Product Description

A cult of magic spells diabolical curses satanic worship human sacrifice zombies and dolls stuck with pins - Experts explain how over the past few centuries the ancient religion of Voodoo has been systematically maligned persecuted and nearly wiped out. To uncover the truth behind Voodoo we travel to where it began at least 5000 years ago on the central west coast of Africa. In the tiny nation of Benin Voodoo is practiced today as it has been for thousands of years. Our cameras captured a rarely-seen event--an African Voodoo ceremony with animal sacrifice. We also investigate grisly events blamed on Voodoo such as: the sinking of a ferry in Haiti that killed 200 people and was blamed on a Voodoo curse; death of Michael Tallant author of the 1947 bestseller Voodoo in New Orleans; and how Marie Laveau the "Queen of Voodoo" in New Orleans saved two men from the gallows in 1850. Could these tales be true? Michael Dorn narrates.System Requirements:Running Time 50 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. UPC: 733961747492 Manufacturer No: AAE-74749

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30292 in DVD
• Brand: A&E
• Released on: 2006-03-28
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 50 minutes

Customer Reviews

An excellent look at voodoo practices and beliefs
First off, I have to confess a measure of confusion about this particular documentary. I watched a video clearly identified as Voodoo Secrets from the History Channel, but it ran almost ninety minutes (the label shows fifty minutes) and seems to correspond rather closely with the description of an A&E documentary on the history of Voodoo. Still, the box, the VHS label, and the documentary itself identified this as Voodoo Secrets, and my search of bibliographic records of this title indicate the running time is listed incorrectly on the label, so I've done all I can to make sure I am reviewing the correct item here.

As for the video itself, it offers an informative, detailed look at voodoo from its origins in western Africa to its different manifestations in the Western Hemisphere, particularly New Orleans and Haiti, focusing on voodoo as a religion. Acknowledging its negative connotations in western society, it seeks to demystify and explain some of voodoo's more esoteric features even as it makes the case that this ancient religion has influenced the world around it to a surprising extent. I think it takes this way too far, suggesting that rock 'n' roll - and Elvis Presley in particular - were influenced greatly by the rhythms and movements of the music and dancing of voodoo ceremonies.

I learned a lot about voodoo from this documentary, but I don't know that I feel any differently about it - you're still talking about a religion with an indeterminate number of gods, each of whom is quite human in tastes, reverence of a serpent god, the use of human remains in voodoo ceremonies, animal sacrifice (and, at least in the past, the drinking of the sacrifice's blood), possession, divination, communication with dead ancestors, and a belief in zombification. I do, however, have a deeper appreciation of voodoo as a religion and not just some kind of black magic mumbo jumbo, thanks to interviews with voodoo practitioners and initiates as well as several scholars.

Perhaps the most interesting bit of information this documentary presents is voodoo's interrelationship with other religions. New Orleans' most famous voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, we are told, was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily, and at least one voodoo group featured here believes that other religions can actually enhance the powers of voodoo. Another interesting bit of information is the Supreme Court's unanimous 1993 decision that protects animal sacrifice for religious purposes.

What this documentary does best is show you what voodoo is all about, courtesy of those who follow its traditions. Rather than letting talking heads expound upon voodoo practices, you are able to watch examples of divination, spirit possession, and ceremonial dancing for yourself (fortunately, the viewer is spared the sight of any animal sacrifice). The academics contribute much to the discussion, particularly in terms of putting everything into a larger context, but this really is a most unbiased and illuminating look at a belief system few of us in the West can even begin to understand.

good for pan-Africanists
This documentary basically says, "Yes, animal sacrifices are involved and yes, it can be used for evil purposes, but voodoo is a long-standing, highly-numerous religion that deserves respect." I'm cool with that! The documentary implies, "Why is it that Saint Patrick, who rid Ireland of snakes, is respected, but an African god whose symbol is the snake is viewed as dangerous?" Right on! Fight the Eurocentrism!

Too often, continental Africans, black West Indians, and African Americans will fight tooth and nail not to be associated with each other. But for those of us who believe in Black unity, often called pan-Africanists, you will love this work. The documentary's first segment takes place in Benin, the second in Haiti, and the last in New Orleans. In each place, you see beautiful black skins, colorful clothes, and great music. You also see communities (men, women, and children) united in worshipping African-originated spirits and gods.

My only critique of this film is that Spanish-language Santeria and Portuguese-language Candombl'e is not brought up. Not only Anglophone and Francophone Blacks worship in traditional West African styles. Those in Brazil and Hispanophone Latin American do and can too.

Decent info, but could have been much better.
This DVD was geared mostly towards explaining voodoo as a religion. It takes you too a village in West Africa and shows some voodoo rituals and tells how the locals think of it. It then gives an historical account of a slave rebellion in Haiti and how tradition correlates the uprisings success to voodoo magic. The last major thing it covers is a brief history of Marie Laveau of New Orleans.
In all it had some interesting facts and suggestions. I found it to be a little TOO pro-voodoo, as it didn't discuss much of the negative aspects of the religion. There was another voodoo history channel I saw on TV that was considerably more engageing than this one. However, this was worth watching and lends another perspective.