From the Dalai Lama to Dalton Trumbo – the subjects of this month’s non-fiction films are a diverse bunch. Read on to find out about all fourteen Documentaries that are new to our collection this month…
Dalai Lama Renaissance (2007) - The Dalai Lama discusses solutions to the world’s problems with 40 of the West’s leading, most innovative thinkers at his residence in the Himalayas. – [imdb]
Doing DaVinci (2009) – A team of expert builders try to construct the theoretical and unique inventions laid out by da Vinci using only materials available in da Vinci’s own time. – [imdb]
Earth (2007) – Disney Nature brings you a remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet — polar bears, elephants and humpback whales — filmed with spectacular clarity and beauty. – [imdb]
Full Battle Rattle (2008) – The sometimes horrific and sometimes hilarious story of a real Army battalion preparing for war in a billion-dollar mock-Iraqi village in California’s Mojave Desert. – [imdb]
Gotterdammerung: Enemy at the Gates (2009) - A look at the twilight of Hitler’s Reich.
Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup (2009) - Filmmaker Dylan Avery’s argument that we haven’t heard the full truth behind the terrorist attacks – updated with new information since the original 2005 version of the film. – [imdb]
National Geographic: The Human Family Tree (2009) - A fascinating look at human genetic history, from its ancient roots in Africa to its startling evolution over time. – [imdb]
Not Your Typical Bigfoot Movie (2008) - Less a documentary about Big Foot than about two quirky researchers who devotedly search for Sasquatch against all odds. – [imdb]
Note By Note: The Making of a Steinway L1037 (2007) - A look at the complex process involving countless hours and hundreds of craftsmen that go into the making of a Steinway concert grand piano. – [imdb]
Trumbo (2007) - A unique film about screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and his heroic journey from Hollywood royalty to blacklisted writer to Academy Award winner. – [imdb] – click here to read our review!
The Unwinking Gaze: The Inside Story of the Dalai Lama’s Struggle for Tibet (2008) - A unique, behind-the-scenes look into the recent working life of Tibet’s revered world icon the Dalai Lama. – [imdb]
Urgh! A Music War (1981) - Thirty-seven bands, including the Police, Gary Numan, Devo, the Dead Kennedys, and the Cramps are featured in this musical time capsule, filmed live at various locations in the US and Europe in 1980. – [imdb]
Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) - A look into the life and times of legendary fashion designer Valentino. – [imdb] – click here to read our review!
Yellowstone: Battle For Life (2008) - The beauty and wonder of Yellowstone National Park is on display here, as well as the battle for survival of its animal inhabitants. – [imdb]
(Thanks to IMDB, RottenTomatoes, and Metacritic for help with parts of these synopses)