Product Details

• Actors: n, a
• Directors: The History Channel
• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: A&E HOME VIDEO
• DVD Release Date: September 18, 2012
• Run Time: 300 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0082GN8WG
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,208 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From beyond the indestructible armored doors of Fort Knox to the unexplained ritualistic symbols of the Freemasons, H2 acquires the exclusive key in AMERICA’S BOOK OF SECRETS and exposes the mysteries of these iconic networks guarded throughout time via a feature-length special that leads into a ten episode exploration including The White House, The Pentagon, Area 51, Freemasons, Fort Knox, Presidential Transports, The Playboy Mansion, Black Ops, The FBI and West Point.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars An Overheated History Docuseries That Pushes The Boundaries Between Information And Entertainment September 2, 2012

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

Another of the History Channel's increasing roster of infotainment programs, "America's Book of Secrets" is one that is decidedly hit or miss. Playing up speculation, myth, and even scandal, the show aims to be somewhat provocative but, more often the not, comes across as a bit silly. I mean, really, there is an episode about the Playboy Mansion! I certainly don't have anything against Hef and the girls, but the episode seems ill-fitting at best and completely overblown at worst. And for a show that promises secrets, many of the episodes offer very little new material (especially if you have a pre-existing interest in and knowledge of the topic). Instead of straightforward profiles, in most cases the show attempts to sensationalize its subjects. So we've got myth and speculation, conspiracy theories, and factual specifics all wrapped up in a docuseries that is overflowing with self importance. If you watch History Channel offerings with frequency, you'll know what I mean. Even the most mundane declarations are stated in such an overheated way! It can be off-putting to new viewers, but it's something that has provided much amusement in my life.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from sampling "America's Book of Secrets" as it might appeal to those that love the National Treasure films or Dan Brown books or Brad Meltzer's Decoded. I'm just trying to set appropriate expectations for new viewers of History fare. The program is fun enough, but it works much better as entertainment (to my mind) than as a source of real information.

DVD Specifics: The set features the ten episodes of Season One plus the Bonus Special that launched the entire enterprise (let's just call it eleven episodes for the sake of ease) spread over 3 discs.... Each show clocks in at around 47 minutes so you're getting roughly 8.5 hours of material including the added bonus show. The DVD has English and Spanish subtitle options.

Episodes:
(1) The White House, (2) Free Masons, (3) Fort Knox, (4) Area 51, (5) The Playboy Mansion, (6) Presidential Transports, (7) The FBI, (8) West Point, (9) Black Ops, and (10) The Pentagon.
Bonus Episode: The Monuments

If you are completely unfamiliar with the History series format, I might suggest sampling an episode (they repeat with frequency) before making the full investment. My guess, this will either really appeal to you or it will really not. While I enjoyed some of the episodes more than others, the series never really qualified as must-see destination television for me. KGHarris, 9/12. Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Interesting Show ! August 22, 2012

By Jonathan Turbide

Format:DVD

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the most legendary monuments and powerful organizations in the United States? America's Book of Secrets lifts the veil of mystery, giving you unparalleled access to historical narratives and insider information previously hidden from the public. Through in-depth research and exclusive channels, this series delves into a variety of familiar but enigmatic American institutions, from the FBI and the Pentagon to Fort Knox and Area 51. Go beyond the locked doors and security checkpoints of government agencies, famous landmarks and stealthy societies to glimpse the hidden worlds you were never intended to see.

I really like this show. Each episodes are interesting, entertaining and full of great information. If you enjoy watching Historical documentaries, or shows like "Brad Meltzer's Decoded" or "Conspiracy Theory" then add this DVD to your collection, you won't regret it. Just remember to keep an open mind while watching this show. Enjoy !:)

On this 3 DVD set you'll find 10 interesting episodes:

1. The White House -- An inside look at the secret protocols, elite security and hidden history of the world's most public of private residences. For over 200 years, the White House has functioned as a Presidential residence, Executive Office and national command center. But more guarded than the White House itself--are its secrets. Secrets that have remained untold...until now.

2. Freemasons -- This episode explores the secret history, rituals and reach of the most well-known secret society in the world. For centuries, the Freemasons have been thought to be the architects behind the world's greatest international conspiracies. But more elusive than the organization itself--are its secrets.

3.... Fort Knox -- This episode unlocks the secret contents, political controversy, and cutting edge security hidden behind the gates of the world's most famous vault.

4. Area 51 -- Go inside the most famous secret military base on Earth to expose the high-tech security, undercover operations, and most outrageous claims surrounding the 575 square miles of "restricted" space. While the government may never reveal what it's really hiding at Area 51, many believe it is a place where truth is stranger than fiction.

5. Playboy Mansion -- It is America's most infamous address, a place where fantasies come to life--and anything goes. But behind the security cameras and stonewalls of the Playboy Mansion are secrets. Go inside the stately residence to reveal the secret places, decadent gatherings, and special indulgences usually reserved for beautiful women and Hollywood's elite.

6. Presidential Transports -- They are the most advanced and heavily protected vehicles ever built--operated by technicians prepared for the worst. Travel by land, sea and air to explore the special construction, elite training and secret weapons that protect the President when he's on the move.

7. The FBI -- It is America's most powerful police force--made up of an elite team of Special Agents secretly patrolling the nation--and the world. While its patriotic mission is public knowledge, the FBI's tactics are classified. We'll go undercover to reveal the secret training, special operations and state-of-the-art tools used in today's 21st century crime fighting.

8. West Point -- It is the most prestigious military academy in the world. A place where cutting-edge technology converges with battle-proven tradition. But inside this launch pad for the Army's elite are secrets. Go inside the 200-year-old university to uncover the complex selection process, secret rituals and traditions and special training that each cadet experiences at the renowned institution of military might.

9. Black Ops -- This episode uncovers the clandestine activities and state-of-the-art training of the U.S. Special Forces that undertake the most dangerous surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence collecting missions on Earth. From cloak and dagger spy games to hand-to-hand combat, Black Ops are shrouded in secrecy...until now.

10. The Pentagon -- Enter the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and explore the complex operations and top-secret business conducted at the largest low-rise office building in the world. For seven decades, the Pentagon has been an icon of American strength and military excellence. But more impressive than the building itself are the secrets held there...until now. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars if you like govt shows.... December 16, 2012

By i like these types of shows

Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this series. It didn't seem like an x-files type series, just some decent thoughts and ideas of what could be going on behind the scenes of our govt.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect gift April 24, 2013

By UKWildcatMom

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

my husband caught one of these espisodes on television one night and went on and on about how good it was so when I saw this on Amazon I knew I had to get it for him for his birthday. He loved it! It arrived a day after his birthday but I just didn't order it soon enough.

5.0 out of 5 stars very fun March 17, 2013

By Loretta

Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase

Not necessarily scientific, but very thought provoking regarding some of the "secrets" of things going on in America. I really enjoyed watching this whole season....AND I downloaded it onto my Kindle Fire and watched it at any time.

3.0 out of 5 stars This is only relevant to the UFO issue/s: November 19, 2012

By Dean

Format:DVD

This is why I have rated it as 3 stars (Nuetral) otherwise I would have given it four stars. I still like watching this stuff though even though I know some of it is convoluted and I heard that Director Oliver Stone produced some of it, I once met him in person and shook his hand when I got invited by my dad to the Convention Center in downtown Dallas Texas for a preview shoot for JFK because my dad got invited for a scene that they never used in the film. He looked at me and cocked his head a bit as if he was thinking something but I never did find out what?

That version of it seemed sort of funny to me because Col. Halt said that he apppeared on the Unsolved Mysteries series which he did but there is also a version out on the History Channels Ancient Aliens 3rd season cable series where the story is told completely differently, so which is the 'real' true story?
I believe that George Noory even appeared in that episode, (episode 1). I don't mean to debunk anyone because I am a fairly big fan of the UFO genre and I have been for a long time although I don't follow it now as much as I used to. When a story is more than 10 years old I usually don't pay it that much attention, I want to see and hear the current updated stuff.

Didn't Col. Halt say in your interview that he was sent out to debunk the entire incident, so if he was sent out as a debunker then why does he say so and it seems to me that he sounds currently as if he's tired of the whole thing but he keeps pushing it as if it's currently modern day news, where are the current updated UFO stories and evidence for 2012 etc.... I even saw the rough drawings that were said to have been made by him at the scene and that he said that he touched the thing, why wasn't that brought up as that was mentioned in the History Channel version of the story that was on Ancient Aliens. They even played a copy of his tape on the Ancient Aliens show that was supposed to be from his audio recorder that he had with him that night.

If they really exist then how come with all of this camera technology that we have then how come we have never really seen a 'real' UFO/Flying Saucer. I still believe to a certain extent by seriously come on guys, show us the 'real' proof, after all it has been said that even Buzz Aldrin said that there was a secret tape where he mentioned that "They seem to be watching us from the edge's of craters on the 'dark side' of the moon and stories where they said that when the lunar module landed/crashed on the surface of the moon that they moon 'rang' as if like a bell as if the moon was hollow. Did Mr. Aldrin have alzheimers/dementia before he passed on?

The universe and even this earth is way too large for us not to have other forms of life on it as we already know there are many other forms of life on it and likely out there. We have space probes and ships still currently travelling to other galaxies. Read more ›