lifeandstyle

Small screen Pride

Check out what's coming to DVD this summer

Compiled by D'Anne Witkowski

Originally printed 6/1/2006 (Issue 1422 - Between The Lines News)

In Good Conscience: Sister Jeannine Gramick's Journey of Faith (Out of the Blue Films)

In Barbara Rick's acclaimed documentary, "In Good Conscience," a most unlikely and very funny rebel Ñ an American nun Ñ finds herself at the center of a human rights storm with leaders of one of the worldÕs most revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church.

The film chronicles the true story of Sister Jeannine Gramick, who is defying a Vatican edict that she shut down her compassionate ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, and silence herself permanently on the subject of homosexuality. Her battle takes her all the way to Rome where she attempts an audience with her key adversary over the years Ñ none other than Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Ñ the Inquisitor who would become Pope Benedict XVI.

Those who caught this extraordinary film at Reel Pride last year  and those who missed it  will want to own this film so that every time they need a reminder that, yes, there are people in this world who do extraordinary things in the face of great opposition, all they need to do is press "Play." The limited edition "In Good Conscience" DVD is for sale exclusively through the Out of the Blue Film, Inc. Web site and includes 20 minutes of extra scenes and audio commentary by filmmakers Barbara Rick and Albert Maysles with Sister Jeannine Gramick. Order by phone at 212-477-2211 or at www.ingoodconscience.com.

Mommie Dearest: The Hollywood Royalty Edition (Paramount Home Video)

The infamous celebrity biography turned cult classic that simultaneously blew the lid off Joan Crawford's carefully crafted persona celebrates its 25th anniversary when "Mommie Dearest (Hollywood Royalty Edition" arrives on DVD June 6. "Mommie Dearest" features Faye Dunaway's notorious portrayal of Crawford as seen through the eyes of her adopted daughter Christina (Diana Scarwid). Based on Christina Crawford's bestselling memoir of the same name, "Mommie Dearest" was intended to be a drama when it was released in 1981, but was received by some as a melodramatic comedy. Classic lines from the film like, "No wire hangers, ever!" and, "Christina, bring me the axe!" are still quoted widely today. It'll also swear you off of steak done rare and Ajax forever. The 25th anniversary edition boasts a closet-full of bonus materials including commentary by John Waters ("Hairspray", "Serial Mom"), three featurettes, interviews, the original trailer and a photo gallery.

Brokeback Mountain (Universal)

You saw it, you loved it, you cried when it didn't win the Oscar for Best Picture, now you can own it on DVD. "Brokeback Mountain" is a sweeping epic that explores the lives of two ranch hands who meet in the summer of 1963 and unexpectedly forge a lifelong romantic relationship. The complications, joys and heartbreak they experience provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver emotionally charged, remarkably moving performances in what is destined to become a classic. DVD bonus features include a "making of" featurette, "Directing From the Heart: Ang Lee" featurette, "On Being A Cowboy" featurette and interviews with Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana.

Transamerica (Weinstein Company)

In 2005, one of the most important and successful years ever for high-profile LGBT-themed movies, critically-acclaimed "Transamerica," an unlikely family dramedy about the relationship between a pre-op transsexual and her hustling, drug-addicted son, was one of the films that brought LGBT characters and issues to the forefront of the national consciousness. The film stars Emmy Award winning actress Felicity Huffman of "Desperate Housewives" fame. Huffman won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Bree, a male to female transsexual about to take the final step in her transformation while at the same time playing new mother to the son she never knew she had. "Transamerica," the directorial debut of out writer-director Duncan Tucker, is now available on DVD. Bonus features include a bloopers reel, director's audio commentary, two conversations between Huffman and co-star Kevin Zegers and the video for Dolly Parton's Academy Award nominated song "Travelin' Thru."

Little Britain: The Complete Second Series (BBC Warner)

Lose your good behavior and refined etiquette in the mighty tide of the Atlantic and welcome back the colorful cast of outrageous characters from the land of "Little Britain" as BBC Video releases "Little Britain: The Complete Second Series," the most popular comedy show in the U.K. "Little Britain" has won three BAFTAs (U.K. equivalent to Emmys) and double gold at the prestigious Rose d'Or of Lucerne (Europe's highest comedy award). The second season boasts new characters to love along with favorites from season one. Bonus features include commentary by creators David Walliams and Matt Lucas, 2005 Comic Relief sketches featuring Elton John, George Michael, Robbie Williams and Simon Callow, a "Little Documentary" featurette and interviews with Lucas and Walliams on popular U.K. chat shows.

Night Watch (TLA Releasing)

Filmed on location in Buenos Aires and Argentina by veteran Argentine director Edgardo Cozarinsky, "Night Watch" ("Ronda Nocturna") follows mop-haired hustler Victor as he plies his trade amidst the seedy, nocturnal denizens of Buenos Aires with the grim threat of violence simmering just below the surface. Threatening strangers, an attempted murder, and the remembrance of a past love combine to send Victor on a soul-searching, surreal urban odyssey. Official Selection of the International Hispanic Film Festival and the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

April's Shower (Genius Products, Inc./here! Films)

Trish Doolan makes her directorial debut and stars in "April's Shower," a modern romantic comedy that asks how far one would go for true love. Trish plays Alex, a down and out chef preparing food for her close friend April's wedding shower. Though she wants to throw April the perfect shower, she struggles with lingering feelings from her past romantic relationship with the bride-to-be. When the past relationship between the women is revealed at the party, the guests aren't the only ones surprised.

Queer as Folk: The Final (Fifth) Season (Paramount)

"Queer as Folk" Season 5 continues to follow the journey of a group of gay friends and lovers living in Pittsburgh. This critically acclaimed series brings with it mature stories about facing the challenges of same-sex parenting, discrimination, AIDS/HIV, cancer and morality. Bonus features include Cyndi Lauper's "Shine" video, Rosie O'Donnell photo montage, season finale wrap party reel and extended scenes, Patrick Antosh fashion extra and more.

Chicken Tikka Masala (TLA Releasing)

In the laugh-out-loud tradition of "A Touch of Pink" and "The Wedding Banquet" comes "Chicken Tikka Masala," a British family comedy. When Jimi arrives home from medical school, he is surprised to find himself in the middle of his own arranged engagement party. What his family doesn't know however, is that Jimi is gay and his boyfriend is furious. Both heartwarming and hilarious, Chicken Tikka Masala is a wildly romantic comedy of errors with bold Indian flavor. Special features include a DVD ROM of the original screenplay.

Julie Johnson (Genius Products, Inc./here! Films)

"Julie Johnson" stars Lili Taylor and Courtney Love in this drama about strength of character, self-discovery and love. Taylor plays Julie, a repressed New Jersey housewife married to an overbearing man, unhappy with her life. After enrolling in a night school computer class, she gains the confidence needed to start changing her life and throws her husband out. Julie's best friend, Claire (Courtney Love) becomes motivated by this and decides to leave her own husband and move in with Julie. As their bond becomes stronger, their true feelings for each other are realized. "Julie Johnson" has won numerous awards at LGBT film fests across the country.

Mrs. Henderson Presents (Weinstein Company)

Gay favorite Judy Dench whips up a sexy froth as she delivers a devilishly funny Oscar-nominated performance as Mrs. Henderson, one of England's most eccentric society figures. Widowed and well to do, Laura Henderson needs something to do with her money and newfound time. So she buys a derelict theatre and has her actresses in the buff to draw patrons. Bonus features include commentary by director Stephen Frears and a making-of featurette.

Beverly Kills (TLA Releasing)

Whacked-out, muscle-bound, cross-dressing actor Beverly Jackson has been rejected for a role in Pride Playhouse's theatrical nude production of "Balls Out." Furious, Beverly decides to form a diabolical cult of revenge! Meanwhile, back at the Playhouse, adorable employee Shane falls right into the arms of Ray, a lighting designer, and the two are swept into Beverly's bizarre scheme. This comedy from the twisted mind of filmmaker Damion Dietz features lots of cuties, a hot romance and a twisted drag queen. Special features include deleted scenes, director's commentary and a photo gallery.