Gunner Palace

2004, PG-13

Crystal clear in their attacks against President Bush's Iraqi War policies, co-directors Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein's fascinating documentary about U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq is in sync with growing public unhappiness over the occupation. Tucker and Epperlein move beyond the daily news by taking an intimate look at the soldiers' daily lives, from their humanitarian efforts at a local orphanage to their lightning-quick searches of homes of potential Baghdad terrorists. The film is all energy, as vibrant as any reality TV show with the added excitement of a music video. In fact, bonus Rap audio tracks, performed by the Gunner Palace soldiers, reveal the musical tempo throughout the film. Bonus footage -- scenes that might have cost the film its hard-fought PG-13 rating -- expands the soldiers' stories, but there is no denying the flawless editing of the 87-minute theatrical release. While the President continues to talk about increasing peace and stability in Iraq, the soldiers of Gunner Palace offer a different tale, one where chaos and violence rule the streets of Baghdad. (Steve Ramos) Grade: A

Lou Reed: Spanish Fly - Live In Spain

LOU REED: SPANISH FLY -- LIVE IN SPAIN (SANCTUARY)

2005, Not Rated

It's odd that the rockers who have survived into late middle age with their artistic credibility most intact -- enhanced, even -- are the ones with the worst voices: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Neil Young and especially 63-year-old Lou Reed. Even in the best of times, back when 1972's "Walk on the Wild Side" was a hit single, his hushed, confiding flat monotone of a voice had limited range. Now, he sometimes has trouble hitting low notes! And yet, as this filmed performance before a vast, enthralled crowd at last year's Benicassim International Music Festival shows, he's never been a more accomplished live act. With a tight, well-honed band -- including cellist Jane Scarpantoni and guitarist Mark Rathke -- that finds subtlety and power in such timelessly minimalist, three-chord wonders from his Velvet Underground and solo repertoire as "Sweet Jane," "Romeo Had Juliette," "Satellite of Love," "Jesus," "Venus in Furs" and "The Blue Mask," Reed projects confident mastery of his material even when he can't carry a tune. The concert is beautifully filmed, but the only "extras" are some black-and-white snapshots of the band taken by Reed himself. It could have used some interviews. (Steven Rosen) Grade: B

Bad Guy

BAD GUY (FACETS)

2001, Unrated

For moviegoers who have just discovered South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk with his recent films 3-Iron and Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and ... Spring, the DVD release of his 2001 film Bad Guy might be a shocking discovery. The powerful, magnificent film about gang leader Han-ki (Cho Jae-hyun), who becomes obsessed with a pretty college student, Sun-hwa (Suh Won), whom he forces into prostitution, is raw and brutal in depictions of violence and voyeurism. Yet Kim's masterly touch and fine arts background is evident in Bad Guy's vibrant colors and disciplined use of dialogue and visual metaphor. Cho's viscous stare and rock-solid expression is the perfect vehicle for Han-ki's mixed feelings of pity and desire for Sun-hwa. Bonus DVD features include a musical photomontage and an interview with the director. What Kim tries to explain with words, Bad Guy makes clear with vivid imagery. Even lowlifes deserve a film poet to tell their dark, dangerous stories. (Steve Ramos) Grade: B+

Northern Exposure - The Complete Third Season

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON (UNIVERSAL)

1991, Not Rated

By season three, Northern Exposure had been promoted from summer and spring replacement in its first two abbreviated seasons to full-time series. The show's cast and producers responded with a solid season of controlled wackiness. Joel is still trying to get out of Alaska and back home to New York City but gradually becoming more comfortable in the remote town of Cicely, Alaska. Many of the best storylines continue, including Maggie's discovery of her deceased boyfriend's secret life, Maurice's romantic pursuit of Officer Semanski and several episodes with fan favorites, the reclusive Adam and his wife Eve. With its unique mix of comedy, drama and a cast you can root for, one could make an argument that Northern Exposure's first full season (23 episodes) became the inspiration for several television series to come (Sopranos, West Wing, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under). Extras include deleted scenes, extended scenes and a few scenes that would have launched different storylines. (P.F. Wilson) Grade: A