All Rise...

Why do Judge David Johnson's custom patriotic votives look like utter crap? Huh, Martha? Why???!!!

The Charge

Martha! Martha! Martha!

The Case

Are you hankering for a mega-dose of do-it-yourself summer projects? Are you sick of throwing steaks on the grill and want to explore the subtleties of flame-broiling Asado sausages instead? How about oilcloth place mats? You like those? Have no fear, domestic superstars, your queen is here to assault you with four hours worth of tips and tactics to feed that creative spirit within.

Martha's Summer Favorites is a compilation of segments from Martha Stewart Living, strung together with the common theme of summer orientation. Grilling, sand-sculpting, drink mixing, picnicking, all this and more await you in this epic saga of do-it-yourself-ness .

Two discs, four hours. Here's how it all shakes out:

Disc One
"Beach Projects"
Beach Bags
Sarong Tie-Dye
Flip-Flops
Sand Castles and Tools
Superhero Cape Towels

"Kids' Projects"
Lemonade Stand
Toy Boats
Bean Bag Toss
Sponge Balls
Camping Skills

"Picnic Projects"
Flatware Roll
Picnic Blanket
Handkerchief Pitcher Cover

"Outdoor Decorating"
Oilcloth Place Mats
Tablecloth Weights
Citronella Candle
Button Napkins

"Celebrate Americana"
Fireworks Apron
Red, White and Blue Garland
Red, White and Blue Tarts
Patriotic Votives

Disc Two
"Barbecue Favorites"
Ribs and Sauces
Chicken and Ribs
Macaroni Salads
Leg of Lamb and Grilled Vegetables

"Grilling"
Asado Sausages
Grilling Seafood
Grilling Fennel and Onions
Grills and Tools

"Side Dishes"
Corn on the Cob
Pink Gazpacho
Potato Salad
Corn Relish

"Refreshing Drinks"
Iced Tea
Iced Coffee
Papaya Lime Cooler
Southern Drinks

"Desserts"
Sand Dollar Cookie
Berry Cobbler
Ice Cream Brownie Bars
Bananas Foster

Look, I'll be honest here. I've got zero interest in any of this stuff. In fact, the only batch of segments that would remotely grab me is the grilling sections, and there was nary a slab of red meat thrown on the fire! Weak. Regardless of my distaste for spending five hours knitting a handkerchief pitcher cover, I readily admit that this set is primo viewing for those of Martha's ilk. There is just a ton of stuff here, with projects and recipes that can keep even the most entrepreneurial of full-time domestics busy for 12 summers. And yes, the ice cream brownie bars look damn tasty.

The original full frame aspect ratio and 2.0 stereo mix is perfectly adequate for a DVD of this nature. For bonuses you get some web-based tips and printable materials accessible through DVD-ROM. This last element is a convenient addition.

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