Rick Manly

The dreamlike photography is doubly impressive for creating such stunning visuals with 1947 technology.

"The Sopranos" deserved every recognition for its writing that it received. There is a humanity here one just doesn't see in series with dragons and cannibals. Anyone who wants to understand America as it crossed from one century to another, look no further.

Unlike most Tarentino movies, this account of Hitler's last week is thoroughly documented and brilliantly acted with special attention to Bruno Ganz as Hitler. Downfall is based on Joaquin Fest's The Bunker and follows the hellhounds step-by-step walk into Hell. Must see.

James Stewart starred twice with Kim Novak, in Hitchcock's Vertigo and Richard Quine's Bell, Book and Candle. Both have lasted yet there is little discussion of their teamwork. Take a chance on Bell, Book and Candle for convincing witchcraft and just maybe some insight into the competitiveness some women have with other women.

Fans of British mysteries will find much to admire this stylishly made whodunnit. It offers the three things that make PBS Mystery a viewing habit: WWII, murder and crisp enunciation. Watch and enjoy.

Columbo is the only class-oriented detective on screen or on paper. In many ways, he is the Western equivalent of the ancient Chinese literary archetype that pitted the rich mandarin against the wily peasant.