The American Experience - Republicans

Starring:David McCullough (II), Marion Ross
Director: Stephen Ives, Rocky Collins, Matthew Collins (III), Ben Loeterman, Mark Zwonitzer
Studio: Pbs Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Description

Celebrate America's 20th-century Chief Executives with "The Republicans," a fabulous compilation from the award-winning PBS series "The American Experience," featuring "Ike," "Nixon" and "Reagan." "Ike" presents a fresh look at Dwight D. Eisenhower, a top military commander who evolved from World War II hero into a skilled politician, tough Cold Warrior and one of our least understood Presidents. "Nixon" revisits the life and legacy of Richard M. Nixon, a man of contradictions, grand visions and petty grievances who used the power of the office to reach for a bold vision of world peace. One of the most popular Presidents ever, the double-disc "Ronald Reagan" traces the actor-turned-politician's colorful life from boyhood through his leadership in negotiating arms reduction via military might and overseeing the end to the Cold War.

Customer Reviews:

not a bad start, decent overviews.......2003-10-19

This package gives you the American Experience version of the presidencies of Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan. Each covers the most salient parts of their early biographies and then shows how their careers led them into politics and eventually the nation's highest office. About what you would expect from PBS in terms of placing each in the overall context of American history. A good place to start and get more information or ideas about each of these presidents, but not definitive by any means. Hardly one-sided, there's a healthy amount of criticism for each of these Republican presidents.

The Eisenhower one does a good job of showing what Ike was like before he became either a famous general or a politician. The parts about his wartime exploits are more personal than reflective of the war in Europe of which he was such an integral component. The approach toward his presidency is a little simplistic and follows the interpretation that Ike led by a "hidden hand."

The Nixon part of course focuses heavily on Watergate. There was more to his presidency, but this is given relatively short shrift. Basically portrays Nixon's political insecurity and obsession that someone was always out to get him.

The Reagan part actually has separate reviews on Amazon, but it draws heavily on the commentary of Edmund Morris, who would not have been my first choice. Potential bias of the narration aside, the video of Reagan and interviews with his staffers and colleagues is very good and worth watching.

IKE - NIXON - REAGAN.......2000-12-18

The American Experience series is simply outstanding. The Republicans series includes Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan. They are full of detail and are a must have for anyone interested in history. It is also a great assett to the classroom. I would highly recommend the Republican series to everyone.

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