TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

This week’s blog post highlights the documentary Wounded Land , which was originally supposed to be a film about the famous and historic winemaking regions of Ukraine. Their plans changed however when Russia further invaded, causing director Roman Zajac and cinematographer Andriy Semenyuk to pivot to creating a powerful film about the devastation of war , resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.  Even during a major war, a resilient group of winemakers continues to cultivate their passion amidst the dark clouds of conflict. For years, these dedicated individuals have produced exceptional wines, but their journey has been fraught with challenges as the country faces the turmoil of war with Russia . Due to this devastating war, more than 14 million Ukrainians have left their homes . The global repercussions of the war also have significant consequences felt in agricultural markets and food security. Ukrainian agriculture has suffered extensive damage, resulting in a mounting p

Brooke Shields is turning 58 next week!?! How is that possible? A renowned actress and model who has graced both the silver screen and fashion runways, Shields is known for her striking beauty. In addition to her remarkable career, Brooke is also celebrated for her witty and memorable quotes. One of her most famous lines is, "Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."  Beyond her achievements however, especially during mental health awareness month, we thought it important to share how Brooke Shields has also been open about her personal struggle with depression. In her documentary Pretty Baby, she courageously delves into her experiences, shedding light on the challenges she faced. Despite her glamorous exterior, Shields has revealed the depth of her emotional turmoil, stating, "When you're in the middle of a battle with depression, you have to find the strength to fight your way out, even when it feels impossible."

Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) is an Israeli national holiday celebrated annually to mark the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 after a long struggle for sovereignty. As a day of great significance for Israelis, it celebrates their independence, freedom, and national identity: an opportunity to reflect on the history, culture, and achievements of Israel and its people, and to reaffirm the commitment to the country's continued success and prosperity. TheArchive  pays homage to Israel and it's many contributions to the world whether it be, to name a few, technological, cultural, or strategic. We distribute many powerful films spotlighting Israel, remembering the Holocaust, and sharing inspiring stories of history, progress, and the leaders behind the rise of this very influential nation. One particular documentary and its subjects we wanted to spotlight on this reverential occasion is The Prime Ministers ,  based on Yehuda Avner's best-selling book.

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day TheArchive honors the millions who perished and the millions whose eternal light continues to shine as a beacon of hope. The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism, and it serves as a call to action for all people of conscience to work towards a more just and peaceful world. Our extensive library of Holocaust films, many Oscar winning or nominated, spotlights the importance of remembering the past, and of the need to be vigilant against all forms of hate and discrimination. We must remember the past in order to shape a better future for all people.    Oscar winning documentary,  The Long Way Home , echoes those ideals as it depicts the plight of Jewish refugees after World War II that contributed to the creation of the State of Israel.  The film examines the horrific conditions for Jewish refugees even in post-war Europe, as antisemitism was still prevalent and poverty the norm.  The forma

Feels like we were just gearing up for summer at  TheArchive  and now we're already headed back to school! But we always have something for the procrastinators...so feed the dog your homework, ditch your responsibilities, and cut class with these throwback high school classics. In  High School USA , a veritable  who’s-who of TV stars join Michael J. Fox and Crispin Glover (pre-Back to the Future) including Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Tony Dow, Ken Osmond, Bob Denver, and Dawn Wells. An uncredited Brad Pitt plays a bumbling library nerd, and Nancy Mckeon plays off Anthony Edwards before his star turns in Revenge of the Nerds, Gotcha!, Top Gun, ER, and Billions.    In faith based Angel in Training , Desi has problems just like any other teenager but the biggest difference? She gets help from an apprentice angel who's still earning her wings.  Keeping with the faith theme, The St. Tammany Miracle , starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Soleil Moon Frye, features an all-girls Episcopalian

We don't have all the answers but we do have the content that explores the many aspects of what we are currently experiencing. And it is serious. In Shootdown - a chillingly bleak cautionary tale based on a true story - Angela Lansbury is trying to get answers and refers to the fact that, getting information or rather the truth from the then Soviets, was nearly impossible. Lansbury plays the mother of one of the victims of Korean Airlines Flight 007, which was shot down while flying over the Soviet Union in 1983, and is desperately searching for answers regarding the tragedy. When tensions arise and a mystery ensues, and the Russians are behind it, Lansbury's character stops at nothing to get answers.   In the vein of Russian disinformation and propaganda, we also uncovered the Dean Stockwell narrated Phenomenon : a series that examines governments, corporations, and religious groups that have secretly wielded vast power by suppressing critical data or spreading disinformation

In case you live under a rock or wherever beetles crawl out from under, we thought you should know about the mass hysteria and adulation over Peter Jackson's Beatles doc  Get Back,  on of all places, Disney+. While it is objectively mesmerizing and feels like it was shot yesterday, only a fraction of The Beatles' story is portrayed. We do see their dissolution and discomfort but we miss so much of what made them fascinating - the impression of those closest to them. TheArchive has a few up close and personal accounts of the fab four in the form of episodic documentaries featuring many of their closest confidants including John's sister Julia Baird. In case you were left wanting from Get Back be sure to check out: The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road In this five part documentary watch the evolution of The Beatles as they  shake the world, change the course of history, and transcend rock group status and become inextricably connected to our musical souls. This documentary