“The Point” DVD (director: Fred Wolf)

Charming kids fable with classic folkie Nilsson

This beloved children’s cartoon from 1971 is as charming as it gets, really. Featuring some old school pen and ink animation, and based on (and featuring) songs by the great Harry Nilsson, this is a timeless fable that’s suited for pretty much any age.

It’s the tale of Oblio — a boy born into the Land of Point, where everyone and everything has a “point” on their head. Oblio is round-headed. Suffice to say, Oblio gets into trouble when a mean-spirited pointy boy picks on him and gets him (and his trusty dog Arrow) banished from their society. Oblio goes on an adventure and learns many lessons on his travels in the Pointless Forest.

Cute and educational without being too preachy or heavy-handed, “The Point” includes the voice talents of Mike Lookinland (aka Bobby Brady) and Ringo Starr (the narrator). And Nilsson’s beloved folk songs throughout give this one a homespun and human element that much of today’s animated features lack.

A wonderful film for kids or adults alike.

MVD Visual

"Strange Fruit - The Beatles Apple Records" DVD

In their sixties heyday, as the Beatles were riding a wave to the top of the charts, they (and their management) decided to begin their own "artist-centric" record label called Apple Records. As an unauthorized documentary of the legendary label, this 162-minute DVD is absolutely essential for fans. 

Detailing now-obscure releases by names like Elephant's Memory, The Iveys, and Paul McCartney protege Mary Hopkin, as well as better-known releases by Badfinger and James Taylor, "Strange Fruit" includes interviews with experts, journalists, and the musicians themselves (though actual Beatles member interviews are not featured). Individual albums are dissected, and the involvement from McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, or Ringo Starr are noted. 

This is a fascinating and exhaustive look at the golden era of the Beatles and Apple  Records, and I applaud Chrome Dreams for this superlative release.

Sexy Intellectual

Beatles official site

"The Beatles - Their Golden Age" DVD

Not sure who this is aimed at, as there are few bands who've been as exhaustively researched, dissected, and documented, but here it is...a Beatles primer, sans any actual music. Narrator/writer Les Krantz states the obvious time and time again, though he does do so with enthusiasm.

Within the first 2 minutes of this presentation, we have repeat footage (and I saw the same clip repeat again within the first 20 minutes), so that's certainly not a good harbinger of things to come from this dodgy, shallow documentary. "The Golden Age" is a rehashed, recycled mash of old TV and newsreel footage of the band leaving airplanes, a few interviews, and mostly shots of screaming and fainting fans. Totally unessential, unnecessary, and only marginally interesting for even the hardest-core fans. (MVD VIsual)

"Willie And The Poor Boys" DVD

This 30-minute documentary-slash-concert film was assembled by Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and friends, who convened in 1984 to record a benefit album for Multiple Sclerosis research. Documenting the good-time sessions that featured names like fellow Rolling Stone Charlie Watts, Jimmy Page, and Ringo Starr, among many others, "Willie And The Poor Boys" copped a classic 50's rock & roll and rhythm and blues theme. Basically a concert film, with a little added backstage banter and goofing around, this is a fun curiosity for serious Rolling Stones or classic rock fans. (MVD Visual)