Video Round Table Notable Videos for Adults 2008

The American Library Association (ALA) Video Round Table Notable Videos Committee has compiled its 2008 list of Notable Videos for Adults, a list of 15 outstanding programs released on video within the past two years and suitable for all libraries serving adults. Its purpose is to call attention to recent video releases that make a significant contribution to the world of video recordings.

The selections were made during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The winning titles are:

Achieving the Unachievable. 52 min. Ciné Fête, VHS/DVD: $229 circulation/$89 on site. usa.cinefete.ca

still from achieving the unacheivable

After Innocence. 95 min. New Yorker Video, DVD: $29.99. (Available most distributors)

Been Rich All My Life. 80 min. First Run Features, DVD: $24.99 home use. www.firstrunfeatures.com (First Run/Icarus Films, $248 with PPR www.frif.com)

been rich all my life

still from been rich all my life (2)

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash. 85 min. Docurama, DVD: $26.95. (Available most distributors).

Favela Rising. 82 min. Las Americas Film Network, DVD: Home use $19.95 (available most distributors)/$440 educational use. www.lasamericasfilms.org.

still from favela rising

Hacking Democracy. 81 min. Docurama, DVD: $26.95.(Available most distributors).

The Heart of the Game. 97 min. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DVD: $29.99 (Available most distributors).

still from favela rising

Iraq in Fragments. 94 min. Arab Film Distribution, DVD: $400 institutional/$24.99 home use. www.arabfilm.com

still from iraq in fragments (1)

still from iraq in fragments (2)

Jesus Camp. 84 min., Magnolia Pictures, DVD, $26.98 (Available most distributors).

still from jesus camp

Maquilapolis: City of Factories. 68 min. California Newsreel, DVD: $195/$49.95/$26.95 institutional/public library/home use. www.newsreel.org

still from maquilapolis

Maxed Out. 87 min. Magnolia Pictures, DVD: $26.98 (Available most distributors).

Money Talks: Profits Before Patient Safety. 50 min. Hummingbird Pictures, DVD: $14.99 home use (available most distributors)/$124.99 with PPR. www.moneytalksthemovie.com

still from money talks

The Prize of the Pole. 78 min. First Run/Icarus Films, DVD: $440.00. www.frif.com

still from the prize of the pole (1)

still from the prize of the pole (2)

Salud! 93 min. MEDICC, DVD or VHS: $195 educational use; $60 public libraries. www.saludthefilm.net

still from salud!

When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts. 255 min. HBO Video, DVD: $29.98. (Available most distributors).

Members of the 2007 committee are:

  • Chair, Vicki Nesting, St. Charles Parish Library (La.);
  • Nora Dimmock, University of Rochester (NY);
  • Blane Halliday, Collier County Public Library (Fla.);
  • Cynthia Knight, Hunterdon County Library (N.J.);
  • Meghann Matwichuk, University of Delaware;
  • Chet Mulawka, San Mateo County Library (Calif.);
  • Jeff Pearson, University of Michigan;
  • Steve Switzer, Florida International University;
  • Sue-Ellen Beauregard, consultant, Booklist magazine, Chicago.