Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - (Page 15) www.homemediamagazine.com REVIEWS America has never seen itself that way. He would come to learn the issue is much more complicated than that. The American Future sports impeccable production values, with a good mix of archival materials and sweeping landscape vistas. Hardcore history buffs may want to give it a chance, but it’s probably too methodical for the typical History Channel crowd. – John Latchem I THE AMERICAN FUTURE: A HISTORY In Schama’s view the United States is locked in the philosophical struggle between Thomas Jefferson and AlexStreet 1/20 BBC Video, Documentary, $34.98 two-DVD set, NR. ander Hamilton, played out time and again in American politics, with HamStars Simon Schama. ilton’s vision of military exceptionalism ccording to the old cliché, prevailing each time over Jeffersonian those who fail to learn the statesmanship. Schama calls Amerilessons of history are bound ca “the tough-guy empire — trigger to repeat them. Simon Schama, a happy cowboys addicted to the rush history professor at Columbia Uni- of military power” and wonders why versity who happens to be British, has taken the notion to heart with The American Future. Like any good historian, Schama sets out to understand how the past has shaped the present and future. Over the course of four episodes, Schama charts parallels between similar events in American history, and what lessons the nation learned as a result. The hour-long segments chronicle America’s use of its resources, its attitude toward war, immigration, and the collision of faith and politics. The issues are framed for the 2008 election, and the show aired in the days leading up to it. Schama adds a post-election introduction that in essence congratulates us for electing Barack Obama, in his words reaffirming America’s ability to reinvent itself. Schama’s documentary is a thoughtful exploration of how America has already reinvented itself, learning how to use its resources, or adjusting its military goals when needed. A Q U I C K TAK E Reliving a Historic Election odeblack’s President Barack Obama: The Man and His Journey uses clips from Obama speeches and interviews from friends, supporters and colleagues to attempt to paint a picture of a leader risen from the hopes of the civil rights movement. The DVD, narrated by actor Blair Underwood, streets Jan. 20 at $19.99 from Vivendi Entertainment. The movie is basically a recap of the 2008 campaign, puffed up with hyperbole and a timeline cleaned up to fit the narrative. Extras include extended interviews, a song download, a music video and a series of “Yes We Can” short films. The disc seems primarily intended as a keepsake for Obama’s most ardent supporters. Those looking for more of a straight biography should check out Biography: Barack Obama (DVD $12.95) from – John Latchem A&E. C 15 http://www.homemediamagazine.com http://www.strandreleasing.com http://www.strandreleasing.com http://www.strandreleasing.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 Contents News News News News Commentary Reviews Research Top 20 DVD Sellers Top 20 Rentals and Top 10 Charts Just Announced Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 (Page 1) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 (Page 2) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Contents (Page 3) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 4) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 5) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 6) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 7) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 8) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - News (Page 9) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Commentary (Page 10) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Commentary (Page 11) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Reviews (Page 12) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Reviews (Page 13) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Reviews (Page 14) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Reviews (Page 15) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Top 20 DVD Sellers (Page 16) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Top 20 DVD Sellers (Page 17) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Top 20 Rentals and Top 10 Charts (Page 18) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Top 20 Rentals and Top 10 Charts (Page 19) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Just Announced (Page 20) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Just Announced (Page 21) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Just Announced (Page 22) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Just Announced (Page 23) Home Media Magazine - January 19-25, 2009 - Just Announced (Page 24)
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