Scandal [VHS]

Scandal [VHS] Overview

This complex and intriguing drama chronicles--with some probable narrative liberties--the chain of events that instigated the provocative Profumo affair, the infamous cold war scandal that toppled Britain's conservative government in the early 1960s. John Hurt stars as charming osteopath Stephen Ward, who grooms a malleable and beautiful teen showgirl, Christine Keeler (Joanne Whalley-Kilmer), to party with his swinging high-society friends. Trouble starts brewing when Christine becomes simultaneously entangled with both a Russian diplomat and a British cabinet minister. Once the media learn of her sexual escapades, the reigning Conservative Party comes under fire and begins seeking a scapegoat to distract the public from the dangerous political implications that the affairs represent. Under Michael Caton-Jones's confident direction, the film generates sympathy for its decadent lead characters, and it intelligently explores how private personal matters become vulgar public affairs when political machinations intrude. The most intriguing aspect of Scandal is the platonic love affair between Keeler and Ward amid the trials and tribulations of their stormy relationship--think of it as a twisted variation on My Fair Lady. The fine cast also includes Ian McKellan as John Profumo and Bridget Fonda as Christine's partner-in-fun Mandy Rice-Davies. The uncut DVD version features a little more skin than the R-rated release, although viewers will probably wonder why those few extra shots caused such a stir. --Bryan Reesman

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Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Holiday [VHS]

Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Holiday [VHS] Overview

If sleuthing, not Santa-stalking, is the name of your 2- to 5-year-old's game, grab your scarf and settle in for Blue's Big Holiday, a festive double feature that doesn't dissolve into folkloric fluff. The title episode arranges itself gently around December's gift-giving trifecta. Steve and Blue, off delivering presents, pick up on some peculiar goings-on at the homes of their pals: At Wynonna Judd's, a tree twinkles in the living room; at Lisa Datz's, candles symbolizing a miracle burn brightly; and at Tyrese's, corn and a cup, tokens of community togetherness, create a curiosity-arousing tableau. Who knew Blue hung out in such swanky celebrity circles? No matter--they're a mere sideshow here. The mystery we're meant to tackle is not who celebrates what and why, but which patch Blue wants to add to her holiday quilt. "A Snowy Day" also circumvents the seasonal trappings in favor of a romp through the white stuff. Before bundling up, though, Steve will need to get to the bottom of what Blue wants to play (hints: a carrot and a snowball factor in). He'll also have to skidoo into a calendar to fix an inappropriate winter scene (swimsuits in the snow?) and match some falling snowflake patterns for Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper. What's best about this collection is its bold choice to go against the holiday herd and bag the moralizing. Instead of getting all wrapped up in the dog days of December, it keeps its concept on a short leash, which means plenty of skill-builders and problem solving. It's perfect for preschool fans of the show, and parents hoping to head off the annual hoopla with calm, low-key holiday fare. --Tammy La Gorce

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Richard Simmons Tone Up On Broadway: A Complete Toning Workout

Richard Simmons Tone Up On Broadway: A Complete Toning Workout Overview

It's time to tune up those muscles and get them singing like the chorus in a Broadway whow, and this sassy, sultry 20-minute total-body toning workout is the way to do it. Don't Cry for me Argentina, Life is a Caberet and All That Jazz will give those muscles real star quality! A Complete Toning Workout.

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61 [VHS]

61 [VHS] Feature

• Condition: Used - Very Good

61 [VHS] Overview

When asked to comment during Barry Bonds's 2001 pursuit of the single-season home run record that he himself shattered in 1998, Mark McGwire said, "I was lucky enough to reach 70, and now they're all talking about it like it's a piece of cake." It wasn't for Bonds, it wasn't for McGwire, and it certainly wasn't for Roger Maris, who in 1961 competed with his much more popular teammate Mickey Mantle to break Babe Ruth's benchmark of 60 home runs. Originally broadcast on HBO, 61* is the movie that lifelong New York Yankee fan Billy Crystal was born to make; an affectionate but unflinching look at this historic season, the unlikely friendship between the two ballplayers (who were opposites on and off the field), and the pressures Maris in particular faced from a badgering media and increasingly hostile fans. The lineup, while not all-star caliber, is loaded top to bottom with MVP candidates, including a dead-on Barry Pepper as the stoic Maris and a pitch-perfect Thomas Jane as swaggering good ol' boy Mantle. Buffed-up former Geek Hall of Famer Anthony Michael Hall (Sixteen Candles) is pitcher Whitey Ford, and Bruce McGill goes from Animal House to the House That Ruth Built as manager Ralph Houk. Christopher McDonald, usually cast as a smarmy villain, is all smiles as legendary broadcaster Mel "How about that?" Allen.

Though R-rated, this is not as shocking as Jim Bouton's myth-shattering Ball Four. But when it comes to being politically correct, director Crystal plays hardball. Maris smokes, and Mantle drinks and carouses. There are a few errors, none costly. The welling music that accompanies the home-run heroics of "the M&M boys" is as bush league as Glenn Close rising in the stands to rally Robert Redford in The Natural. But baseball movie lovers wouldn't have it any other way. -- Donald Liebenson

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Winky Dink and You Magic Kit [VHS]

Winky Dink and You Magic Kit [VHS] Overview

Winky Dink cartoons, popular in the 1950s, are now interactive. This set features a "magic screen": a piece of heavy clear vinyl that clings to 27-inch television screens--it can be cut to fit smaller screens, but those with larger sets won't get full screen coverage. Also included are special crayons, soft cleaning cloth, and the first volume of Winky Dink and You all enclosed in a plastic carrying case. Viewers simply trace an onscreen object and watch as it becomes a vital tool in defeating the dastardly Harem Scarem. Don't tell the kids, but viewer drawings don't actually determine the course of the action--they simply fill in blank portions of the animation. While artwork wipes easily away from conventional television screens, the advisability of encouraging children to write on televisions and other household furnishing is debatable. This compilation contains nine episodes featuring Winky Dink, his dog Woofer, and the villainous Harem Scarem. Whether Harem Scarem is corrupting the King, disturbing the music of the spheres, or stealing precious gems, the collaborative efforts of Winky Dink, Woofer, and young viewers ensures that good will prevail. (Ages 3 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

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