Product Description

Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/10/2006

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30228 in DVD
• Brand: Paramount
• Released on: 2006-01-10
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 250 minutes

Customer Reviews

Some extraordinary newsreels of Warm Springs, Georgia
I was very surprised to see the extraordinary newsreels of FDR in Warms Springs, Georgia using a wheel-chair and then swimming with young people who also had polio. On television, I had always seen the standard footage of FDR giving speeches. The film explains the great lengths FDR went through to improve his body control, so as not to be pitied or viewed as a cripple. After several years of tough times, FDR was ready to be president - as he knew he could be. Special thanks to Curtis Roosevelt, grandson, for his well-prepared remarks on the character of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Americn Experience: FDR
Never has a more meaningful and informative document on this great American president been assembled into one package. The 2-DVD recording probes the complexities of FDR's heritage, youth and personal ambitions -- as well as tragedies -- in a way that rounds out his presidency. It also explores the role of Eleanor far beyond her role as FDR's wife. His role in shaping our history even after his death is made crystal clear.

I believe the document is truly unique. Having lived through that era, I found nevertheless that there were countless aspects to the man and his works that I had simply not been aware of. I bought the package after seeing it played elsewhere. It was a bargain. I expect to see it many times again over the coming years.

He'd Never Be Elected Today!
As I wrote in my review on President Truman, President Roosevelt would be un-electable today. First, because he was the dreaded 'L' word--liberal, and proud of it.

Mr. Roosevelt's private life, combined with his physical handicap, would be picked apart and criticized by such as the 'fair and balanced' news commentators now. His manipulation of the American political system at the time would be roundly condemned today. Of course, it was what America needed at that time. President Roosevelt was the first chief executive in this country to believe, and practice, that the American government had a responsibility to its citizens beyond national defense. The scope of the work he envisioned for the American government is still breathtaking today. We know now that Mr. Roosevelt introduced the practice of Presidential domination in American politics. He provided leadership when so many countries drifted into dictatorship and inaction. We know now that the most valuable resource he provided America was hope and an optimism sadly lacking in today's bickering politicians.

And that voice! Patrician, seductive, and yet able to distill complex governmental policies into terms that the average American could understand. It is instructive to listen to President Roosevelt speak, then flip to Mr. Hitler.

There has been only one President as enigmatic in his personal dealings as Mr. Roosevelt in the last century: President Nixon. However, unlike Nixon, FDR genuinely liked people and enjoyed their company, all the while hiding his true feelings and intentions.

Not a perfect man, Mr. Roosevelt was indeed the man for the times, and how fortunate we were to have him as our leader for so many years.

To young people, who only see what we elect as Presidents now, this can be a fascinating view of one of our greats. The rich documentary footage brings this long-dead leader back for us. For that, we should be grateful and supportive of this series.