12/01/2007
Frederick Wiseman documentaries available on DVD for the first time
As I've gone on about before, I think Frederick Wiseman's documentaries are gems; deep subjects, no narration, no talking heads, no soundtrack music, great research, and outstanding filmmaking.
I was thrilled to learn several months ago that most of Wiseman's films would finally be available to the public on affordable DVD's sometime this year. I'm happy to say the time has finally come.
The following mindblowing documentaries are at last available. Information on each title is available at Zipporah Films.
ASPEN
BALLET
BASIC TRAINING
BELFAST, MAINE
BLIND
CENTRAL PARK
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL II
JUVENILE COURT
LAW AND ORDER
MANOEUVRE
MEAT
MISSILE
MODEL
PUBLIC HOUSING
STATE LEGISLATURE
THE LAST LETTER (LA DERNIERE LETTRE)
THE STORE
TITICUT FOLLIES
WELFARE
ZOO
If you need a place to start, the High School film is pretty great. Don't be lulled by the quiet, hype-free descriptions on the website; these are strong films.
They take credit cards and Paypal.
Well made, intelligent holiday gifts here; your friends will thank you, if you actually give them away.