“My Name Is A By Anonymous” DVD (director: Shane Ryan)

Tragic, affecting, and harrowing indie

Now, this is one disturbing flick. It’s loosely based on the true story of teenage murderer Alyssa Bustamonte, who killed a friend just for kicks, and that whole nihilistic mindset is echoed here. Filmed on a handi-cam in parts for a hyper-realistic texture, “My Name Is A is not horror, per se, but simply horrific. It’s a tough to stomach film that absolutely nails the bottoming out of modern teens at the hands of abuse, bullying, and peer pressure. 

Following several girls who one by one unravel until they all converge upon a terrible fate, “My Name Is A” features all unknown actresses, all of whom do fantastic and believable work here (especially Alex Damiano, who is more than convincing in her role as abused teen with awful secrets). Realistic beyond arthouse, this film can't help but be affecting. I left shocked and almost sad. Sure, this one’s very much a low-budget indie, but don’t let that stop you — "My Name Is A" stands out from the pack with a very realistic punch to the gut.

Wild Eye Releasing

"Of Dolls And Murder" DVD (director: Susan Marks)

Predating modern forensic science and the CSI phenomenon, the matronly Frances Glessner Lee was an unlikely innovator. In the 1930s and 1940s, she crafted miniature "Nutshell" dioramas using dolls and dollhouse-sized props to illustrate crime scenes. Her work was widely used in training detectives and crime scene investigators, and has provided much inspiration to modern forensics.

This documentary, narrated in part by the legendary filmmaker John Waters, investigates the nearly forgotten Glessner Lee and her work, as well as interviewing a number of forensic scientists and police investigators about their work and its relation to Glessner Lee. It's a fascinating, straightforward, and enjoyable look into a morbid science, but one which aims to bring the truth to light. Well worthy for any fans of "CSI" or true crime. (MVD Visual)