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As any American presidential historian will tell you, we already knew the basics of Teddy, FDR and Eleanor, but Ken Burns has taken us to a farther level and filled in many details, facts and trivia, which we all really needed to know to get all the details here. The information of TR and his personality and then perhaps untimely demise coupled with FDR rise to greater achievement with wife Eleanor are splendidly told to us here and in a concise and short and easy to understand order. Eleanor's role in all this is quite telling along with all the various twists and turns along the way make for a better understanding of the whole element. FDR's failing health in the last years are well-told and make me wonder today why the public was so apparently blind to his approaching ending, not to mention the absolute secrecy which his medical staff maintained from all but the most inner-sanctum few. To watch this at the pleasure of my own time and not herky-jerky on TV was also a delight as well as the easy ability to go back and re-watch certain key elements I wanted to get a stronger grasp made this even more enjoyable. Lastly, the additional information in terms of deleted scenes and elements were also intriguing and while I can understand the need to fit only so much into the allotted time, I do think the origin of the "Teddy-Bear" scenario should somehow have been fit into the final element because I had previously know it but forgotten until watching that little 3 minute shorty deleted scene. In short, it gets a 2-thumbs up from me and will be treasured with other such documentaries I have. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Ken Burns's The Roosevelts is outstanding. The impact of the three progressive figures (Theodore, Franklin & Eleanor) on the American society is well presented. Aspects of their careers that are generally left out by other biographers, such as the rivalry between Oyster Bay and Hyde Park Roosevelts or the selection in 1940, then rejection in 1944 of progressive Henry Wallace as vice-presidential nominee, are discussed in this documentary. The pictures, the commentary and the soundtrack are consistent with the standards of excellence observed by Ken Burns. A few non-so-charming aspects of the Roosevelts' presidencies, such as the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, receive only a few words toward the end of the documentary. Other than that, the DVD set is just great.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have watched the first 3 DVDs of this set and I think it is outstanding! I have learned more than in many years of history classes and find the Roosevelts fascinating. (And the price is good!)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is one of the very best series Ken Burns ever produced, on a par with The Civil War. It covers Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt over the century (mid-19th thru mid-20th) during which they lived. The overall production, narration, photography and actors portraying the historical characters are all excellent.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
great insight to the life history of the Roosevelts -- I was amazed how Eleanor Roosevelt took control at the United Nations!!! she needs to be honored Ken Burns does such a fantastic job like always showing American history
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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