on hand to agree with him all the time doesn’t help.

Case Closed Phantom of Baker Street

Fans of this popular anime series, about a young detective solving complicated cases like his hero Sherlock Holmes have been waiting for a long time to see Jimmy Kudo actually work with the legendary Baker Street detective on a suitable mystery. Well, the wait has been worth it. A time-traveling virtual reality game gets the two of them together and the pair is soon pursuing none other than Jack the Ripper through the foggy streets of Victorian England. And even if you aren’t a fan of the series (yet) the mystery and adventure still work.