Customer Reviews

American Experience: The Presidents Collection, Vol. 2 (Theodore Roosevelt/FDR/Franklin Delano Roosevelt) [VHS]

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The American Experience series is one of the stellar viewing experiences on television. When they focus on the Presidents, the show assumes even more gravity. These two volumes focus on Theodore Roosevelt and FDR, two of the greatest Presidents of the 20th century. The T.R. documentary is particularly strong in his younger years and the photography is gorgeous, especially around Sagamore Hill, his Long Island home. David McCullough's narration is, as always, masterful.

The FDR segment is oustanding. They open with the radio flash of Roosevelt's death and for those of us who were not yet born, it's as if we are magically transported back to April 12, 1945. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin is a joy throughout, as she weaves her commentary and perspective into the fabric of the narration. For all of us who revere Franklin Roosevelt, this is the quintessential documentary on his life and times. The music is buoyant, poignant and memorable - it mirrors Franklin Roosevelt in every way. The two best American Experience Presidential profiles are undoubtedly this one on FDR and their 1990 look at LBJ, also available on Amazon.