Bad Press. 98 min. Collective Eye Films. 2023. DVD UPC 0446705201. $35.69.

The idea of a free press in the United States is under attack; that’s no secret. What might be a surprise is that in many Indigenous tribal constitutions, there are no protections regarding freedom of the press. This film follows journalists in Oklahoma’s Muscogee (Creek) Nation as they battle tribal leaders who not only want to censor the news but often go further, intimidating or firing the journalists who report negative stories. The documentary, which directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler filmed behind the scenes for years, is both captivating and infuriating, with a chilling lesson: no matter the size of the institution, self-interest is a powerful thing. VERDICT A riveting look at Indigenous journalists who refuse to back down against the powerful people who want to control information.

1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever! 164 min. MVD Visual. 2022. DVD UPC 6013715685. $29.99.

Some consider 1982 the greatest year for genre movies, during which one legendary, iconic movie after another was released: E.T., Blade Runner, and The Thing, to name a few. Director Roger Lay Jr.’s film originally aired on television, and it has the feel of one of those large-scale talking-heads docs where critics, directors, actors, crew, and fans chime in. Because of the sheer number of films Lay covers, there are hundreds of clips and interviews dissecting the movies. Ultimately, this documentary is a nostalgic celebration of a cinematic year as well as a lament for a long-changed film industry that took chances. VERDICT Movie lovers will find much to appreciate in this trip through the cinematic greatness of 1982.

★Pompeii: The New Dig. 180 min. PBS. In English & Italian w/English subtitles. 2024. DVD UPC 4188704914. $29.99.

Nearly two years in the making, Elena Mortelliti’s three-part series from PBS uncovers lost sections of Italian history, buried in ash and volcanic debris for over 2,000 years after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Over one-third of Pompeii is still unexcavated, but this series follows the biggest archaeological dig in the area for a generation. It’s illuminating and quietly thrilling to see structures and objects emerge from the ash—frescos, skeletons, tools, and businesses such as bakeries and laundries. In this film making visible the long-entombed, an amazing amount of information can be gleaned from the smallest of discoveries. VERDICT An epic docuseries detailing one of the most important archeology events in decades.

Speed Is Expensive: Philip Vincent and the Million-Dollar Motorcycle. 78 min. Kino Lorber. 2022. DVD UPC 2956714072. $29.99.

Motorcycle designer Vincent is a legend in motorcycle lore. His English-made bikes set more speed records than those of any manufacturer in the 1940s and 1950s. Narrated by actor Ewan McGregor and directed by David Lancaster, this documentary recounts the up-and-down life and career of Vincent. Highlights are the archival photos and footage of races and attempts at speed records, both of which took a serious courage, as injury and death were not uncommon in these events. VERDICT Motorcycle enthusiasts will be dreaming of the open road after watching.