Best Documentary Movies of 1986

He's the Pavarotti of Puns, the Domingo of Drollery, the Caruso of Comedy--Robin Williams Live at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. It's comedy at the speed of light, with more LPMs than any comedy special ever. Robin Williams, at his most outrageous in a one-man assault on the funny bone. Strap yourself in for a flight on the "Concorde of Comedy" as you take off for the reaches of the absurd. Take a fantastic ride down with Williams' stream-of-consciousness as he shares his thoughts and impressions on everything from politics to parenthood. Comedy faster than a speeding bullet--Robin Williams Live!

George Carlin is in top form with these stand-up recorded at the Beverly Theater in Los Angeles in 1986. Routines included are "Losing Things," "Charities," "Sports," "Hello and Goodbye," "Battered Plants," "Earrings," and "A Moment of Silence." Also included is a short film entitled "The Envelope" co-starring Vic Tayback.

Admired as one of the best lyricists of pop rock, Bob Dylan has his name recorded in music history. During his four decades career, he has been through many facets: from acoustic to electric guitar; from politicized to religious lyrics; from minimalist to very highly sophisticated arrangements. And his characteristic voice, for some, hoarse and full of style, for others a little out of tune, still influences many musicians. In this presentation filmed at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in Australia over February 24-25 1986, Dylan is accompanied by Tom Petty and the band The Heartbreakers, as well as a very fine selection of new compositions. To close the spectacle, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty perform a vocal duet in "Knockin' on heaven's door", one of the most famous songs of this compositor.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot documents heavy metal music fans tailgating in the parking lot outside the Capital Centre (since demolished) in Landover, Maryland, on May 31, 1986, before a Judas Priest concert (with opening act Dokken).

Best known for their radio staples "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper," the seminal 80s pop group Wham! (George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley) shot Wham! In China: Foreign Skies circa 1985. In the resulting film, the group performs 12 numbers, including the aforementioned hits, "Ray Of Sunshine," "Blue," and "Young Guns (Go for It!)".

The School for the Deaf at the Alabama Institute is organized around a theory of total communication i.e. the use of signs and finger spelling in conjunction with speech, hearing aids, lip reading, gestures and the written word. The film shows sequences dealing with various aspects of this comprehensive training such as teaching students and parents to sign; speech therapy; psychological counseling; regular academic courses; vocational training; disciplinary problems; parents visits; sports and recreational activity; training in living and working independently; and developing skills in home and money management.

A collection of music videos spanning the first eight years of The Cure's career. 1. Killing An Arab 2. 10:15 Saturday Nigth 3. Boy's Don't Cry 4. Jumping Someone Else's Train 5. A Forest 6. Play For Today 7. Primary 8. Other Voices 9. Charlotte Sometimes 10. The Hanging Garden 11. Lets Go To Bed 12. The Walk 13. The Lovecats 14. The Caterpillar 15. In Between Days 16. Close To Me 17. A Night Like This.

A film collage tracing the story of the lives, loves, and deaths within the artistic community surrounding Jonas Mekas.

A documentary detailing the career of makeup artist Tom Savini, including clips from the various movies he's worked on.