Sales Rank:35 List Price: $24.95 Lowest New Price: $6.32 Lowest Used Price: $6.10 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
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Rhonda Byrne
Paul Harrington
Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith
Neale Donald Walsch
Not really a movie or documentary, The Secret is more of a video seminar, a presentation featuring a series of authors, philosophers, doctors, quantum physicists, entrepreneurs, and spiritual practitioners expounding on the powers of The Secret (probably the most well-known of the presenters is Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles). What is The Secret, exactly? "That principle can be summed up in three simple words: thoughts become things," proclaims writer Mike Dooley, author of Notes from the Universe. Put it another way, it’s The Power of Positive Thinking and how it can be applied to attracting more money, better health, and relationships; in short, happiness. (There is a rundown of topics on the DVD Chapters menu).
Most of the material here is given in a straightforward manner, with the presenters simply talking into the camera to address the audience directly, which is good because it avoids the trap of pretense. On the other hand, the quick edits between presenters (would it hurt to let them say more than one sentence at a time?) don't help because it reduces many of their points to palatable sound bites and aphorisms. To many viewers, this may make the program come across as a series of nice ideas not rooted in reality. Plus it's somewhat spurious to claim that The Secret was well understood and practiced by specific individuals like Plato or Shakespeare (it's well known that some of the historical figures noted didn't exactly live happy or even prosperous lives, despite their achievements). But still, the primary message is one of positivity and hope for everyone. So what to make of it? In the end, programs like this generally find an audience that is open to the message, and many will probably find it to be a source of inspiration. Others will approach it with a good deal of skepticism or dismiss it as another way of marketing happiness the masses. It simply won’t resonate with everyone, but if it resonates with you, you're likely to enjoy it and get a lot out of it. Those looking for more on The Secret might want to check out the companion book by Rhonda Byrne. --Daniel Vancini
Sales Rank:124 List Price: $25.95 Lowest New Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $10.99 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
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Do you learn better by watching rather than reading? Here is a chance to see how to transport your baby from screaming into serenity...in minutes. Watch as, step-by-step, Dr. Karp teaches new parent how to switch on their baby's powerful calming reflex. English and Spanish In "The Happiest Baby" Dr. Karp reveals a treasure sought by new parents for centuries... the "calming reflex" (the automatic "off-switch? for any baby?s crying). No wonder thousands of Los Angeles parents, from working moms to superstars like Madonna and Michelle Pfeiffer have turned to Dr. Karp to learn his secrets for making babies happy. Elisabeth Bing author and co-founder of Lamaze International "The Happiest Baby on the Block is fun, fascinating and convincing. I highly recommend it to all new parents." (Running time - 38 minutes.) The DVD also contains 3 bonus chapters: 1) Dr. Karp answers 25 questions from parents about calming babies and helping them sleep. 2) A Spanish dubbed audio track of the entire 38 minute teaching video. 3) Three tracks of calming white-noise sound that is an extraordinary mix of womb sounds and a newly designed pulsation that babies love (even though it sounds a little odd to the ears of an adult) Each track can be played individually, played in sequence or repeated for hours to gently guide your baby into a deep level of relaxation. This video is designed in NTSC not PAL or SECAM. It is meant for use in most countries in the Western Hemisphere as well as Japan, South Korea, Greenland, Guam, Samoa, and the Philippines.
Sales Rank:175 List Price: $14.98 Lowest New Price: $7.90 Lowest Used Price: $8.49 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format:
Closed-captioned
Color
Dolby
DVD-Video
Full Screen
NTSC
Director(s):
Actor(s):
Carole Antouri
Kathy Griffin
Nick Verreos
Jack Kyle
Alex A. Quinn
Fans of the deliciously soapy Bravo reality series Work Out may need to be reminded just how fine a personal trainer Jackie Warner is. This disc is that reminder, containing a fast-paced and comprehensive fitness routine that ranks among the very best. Warner is personable as she trains--and she doesn’t stint on doing the moves herself. She's designed the workout in three chunks, upper body, lower body, and core/abs, which can be done separately or combined for a full hour heavy-duty routine. Because there's little rest between moves, the whole workout seems to fly by, but there's no denying its overall intensity. Warner combines tried-and-true moves (crunches, squats) with some new twists (just try to do that "butterfly" crunch and not feel it deeply the next day). And she's upbeat without being perky--though a viewer could be forgiven for grousing when Warner chirps "I could do these all day!" during Sumo squats. She also gives great attention to form, often working with one other trainer so it feels as though the viewer is getting a one-on-one session too. There are modifications for both beginning and advanced exercisers, so there's no excuse not to jump in. The hour will be over before you know it. -- A.T. Hurley
Sales Rank:134 List Price: $19.98 Lowest New Price: $10.93 Lowest Used Price: $10.29 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
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The best thing about this prenatal yoga program is that there is a model for each trimester. Instructor Shiva Rea demonstrates each of the stretches and exercises for the first trimester, and two pregnant women show modifications for the second and third trimesters (they're even dressed in different colors for easy reference). This removes the self-doubt home-exercisers often have about the safety of certain moves--especially in that cumbersome final stage of pregnancy. Using gentle voice-over instruction, Rea and her assistants take viewers through a half hour of meditational stretches using blocks and chairs for support. She follows that up with 16 minutes of floor work: lunge pose, bridge pose, child's pose, plank pose--all with the necessary adjustments. She winds things up with a four-minute guided relaxation on her back--the traditional position--with the second-trimester woman on her side and the third on her side with one leg up on a chair. By including the different adaptations, Rea has made a program with the flexibility to carry an expectant mom through her entire pregnancy--and beyond, if she wishes. --Kimberly Heinrichs
Sales Rank:335 List Price: $29.95 Lowest New Price: $15.15 Lowest Used Price: $13.25 MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
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90-minute DVD, plus 4 hours of additional interviews and an Interactive Affirmations Tool! This entertaining and inspirational movie based on the best-selling book of the same name is hosted by author and teacher Louise L. Hay. This film gives penetrating insights into Louises fascinating personal story; and shows how her views on self-esteem, abundance, and the metaphysical causes behind physical ailments were developed. It also reveals how she applied these concepts to her own emotional, spiritual, and professional life. A number of luminaries in the fields of self-help, philosophy, health, spirituality, and New Thought join Louise, giving their take on success, happiness, and the myriad ways in which people can heal their own lives.
Sales Rank:167 List Price: $15.95 Lowest New Price: $10.99 Lowest Used Price: $14.93 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
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NOW WITH THE ALL NEW DESIGN YOUR OWN WORKOUT MATRIX MENU OPTION Experience Kundalini Yoga's sophisticated approach to effortless conditioning. Breathe, move, stretch, relax, meditate, celebrate! Boost your metabolism. Slim down, tone and feel inspired. These workouts and meditations will help you optimize your glandular system, bring emotional healing, reduce problem areas, and help you attain your personal ideal. This conveniently chaptered 90 min. DVD offers four 20 min. workouts (plus two meditations) to help you reshape your body and your life! This DVD starts with a breathing exercise for energizing and to curb impulsive habit patterns. Then the first segment Start Your Engines, features exercises to boost metabolism. Our favorite is the cardio warm-up called 'Ravi Rolls' with the breath of fire. The Fight Fire w/Fire segment focuses on abdominal strengthening and toning. These are exercises anyone can do, but you will really feel the burn. Segment 3: No Impact Aerobics really gets your circulation moving. You haven't lived until you've tried Frog Pose and Piston Pose! Your Life is in Your Own Glands will optimize hormonal balance. The two meditations on this DVD are for calming and emotional healing. The soothing Breath Meditation w/Hands Like a Teapot is more relaxing than a day at the spa! This DVD is for all levels. Modifications are given so that everyone can always participate. Long time yogis will find much new material to add to their yoga repertoire. This DVD features an inspired musical score by Tom Carden.