TV shows on DVD available here!

We are pleased to announce some exciting changes to our TV on DVD collection. We have recently separated these out from the regular movies and have relocated them to their own shelf at the end of the movies. We feel this will make browsing specifically for shows much simpler!

In addition, we are working on expanding this collection a bit. With the rising cost of cable TV subscriptions, we know many people may not get cable in their home. With us carrying many popular TV shows on DVD for you, you will no longer have to miss out on the latest and greatest shows! Not to fear, we also carry back seasons and older shows as well, for those wishing to catch up. The best thing about watching shows on DVD instead of on TV is that there is NO need to wait for a new episode each week. No need to hold your breath for seven whole days after a cliffhanger ending... yippee!

Below are just some of the shows you will now find in our collection. We have many more too, so please stop in and have a look. Our Barnard Crossing Branch has also expanded their TV collection, so be sure to check out what they have as well.

• American Horror Story
• The Walking Dead

  

  Look for this label on our TV shows.

• The Mindy Project
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine
• The Goldbergs
• Homeland
• Marvel's A.G.E.N.T.S. of Shield
• Mike and Molly
• New Girl
• The Big Bang Theory
• The Blacklist
• Castle
• Chicago Fire
• Chicago P.D.
• Community
• Elementary
• The Good Wife
• Grey's Anatomy
• How I Met Your Mother
• Downton Abbey
• Last Tango in Halifax
• Nashville
• Once Upon a Time
• Person of Interest
• Revenge
• Scandal
• Sons of Anarchy

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As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!   

DVD Review: Escape Plan

Escape Plan, starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a thrilling movie. My husband was surprised when I told him I wanted to watch it, but come on, have you heard what it's about?! Absolutely intriguing and very cool!

Ray Breslin (Stallone), is a security expert who makes a living testing out maximum security prisons for safety. He has a business, along with several business partners, which sends him into these facilities as a "prisoner." He then must play along and observe these prisons and their staff until he finds a way to escape, thus proving how "secure" these prisons really are or are not. Things are going great until the CIA calls with a new, very high paying escape assignment. They want to send Breslin into a for-profit, off the grid facility that has been designed to meet Breslin's security standards and should be impossible to break out of. The moment he is picked up on this assignment, though, things are very “off.” It appears that Breslin has been framed and is truly being taken captive as a prisoner. He can’t find a way to escape, and the captors will not let him go. That’s when he meets Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger), a fellow prisoner who needs to find a way out. Together, they work on an escape plan to break out of the world’s most secure, and hidden, prison.

So as I said, this is a completely thrilling movie with so many questions, twists, and turns. I was feeling tense the whole time as I rooted the characters on. I was also intrigued by the prison itself, which had a very unique and futuristic setup for advanced safety. Also intriguing was the fact that this prison was totally off the grid, illegal, and at an undisclosed location, so no one had any idea where Breslin was being held captive after they found out it was all a scam. 

The film often switches between the prison setting with the two men plotting together, to Breslin's partners who are desperately trying to find where he was brought to so they can break him out after they discovered it was all a plot against him. I enjoyed seeing these two perspectives, of Breslin's desperation to get out, and his friends desperation to GET him out. There were two teams working separately towards one common goal. 

I will say, I REALLY enjoyed this movie, but I have one minor complaint: it got to be a bit confusing at times and I am still unsure of exactly who Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger) was and how he ended up in the prison. I'm also a bit confused on some other details too. Other than that though, this movie was pretty darn awesome and one that I would highly recommend!
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: Call the Midwife, Season One

I absolutely loved Downton Abbey, despite my thinking I would not, so I thought I'd give another British series a try. Call the Midwife is based on a memoir written by a midwife who worked in the poor section of East London during the 1950's. It took a little bit to get into it, but I really enjoyed the characters, the stories, and the time setting. The midwives are generally fresh out of nursing school and are living in a convent with nuns, who are also midwives, so it's a contrast between the strict lifestyle of the nuns and the young girls who are making their way, usually as their first time out on their own. This season is only six episodes, so I was just starting to really get into it and then it ended. I'm really looking forward to Season two!!!
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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: Prisoners

Prisoners, starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal is a fantastic, tense thriller. Jackman stars as Keller Dover whose worst nightmare has come true: his six year old daughter and her friend have gone missing. The only clue is a mysterious RV that was parked outside in their neighborhood. Gyllenhaal stars as a detective who arrests the driver of the RV, a mentally challenged young man. When there is not enough evidence to hold him, he gets released. Dover, however, is convinced that he is guilty and decides to take it upon himself to make sure his daughter is found and justice is served. 

WOW, is my initial reaction to this movie. It was quite long, clocking in at 153 minutes, yet it flew by. I was completely wrapped into the story and incredibly anxious to see how it would all end up. I was dying to know where the girls were and if they would be found alive. The suspense was incredibly powerful and the mystery was hard to crack.

This movie also shows the devastating impact of a missing persons case. The father was going nuts and his desperation led him to do some pretty extreme things. The mother was depressed and sleeping constantly. The whole family was torn up, and I think this is probably a pretty accurate and realistic portrayal of this horrible situation.

If you are looking for a thrilling movie, this is it! You will be shocked by the many revelations and happenings that occur, and you will be on the edge of your seat the whole time. 
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: Bates Motel, Season One

I just finished watching the first season of Bates Motel on DVD, and I must say... it was addicting! I was watching episodes back to back, and they all ended with a cliffhanger, so I was really glad I was watching on DVD instead of on TV where I'd have to wait for new episodes every week.

Bates Motel is supposed to a be a prequel to the classic horror film, Psycho (which I haven't seen but really need to now). It tells the story of a teenage Norman Bates and his mother, Norma. Norman's father has just passed away, and his mother has purchased a run down motel in a new town, White Pine Bay, to start over. Almost immediately after arriving, strange and sinister things start happening, many of them caused by the Bates family themselves. We see the strange relationship between Norman and his mother, and start to see how Norman eventually becomes what he becomes: psycho.

I really, really enjoyed this thrilling show. I wouldn't really describe it as horror, but more of a mystery suspense. At first, I thought that Norma, the mother, was the crazy one, but as I continued watching, I started to think maybe it was Norman who was. Watch it for yourself and see what you think... I'm still not sure!

Norman, though a little strange for his age, seems mostly levelheaded and typical. He does have an unusually close relationship with his mother, but he also falls for girls, listens to music, and fights with his brother, like most teenage boys do. Secrets are eventually revealed, though, that make you wonder if Norman really is what he seems to be...

In addition to the strange Bates family, the town itself is really strange and sinister. There are so many illegal things taking place and mysterious happenings that your head will be spinning!

All in all, this is a great show for those who love suspense. I really cannot wait for season two to air so that I can uncover even more mysteries of the Bates family and White Pine Bay!
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Reviews: Hilarious New Comedies (The Heat & We're the Millers)

The Heat has got to be one of this year's funniest new releases! Sandra Bullock stars as an ambitious and uptight FBI agent who is partnered with Melissa McCarthy's character, a loud-mouthed, crass local cop who doesn't like anyone invading her turf. While they start out as enemies, they eventually form an unlikely bond as they work together to take down a dangerous drug lord. While Sandra Bullock is amazing in this movie, I have to say, Melissa McCarthy really stole the show here! They play off of each other wonderfully, and McCarthy has some seriously hilarious one liners. I literally laughed the whole way through this movie, both times that I've seen it. It never gets old. And don't let anyone fool you into thinking it's a chick flick because it's not! My husband refused to see it because he thought it was a chick flick, but when I finally got him to watch it, he was cracking up right alongside me! This has got to be one of my favorite movies of the year!

We're The Millers is another riot full of laughs. This one stars Jason Sudeikis as a small time drug dealer who is forced to travel to Mexico to bring back tons of drugs to repay a debt to his supplier. In order to avoid suspicion, he rents an RV and hires a few neighbors to play his family. He hopes that his RV won't be searched at the border if it looks like a fun family vacation. His pretend wife is played by Jennifer Ansiton, who is exceptional as always, and Sudeikis himself is always hilarious. They also have two "kids," and the whole family cleans themselves up to look like a respectable and corny clan. Along the way, they meet a super nerdy family who is also traveling in an RV, risk their lives on several accounts, and start to bond as a real family, fights and all. The funniest parts involved the fellow RV traveling family who were complete cornballs and unknowingly caused a lot of problems for the "Miller" family. A lot of the humor in this movie is crude and offensive, but nevertheless, I found it to be hilarious as did the rest of my family.
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Reviews: New Comedy Sequels (Grown Ups 2 & The Hangover III)

Grown Ups 2 was a pretty huge letdown, as far as sequels go. I really enjoyed the first one but Grown Ups 2 just did not deliver the laughs for me. I am a fan of stupid or silly humor, but this humor was just too silly and childish. It was also missing Rob Schneider. Why didn't he come back for the sequel?! Maybe he read the script and bowed out...? I wouldn't recommend this one at all, though I would recommend the original. I will say, it's pretty disappointing that this one was such a flop because it has some great actors (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade), but I guess you simply cannot out-act bad writing!

The Hangover Part III was decent. It had an interesting storyline and made me laugh a few times. Some of it got confusing only because I hadn't seen the previous two in quite some time so that was kind of annoying. It certainly cannot top the original, but it was decent, especially considering it's the third one now. The first one is a classic, while the second and third are okay. For me, the character of Alan makes these films, and he continued to be funny this time around. I would consider the two sequels "one time views," but I do own and love the original. While the antics are outlandish as usual, that's what made these films such big hits to begin with!

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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: American Horror Story: Asylum

American Horror Story has got to be one the best shows on TV... but only if you're a fan of scary things! It is amazingly written and directed, and really brings the creep factor! I quickly became addicted to the first season, having watched it twice already (it's the kind of show you can watch again and again and keep catching new things), and was super anxious for season two to come on, American Horror Story: Asylum. I watched the first few episodes on TV and was pretty let down... but that all changed very recently!

AHS is a horror TV series and is definitely the scariest, most provocative TV show I have ever seen. Sometimes, I was quite shocked that it could even air on cable! When Asylum came on, I did not get hooked after the first couple of episodes and decided to stop watching it on TV. I decided I MIGHT give it another chance when it came out on DVD, and that is only because I loved the first season so much. Boy, am I glad I gave it another chance! I essentially watched it in one weekend on DVD because I got so hooked the second time around.

So, Asylum takes place in the 60's at Briarcliff Manor, an insane asylum run by nuns and a twisted doctor who loves doing... experiments. It's full of mentally ill patients as well as some people who are just downright crazy. The story centers on Lana, an investigative journalist who is involuntarily and wrongly signed in as a patient, and Kit Walker, a young man who has been accused of being "Bloodyface," a serial killer whose latest victim is his wife. All of the characters have ulterior motives, and so many crazy things happen to all of them that your head will be spinning: alien invasions, demonic possessions, and seeing ghosts, just to name a few of the very twisted happenings.

This show has an incredible cast, including several actors who appeared in the first season as well: Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Dylan McDermott, and Sarah Paulson, just to name a few. I will also mention that I really missed Connie Britton who appeared in season one, but not in Asylum.

AHS has a completely new story line and cast of characters each season (though with many recurring actors). This is pretty cool, but I must admit I miss the story of season one as well as the story of Asylum now too. However, it's always exciting to see what the producers will come up with the following season and I'm glad to see returning actors! I don't have cable anymore so I haven't been able to see any of the current season, Coven, yet, but I can already tell you I am extremely anxious for it to release on DVD so I can catch up!

Also, check out the first season, simply called American Horror Story. I liked it even better than Asylum, which is saying a lot! This season takes place in modern times and is about a family who unknowingly moves into a very haunted house where several murders have occurred in the past. I think it's even scarier than Asylum! Either way, I would highly recommend both seasons, both of which you can get from the library.
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: The Mindy Project, Season One

The Mindy Project is a new sitcom that premiered last year, and season one was recently released on DVD. It stars Mindy Kaling, of The Office fame, and has quickly become one of my new favorites. I watched the entire season one on DVD in about a week's time, binge watching the episodes every chance I got. I seriously found myself anxious to get home every night just so I could curl up on the couch with my dog, a hot chocolate, and a few new episodes.

Mindy stars as a single doctor in an OB/GYN practice and dreams about finding the perfect man in the city. Her coworkers are off the walls hilarious and her dating adventures are ridiculous and highly entertaining. Mindy herself is an absolute riot, and I found myself laughing out loud at least once every episode. She actually plays a surprisingly convincing doctor! My favorite characters include Mindy herself, and Morgan, the RN they hired who was a former convict recently released from prison who has turned his life around. He is absolutely nuts and cracks me up with his antics and one liners. Mindy is, of course, completely funny, charming, and witty. The other doctors, office employees, and potential suitors are all top notch as well. I was always a fan of Mindy Kaling's, especially after seeing her speak at a BEA conference, but now I love her even more.

The episodes are short, only about 21-22 minutes apiece, so if you have a little bit of free time and are looking for some great laughs, why not check out The Mindy Project? You won't be disappointed!

You may also consider reading Mindy's memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? which I plan on getting my hands on ASAP!
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Television From Across the Pond (DVD Reviews)

Looking for some new TV shows to watch on DVD? Why not try one of these British shows from "across the pond?"

• Last Tango in Halifax tells the story of childhood sweethearts Alan and Celia who re-connect after almost sixty years.  But, the course of true love does not run smoothly, particularly when two somewhat dysfunctional families collide.  This was an award winning series in Britain, and deservedly so.  The acting and writing are excellent, with proper doses of both humor and drama.
• Silk is a contemporary legal drama which follows the passionate barrister Martha Costello as she pursues her "silk" (being appointed to Queen's Counsel).  For fans of legal and courtroom drama.
• If you can't resist period costume drama, you'll enjoy The Paradise. Set amidst the Victorian splendor of Britain's first department store, the series follows Denise as she navigates her way through the power struggles, intrigues and affairs of the store's staff and mysterious owner. 
• Last but not least, the UK's finest import, Doctor Who, comes out with the 50th anniversary special Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor on Dec. 10 (can you tell I'm a fan...?)

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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: The Way, Way Back

The Way, Way Back tells the story of shy, timid teenager Duncan and his single mother.  When he is dragged to the summer home of his mother’s arrogant new boyfriend, he sees nothing but a miserable summer  in his future.  He soon discovers “Water-Wiz” water park, and the quirky staff who become his new “family.”

Coming-of age films are somewhat predictable, and The Way, Way Back is no exception.  What sets it apart is the great screenplay  and actors.  There is even some “Oscar buzz” for Allison Janney, who plays a boozy neighbor, and for Sam Rockwell, the slacker water park employee who befriends Duncan.

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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: This Is the End

This Is the End (rated R) is a pretty unique comedy movie full of some big name actors. What makes this movie different is that the actors are playing themselves!

This film stars Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride. The six men are trapped in Franco's house after the apocalypse strikes while they're all partying, and many of their other celebrity friends have been killed. What ensues as the men try to fight hunger, scary monsters, and petty arguments is downright hilarious. The humor is quite crass and ridiculous though, so while many people may find this film silly or stupid, if you have that kind of humor, you'll love it and laugh the whole way through like I did. Be forewarned that there is some gore and lots of vulgarity, too.

I'm a huge fan of many of these actors, especially Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, so I really enjoyed watching them play fictionalized, exaggerated versions of themselves. All in all, a funny, ridiculous movie. While it won't be for everyone, it will appeal highly to those of us with a silly or stupid sense of humor.
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: Parkland

This November 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination. The DVD, Parkland, looks at this pivotal day in American history through the eyes of ordinary people who find themselves in the midst of the chaos that followed the assassination.

There is a roster of great actors, including Paul Giamatti as Abraham Zapruder. The story of his now infamous film of the Kennedy motorcade is the best part of the movie.

Parkland tries to tell too many stories, and comes off a bit disjointed. If you enjoy docu-dramas, check out Parkland. This DVD was released today.
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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/.