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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9780783123400 Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC ISBN: 078312340X Label: Hbo Home Video Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Hbo Home Video Release Date: February 11, 2003 Running Time: 75 minutes Sales Rank: 15287 Studio: Hbo Home Video Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Description: When the Civil War ended in 1865, more than four million slaves were set free. Over 70 years later, the memories of some 2,000 slave-era survivors were transcribed and preserved by the Library of Congress. These first-person anecdotes, ranging from the brutal to the bittersweet, have been brought to vivid life in this unique HBO documentary special, featuring the on-camera voices of over a dozen top African-American actors.
Amazon.com: The material used for this beautifully made HBO documentary dates back to the 1930s, when journalists conducted thousands of interviews with former slaves who'd been emancipated at the end of the Civil War. A selection of these faithfully transcribed "slave narratives" are vividly read (acted, really) here by a host of distinguished performers, ranging from Samuel L. Jackson to Oprah Winfrey, from Don Cheadle to Angela Bassett, with narration by Whoopi Goldberg. Since there's obviously no film available from the slave period, the producers use artfully edited photos, file footage, some atmospheric new film, and shots of the performers in action to bring the material to life. Add all of that to the DVD bonus features (text bios of individual slaves and a couple of lengthy audio segments), and you have a moving record of bitter, weary, yet resilient and quietly proud people living with memories that never would, or could, fade. --Sam Graham
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Amazing Documentary
I purchased this documentary to supplement a 5th grade unit on slavery. I can't imagine a better way for students to learn about the experiences African Americans faced under the institution of slavery than these first hand accounts. This documentary has been wonderfully done. The 'actors' are such a small part of the overall production. Not once did it detract from the themes of the film.
There were a couple bits that I choose to skip due to content and age of the audience. And while the picture painted was harsh, it was reality for those living in slavery. Clearly anyone ... Read More
Rating: - A truly powerful work.
I bought this for use in my middle school classroom, and am so glad I did. It was so much more powerful than I ever expected. I did not think I could be so affected by what I considered "just more information about slavery". I definitely picked my jaw up off the floor a few times. Having the perspective of actual former slaves, voiced by someone, with actual photos truly made this so touching and educational for myself and my classes, and brought the reality to slavery that nothing I've experienced before was able to. Just amazing.
(A side note for any teachers looking to use it: I showed ... Read More
Rating: - Unchained Memories
This is an amazing video that has famous African-American actors reading the narratives of former slaves as they retold their experience during the American slave movement. The pace is perfect and narratives are intertwined with photos and re-enactments that bring the slave experience to life. Whoopi Goldberg is amazing as the narrator. This video is not only informative, but chilling in its retelling of one of our most traumatic times in American history.
Rating: - Unchained Memories
I love this DVD it is an excellent representation of the plight of African Americans from slavery until present.
Rating: - Slavery Commentaries
Spoken history from those who lived it. Very good book. Interesting. Educational. The facts from the slaves themselves. Awesome reading.
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