MacArthur (WGBH/American Experience)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episodes: B+
Austin Hoyt and Sarah Holt deliver a stunning two-part,
four-hour documentary on General Douglas MacArthur in this remarkably
thorough documentary mini-series look at the trials, tribulations and
underappreciated triumphs of the bold maverick solider who made a huge
difference in the last World War and became legend.
The story begins with his childhood, how it shaped who he
became and what he did. This led to
MacArthur becoming the most decorated solider in World War I and used this
clout to make his battles in World War II some of the most unbelievable and
stunning moments of the 20th Century. Narrated by David Ogden Stiers, it reminds us just the sweep and power
of his story and his times, as well as what major player he was in it. In times where the Politically Correct are
trying to rewrite history and lowball the importance of The United States,
while the Extreme Right makes a fascist caricature of it, the programs arrival
on DVD could not be more timely and that this installment of The American
Experience is just such a well-researched gem makes it very desirable for
serious history collections.
The 1.33 X 1 image has a wide variety of footage from
vintage black and white to color NTSC professional analog videotape, plus a few
other types and is not bad for such an extensive documentary. The Dolby Digital 2.0 is simple stereo at
best. The only extra on both DVDs are a
weblink and DVD-ROM printable educational materials, but for the main program,
you should catch this 2-DVD set as soon as you can!
- Nicholas Sheffo
