![Behind Bars [VHS]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41CYA1DXNPL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
If you have found this review it is likely that you are either a student, teacher, or other professional worker in the Criminal Justice field. As such you will be aware that in collegate venues, entire semesters are dedicated to pursuing each pinpoint area relevant to the subject matter of this film: corrections. That being said, however, "Behind Bars" (produced by A&E Investigative Reports) is still one of the most valiant filmed attempts to invesigate prisons and jails from an objective point-of-view that is available today.
The scope of the film is vast and attempts are made to cover: jails, prisons, cross-national perspectives, the death penalty, innovations in prison design and correctional philosopy, among other things. Unfortunately, in trying to cover all of these areas in just about 2 hours, the film falls somewhat short of the mark.
For strictly educational purposes there are some highlights that should be metioned here. The film begins with an investigation of Chicago's city jail, where inmates complain about bad treatment and cold food. Then, for a strong contrast, we are taken to a Russian prison where prisoners are subjected to extremely brutal conditions and are fed something that "passes for soup". For another contrast, the film shows us a glimpse of China's Shanghai #5 prison, where prisoners seem to be in a relative state of "orderly" content.
Another notable highlight of the film is its attempt to cover the technological innovations emplaced at Colorado's state prison. Such innovations (ie: single-cell occupancy, 23 hour lockdown, constant monitoring, etc.) are interesting because they suggest a model of corrections based on isolation of prisoners may have some merit. Then the filmakers try to bite on the death penalty by showing us interviews with a Texas convict who is scheduled for excection.
As a result of the many wide-ranging topics that the documentary attempts to cover, "Behind Bars" tends to meander and never establishes a clear and relevant thesis statement that might be helpful to the viewer's learning. Instead, we get a "little of this and a little of that" effect, but no knockout punch. But this alone is not enough to damn the film from an educational standpoint. Certainly, it could be argued that that this investigative piece is an effective mechanism for prompting class discussions in several areas.
Still, as a constructive criticism, it would be nice to see A&E expand this documentary into a comprehensive mini-series about prisons and jails. 4 stars.
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