Making major headway at Sundance, as well as receiving the Teddy Award for best feature film at the Berlin International Film Festival, The Kids Are Alright may very well be the standout LGBT-themed film of the year. Co-written and directed by award-winning film maker Lisa Cholodenko, the story centers around lesbian partners (played by Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) whose children opt to seek out their sperm-donor dad Paul (Mark Ruffalo). Once found, hijinks—and possible infidelity—ensue after donor Dad is introduced into the family dynamic and discovered not to be entirely all what his sperm-donor profile was cracked out to be. Look for its limited release this summer. www.focusfeatures.com

Film still by Suzanne Tenner

From ingénue darling to legendary star of stage and screen, beloved songbird Judy Garland was at the height of her fame and popularity during the television run of The Judy Garland Show. Now volume one, the first in a special collector’s set of 13 volumes coming to DVD, will be in stores July 28 from Infinity Entertainment Group.

The Emmy-nominated variety program ended its critically-acclaimed CBS-TV run after just one season (1963-64). Today, those 26 shows are revered by many as the entertainment icon’s finest work.  Singing then-new material as well as the classics expected of her, this is the legendary Judy at her peak.  Also featured in volume one of this 13-volume collector’s set is daughter Liza Minnelli, now a legend in her own right.

Then just 17, Liza sings her off-Broadway hit “You Are for Loving” and displays her renowned ability as a dancer on “Put on a Happy Face.”  Liza and Judy shine in the duets “Together,” “We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Bye, Bye, Baby” and “Bob White”; and revive the “We‘re a Couple of Swells” tramp characters from Easter Parade.

Also featured in a dazzling display of song, dance and comedy are jazz greats Count Basie and his band and Mel Tormé, who perform solo and join the great Garland on such stunners as “I Hear Music,” “The Sweetest Sounds,” “Strike Up the Band,” “April in Paris” and “Memories of You”; folk singer Judy Henske; and series regular Jerry Van Dyke who trades quips with Soupy Sales.

Judy also sings “A Cottage for Sale,” “Hey, Look Me Over,” “Liza,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” a highlight of Judy’s 45-year career.

Restored and digitally remastered from the original masters, this dynamic diva will move you like no one else! Look for all 13 volumes, each featuring two hour-long shows.

The Judy Garland Show: Volume One is presented in full frame with an aspect ratio of 4 x 3 and original mono sound and 5.1 surround sound.  Bonus features include outtakes.

Infinity Entertainment Group, a multi-service home entertainment retail distributor specializing in independent films, television programming, special-interest, documentaries, anime and music.  Clients include Smithsonian Networks, MOJO HD, Falcon Picture Group, Bandai Entertainment, Roxbury Entertainment, SJ2 Entertainment and Retromedia.  Hit titles include the iconic Route 66 television series, now available on DVD for the first time, and Spike Jones: The Legend. The company was launched in 2006 and is a division of Infinity Resources, Inc., a privately-held, multi-channel marketing and service enterprise with general offices based in suburban Chicago, Ill.

Format: DVD Only • Running Time: Approx. 102 Minutes (Plus Special Features) • Suggested Retail Price: $19.98

Street Date: July 28, 2009

It’s not a rumor anymore! Since her appearance on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live!” Danielle Staub who debuted her duet with the out-artist ‘girl friend’ Lori Michaels, everybody is talking and saying they are in love and “Real Close.”

When asked about the song Staub told host Andy Cohen that it’s about “A lot of lady loving” but didn’t reveal much about the type of relationship she’s having with Michaels. She just refered to it as “real close.”

Since June this year the press has been digging deep, trying to get the real truth about them and what’s going on behide the closed doors. After their appearance together  on Bravo, Lori Michaels cleared the air and revealed information about her involvement with Staub’s sex tape scandal. She also talked about the possibility of an appearance by Lori Michaels in future episodes of the “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” Bravo’s hit show on the silver screen.

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1. FROM BEGINNING TO END Brazilian half-brothers Francisco and Thomás have always shared a special bond. Their tempestuous relationship is often complicated by family drama and ambitions building to an uninhibited display of affection. Tastefully embracing taboos usually reserved for fetish films, it  is an oddly moving tribute to brotherly love.  Sunday, July 18^th, 2:30pm

2. ROLE/PLAY Rob Williams returns to Outfest with this hot-button film starring Steve Callahan as a recently outed soap opera actor and Matthew Montgomery as a recently divorced gay marriage activist. When their paths cross at a Palm Springs resort, they’re forced to confront the price of fame and the nature of celebrity within the gay community. Sunday, July 18^th, 5:15pm

3. IS IT JUST ME Blaine has met his Mr. Right, Xander – online. But Blaine’s computer was logged into the account of Cameron, his gorgeous but empty-headed roommate. This charming romantic farce plays like a modern Cyrano de Bergerac against some very recognizable West Hollywood backdrops. Friday, July 16^th, 8:30pm

This July, COMEDY CENTRAL’s gaining some urban flair when the series premiere of “Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at The El Rey” hits the channel.  The only all-comedy network also has new stand-up specials from Kevin Hart and Steve Byrne.  New episodes of “Tosh.0,“ “Futurama,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Sit Down, Shut Up,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report” are also continuing throughout July.

The world television premiere of “KEVIN HART: SERIOUSLY FUNNY” will debut on Sunday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m.

The series premier of  “RUSSELL SIMMONS PRESENTS STAND-UP AT THE EL REY” will debut on Sunday, July 11 at 11:00 P.M.

The world television premiere of “STEVE BYRNE: THE BYRNE IDENTITY” will debut on Sunday, July 25 at 10:00 p.m.

Here’s a heads up about what’s in store on Planet Green’s new original series The Fabulous Beekman Boys, including several guest appearances by  Martha Stewart (who appears on episodes airing Wednesday July 7^, and Wednesday, July 14). In addition, the episode airing July 7^, Brent and Josh–who can proudly say they produce 80% of the food consumed on the farm–learn the true value of the food they eat as they deal with the necessary realities of raising animals with the intention of bringing them from farm to table.

“The Haunting of Beekman Farm,” airing on Wednesday, July 14, at 9 p. m. ET, Josh cannot help but examine their relationship as Brent pours his attention into the business. A trip together to the city for a black -tie Martha Stewart event does nothing to calm Josh’s nerves, but his concerns are soon overshadowed by his fear of all things supernatural when Brent decides to hire a ghost hunter to investigate their 200-year-old estate.  When the results of the hunt come in, the boys realize the biggest thing to fear may just be that they aren’t the only ones living at the Beekman after all.

In episode 104 “Suds & Studs,” airing Wednesday, July 30, at 9 p.m. ET, it is the boys’ first breeding season at the farm and they find chores begining to pile up.  Brent quickly finds he is in over his head with a looming soap order deadline consuming all of his time.  With Josh stuck working in New York City, it takes a village worth of people to help the boys keep the farm and business afloat.

Per the show’s PR: The Fabulous Beekman Boys is a witty and irreverent take on what happens when you take two city slickers–Dr. Brent Ridge, a former Martha Stewart Executive, and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, a New York Times bestselling author–out of their element and up to the country to revive a full-fledged farm and eco-conscious lifestyle company in upstate New York.

To win this DVD, please e-mail your name, phone/cell and city to:  giveaways[at]pinkmag.com

Raymond or “Rag” played by Danny Parsons and his friend Tagbo or “Tag” played by Damola Adelaja, were inseparable childhood friends until the Social Services tore them apart and removed Rag from his neglectful mother in London.

As a school dropout and jobless, Rag returns to London at the age of twenty-three, while Tag a graduated lawyer, is applying to London’s top-ranking law firms.

Directed by Adaora Nwandu, Rag and Tag’s love for each other remains bottled up until a wealthy friend, with some shady business deal, invites them to Nigeria where they have plenty of time alone for their love to blossom.

On their return to London as they mading a commitment to each other, they realize that the obstacles they face may tear them apart forever.

For more information visit www.ariztical.com. Retail price: $29.95

To win a this DVD, please e-mail your name, phone/cell, city to:  giveaways[at]pinkmag.com

Drawing media attention both online and in print, Anyone But Me is a critically acclaimed web-series about New York City teens coming of age in the 21^st century. The series follows ethnically diverse characters as they struggle with identity and modern relationships. Realistically portraying the complexities facing a new generation, Anyone But Me speaks to issues that are often ignored in mainstream television. The DVD includes 13 episodes with bonus meterrial such  as actor interviews, original scripts, trailers and promos. Available at www.amazon.com – $17.00

by David Cohen

Joan Rivers –A Piece Of Work exposes the private dramas of irreverent, legendary comedian and pop icon Joan Rivers as she fights tooth and nail to remain the queen of comedy. Filmed as a cinema verite documentary, the film reveals a rare glimpse of the comedic process and the toxic mixture of self-doubt and anger that often fuels it.

Joan’s story is both an outrageously funny journey and a brutally honest look at the ruthless entertainment industry, the trappings of success and the ultimate vulnerability of the life of a performer.

With unguarded access, the film cuts intimate scenes with Joan’s personal archive creating a lush visual landscape and cinematic backdrop for the narrative as it unfolds.

Over the course of the year, Joan fights to reinvent herself and put herself back on top. She reveals in private that the years of exposure have taken a toll on her, leaving her raw and alone. Her longest lasting relationship is her manager who she ends up firing during the course of filming, severing her last tie to her past. In a dressing room before a show, she exposes a much-guarded vulnerability revealing all she has left is her performing.

An inspiration to some, a plastic surgery whore to others, Joan Rivers’ controversial personas are what continue to fascinate the public and draw audiences to her. To me, Rivers is more than an icon. Her commitment to the gay community, spirit, confident, directness, and her life accomplishments is remarkable. Her dedication and commitment, should be an inspiration to all of us, she is what the 21st century woman represent and should bet.

Growing up in Israel I was blessed to meet another remarkable man Mr. Ben Gurion, the first prime minister who left a huge impact on me, one that changed my Life forever. His words “if you don’t take chances, you can’t win wars” stuck in my head, and became an inspiration for everything i do. These words led me to my new home New York City, and to the land of opportunities­–America.

And taking chances is what Ms. Rivers and I share. Taking chances is the power that drives us to keep going, grow and learn. That’s why I respect Ms. Rivers so much and give her the credit she certainly deserves. For me Rivers is an inspiration. She is what  every woman and man of the 21^stt century should be.

The film provides a rare look at an iconic performer, stripped of her comedy masks and laying bare the truth of her life and inspiration.

Today 6/18/2010 at the Landmark Century Center on Clark Street at Diversey in  Chicago.

In theater through August 13, 2010. For more information, or complete  screenings information across the USA visit www.breakthrufilms.org.

Sex, seduction and betrayal come together in the outrageously unforgettable camp classic Showgirls: 15th Anniversary Sinsational Edition. It’s Vegas, baby, and Nomi’s (Elizabeth Berkley) dreams and desires to make it big are as sharp as a stiletto heel.  When she catches the eye of Cristal (Gina Gershon), the Stardust’s sexy headliner, Nomi is on the brink of living her dream. But she soon realizes that there is only room for one starlet on the marquee… and that either she or Cristal will have to take the fall!

A sinfully lusty film no one should miss, Showgirls also stars Kyle MacLachlan and Robert Davi as the men in the middle of this Sin City cat fight.  The Blu-ray edition is busting with special features including the “Pole Dancing: Finding Your Inner Stripper” featurette, a lap dance tutorial from the world-famous Girls of Scores, commentary from Showgirls connoisseur David Schmader, a full-length trivia track and more.

This edition includes two DVD’s at retail price of $29.99. Available June 15 from MGM Home Entertainment.