'Glass' among TV shows newly released on DVD

Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:10 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

Here are some TV shows newly released on DVD, led by the fascinating PBS documentary that recently aired about composer/musician Philip Glass.

"Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts" (Koch Lorber, 2009, two discs, $29.98)

Filmmaker Scott Hicks ("Shine") writes in the liner notes that he became a fan of Glass' music after viewing "Koyaanisqatsi," something I can relate to since the same thing happened to me.

In my case, immediately after reviewing the movie for the Deseret News in 1981, I purchased the soundtrack (a vinyl record in those days, kiddies) and began watching for other Glass works.

Generally labeled "minimalist," Glass' music of repetitive refrains is equally loved and loathed, but to those who embrace it, it's quite addicting. My Glass albums have been on regular rotation from record player to iPod.

This documentary follows Glass — who is in his 70s but seems younger — over roughly 18 months as he composes symphonies, scores films, rehearses and performs, and we hear extensively from Glass himself, as well as from a variety of collaborators, including filmmakers Godfrey Reggio, Errol Morris, Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. (But you'll have to go to the bonus features for performance artist Laurie Anderson.)

Story continues below

A fascinating, probing examination of a contemporary artist who is considered by many to be a musical genius. Fans will eat it up.

Extras: widescreen, deleted/extended scenes, audio commentary, bonus performances/interviews; eight-page booklet

"The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (Infinity/SFM/Falcon, 1955-56, b/w, five discs, $39.98)

Hugh O'Brien stars in this classic half-hour Western series, which was unique as a sort of serial based on real-life incidents. The show spent six seasons working its way through Earp's lawman career toward the shootout at the OK Corral in Tombstone (which occurs over the final episodes of the final season).

This first season, set in Ellsworth, Kan., is a great introduction, and the show holds up very well, with such up-and-comers as Mike Connors ("Mannix") and Angie Dickinson ("Police Woman") among the guest stars. (Watch for Season 2, in which Earp goes to Dodge City.)

Extras: full frame, 35 episodes

"A Galaxy Far Far Away: Inside the Universe of a Phenomenon: 10th Anniversary Special Edition" (Cinevolve, 2009, $19.95)

Recent comments

A "Star Wars" 10th anniversary documentary? 10th anniversary of...

Confused | April 23, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

Amen Jazz Fan ! I dont hate you either CJ. I just think you are an immature...

She's hot!!! Her or Hillary????

BCS reform still needed

every but as much as any other undefeated team. Otherwise it still a mythical...

TCU versus BSU unpopular

The BCS is a conspiracy anyway. I've seen the black helicopters and SUV's for...

TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl

and do not follow college football people on here say that Boise State should...

TCU versus BSU unpopular

Bottom line is that Boise St. didn't really play anyone this year compared to...

Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil

No, it's tough to reason with stupidity.

boise state= 3 loss MWC team. End of story.

No offense, but YOU have not beat the "big boys"...Utah has!!! Nice to see...

TCU versus BSU unpopular

Cowardice and greed motivated the BCS to pit Boise St. and TCU thus allowing...

Advertisements