http://www.slj.com The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:23:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-titanic-inquiry-dvd/ http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-titanic-inquiry-dvd/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:24:50 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=29948 The Titanic Inquiry. DVD. 59 min. Prod. by Network Ireland. Dist. by MVD Entertainment Group. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $59.97. Gr 9 Up–The fate of steamship Titanic is probably one of the best-known incidents of the 20th century. There was just one inquiry into the cause of the ship’s sinking. This absorbing dramatic recreation focuses on the question of whether the death toll might have been reduced—or eliminated—if help had come from a nearby ship, the Californian. Based on the [...]]]> The Titanic Inquiry. DVD. 59 min. Prod. by Network Ireland. Dist. by MVD Entertainment Group. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $59.97.
Gr 9 Up–The fate of steamship Titanic is probably one of the best-known incidents of the 20th century. There was just one inquiry into the cause of the ship’s sinking. This absorbing dramatic recreation focuses on the question of whether the death toll might have been reduced—or eliminated—if help had come from a nearby ship, the Californian. Based on the transcripts of the actual 1912 Irish hearing as well as dialogue created on the basis of background research, the scenario of actions or inactions of the the Californian’s captain on that tragic night is reconstructed. Viewers will be intrigued by the courtroom drama and the discussion among the ship’s crew about what seems to have occurred on the ship closest to the Titanic. The actors, setting, and dialogue are all remarkably convincing. A chapter selection option is valuable when this film is utilized in a classroom setting.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-titanic-inquiry-dvd/feed/ 1 http://www.slj.com/2012/11/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-otto-frank-father-of-anne-dvd/ http://www.slj.com/2012/11/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-otto-frank-father-of-anne-dvd/#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:00:24 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=20849 Otto Frank, Father of Anne. DVD. 75 min. MVD Entertainment Group. 2012. ISBN unavail. $119.97. Gr 9 Up–Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into more than 67 languages and, as a result of her father’s persistence, it has become the world’s greatest single document about the Holocaust. In David DeJongh’s revealing documentary, we meet Otto, Anne’s father, who was an officer in Germany’s army during WW I.   The family fled to Holland during Hitler’s reign, and Anne’s diary was written while [...]]]> Otto Frank, Father of Anne. DVD. 75 min. MVD Entertainment Group. 2012. ISBN unavail. $119.97.
Gr 9 Up–Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into more than 67 languages and, as a result of her father’s persistence, it has become the world’s greatest single document about the Holocaust. In David DeJongh’s revealing documentary, we meet Otto, Anne’s father, who was an officer in Germany’s army during WW I.   The family fled to Holland during Hitler’s reign, and Anne’s diary was written while they were in hiding. Otto survived Auschwitz and was disconsolate over losing his daughters and wife. But his life took on a singular, passionate purpose when Anne’s diary anonymously came to him. He edited the diaries and doggedly pursued publishers to print the book. Finally, faced with rejection, he paid for the printing of the initial editions.  Firsthand interviews and rare footage from Europe reveal controversies and battles unimagined by the Diary’s readers. There were also lawsuits over stage and screen rights. Testimonies revealing the Franks’ life in hiding and Otto’s own bias favoring his younger daughter contribute to a compelling investigation of a father’s mission to make his daughter’s voice heard. This film offers conflicting accounts form eyewitnesses about the events surrounding Anne and her diary as well as source material that is sure to spark discussion and debate. An excellent addition to Holocaust collections.–Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

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