A video smattering

We have some new nonfiction DVDs here at the library this week, so I thought I would take a minute to highlight a few.
Adoption Explained: International is a good overview of the considerations and process behind adoption children from a foreign country. In addition to explaining some of the steps in the adoption process, this DVD also looks at the emotional and societal facets of adopting internationally. A number of international adoption experts have contributed to this film, and it would be a valuable resource for anyone planning to embrace a foreign child into their family.
Dancing in the Light: six dances by African-American choreographers is a wonderful film that presents some of the best modern dance of the 20th century. Performed by a variety of contemporary dance companies, the pieces in this video include Pearl Primus' 1943 interpretation of 'Strange Fruit', a 1959 dance choreographed by Donald McKayle ('Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder') and an excerpt from Bill T. Jones' piece 'D-Man in the Waters'.
If you were intrigued by the story behind the box-office hit 300, but turned off by the heavy gore and funky special effects, you should watch Last Stand of the 300: the legendary battle of Thermopylae. This History Channel production is a much less gory, less explicit re-enactment of the famous battle where 300 Spartans held off the Persian military long enough for Athens to prepare itself for a naval battle in which they would defeat the Persians (the Battle of Salamis). As all of the Spartan soldiers die (hope that wasn't a spoiler), it's not a feel-good story. But it is definitely a fascinating point in history and a testament to the determination of those 300 Spartans.