I've heard that you started out as a set dresser, but became an actor to have more control over how a film turns out. My heroes growing up, going back to the silent days, were actors like Buster Keaton and Clint Eastwood who empowered themselves as filmmakers.
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO. There's no more awe-inspiring sound in music than the vocal tapestries of these South African singers. For their Long Walk to Freedom (Heads Up/Telarc; Music ••••, SACD ••••), they've recut old favorites with guest artists.
THE SOPRANOS (HBO, above - left). Jersey mafia don Tony Soprano: bigger than your average bear, and ten times as deadly. These movie-quality transfers set the standard, with excellent contrast, rich colors, and crisp, atmospherically lit images.
