Product Details

• Actors: Jack Perkins, Peter Graves, Harry Smith, Dave Hoffman, Bill Mumy
• Writers: Agnes Nixon
• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: November 18, 1997
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767001133
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #273,861 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The A&E Biography of Nelson Mandela tells, in clear, complete, and exciting detail, the story of the man who dedicated his life to the struggle to end the domination of the black race by the whites in South Africa. Through interviews with colleagues and scholars and wonderful historical footage, we learn both about Mandela's amazing life story and the sweeping transformation that his nation has undergone.

The son of a tribal chief, Mandela was groomed for leadership in the countryside, far from urban racial tensions. When he ran away to Johannesburg as a young man, he was shocked by the violent inhumanity of apartheid, the government-enforced policy of racism. He soon became involved with the African National Congress (ANC), which was working to overturn this unjust and oppressive system. In response to their campaign of civil disobedience and sabotage, he and other ANC leaders were arrested, tried and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, South Africa's Alcatraz.

Against all odds, Mandela continued to fight apartheid from inside one of the world's harshest prisons, himself becoming a universal symbol of freedom. His release, after nearly three decades, electrified both his country and the world. At age 75, he was elected president in a landslide victory. It was Mandela's iron will and unshakable belief in the inevitability of his cause that made it possible for a man once imprisoned as a dangerous traitor to lead a nation. --Laura Mirsky

Product Description

Born into African royalty, he became an international hero for his sacrifices in the fight against apartheid. After decades in jail, he emerged as the leader of his reborn nation. Nelson Mandela is one of the most compelling figures of the 20th Century. Learn the remarkable story of his life, from his idyllic childhood through his years of imprisonment to his triumphant election as president of South Africa. Interviews with colleagues and friends, including fellow ANC prisoners and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, shed light on the darkest years of Mandelaís lifelong struggle, while incredible footage of his greatest moments show the personal victories that were celebrated by all of humanity. Journey to freedom alongside one of the most compelling figures of the 20th century.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandela, November 6, 2006

By 

Tracey Gunthorpe - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biography - Nelson Mandela: Journey to Freedom (A&E DVD Archives) (DVD)

I enjoyed the history lesson. Wish it was longer.
I received item in a timely fashion. I am satisfied.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not enough information, May 11, 2010

By 

JulieBeth (Oakdale, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biography - Nelson Mandela: Journey to Freedom (A&E DVD Archives) (DVD)

Biography did a terrible job portraying this wonderful man in their one hour documentary. They spent too much time talking about his personal problems while sharing limited info about how he was treated in prison and the whole democracy process that came about, which is the most important part of the story. Surely there is a better one out there. His early life is wonderfully portrayed in the movie "Cry Freedom" and hopefully at some point someone will come out with something of equal quality about Mandela's release and the changes that came about in South Africa.Cry Freedom

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Freedom Fighter of all Time!!, February 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Biography - Nelson Mandela: Journey to Freedom [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Nelson Mandela is probably known as one of the greatest freedom fighters of all time as wonderfully told and illustrated on this A&E Biography.It's a must see!!Nelson,we all love you!!