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American Beauty (The Awards Edition)
(1999) Kevin Spacey won the Academy Award for best actor in this absorbing
stylish tale of mid-life existential crisis. Annette Benning does
a wonderful job as his materialistically and sexually frustrated wife.
While the characters might seem stereotypical, their situations and reactions
are real and easy to identify with.
This movie (which also won the Best Picture oscar) portrays the shallowness of the American Dream by comparing it to the transcendental potential inherent in living in the moment. This is a very powerful message for anyone who feels that their life is lacking something intangible. You will want to see this movie many times. This Awards edition contains a second 80 minute tape with storyboards and a film about the making of the movie. Also available in DVD format. |
 The
'60s - The complete miniseries. (1999) This fictional story traces
a family's experiences through the turbulent '60s. Excellent combination
of non-fictional archival footage and great music of the period brings
home the messages of the decade. We thought this movie is a relatively
accurate portrayal of the times, though rather melodramatic. VHS, also
available: DVD,VHS-Spanish
subtitles. |
Woodstock: Three Days of Peace & Music (The Director's Cut - Widescreen)
(1970) This is the movie that captures the spirit of a generation.
With legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills & Nash,
Janis Joplin and Santana you get as close as you can to being there.
Lots of footage of the crowds and interviews with the stars and audience.
This won the Academy Award for best documentary. The director's cut
has 40 more minutes and improved audio. But the way to go with this
one is DVD. |
| Monterey Pop-The Film (1967) This was the first rock and roll festival, two years before Woodstock. An event which brought out the hippies from L.A. to S.F. to Europe. Landmark performances by Janis Joplin and the U.S. debut of Jimi Hendrix are not to be missed! Other great sets by The Who, Otis Redding and Ravi Shankar make this classic movie a must. |
| Gimme Shelter (1970) This excellent documentary of the Rolling Stones and their concert at Altamont is a grippingly real portrait of the dark side of rock and roll. The Stones and their promoters had to jump through hoops just to give a free concert outside of San Francisco. The ensuing drug fueled debacle climaxed as Mick sang 'Sympathy for the Devil' with the murder of one man who drew a gun. Charges against the Hell's Angels (who provided security) were dismissed. It's a harrowing vision of the flower people out of control. |
Message to Love, The Isle of Wight Festival (1970) This documentary
captures the highlights and low points of this controversial event. Outstanding
performances by The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis and the
Doors contrast with the hassles involved and the corporate greed surrounding
the event. Many say this (and Altamont) were the closing chapter of the
hippy decade. Also on DVD. |
Jimi Hendrix (1973) This excellent documentary on the life, loves and
music of Jimi is a must for fans. Lots of tidbits including an interview
with Dick Cavett show the sweet gentle man as he is. Lots of great
concert footage from Woodstock, Monterey and Isle of Wight. Dig it! |
Easy Rider (1969) This famous cult movie starring Peter Fonda, Dennis
Hopper and Jack Nicholson has many fans. It's about a couple of guys
"on the road" looking for the "real" America. This is a movie about
hippies and freedom. Highlighted by a great soundtrack with tunes by The
Byrds, The Band, Steppenwolf and Jimi Hendrix. Also available in
Widescreen. |
 Hair
(1979) Directed by Milos Forman, the movie has more of a plot than the
play. Choreography by Twyla Tharp. The music is the standout,
bring it together. Also available: DVD,
The Broadway Cast on Audio
CD |
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Andrew Lloyd Webber's broadway rock opera
smash stars Ted Neely in the title role. You've read the book, now
see the movie! No, really it's a great telling of the tale in true
hippy style. The classic songs are full of emotion. Also available
in widescreen
and DVD
and Audio
CD. |
The Fabulous 60's, An Overview. Peter Jennings reviews the 1960s
with tons of archival footage and commentary. This is part of a series
that covers each year one video at a time. |
| Willow Mixed Media - A non-profit organization that distributes works of art and social interest. Many interesting videos including ones on Woodstock. |