DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER is not for the faint of heart. Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne's excruciatingly powerful documentary begins as a memorial to a lost friend, Andrew Bagby, who was brutally murdered in 2001 by a crazed ex-girlfriend. Yet as Kuenne traveled the globe to interview friends and family of the beloved young doctor, Bagby's killer, Shirley Turner, fled to Newfoundland to escape arrest. Under the backwards protection of the Canadian law, she was allowed to remain free; during that time, she revealed that she was pregnant with Andrew's child. Knowing that this woman was responsible for their son's death, David and Kathleen Bagby nonetheless moved to Newfoundland in order to be closer to their grandson. And that's when things got even worse.With DEAR ZACHARY,... Less

In director Daniel Petrie's ROCKET GIBRALTAR, the affluent and somewhat eccentric Rockwell clan gets together in honor of Levi (Burt Lancaster), the family's patriarch, on his 77th birthday. Reunited on the shores of Levi's idyllic Saggaponack home, his children and their large brood of grandchildren prepare themselves for a festive celebration. While Levi spends his time leisurely reminiscing about family traditions, his adult children pursue various obsessions such as sex, baseball, and movie production. Costars include Kevin Spacey (in an early screen appearance), Bill Pullman, John Glover, Patricia Clarkson, Suzy Amis, Sinad Cusack, and Frances Conroy as Levi's various children and their spouses, a wild crew of neurotic and self-obsessed yuppies eager to please the sentimental... Less

Paul Mazursky's HARRY AND TONTO is an offbeat comedy-drama with a subtle and remarkable central performance by Art Carney as Harry, a 72-year-old widower who takes off on a cross-country odyssey with his cat, Tonto, after he's evicted from his Manhattan apartment building. Along the way he visits his eldest daughter, Shirley (Ellen Burstyn), in Chicago and plans to meet up with his son, Eddie (Larry Hagman), in California. Harry's road trip is filled with small vignettes that remind him of where he's come from and where he's going. Inspired by the vitality of the many characters he comes across, he's left to ponder his own quiet life. Harry also remembers a past love when he meets up with Jessie (Geraldine Fitzgerald), an old girlfriend who used to be a vivacious ballet dancer but now... Less

This Japanese, rock and roll, horror cult-film classic tells the tale of an alien invasion that causes earthlings to return to life as flesh-eating zombies. This strange occurrence happens while Ace, and avid fan of rockabilly, is en route to a concert featuring his favorite band, Guitar Wolf. When things get a little too crazy, Ace summons the help of Guitar Wolf and the whole crew gets caught up in a series wild, bloody adventures complete with appearances by naked women with guns, delirious rock managers in hot pants, and transsexuals. All of this happens while the zombies are hot on their trail.

Angered at his stern uncle, Toby Tyler (Kevin Cocoran) runs away from his foster home to join the circus, where he soon befriends Mr. Stubbs, the frisky chimpanzee. However, the circus isn't all fun and games when the evil candy vendor, Harry Tupper (Bob Sweeney), convinces Toby that his foster parents don't love him or want him back. Toby resigns himself to circus life, but when he finally realizes that Tupper lied to him, and that his foster parents truly love him, Toby happily returns home once again. The scenes of Toby training his horse are especially enjoyable, as is his comic interaction with the chimp. Director Charles Barton serves this light and tender turn of the century drama up with humorous ease. Look for a great cameo from Barbara Beaird as the outspoken Mademoiselle... Less

Country music legend Dolly Parton lends her sunny charm to the heartwarming made-for-TV film UNLIKELY ANGEL. When hard-living barroom singer Ruby Diamond (Parton) dies in a car accident and meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowall) at the gates of heaven, the angel informs her that she must to return to earth to perform a selfless deed in order to gain admittance. Disguising herself as a nanny, Ruby soon insinuates herself into the joyless family life of workaholic widower Ben Bartilson (Lance Kerwin) and his children Sarah (Allison Mack) and Matthew (Eli Marienthal)--hopin g to both heal the grief-stricken family and earn her heavenly wings in time for Christmas. Punctuated by Dolly musical numbers, UNLIKELY ANGEL is a Capra-esque affirmation of the holidays, love, and family.

JEAN DE FLORETTE is the first of two parts of the classic Marcel Pagnol story set in southeast France in the mid 1920s. In a small Provenal village, where water is scarce and the earth dry, only one piece of property possesses an underground spring to irrigate the soil--and the wily, greedy Csar (Yves Montand) will do anything to get hold of it. His dreams seem on the verge of coming true when the owner (with a little help from Csar) dies unexpectedly. But then Jean Cadoret (Gerard Depardieu), an outsider who inherits the farm, arrives with the intention of settling down and cultivating the land with his good-hearted wife, Aimee (played by Depardieu's real wife, Elisabeth Depardieu), and his young daughter, Manon (Ernestine Mazurowna). Jean, a hunchback and sensitive dreamer, glories in... Less

Based on the short story by Stephen King, this is CHRISTINE with a lot more horsepower. A group of seemingly humanistic trucks take over a truck stop and starts killing everything in sight. The remaining townsfolk must band together and come up with a way to murder the inanimate objects, a seemingly difficult task considering the abnormal circumstances. A remake of King's MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE.

A group of extraordinary talents have come together to produce this stunning showcase of Celtic beauty; classic Irish lasses perform a selection of Irish music that spans from the traditional to enduring pop standards. Arranged by David Downes, who worked as the musical director of the internationally acclaimed show RIVERDANCE, CELTIC WOMAN is a show with broad appeal and demonstrates the remarkable musical acumen of all involved. At its heart are the pure, clear voices of the women who perform, including the 15-year-old Cloe, harpist and singer Orla, soprano Mav, and the seductive Lisa; virtuoso violinist Mirad rounds out the bill. Continuing in the tradition of song that the Irish heritage has been built upon, these inspired renderings and their engaging delivery are sure to capture the... Less

One of director Michael Ritchie's most universally recognized comedies, THE BAD NEWS BEARS is a film that continues to entertain audiences of all ages. The story concerns a hopeless Little League team that eventually scores big when it acquires a new coach, Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), a grouchy, beer-guzzling pool cleaner who takes the position for some extra cash. When he realizes that his players are a bunch of talentless misfits, he signs up two secret weapons: Amanda Whurlitzer (Tatum O'Neal), the daughter of an ex-girlfriend who also happens to be an awesome pitcher, and Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley), a motorcycle- riding punk who is inarguably the best player in the area. With their new lineup in place, the Bears breeze their way into the championship game, in which they... Less

Carroll Ballard follows up his beloved THE BLACK STALLION with NEVER CRY WOLF, another inspiring adventure story that deals with the all-important concept of man versus nature. The film opens as the government dispatches Tyler (Charles Martin Smith), a solitary biologist, into the frozen wilds of the Yukon, to determine whether aggressive wolves are the reason for a greatly reduced caribou population in the region. During the course of his lonely assignment, the bespectacled scientist comes to understand the wolves' world, respect it, and even want to be a part of it. Not surprisingly, he also discovers that the white man is responsible for the caribou's depleted numbers--not the vilified wolves. When it appears that a group of angry hunters are going to ruthlessly murder any wolf that... Less

From his mid-'80s debut to this late-'90s retirement, Canadian-born professional wrestler Bret Hart (aka the Hitman) ruled the WWE as one of the sport's greatest superstars. Born into a famous wrestling family, Hart distinguished himself with his technically proficient fighting style, an infamous feud with his younger brother, Owen, and those trademark pink trunks before his career was tragically cut short by an immobilizing stroke. This collection celebrates the Hitman's remarkable legacy with personal interviews and 18 of his most memorable matches, including the notorious Submission Match with Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 13.

Jim Henson's Muppets make their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. It all begins with Kermit the Frog sitting in a swamp singing and strumming a guitar. Realizing he can use his talent to "make people happy," Kermit decides to head for Hollywood. During his trip, Kermit meets fellow Muppets Fozzie the Bear, the Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and an odd assortment of others who join Kermit on his song-filled journey. But before Kermit and friends achieve their dreams of stardom, Kermit must confront the man who's been trying to catch him since he left the swamp--a man who sees Kermit as a potential meal ticket. THE MUPPET MOVIE is a lovingly made, touching story for kids of all ages as only Jim Henson could make it. The film includes clever, very funny cameo... Less

Theatrical release: July 1984. Filmed at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, Germany. Shooting completed May 1984. Budget estimated at $27 million. This was director Wolfgang Petersen's first English-language film. Filmed at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, Germany, in Technovision and Eastmancolor; prints by Technicolor. Shooting completed May 1984. Released in the USA July, 1984. Additional technical credits: conceptual, scenery, creature and costume design by Ul DeRico; aerial photography by Clay Lacy Aviation, Apogee Productions, Inc., Continental Camera Systems and Stephen J. Wright; chief animatronics engineering, mechanical special effects and creatures by Giuseppe Tortora; cloud effects unit supervisor, Mike White; cloud effects photography by Jair Ganor. This... Less

THE BIG HEAT, Fritz Lang's most celebrated American film, is a chilling and violent tale of corruption, vengeance, and loss. Dave Bannion, played by distinguished Film Noir actor Glenn Ford, is an upright but unscrupulous cop on the trail of a vicious gang he suspects holds power over the police force. Bannion is tipped off after a colleague's suicide and his fellow officers' suspicious silence lead him to believe that they are on the gangsters' payroll. When a bomb meant for him kills his wife instead, Bannion becomes a furious force of vengeance and justice, aided along the way by the gangster's spurned girlfriend Debbie (Gloria Grahame). As Bannion and Debbie fall further and further into the Gangland's insidious and brutal trap, they must use any means necessary (including murder) to... Less

Those who aren't familiar with the work of seminal 1980s band The Talking Heads may find themselves becoming instant fans after viewing this incredibly entertaining concert film. It starts with David Byrne stepping out alone on empty stage with an acoustic guitar to sing "Psycho Killer." The rest of the musicians follow one by one and the stage gradually fills to bursting with powerful, tightly orchestrated brilliance. Director Jonathan Demme (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, PHILADEPLPHIA) expertly captures the music's energy, fusing cinema with performance to create something more than the sum of its parts. Through it all, Byrne comes off as a charismatic artist of supernatural energy and robotic precision, and he's backed by an equally inspired group of musicians, including bassist Tina Weymouth... Less

John Wayne stars as Sean Mercer, a tough trapper who travels the world to capture animals and sell them to zoos. As he and his ragtag crew roam the plains of Africa searching for giraffes and zebras, they encounter Anna Maria "Dallas" D'Allesandro (Elsa Martinelli), a beautiful photographer who asks to travel with them. While the crew presses on, the excitement of the chase inevitably causes feelings of attraction to grow between gruff Mercer and pretty Dallas. Stunning wildlife photography colors this classic from legendary director Howard Hawks.

Michael Apted, whose claim to fame till now has been the respected 7 UP documentary series, directs this lavish costume drama whose heart is as big as its budget. Though a marked departure, Apted's idealistic interests are well served by the story, which is based on the true tale of the 18th-century British politician William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd, who played Horatio Hornblower in the HORNBLOWER series). Though as a young man Wilberforce is torn between politics and the church, he is inspired to action by John Newton (Albert Finney), a penitent monk who is haunted by his past as a slave-ship captain. Wilberforce makes it his mission to end slavery in the British Empire, and, aided by a small band of radical thinkers and unlikely supporters, he annually presents a bill for abolition... Less

Released theatrically in New York City December 29, 1995. The film grossed $2.6 million domestically. A Bayly/Par co-production. Developed in association with Red Rooster Pictures. Color by Technicolor. Additional cast: Edward Jewesbury (King Henry), Matthew Groom (Young Prince), Kate Steavenson-Payne (Princess Elizabeth), Tres Hanley (Air Hostess), Dennis Lill (Lord Mayor), Ryan Gilmore (George Stanley), Andy Rashleigh (Jailer), Marco Williamson (Prince of Wales), Bruce Purchase (City Gentleman) and David Antrobus (2nd Subaltern). Additional credits: Christopher Marlowe (song lyricist, "Come Be My Love"); The Vile Bodies (song performers, "Come Be My Love"); Julian Spencer, Nick Hobbs, Mark Henson, Jonathan Cohen, Steve Griffin, Steve Street, Mark Lisbon, Paul Heaseman, Gary... Less

From its lush, dreamlike opening sequence to its epic landscapes, Don Bluth's THE LAND BEFORE TIME is an enchanting prehistoric adventure. Littlefoot (Gabriel Damon), a little bracheosaurus, finds himself lost and on his own while he and his family journey to the lush feeding grounds of the Great Valley. Littlefoot, along with several baby dinosaur pals, must set out across barren, dangerous terrain to reach the Great Valley, encountering perils and adventures along the way. THE LAND BEFORE TIME is a triumph in animation, using traditional methods to create colorfully detailed scenes and character movement. The film serves as an excellent introduction for small children to the fascinating world of dinosaurs.

This fast-paced comedy stars Kathleen Turner and Dennis Quaid as Jeff and Jane Blue, former spies on maternity leave in New Orleans. The quick-thinking espionage professionals are eager to enjoy their vacation and their new daughter, attempting to lead a normal life as a family. When the notorious head of the Czechoslovakian Secret Police, Paulina Novacek (Fiona Shaw), is suspected of being in the New Orleans area, the CIA convinces the suave couple to go undercover on the top-secret hunt. Their investigation turns New Orleans upside down as the Blues are chased by the suspicious local police, a vengeful mugger (Stanley Tucci), and the villainous Novacek's henchmen. The masterful couple prove that they are ruthless spies, as well as doting parents, and are soon up against Novacek herself,... Less

The 2002 rerelease of E.T., which marks 20 years since the film's 1982 debut, includes never before seen footage, enhanced visual effects, and a new remastered soundtrack. E.T. THE EXTRA- TERRESTRIAL is Steven Spielberg's warmhearted classic delight for both children and adults. It tells the story of an alien creature, E.T., mistakenly left behind on Earth. When a young boy, Elliott (Henry Thomas), finds E.T. and hides him in his home, both their worlds are changed forever. E.T. teaches Elliott and his two siblings (Drew Barrymore and Robert MacNaughton), whose parents have recently separated, about caring and love while the children protect E.T. from the malevolent world of grown-ups. Elliott and E.T. become so close that they share emotions; as E.T. becomes ill, so does Elliott. The... Less

This entertaining musical, based on the Broadway hit inspired by the hysteria surrounding Elvis Presley's induction into the army, traces the shock waves a drafted rock & roll star, Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson), creates when he comes to a small town to kiss adoring fan Kim McAfee (Ann-Margret) good-bye on national TV. A fiesty secretary, Rosie DeLeon (Janet Leigh), has put the whole plan in motion, hoping that Birdie will sing a song composed by her beau, Albert Peterson (Dick Van Dyke), enabling Rosie's boyfriend to finally break free of his domineering mother (Maureen Stapleton) and marry her. Meanwhile, Kim's new steady, Hugo (Bobby Rydell), is less than pleased about the spotlighted embrace, as are her parents (Paul Lynde and Mary LaRoche)--at least until they get in on the action... Less

Two mischievous and curious teenage girls enter a convent school and wreak havoc with the academy's carefully organized routine. They explore the nuns' quarters on the sly, fill the sugar bowl with soap and just keep on coming up with "scathingly brilliant ideas" that cause endless amounts of comic confusion. It isn't too long before the Mother Superior is convinced that these imps could try the patience of a saint. Yet somehow, the appealing duo can't help winning everyone's hearts. Eventually, however, the time comes to make a very serious decision...

SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT owes a lot to such films as BLACKBOARD JUNGLE and TO SIR, WITH LOVE, where a novice teacher has to find a way to reach impoverished, undisciplined street kids. The film contains some outstanding musical numbers and fine comic performances that make it worth seeing. It also has historical significance as the first Hollywood blockbuster sequel entrusted to an African American director, Bill Duke. Whoopi Goldberg stars as Deloris, who disguises herself as a nun again to teach music at a failing Catholic school. Among her students is Rita (singer/rap artist Lauryn Hill), a talented performer whose mother feels that music is a waste of time. Deloris whips her unruly class into shape and enters them into a state choir competition. Along the way she takes on the... Less

Irene Dunne stars as the title character in George Stevens' beautifully wrought film version of the Kathryn Forbes novel via John Van Druten's stage adaptation. Returning, in memory, to her childhood in 1910 San Francisco, novelist Katrin Hanson (Barbara Bel Geddes) thinks of the importance of her mother Marta's (Dunne) role in the life of the family of Norwegian immigrants. As she deals with the children's problems and aspirations, such as brother Nels' (Steve Brown) schooling, Katrin's writing ambitions, young Dagmar's (June Hedin) illness, and a thousand other daily dramas, Marta manages to make all feel equally loved. She's also able to deal with eccentrics like the blustery family patriarch, Uncle Chris Halvorsen (Oscar Homolka), the family's highly literary non-paying tenant... Less

George Adamson served as technical advisor on the film. Peter Whitehead served as animal supervisor. Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers were married in real life as well as on screen. The success of "Born Free" produced a sequel, "Living Free" (1972). It starred Susan Hampshire, Nigel Davenport, and Geoffrey Keen, and was directed by Jack Couffer from a script by Millard Kaufman. The story concerned the Adamson's effort to protect the cubs of Elsa the lioness. NBC aired a television series based on the film from September 9, 1974, to December 12, 1974. "Born Free" starred Gary Collins and Diana Muldaur, and was filmed on location in East Africa. Filmed on location in Kenya, East Africa. Shot in Technicolor and Panavision. Post-production work was done at the Shepperton Studios... Less

Bette Davis plays Charlotte Hollis, a hermetic spinster haunted by memories of her murdered fianc. Charlotte, whose only social contact is with her maid, Velma (Agnes Moorehead), is crushed to learn that the state wants to tear down her mansion and put up a highway in its place. She calls on her cousin Miriam (Olivia de Havilland) for help, but Miriam fails to offer any assistance other than bringing in the family physician (Joseph Cotten) to have her troubled relative committed. As the nightmares of her fianc continue to haunt her, Charlotte ends up fighting not only for the Hollis estate but for her sanity as well. Director Robert Aldrich resumes the electric collaboration with Davis begun in the terrifying smash hit WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? Davis heads up the stellar cast... Less

BREAKING AWAY is a winning coming-of-age story with unusually well drawn characters, smart social commentary, and a terrific ensemble of fresh-faced actors soon to be famous. The rivalry between townies and college kids sets the scene for the story of four friends trying to figure out their future after high school graduation in Bloomington, Indiana. Raised together in the working-class quarry town, the boys consider themselves Cutters, proud of their father's heritage as limestone workers in the once prosperous factory town. But there is no future for the boys as Cutters, and not one of them has plans for college. So now that Mike (Dennis Quaid) is no longer a star quarterback, Moocher (Jackie Earl Haley) can't decide if he wants to break up or marry his girlfriend, and quick-witted... Less

BREAKING AWAY is a winning coming-of-age story with unusually well drawn characters, smart social commentary, and a terrific ensemble of fresh-faced actors soon to be famous. The rivalry between townies and college kids sets the scene for the story of four friends trying to figure out their future after high school graduation in Bloomington, Indiana. Raised together in the working-class quarry town, the boys consider themselves Cutters, proud of their father's heritage as limestone workers in the once prosperous factory town. But there is no future for the boys as Cutters, and not one of them has plans for college. So now that Mike (Dennis Quaid) is no longer a star quarterback, Moocher (Jackie Earl Haley) can't decide if he wants to break up or marry his girlfriend, and quick-witted... Less