Book Review: TCM 2008 DVD Catalog

By Daniel Dessinger

April 5, 2008

I try not to use the adjective “awesome” in vain but folks, TCM (Turner Classic movies) 2008 DVD Catalog is truly an AWESOME reference book for all movie lovers.

First, the size – 830 large 8.5″ X 11″ pages.

I have no idea how many thousands of DVDs are covered in it. Probably a good ten thousand?

Each DVD is honored by a paragraph summary of the plot, its stars and director, length, DVD format, catalog number and price.

Second, the range of content and the way it is organized in 22 categories is truly remarkable.

You’ll find DVDs here from Japanese films to Westerns, Educational and Religious films to Action Drama and Horror, Silent-Era films to TV Series, and even Adult films (tastefully labeled “After Dark Cinema”).

Every page is illustrated with multiple DVD covers, star photos, or posters and lobby cards.

But here is why this remarkable DVD guide really earned the adjective “awesome” from me: there are many SIDEBARS that pull together DVDs by a single actor, director, or topic.

For example, you can quickly scan through all the important films in the catalog on African-American History or Clint Eastwood. I find that such a great aid to check out the films of my most favorite stars and directors.

A STAR Index and an additional GENERAL Index in the back are also priceless in locating what you need quickly.

Yet the real fun (I have to admit) is in cuddling up in a comfy armchair with this baby with a cup of coffee in hand and just lazily leafing through it… there is a veritable History of Cinema in between its two covers.

It’s amazing how an art form which is barely over 100 years old has produced this many memorable works, in every language and topic conceivable.

Its price is pretty awesome as well — $9.95! With shipping and handling you’ll pay $14.95. My copy arrived in 2 weeks.

If you love movies, you’ve got to have this fantastic volume right next to your remote control. Highly recommended.