A riveting adventure of how America was invented, AMERICA THE STORY OF US focuses on the people, ideas and events that built our nation, covering 400 years of American history in the most extensive and in-depth television series ever produced by HISTORY. From the rigors of linking the continent by wagon trails to the transcontinental railway, the engineering of steel-structured buildings, through to landing on the moon, this epic 12-part series is a grand cinematic vision of how this country was built. AMERICA THE STORY OF US brings this story to life first hand through patriots, frontiersmen, slaves, abolitionists, Native Americans, pioneers, immigrants, entrepreneurs and inventors. Sharing their thoughts on the building of America, and what it means to be an American, are a world-class group of individuals including Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Buzz Aldrin, Colin Powell, Donald Trump, Tom Brokaw, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Brian Williams and more. This special collection includes a bonus disc with over 100 minutes of brand-new footage as well as a book commemorating the series.
America:The Story of Us arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This is a handsomely produced series and the transfer reflects that with warm color reproduction and solid black levels. Fine detail was quite good with closeups of clothing showing stitching and texture. There were a few moments of softness but nothing too distracting. A fine presentation overall. 8/10
Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. Despite my own opinion that some of the narration is grating it is reproduced hear with a crisp and clean track. The low mixed score gets some decent stereo separation. Not an overly thrilling listen but there were no technical issues with it. 7/10
* 400+ Page Companion Book, filled with over 200 illustrations, photographs, and historical documents - The book is a beautifully produced stunner that is a gem to keep with this set. The pages are filled with great details and pictures. Keep in mind that this book retailed for $29 by itself at one time.
*A Brand New Bonus Disc Featuring Modern Marvels: The Statue of Liberty