July 1, 2009
Rock and Roll has produced more than its share of tragic figures, and a good many of them are a lot more famous than Jeff Buckley, who drowned in the Mississippi River at the age of 30 in 1997, leaving behind a number of truly exceptional recorded performances, including his “romantic masterpiece,” the 1994 album Grace. The new DVD/CD set Grace Around the World collects an assortment of Buckley videos and recordings, mostly culled from the Grace material, and includes an hour-long documentary on Buckley’s music. Buckley was an amazing talent who also happened to be incredibly sexy, and so his cult and fame continue to grow. — Review: Jack Varsi
July 1, 2009
The acclaimed vocalist survived alcoholism, heroin addiction, divorces, abortions, and arrests before her death in 2006 at age 87. This song-chocked documentary reveals why, despite her musical genius, O’Day may have been her own worst enemy. Robbie Cavolina and Ian McCrudden direct. Red (anitaoday.com). – By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
Watching the way-out-there (and I mean that in a good way) Family Guy (on three discs) should keep you in stitches for all 13 episodes, including the commentary by the writers, directors, producers, cast members, and the way-gay-friendly series creator Seth MacFarlane. And if you’re thinking that it’s not gay enough, just check out the episode “Family Gay.” Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (foxstore.com). — Preview: Suzie Lynde
July 1, 2009
Released to coincide with the fifth season of Showtime’s high-flying, award-winning comedy series, here’s the story of pot dealer/border runner/arsonist Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), the men in her life, best friend Celia and her lesbian daughter Isabelle, and other potheads. Includes gag reel and other bonus features. 2008. Lionsgate (lionsgate.com). – By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
Older, yet still nerdy Gayle (Amy Poehler), Becky (Parker Posey), and Judi (Rachel Dratch) accompany younger, popular Ashley (Amber Tamblyn) on a spring– break trip to South Padre Island in this Saturday Night Live-flavored comedy also featuring Seth Myers and Will Arnett. SNL producer Ryan Shiraki directs. Warner Premiere (warnerbros.com). – By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, and more of our favorite hotties star in this hip comedy about the lives and loves of young Baltimoreans. Includes “Gay Pride Parade” scenes deleted from the original theatrical release. Ken Kwapis directs. 2008. Warner Home Video (newline.com). – By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
This continuing series includes the Planet Out Short Movie grand prizewinner No Bikini (2007), hip-hopper Melange Lavonne’s Gay Bash (2007) that was named Logo’s Click List best music video, and Don’t Mess with Texas (2008), about two young lesbians stopping for a bite at a roadside diner. Wolfe (wolfevideo.com).
- By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
The folks tasked with describing to the press Drop Dead Diva, a new series debuting on Lifetime this month, as a “feel-everything” show, as opposed to “feel-good” show, are right: you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll crave doughnuts.
July 1, 2009
What could possibly go wrong between two committed young gay men when the transgender ex-prostitute sister of one of them moves in, and the other marries a lesbian to avoid deportation? Casper Andreas (The Big Gay Musical) writes and directs. 2008. Embrem Entertainment (embrem.com). – By Nancy Ford
July 1, 2009
This vibrant, rhyming children’s book drawn from the spirit of Heather Has Two Mommies is sure to draw the ire of fundamentalist nay-sayers who will likely rant that it threatens the sanctity of fatherhood. — Preview: Nancy Ford
