Tom’s River, NJ: The Thirst for Truth 2004
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Televisione svizzera
Director n/a
DVD, color, 32 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, Public Health
Date Entered: 06/06/2006
Reviewed by Ronald Saskowski Jr., ASRC Management Services, Atlanta, GATom’s River, NJ: The Thirst for Truth tells the story of families living in a town affected by toxic pollution. The viewer gets a very good sense of the human toll through interviews conducted with the people affected. The use of historical photographs and footage show the piece was well-researched. The frustration experienced in a situation where you are trying to get answers and answers are not forthcoming, is well portrayed.
The video quality was poor in spots. When showing a page of a transcript with a highlighted paragraph, it was unreadable. Also, a newspaper clipping was shown and the picture appeared jumpy. When officials were shown on-screen, there were no titles displayed saying who they were and who they represented.
The audio quality was poor throughout the video. When people spoke, the sound was often tinny and filled with static. The music choices for the piece were overly dramatic and too loud. The music overshadowed people speaking.
Tom’s River, NJ is recommended with reservations. While the video and audio quality leaves something to be desired, the subject of the piece is important and well done. Beginning and ending credits are noticeably missing from the DVD.
The video is best suited for college/university libraries with programs in environmental health or health sciences. Public library patrons could possibly find this subject matter interesting thus warranting inclusion in their collections as well.