DVDs

The year parameters in the title of the performance-driven DVD “Dusty Springfield: Once Upon a Time 1964-1969” (Voyage Digital Media/Reelin’ In The Years) are somewhat misleading. Especially since the DVD opens with a 1978 interview with Miss Springfield on what appears to be a cable access program titled “Ryan’s Roost.” Nevertheless, it functions as a suitable jumping off point, allowing the diva with the distinctive voice an opportunity to reminisce about her career. Hearing her talk about fashion and her sense of style is quite informative. Springfield, who never thought she was sexy, described herself as “the Dolly Parton of the ‘60s,” and went on to say that “drag queens loved me.”

From there we are treated to a multitude of performance clips from the 1960s, including the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1965 (“All Cried Out”) and an extended sequence from the New Musical Express poll winners’ concert (where she regularly performed throughout the 1960s as the honor was repeatedly bestowed upon her). There is also an interview clip from 1964 regarding the famous anti-apartheid clause in her contract.

“Fish out of Water”

Ky Dickens never intended to make a film about religion and homosexuality. But after coming out during her senior year of college at socially conservative Vanderbilt, located in the “strap of the bible belt,” being rejected by sorority sisters and finding no community to speak of, that’s precisely what she did.

Dickens’ documentary “Fish out of Water” (First Run Features/Yellow Wing) follows her as she talks to preachers in Nashville about the gross misinterpretation of the Bible on the subject of homosexuality. She learns a few things about theology, biblical language and the ministry of Jesus. Following the renewal of hope that was the 2008 presidential election and the disappointment of the passage of state anti-gay marriage amendments, Dickens interviewed more than 170 members of the LGBT community and almost a dozen people of the cloth, in New York, Kansas, Georgia, Iowa, Colorado and Missouri.

Along with the interviews, the film incorporates footage of same-sex weddings and LGBT rights protests. This footage is enhanced by Daniel Saunders’ animation and Kyle Harter’s illustrations. One of the pleasures of this film is learning things along with the filmmaker, which demonstrates the belief that “no fish was created to live out of water.”

‘She’s a Boy I Knew’
(Outcast/Shapeshifter)

Although she was aware of her gender identity issues from the age of 4, it wasn’t until 2000, at the age of 28, that filmmaker Gwen Haworth came out to her family and friends and began the transition from Steve to Gwen. For “She’s a Boy I Knew,” Haworth interviewed the six closest people in her life in the hopes that they would share their feeling about her transition and the impact that it had on them. The resulting interview segments are bluntly honest but always presented with love.

Gwen’s ex-wife Malgosia, best friend Roari, sisters Nichole and Kim, and parents Thomas and Colleen all have their say. Their unflinching insights, many of which are expressed in emotional and heartbreaking monologues, are unquestionably as informative for the filmmaker as they are for the viewer.

‘A Finished Life’
(First Run Features/Greenie Films)

In 2006, after living with HIV for 24 years, 48-year-old Gregg Gour (rhymes with pour not sour) made plans to end his life.

Open the wine, plate the strawberries, exchange the cards, and then cuddle up on the couch for some romance.

“Brokeback Mountain”

This Oscar-winning, ground-breaking film, adapted from Annie Proulx’s short story, is so beloved that to this day it remains a cultural touchstone with regard to same-sex relationships — on and off screen. Featuring breathtaking performances from lead actors Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger, it stunningly depicts love’s endurance and is one of the great romantic stories of the 21st century, gay or straight. (Lee’s gay-themed “The Wedding Banquet,” from 1993, is also a wonder to behold.)