Video Librarian Best Of

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Best Of: Spring 2024

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Welcome to the Best Of: Spring 2024 edition of Video Librarian, where we showcase the cream of the cinematic crop from recent months. As the promise of warmer weather approaches, we've sifted through our recent reviews to curate a selection of films that have captured our attention and earned our highest praise. From gripping dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and pulse-pounding thrillers, these standout titles represent our highly recommended titles. 

Do Not Disturb

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Newlyweds Chloe and Jack's Miami honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when a peculiar stranger gifts them a cache of drugs, prompting them to embark on a psychedelic journey. Initially, their experimentation with peyote seems innocuous, but as they delve deeper into a rare and potent strain, their idyllic getaway transforms into a harrowing descent into darkness. Do Not Disturb begins as a seemingly straightforward drama before evolving into a gripping psychological thriller. The film's gradual shift from a drug-infused drama to pure terror is highly intense. With meticulous attention to detail reminiscent of Hitchcock, the film is masterfully shot, heightening the suspense and dread.

Read our full review of Do Not Disturb

Purchase Do Not Disturb from Dark Star Pictures

Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Editor's Choice 

Tod Browning’s Sideshow Shockers, a box set by The Criterion Collection, presents three pivotal films from the director’s repertoire: The Unknown, Freaks, and the previously unreleased The Mystic, offering a comprehensive view of Browning's fascination with circus and sideshow themes. The Mystic, a standout due to its unavailability until now, portrays a Romani mystic ensnared in a con artist’s scheme. The Unknown, starring Lon Chaney Sr., exemplifies Browning's mastery of suspense, while Freaks offers a controversial yet humanizing portrayal of disabled performers. Accompanied by an insightful essay by Farran Smith Nehme, the box set offers invaluable context for both casual viewers and film scholars. Libraries could leverage this collection for Halloween programming, while it could fit into film series exploring themes such as spiritualism, disability representation, and Lon Chaney Sr.’s body of work. Additionally, film history professors would find the set indispensable for reintroducing Browning’s groundbreaking films to academic discourse.

Read our full review of Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers

Purchase Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers from The Criterion Collection

Aircraft Carriers: Disaster on the Deck 

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Aircraft Carriers: Disasters on the Deck exposes the high-stakes environment of aircraft carrier military operations. Revealing some of the most dramatic accidents in naval aviation history, from heart-stopping 'cold cats' to harrowing ramp strikes, the documentary highlights the inherent dangers faced by pilots and ground crews. Delving into the haunting details of the USS Forrestal fire, considered the worst aircraft carrier disaster ever, the film details the relentless challenges encountered by military personnel on these floating runways. The presentation of raw naval footage without commentary allows viewers to piece together the causes and potential preventions of these accidents, offering insights into the enduring challenges faced by naval aviators. Aircraft Carriers: Disasters on the Deck finds its place among military or war documentary collections in public libraries and may also serve as a valuable resource for instructors teaching naval or air ROTC courses, as well as those involved in aeronautics or aircraft design instruction.

Read our full review of Aircraft Carriers: Disasters on the Deck

Purchase Aircraft Carriers: Disasters on the Deck from Marshall Publishing

Purple Dreams

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This uplifting documentary showcases the Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a graduation rate of 97% and a diverse student body, the school provides a nurturing environment for its students who use theatre as an escape from life's challenges. The film follows them as they audition, rehearse, and ultimately perform in the high school production of the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple. Led by dedicated staff like theater arts teacher and director Corey Mitchell, the remarkably talented cast pours their hearts into the production, earning national recognition and even a trip to a juried festival in Nebraska where they meet with college arts recruiters. Through intimate glimpses into the lives of students like Mekhai, Britany, and Phillip, viewers gain insight into their personal struggles and triumphs. Director Joanne Hock skillfully allows the action to speak for itself, highlighting the students' dedication and passion for theater, culminating in a moving portrayal of their successes and the impact of their tough-love director. With no narration, the film immerses viewers in the inspiring journey of these young artists, making it a superior choice for audiences seeking a feel-good experience.

Read our full review of Purple Dreams

Purchase Purple Dreams from Good Docs