dvd release

Yoga Zone - Conditioning and Stress Release (Beginners)
$14.98
What I really like about this DVD is that the instructor has a soothing voice and gives clear instructions. He tells you how to get into each pose and out as well. The DVD is chaptered so you can do as much as you feel like it. Also the camera gives you a good view so that you can check if you're following along correctly.

Big Dreams, Little Tokyo
$6.99
For a non-Hollywood movie, this Indie film is pretty darn good. The story is fun and easy to follow, the characters are lovable, and it's actually very true in its portrayal of the cultural differences between Americans and Japanese. The director also mentioned in an interview that the budget for the movie was very, very small, which meant that the actors in the movie were cast for their love of the characters and not for the paycheck.

All-in-all, I'd say that this is a great movie with a lovable plot and amazing actors portraying deep, rich characters. Definitely a must-see.

Omar & Pete
$26.95
Omar and Pete is a poignant look at these two longtime friends that have spent a considerable portion of their lives in and out of the prison system. Before examining the world outside, as Omar is about to be released from yet another stint in the correctional system, he reveals his thoughts and fears regarding his past and his uncertain future of freedom once again.

Upon re-entering society, this story begins by following Leon `Omar' Mason in his sometimes difficult and painful journey to start a new life. Despite the best of intentions and making decent strides to improve himself, Omar eventually suffers from multiple relapses due to a drug addiction, he deals with the agony of a death in the family, and his battle with other personal problems threaten to consume him altogether.

Pete Duncan, a resident manager at a transition house where Omar is placed, is a recovering drug addict who has been out of prison for 10 months now and he helps others to repair their broken lives. Time is spent here looking at Pete and his rewarding efforts and it is evident that he has found the correct mindset to keep himself productive and healthy in society.

I'd like to say that the ending to Omar's story ended up being a happy one but I can't do that. After failed attempts at detox programs and counseling plus new felony offenses, Omar was once again incarcerated and he faces a long prison sentence. Pete, on the other hand, is still going strong these days. He is drug free and out of the transition house and was subsequently promoted from a drug counselor to a residential supervisor.

`Omar & Pete' is a well produced documentary in my opinion and emotional in its content. There aren't any easy answers or quick fixes regarding transition from prison back to mainstream society but this story looks at the struggle from several distinct perspectives and it does an admirable job in that regard.

Live Comedy from the Laff House: Kevin Hart
$9.98
Kevin Hart is one of the funniest and most charismatic comedians out there today, but you'll never get through this one because the audio quality is so subpar. It's almost like it was shot on somebody's VHS-C camcorder and released as an afterthought. It was filmed at the LAFF HOUSE in Philly, my hometown, so I'm reluctant to come off as a hater but save your money. But Kevin tells a lot of the same jokes on his Comedy Central special, which isn't yet on DVD (TiVo it). And he comes off much, much better on his GROWN LITTLE MAN DVD from Image.