An uncompromisingly independent filmmaker, Les Blank made documentaries for nearly fifty years, elegantly disappearing with his camera into cultural spots rarely seen on-screen—mostly on the peripheries of the United States, but also occasionally abroad. Seemingly off-the-cuff yet poetically constructed, these films are humane, sometimes wry, always engaging tributes to music, food, and all sorts of regionally specific delights. This collector’s set provides a diverse survey of Les Blank’s vast output, including fourteen of his best-known works and eight related short films. Includes: The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins (1968) God Respects Us When We Work, but Loves Us When We Dance (1968) Spend It All (1971) A Well Spent Life (1971) Dry Wood (1973) Hot Pepper (1973) Always for Pleasure (1978) Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980) Sprout Wings and Fly (1983) In Heaven There Is No Beer? (1984) Gap-Toothed Women (1987) Yum, Yum, Yum! A Taste of Cajun and Creole Cooking (1990) The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists (1994) Sworn to the Drum: A Tribute to Francisco Aguabella (1995)