New on DVD: Charles Kuralt series

"On the Road with Charles Kuralt"

Charles Kuralt began his career at CBS News in 1957, remaining with the network in some capacity until his death. He was a writer for radio broadcasts, which led to his assignment with CBS Evening News. Kuralt traveled everywhere as a CBS News Correspondent and was the first host of the TV series "Eyewitness." In October of 1967, he traveled the backroads of America in a motor home to tell unique and wonderful stories of ordinary people. These segments aired on the CBS Evening News and were seen by millions. Over the next 20 years, Kuralt and his crew would travel over 1 million miles, sharing tales with the American people.

Kuralt has been called the common man's poet, and you will find out why as you view this wonderful set which includes 76 different stories. Among the segments are features on shipbuilders of Maine, a 104-Year-Old Man, a pothole festival, cable cars and more.

"The Story of Jazz"

Ken Burns' series on jazz exposed PBS viewers to a great genre of music. The 90-minute documentary tells the story of jazz, which has been around for more than 100 years. We hear the music and see the performances through film clips, stills and audio.

We also get firsthand observations from Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Lester Bowie, Tony Bennett, Bud Freeman, Billy Taylor, Wynton Marsalis and others.

"Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker"

Clint Eastwood showed the world a part of Charlie Parker's life in the movie "Bird," and this terrific documentary also delves into his life and music.

Parker was a virtuoso saxophonist who had a style of his own that helped make him a legend before his death at the age of 34. Through film clips, photos, interviews and performances, we learn about Parker's life from Kansas City to the New York City jazz scene of the 1940s, where he transformed traditions into startling and innovative music. But most of all, this film shares the music, including many of Parker's finest recordings.

"Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday"

At times, the life of singer Billie Holiday has been portrayed as one filled with sad times and hard drugs, But there was more to this great talent, and in this documentary we see Holiday at various stages of her life and career. The DVD features her beautiful voice, along with interviews of friends and musicians who worked with her. You will be touched by Ruby Dee's reading of Holiday's words.

This is the program that finally sets the record straight. It won the Cable ACE Award for Best Documentary Cultural of Performing Arts Special in 1994.

"The Barbara Stanwyck Show: Volume One"

Barbara Stanwyck appeared in almost 100 films in her career, and in 1960-61 starred in an anthology series of half-hour dramas that she hosted.

The first volume of this collection features 15 dramas that co-star Vic Morrow, Ralph Bellamy, Julie London, Milton Berle, Michael Rennie, Lee Marvin and others.

The three-DVD set also includes the unaired pilot episode, Barbara's 1961 Emmy acceptance speech and a 20-page booklet with contributions by Robert Osborne and the Archive of American Television.

Available Next Week

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"North By Northwest: 50th Anniversary Edition"

"TCM Greatest Film Collection: Comedy"

"TCM Greatest Film Collection: Family"

"TCM Greatest Film Collection: Hitchcock Thrillers"

"TCM Greatest Film Collection: Holiday"

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