The Presidents - DVD Review

 ***SYNOPSIS***

THE PRESIDENTS is an unprecedented eight-part survey of the personal lives and legacies of the remarkable men who have presided over the Oval Office. This highly acclaimed collection now includes a special BIOGRAPHY of President Barack Obama.
From 1789 to today, THE PRESIDENTS collection gathers together vivid snapshots of all Commanders in Chief who have guided America throughout its history–their powerful personalities, weaknesses, and major achievements or historical insignificance. Based on the book To the Best of My Ability, edited by Pulitzer Prize-winner James McPherson, THE PRESIDENTS features rare and unseen photographs and footage, unexpected insight and trivia from journalists, scholars, and politicians such as Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Wesley Clark, Bob Dole, and former President Jimmy Carter. Viewed within the changing contexts of each administration, the Presidency has never seemed more compelling and human.
Narrated by Edward Herrmann, this four-DVD set is a proud addition to the award-winning documentary tradition of HISTORY.

DISC ONE - The Presidents, Volume 1 – Part 1: 1789-1825 / Part 2: 1825-1849 / Part 3: 1849-1865

DISC TWO - The Presidents, Volume 2 – Part 4: 1865-1885 / Part 5: 1885-1913 / Part 6: 1913-1945

DISC THREE - The Presidents, Volume 3 – Part 7: 1945-1977 / Part 8: 1977-Present / Bonus

DISC FOUR - Biography: Barack Obama






***VIDEO QUALITY***

The Presidents arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. What really stood out was the overall clarity of the presentation despite being a mix of several sources. Color reproduction was above average and there were a few nice surprises of footage I have never seen before in color. Black levels were quite solid. Not bad at all. Good job. 7.5/10




***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. The vintage clips were a little muffled at times but I would say that is due to the source and not a reflection of this presentation. Dialogue otherwise was crisp and clean throughout. 7/10

 

***SPECIAL FEATURES*** * President Barack Obama” episode of BIOGRAPHY * Feature-length Documentary “All The Presidents' Wives” * Timeline of U.S. Presidents

Houston Astros 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition - DVD Review

  ***SYNOPSIS***

HOUSTON ASTROS 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION is a five-DVD showcase that salutes four classic full television broadcasts plus, an all-new documentary special ASTROS MEMORIES.

From the roof-raising euphoria of the Astrodome to the open-air adoration of Minute Maid Park, the cascade of emotions and joys are relived as four ESSENTIAL GAMES OF THE HOUSTON ASTROS are presented on DVD for the first time!

1981 NOLAN RYAN’S 5TH NO-HITTER vs. LAD, September 26, 1981 – In his second season with the Astros Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to throw five career no-hitters.

1986 MIKE SCOTT’S NO-HITTER CLINCHES DIVISION vs. SF, September 25, 1986 – The Astros punctuate their 25th season’s celebration with the double delight of clinching the division behind Mike Scott’s no-hit masterpiece.

2005 NLDS CLINCHER–18-INNINGS vs. ATL, October 9, 2005 – Chris Burke’s solo home run in the bottom of the 18th caps the Astros 7-6 victory in the longest game in postseason history.

CRAIG BIGGIO’S 3,000TH HIT vs. COL, June 28, 2007 – Craig Biggio entered three hits shy of the 3,000 hit milestone then promptly collected five hits in the game and sparked the winning rally which ended with Carlos Lee’s walk-off grand slam!

ASTROS MEMORIES saluties Jimmy Wynn, Jose Cruz, Nolan Ryan, Cesar Cedeno, Craig Biggio, and Jeff Bagwell. Beyond the individual heroics this DVD celebrates the 1980 and 1986 seasons and playoffs runs, and magical 2004 and National League pennant-winning 2005 seasons. The history makers become the storytellers through exclusive interviews including: Biggio, Ryan, Phil Garner, Art Howe, and Alan Ashby. Celebrated no-hitters, 3,000 hits, historic hits, heroes, and magical moments: 100% Houston baseball.



***VIDEO QUALITY***

Astros 50th arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This is a mixed quality image with different sources used with of course up to 50 years vintage. Older footage has an inherent softness but colors were surprisingly strong. The best image came from 2000 and on. Fine detail took a bump and colors were much more bold. The greens of the turf was beautiful. A pleasing overall presentation. 7/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. A consistently crisp and clean track. The music cues in the documentary section had some decent heft to them. 7/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* Astros No-hitters Under The Dome
* Dierker's Diary "What Might Have Been"
* Bob Aspromonte's Home Run Story
* Craig Biggio's Biggest Night
* Bob Watson Speech
* Dierker's Diary All-time Astros team
* Houston Midsummer Classics
* Nolan Ryan In The Gym

Planet Egypt - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

It was the world’s most important ancient civilization and lasted longer than any other. In this exciting four-part miniseries, HISTORY® explores the technology, culture, religion, wars and peace that unified Egypt for 3,000 years. PLANET EGYPT investigates Egypt’s legacy through portraits of its most influential Pharaohs: King Narmer, who united the disparate tribes of Upper and Lower Egypt into the first Egyptian Empire; Thutmose III, who expanded and secured Egypt’s borders; Amnenhotep III and his revolutionary son Akhenaten, who attempted to break the power of the priests and reorganize the traditional role of religion; and Ramses II, the great builder of temples and tombs who devoted his life to the cult of death. Threaded throughout are intimate details of typical Egyptian daily life. From feats of engineering and the most ambitious construction projects in history, to its obsession with life, death and immortality, the amazing story of ancient Egypt still astounds us today. DISC ONE - Birth of an Empire / Pharaohs at War DISC TWO - Temples of Power / Quest for Eternity



***VIDEO QUALITY***

Planet Egypt arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 Featuring newly shot location footage and recreations of the past with what looks to be some light CGI effects. Color reproduction was really good with the gorgeous gold adornments the Egyptians loved being a highlight. The precious metal shines. Fine detail was strong with details in clothing and hieroglyphics standing out the most. Black levels were consistently inky.8.5/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. Dialogue and narration was crisp and clean. There was some decent stereo separation between the front two channels.7/10