Left of the Dial

Although it qualifies as manna from heaven for left-leaning liberals, this HBO documentary about the turbulent birth, near-failure, and resurrection of Air America leaves something to be desired as a behind-the-scenes history of the nation's first liberal radio network. Much of the celebration here feels like a home movie that will be of lasting interest primarily to those who actually participated in its much-publicized launch on March 31, 2004 with its best-known host, author-comedian Al Franken. Most enjoyable, for one viewing at least, are the candid portraits of the initial talent pool, including Franken, fellow comedian-pundits Janeane Garofalo and Marc Maron, and especially the colorfully outspoken Randi Rhodes, duly recognized here as the first person to prove (10 years earlier) that liberal radio was viable in a market glutted by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Michael Medved. (Rhodes' excoriating on-air criticism of then-Presidential candidate Ralph Nader is almost worth the price of the program alone.) Viewers will also witness the Wall Street perspective, as new investors arrive to stage a last-minute rescue when Air America's initial capital runs out, leaving its nascent staff without paychecks (fortunately, the network managed to survive and stabilize itself as a radio mainstay). DVD extras include audio commentaries and deleted scenes. Optional. Aud: C, P. (J. Shannon)