Customer Reviews

1968 with Tom Brokaw (History Channel)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This documentary DVD is of value as an introduction to the late 1960's period, and an interesting retrospective for people who experienced the turmoil of the times. The piece also gives some perspectives on how the repercussions of the events of 1968 continue to be felt.

Brokaw's companion piece to his book "Boom: Voices of the Sixties" reviews the most significant events in this turbulent year and places the events in their historical context. The Tet offensive in Vietnam, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, student uprisings, the Chicago Democratic Convention and increasing black militancy all receive balanced treatment. In addition, the documentary examines the evolving New Left, civil rights and counter culture movements, as well as the reaction to them on the part of the larger "silent majority." The beginnings of the feminist movement are also described.

Brokaw's interviews include participants in events as well as people who experienced them from the outside. Events are treated with balance, as when the Chicago convention riots are described by both a policeman and a protestor who were present that night. Pat Buchanan is especially effective at highlighting how 1968 became a pivotal year for the rise of conservatism in presidential politics.

The program suffers from some sloppy and inattentive editing. For example, the interview of the army nurse in Vietnam only includes part of a story which, in the book version, helps explain the deep emotional impact of the war on her life. Also, the Arlo Guthrie segment on "Alice's Restaurant" comes across as a sentimental sing-along, and misses an opportunity to use the song to highlight the attitudes of many young people toward the military draft. Sometimes the editing feels "soft" and the material is a bit redundant around the commercial breaks.

Most annoying, especially when viewing the piece more than once, is the soundtrack on the disc. According to the DVD box, the soundtrack music on the original History Channel broadcast was replaced for the DVD version. The unlicensed, generic "tunes" that frame the documentary feel cheesy and cheap. Studio musicians attempt to replicate the sound of the times with tracks that sound familiar but never quite emerge as recognizable tunes.

All in all, "1968" is an interesting and useful retrospective on a very difficult year in American history. More attention to detail and more resources dedicated to music licensing would have made this a powerful piece, but it's still worth a look.

This video was excellent! Having been born in 1968 it was great to see so many of the events that literally "changed" America unfold before my eyes. As a high school history teacher,I purchased this video to show my senior United States History classes. It was both informative and entertaining (even for 17 and 18 year olds!)

i watched this show on history channel, and wow. what a great piece tom did. it was real cool to be able to connect why we do things certain ways today all because of things going on in 1968. highly recommended

STORY - This History Channel documentary with Tom Brokaw as host highlights the most turbulent year of, arguably, the most turbulent decade in our country's history. It is hard to dispute the statement that America changed dramatically during the sixties and 1968 seemed to be the year that everything changed. There were two major assassinations, a riot at the Democratic convention, violent protests on college campuses, and a very contentious presidential campaign with the sitting president, Lyndon Johnson, opting not to run again. Drug use was rampant among the 'hippie' generation. But there was also the 'silent majority' who continued to pursue their version of the American way. These views clashed in often violent ways stretching the ability of law enforcement to contain them at times. Not to mention the race issue inflamed by the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr. Did I mention feminism and the rise of the women's liberation movement? And for good measure add a resurrected politician named Richard Nixon into the mix. It was fitting that the year should culminate in one of the greatest achievements of mankind, the Apollo 8 Space Mission to the moon. 1968 is not just a year in the past, it is an experience that still influences society today among those who experienced it and those influenced by them. If you missed the sixties, this is a good place to start in understanding what happened. Plenty of good archival footage from actual events. The low ratings of some people seem to have more to do with what's missing than what's included. Unfortunately a 90 minute documentary about 1968 will inevitably leave out some important events or different perspectives. WWW.LUSREVIEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM.

Could not believe the memories this video brought back. The footage is incredible. A must have for anyone that lived through the 60's

You cannot separate this year from the incredible rock music that helped define it, yet what you get in this so-so documentary is fake 60's music that is meant to sound like it comes from 1968. I don't know why actual songs from 1968 weren't used - the History Channel didn't feel like paying for the rights? - but for me it really hurt the production. I kept getting distracted and annoyed by the imitation rock music. It was particularly aggravating during the part of the documentary that was specifically about the bands that were making waves at the time!

EVERYBODY aught to see this movie - this was the year that changed our world... This is an amazing documentary ..... and quite tragic...

I was a teenager in 1968 and remembered that year like it was yesterday. Anyway, this is a great video about the year 1968! It's not boring and has good relevant information. A good video to show to high school or college students or for anyone doing research on the 60's.

Got what I ordered with short delivery lead-time at a fair price. The product was in excellent condition.

Perfect documentary for insight into the chaos of the 1960s. I use it in my class as a fun way to engage my students while still teaching them what was going on historically.