What guitarists already know about Les Paul
Les Paul, who was born Lester William Polfus in Waukesha, Wis., is considered one of the great innovators of the electric guitar, as well as various recording techniques. He is a terrific guitar player and has performed country, jazz, easy listening and various other kinds of music. He and his wife, Mary Ford, had many hit records, and Paul also had solo hits. He was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, with Mary Ford into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and into the Inventor's Hall of Fame.
"Les Paul: Chasing Sound" (Koch Vision, 90 minutes, $24.99)
This wonderful documentary tells the story of Les Paul and his rags-to-riches life. In his own words, Paul explains how his fascination and curiosity set the stage for his accomplishments later in life. Paul is still performing at the age of 92, and we get to see his band and famous musicians performing with him. Also included are classic TV appearances, interviews with people he has influenced, photographs and more.
Collections
"Myrna Loy/William Powell Collection" (Warner, $49.92)
William Powell and Myrna Loy had great chemistry together, and their "Thin Man" collection has become one of the top-selling series on DVD. Their latest collection includes five MGM classics along with vintage shorts, classic cartoons, radio broadcast and more. The films are "Manhattan Melodrama," "Love Crazy," "Evelyn Prentice," "Double Wedding" and "I Love You Again."
"Musicals From Hollywood's Golden Age" (Passport, $19.98)
The five-disc set includes stars such as Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, James Cagney, Donald O'Connor, Lena Horne, Jimmy Stewart, Alice Faye, Debbie Reynolds, Kate Smith and more. The featured films are "Make a Wish," "Dancing Pirate," "Second Chorus," "Something to Sing About," "This is the Army," "Private Buckaroo," "Pot o' Gold," "Royal Wedding," "I Dream of Jeanie," "The Fabulous Dorseys," "Till the Clouds Roll By," "Doll Face," "Mr. Imperium," "The Duke is Tops" and "365 Nights in Hollywood."
"Charlie Chan Collection, Vol. Three" (Fox, $49.98)
Warner Oland stars as the very smart detective Charlie Chan, who always solves each case. The collection features "Charlie Chan's Secret," "Charlie Chan on Broadway," "Charlie Chan in the Black Camel" and "Behind That Curtain." Also included are featurettes, commentaries, restoration comparisons, trailers, still galleries and more.
Television
"All Creatures Great and Small: Series Seven" $79.98
"Bramwell: Season Two" $49.98
"Classic Kids Commercials" $9.98
"Dickens of London" $59.98
"Dynasty: Season Two" $42.99
"Elvis: The Miniseries" $26.77
"Father Brown: Set Two" $39.99
"Fugitive: Season One, Vol. One" $42.99
"House of Eliott: Complete Collection" $94.78
"Kids in the Hall: Pilot Episode Headcruncher" $19.98
"McLeod's Daughters: Season Three" $79.98
"Murder City: Season One" $59.99
"Overhaulin': Season Three, Vol. Two" $29.98
"Saturday Night Live Collection" $79.98
New this week
•"51 Birch Street"
•"American Pastime"
•"And Then Come Back"
•"Back to School: Extracurricular Edition"
•"Bam Bam and Celeste"
•"Daniel O'Donnell: Can You Feel the Love"
•"Dark Crystal: 25th Anniversary Edition"
•"David Lynch's Inland Empire"
•"Diana: Queen of Hearts"
•"Empty Acre"
•"Fracture"
•"God Grew Tired of Us"
•"Halloween Restored"
•"Kiss: Kissology Vol. Two"
•"Lookout"
•"Marco Polo"
•"Method"
•"Murderous Intent"
•"Pandemic"
•"Russian Bride"
•"Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars"
•"Taxi Driver: Collector's Edition"
•"Vacancy"
•"Veggie Tales: God Made You Special"
•"Wild Hogs"
Next week
Available Tuesday:
•"Broken English"
•"Dexter: Season One"
•"Perfect Stranger"
•"Robocop: 20th Anniversary Edition"
•"Ugly Betty: Season One"
•"Ultimate Gift"