Here are some TV shows newly released on DVD, led by the fascinating PBS documentary that recently aired about composer/musician Philip Glass.
"Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts" (Koch Lorber, 2009, two discs, $29.98)
Filmmaker Scott Hicks ("Shine") writes in the liner notes that he became a fan of Glass' music after viewing "Koyaanisqatsi," something I can relate to since the same thing happened to me.
In my case, immediately after reviewing the movie for the Deseret News in 1981, I purchased the soundtrack (a vinyl record in those days, kiddies) and began watching for other Glass works.
Generally labeled "minimalist," Glass' music of repetitive refrains is equally loved and loathed, but to those who embrace it, it's quite addicting. My Glass albums have been on regular rotation from record player to iPod.
This documentary follows Glass — who is in his 70s but seems younger — over roughly 18 months as he composes symphonies, scores films, rehearses and performs, and we hear extensively from Glass himself, as well as from a variety of collaborators, including filmmakers Godfrey Reggio, Errol Morris, Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. (But you'll have to go to the bonus features for performance artist Laurie Anderson.)
A fascinating, probing examination of a contemporary artist who is considered by many to be a musical genius. Fans will eat it up.
Extras: widescreen, deleted/extended scenes, audio commentary, bonus performances/interviews; eight-page booklet
"The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (Infinity/SFM/Falcon, 1955-56, b/w, five discs, $39.98)
Hugh O'Brien stars in this classic half-hour Western series, which was unique as a sort of serial based on real-life incidents. The show spent six seasons working its way through Earp's lawman career toward the shootout at the OK Corral in Tombstone (which occurs over the final episodes of the final season).
This first season, set in Ellsworth, Kan., is a great introduction, and the show holds up very well, with such up-and-comers as Mike Connors ("Mannix") and Angie Dickinson ("Police Woman") among the guest stars. (Watch for Season 2, in which Earp goes to Dodge City.)
Extras: full frame, 35 episodes
"A Galaxy Far Far Away: Inside the Universe of a Phenomenon: 10th Anniversary Special Edition" (Cinevolve, 2009, $19.95)
This light documentary doesn't aspire to be comprehensive or deep. It just wishes to entertain, and that it does while chronicling the misadventures of "Star Wars" fanatics. Samuel L. Jackson and other "Star Wars" alumni — the actors who played Darth Vader, R2-D2, C3-PO and Chewbacca — are here, along with never-before-seen bonus features.
Extras: widescreen, deleted scenes, audio commentaries, new featurettes, trailers
"A Class Apart: A Mexican American Civil Rights Story" (PBS, 2009, $24.99)
Excellent examination of a 1951 murder case that led to a landmark Supreme Court victory for the civil rights of Mexican Americans. Intelligently weaves together Latino-American history with the quirky personalities of those involved in the case.
Extras: widescreen, bonus scenes, featurette, slideshow, alternate Spanish-language audio track, educator materials
"Jerusalem: Center of the World" (PBS, 2009, $24.99)
"The Jewish People: A Story of Survival" (PBS, 2008, $24.99)
These new documentaries on the title subjects delve, respectively, into the three religious factions that have shaped Jerusalem, the Jews, Muslims and Christians, and the evolving lives of Jewish people before, during and after the Holocaust. Fascinating subjects; intelligent productions.
Extras: widescreen, "The Jewish People" has bonus interviews
E-MAIL: hicks@desnews.com