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The History Channel Presents The Presidents 
Studio : A&E Home Video
by A&E Home Video
Brand : A&E
Release Date : 2005-05-31
Publisher : A&E Home Video
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 3
EAN : 9780767077590
UPC : 733961717402
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 30 reviews)
List Price : $29.95
Our Price : $9.00
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Description |
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THE PRESIDENTS is an unprecedented eight-part survey of the personal lives and legacies of the remarkable men who have presided over the Oval Office. From George Washington to George W. Bush, THE PRESIDENTS gathers together vivid snapshots of all 43 Commanders in Chief who have guided America throughout its history--their powerful personalities, weaknesses, and major achievements or historical insignificance. Based on the book To the Best of My Ability, edited by Pulitzer Prize-winner James McPherson, THE PRESIDENTS features rare and unseen photographs and footage, unexpected insight and trivia from journalists, scholars, and politicians such as Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Wesley Clark, Bob Dole, and former President Jimmy Carter. Viewed within the changing contexts of each administration, the Presidency has never seemed more compelling and human. Narrated by Edward Herrmann (The Aviator), this three-DVD set is a proud addition to the award-winning documentary tradition of THE HISTORY CHANNEL®. DVD Features: Feature-length Bonus Program "All The Presidents' Wives"; Timeline of U.S. Presidents; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection |
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Timely |
This product is excellent for teaching and historical review.
We recieved it in a timely manner and just before the presidential
election. It is a reminder that we have few great presidents and a lot
of stinkers but there are always new elections to change things. |
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History Is Finally Becoming Interesting, Despite The Normal Bias |
If only history was this interesting 50 years ago, I might have learned a few more things as a kid. Well, better late than never because TV shows like this will teach you more about history than you learned in years of being half-asleep in school. The subject with this TV "special" - now made into this DVD - was a brief look at all the United States Presidents.
It was broken up into four or five one-hour segments and I found the earlier ones to be the most interesting, probably because I knew a lot more about 20th century Presidents. Also, the liberal bias that is in here (isn't it always?) is a lot more noticeable when they discuss Presidents of the latter decades, so sticking with the early episodes is best.
For a few examples of that intriguing early history, that we learn on this DVD: The first U.S. President, George Washington, was perhaps the most amazing man who has ever stepped in office and the only one elected unanimously (twice). He was a tough act to follow, especially for a weak leader like John Adams, who was then followed by a stronger man in Thomas Jefferson. Too bad Jefferson hated the job so much he refused to note that he was a President on his gravestone.
The fourth President, James Madison, was the first to actually face enemy fire at the White House and his successor, James Monroe was the last of the "Revolutionary generation." His legacy was the "Monroe Doctrine," which he didn't even write. That was written by the next President, John Quincy Adams, who did little except be miserable most of the time. He and the next President, Andrew Jackson, fought the dirtiest Presidential campaign in history, it was said on this TV program.
The program continues on with a lot about the complicated nature of Jackson, and goes on with the rest of the Presidents all the way to George W. Bush. Most of the leaders get 5-10 minutes of air time. I noticed Abraham Lincoln's segment lasted almost a half hour, so not everyone is treated equally. But since it's Abe and my favorite President of them all, I wasn't complaining.
Generally speaking, though, we hear many of the good and bad points of most of the Presidents and much of the stuff, I presume, are facts we didn't know. Just be forewarned about the left-wing slants (i.e. a great example are the back-to-back Carter and Reagan comments.) Nonetheless, it's all interesting material.
One thing you can't help noticing: many of the negative aspects of politics that are around today have always been there. In that regard, nothing has changed: just the names, faces and scandals. |
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VERY INTERESTING |
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THE PRESIDENTS IS A WELL MADE DOCUMENTRY FROM THE HISTORY CHANNEL. IT FLOWS SMOOTHLY THROUGH ALL THE PRESIDENTS AND HAS LITTLE BITS OF TRIVIA THROUGHOUT. MY SON, WHO WAS NEVER INTERESTED IN HISTORY IN SCHOOL, ENJOYS THIS ALOT. AS A BONUS, THERE IS ALSO AN ADDED DOCUMENTRY ON THE FIRST LADIES. GREAT PRICE TOO. |
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Who Knew Learning History Could Be so Addictive? |
Informative and inspiring--it inspired me to read up on the Presidents because this is more like an overview that will have you wanting to know more. (So I got the The History Channel Presents The Revolution and the The French Revolution (History Channel) and I'm looking forward to watching more) Who knew learning about history could be so addictive?)
For every American, I feel this is a must-see. And see what it inspires you to know more about next. (They need one with Clinton and George W. though... I hope they come up with those soon, and they better be unbiased :)
BTW, if you like this collection, a must-must-see is The Presidents Collection |
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Fascinating, but not the greatest source of information |
The History Channel has once again made a pretty good documentary and view of our 43 presidential administrations. It kept me glued to the t.v. the entire time and really gave lots of information about the president's personal lives that a lot of people wouldn't originally know. However, I was sort of expecting it to focus more along the lines of a detailed background of their policies and accomplishments of their administrations, not their personal life.
The History Channel's "The Presidents" is a very interesting film, but if you are planning on using this in a classroom, I wouldn't bother because it doesn't focus on the most important information and the high points of their lives. If you are just interested in other aspects of our president's lives, the I would definitely recommend this for you to watch. It will be worth your time. |
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