this documentary is a pretty good bet to see it all in one sitting
589436
If you wanted to know about the real life of Grace Kelly's successes as a Hollywood movie star and as a royal highness, this documentary is a pretty good bet to see it all in one sitting. Good quality film clips. Good audio. Informative. Grace Kelly was for real.
2204421
Good for one watch! All the best parts were on the previews
666756
This is one of those documentaries that make history, as few do, because of their interviewing real victims and protagonists of the facts. The facts are basically the Holocaust, the tortures, killings and persecutions of Jews of France by German Nazis and its French anonymous collaborators... everything focused on one person, the notorious Gestapo agent Klaus Barbie.

Remember that 1000 people massacred doesn't reach as much to the heart as one person tortured, with a name and last name to identify. Well this documentary does this job. We, the audience, can hardly appreciate -sitting in the comfort of our free Western societies, decades now away from those terrible times- the value of a document like this one. The film starts at Barbie's birthplace, family circle, etc. and moves, in four hours, to his trial at old age in France. Like a detective story it traces his life through family members, victims, people who met him and people who just might have been his neighbors, knowingly or not. What I mean is, regardless of the film being wonderfully directed and entertaining, this film has a value that makes it priceless. Here is a picture of society, made up of all kinds of people (it is France and Germany, but it is rather about the Homo Sapiens), and it shows how all humans fail to live up to what we expect of others than ourselves. If not guilty of some heinous crime, we might fail because of collaboration; if not by collaboration, then by omission of help; and if not by this, then maybe by throwing the stone at someone whose shoes we are not in. We all fall short.

This documentary is priceless. We are liable to do it again, right here today, in the West. We are already, in fact: don't we ignore the crimes that dictatorial regimes and Muslim loonies perpetrate to thousands every single day, specially to women? We are not the Resistance; we are collaborators.
357498
Really, everything that was said in this documenary probably could have been said in about a half hour if it was a very well thought out and structured half hour.

Here's the upside:

A brief but very interesting history of how suburbs came to exist.

A ray of hope in "new urbanization".

A really cool short cartoon called "Destination Earth".  It was way more entertaining than the documentary itself.

One ironic observation that made me laugh.  Yes, it really does seem that housing developments are named after what they destroyed in order to build the houses.  Ha ha.

Now the downside:

A lot of cliche and patronizing file footage of typical suburbanites of the WWII generation.  What were they thinking?  (Maybe, "hey, we survived the great depression and saved the world from fascism and now we'd like to have a nice little home and raise a family.")

Continual alternating between file footage of suburban life and talking heads of haggard looking academics and authors I've never heard of saying over and over things like: this surbia can't last; it's doomed; it's awful anyway; they're gonna get it; and on and on and on.  I thought to myself that some of these guys seem to actually want the United States to fail as a nation and be reduced to subsistance living.

Typical cliche attack on those "neocons" who just want to fight an endless war to keep this awful suburban lifestyle going.  It's all just that simple.

Anyway, it's no surprise to me that gasoline keeps going up in price, and I'm sure there are some unpleasent times ahead, but I have faith that we as a culture will adjust when the time comes.  Well, back to my empty suburban lifestyle.
1636354
This set does something very unusual for documentaries, particularly Hitler Channel productions, these days:  It goes out and shows you the constructions that it's talking about (and a striking number of these ancient engineering feats remain in show-and-tell-able condition).  Oh, there are computer-graphic explanations of details -- for example, the Aztec aqueduct system or the process by which boats were moved along Darius's canal.  And some fairly restrained re-enactments provide a bit of action, as well as historical context.  Otherwise, though, lovely images of the actual objects at issue form the centerpiece(s) of each segment.

Peter Weller's purposefully conversational narration lapses only occasionally into dude-speak, and anyway, he can be forgiven a snarky comment or two while he gamely climbs up, down, in, over, under and through the assembled relics of the human past (in their varied states of disrepair).  He certainly generates an infectious enthusiasm for his subject, and he communicates quite a bit of information in an accessible manner.

I might have liked to see more technological nitty-gritty on some of the innovations, but in general, this series has rather more heft than one might expect from the mainstream infotainment production houses.  I, too, am slightly irritated that the Rome volume will be a separate purchase -- but I'll be picking it up, just the same.
135802
Rembrant is my favorite artist, so I like most anything about him.  This documentary had a lot of interesting information from his personal life, which for me always provides a greater depth to the art.  It is always interesting to see just how "human" a famous person was, to know about their flaws and addictions gives us all hope I suppose?  Hopefully someday someone with remake this one in a little more lively format, as the information is presented in what I'd call a "lecture" format, which works fine if what you want is information.  But if you want a little entertainment (a little) this is not the type of film for that.  Overall I think it is well organized and a well made film, as it is always a challenged to present anyone entire life is one sitting.
4649939
This documentary is short but a lot is packed into that time period.  The 3D is excellent and the science is firmly on track.  You feel like you are among these giants of the past as they lumber past or come off the screen at you.
1977404
This 6-hour documentary offers a great range of perspectives on the Hurricane Katrina experience.  While it builds useful context and explains many of the issues, some of the individuals who share commentary throughout seem overly extreme in their views; they share "information" that is interesting in that it informs their views, but is factually questionable.  It would be hard to watch the whole thing straight through, but most viewers will find sections that answer their own questions about Hurricane Katrina.  You'll almost certainly be left with more questions than you had when you started, but that's a good thing.
2404218
Being a particularly large fan of all things off-road, particularly Baja related, this was a pretty exciting documentary for me.  As documentaries go, this one definitely stands to be more entertaining than average.  The sad truth is anyone not interested in the subject matter will find this relatively boring if they can get over Dana Brown's excessive use of the word "synonymous"

At times this documentary can be slightly discontinuous, but overall I think Brown does a decent job of really capturing the spirit of the 1000 which is undoubtedly uplifting.
873223
Even though it's been out for a while I thought l'd take a shot at History of the Eagles even though most have seen it by now and it's not a hot topic anymore. I watched it about 3 or 4 times and really enjoyed it and l found myself thinking more than once that this is how documentaries should be made. Originally aired on showtime, there's a lot to love about HOTE to point where it will likely receive multiple viewings. In terms of of length, what is covered, interviewing all those responsible, getting the dirt and being unbiased and letting fans see for themselves it stands as one of the best and most detailed music documentaries l have ever seen (and l've seen a lot). It's interesting to sit back all these years later and watching the aging band tell us all about their lives as The Eagles and their take on specific events. It really puts things into perspective.

History of the Eagles gets it right for many reasons. One of which is it covers the whole story. We get two discs split in two parts: one devoted to the early years up until the breakup in 1980, the other covering the solo careers and projects during the 80's through the 1994 reunion up to a new album to now. In total, a little over three hours devoted completely to the band. A lasting treat for fans, die-hards or otherwise. All the disputes, arguments, and nasty band member breakups are all laid out here for us by the Eagles in their own word. I can says in all honesty that even non-Eagles fan could enjoy it (especially the first part which really captures some of the essence of the 1970's) for it is such an entertaining, fascinating look at musical icons and the dynamics that goes on within a band. In essence, what makes a band work.

From Don Henley and Glen Fry's beginnings in Texas and Detroit forming early bands backing Linda Ronstdat to forming the Eagles, recording, touring, becoming successful, band members leaving, new band members, breaking up, solo careers, getting back together and still being active... It's all there. All the tensions, stories, events leading up to the split, the split itself all the way down to personal animosity, finances, it's all there and very detailed and in your face.

Highlights? There are too many,  and l don't want to spoil anything but when they talk about the fight that lead up to Don Felder leaving the band, it's a talking point. Everyone gets very emotional and it's hard to ignore that beneath all the music and the success some people in the band must've absolutely hated each other. One of my favourite moments happens after early on showing footage when The Eagles have just performed a successful (sold-out?)  show and they're sitting in the back of a van being driven to their hotel. Henley doesn't look at the camera when he says in almost utter discouragement "band last longer than they used to you know? Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones. Maybe we can stick around for another couple more years". The pun being obviously that they're still around to this day and their longevity and how they managed to transcend generations is the stuff legends are made of.

The only problem l perceive with the documentary is that people watch it and then disagree and/or take sides with people in the band. And then they hate what they see or hear and decide "well this person is wrong"-and that's staying polite!- l've had discussion with other fans who've seen it and they seemed genuinely bothered by some of the content. Perhaps this can also be used to point out how effective it manages to be.

Oh and hey! The extra disc of a 1977 footage from the Hotel California tour doesn't hurt one bit but it's maddening that we didn't get a full concert. Other than that, two disc, three hours of content on one of world's finest bands and respected artists? Can't go wrong with History of the Eagles. It's all real and it's all there. 5/5  (there is content on alcohol, drugs, addictions and female nudity in the documentary in case you're wondering if this appropriate for all ages, the box doesn't say so!)
976840
I think that what makes the documentary at the heart of this box set so refreshing is the fact it was shot without the preconception that it would be shown anywhere. It was really meant to be a trial run, a kind of "proof of concept" aimed to get the Rolling Stones ready for a more professional piece along the lines of the Beatles' Hard Day's Night, which had come out a year earlier. At the time this was shot, the Stones were obviously already popular and still a bit uncomfortable with and confused by their status as stars and sex symbols. They're still sorting it out, not even sure they want to be pop stars or what it all means. It's nice to see that when they are asked questions about who they are and what they stand for, they seem to be thinking it through and working it out, not all that polished, they're puzzling a bit on the difference between who they are and the role they play on stage and in front of fans and reporters. Some of the best bits are of them working out songs, improvising, or singing around the piano, relaxed.

They are so young here. More importantly, they're coming at the cusp of the social revolutions of the late 60s and just beginning to glimpse its potential and realizing they were a part of it. It's really worth watching as a document of an era of transition. Well-dressed kids, coming to their concerts, and then mobbing the stage. The documentary was painstakingly reconstructed for the 50th Anniversary of the Rolling Stones, and the footage looks great. The soundtrack, from both the Rolling Stones and the Andrew Oldham Orchestra, feels fresh and alive and sounds amazing. This set comes with a DVD and Blu-Ray copy of the film, including the original 35-minute cut by Peter Whitehead, a longer 50-minute producer's cut by Oldham, their manager, and then an even-longer 65-minute extension done by ABKCO music, for which they had to restore all of the original bits as well as collate video with audio from various sources. (There's also a documentary on both the Blu-Ray and the dvd about the difficult restoration process - this was obviously a labor of love.) The special set also comes with a soundtrack album and a CD - as well as the vinyl LP! - of a live concert in England, and comes with a facsimile of the poster for the concert in Belfast. The box set would make a perfect gift for Rolling Stones fans - but the dvd or Blu-Ray by themselves are highly recommended for fans of music or of documentaries, and especially those interested in the '60s. Maybe not as important as&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Gimme-Shelter/dp/B002P8O29K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Gimme Shelter</a>&nbsp;(which came near the end of the revolutionary era that's just beginning here), or as polished as&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shine-A-Light/dp/B001G0INIE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shine A Light</a>&nbsp;(which shows a mature group much later, still enjoying the music) but in some ways I like this best, as they feel young and hopeful and have an unknown future ahead of them. It feels quite fresh and is a great piece, well worth watching. (Note: I was sent a preview copy of this set, with the request that I review it honestly.)
3617048
This  6-pack history set were one of the BEST documentary I've ever had the pleasure of watching. I'd heard of this "history-maker" set but hadn't seen it until recently. I'm IMPRESSED and I've learned things I've never known (except from my Mother). There's NOTHING like seeing it with my very own eyeballs!  It was an EYE-OPENER!!!!!!!!!
4106529
I admit to being a little biased since I'm involved in the project featured in this documentary. However, I found it to be very professionally produced and covered all of the main aspects of the project. I sat down expecting to just glance through it and ended up watching the whole thing from start to finish. It pulled me right in.
4012968
I watched the documentary couple of months ago. Then last week I watch these movie with pretty much the same story.
I think it was really good
4833302
Good documentary tells an increadable story but doesn't make you want to watch it more then one time and is sort of lacking.
1053992
"Slacker Uprising" is a very good and revealing documentary. It documents Michael Moore's 2004 Tour to get the "slackers" to register and vote. He travels to college campuses giving speeches, giving away slacker necessities (clean underwear and ramen noodles) and getting people to register.

Across the country, he goes to the key states, along with a number of famous guests (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/R-E-M/dp/B0013BNY2Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">R.E.M.</a>, Eddie Vedder, Tom Morello, Viggo Mortensen, etc.). As he goes along this Tour of the country he encounters strong opposition, especially in the conservative states. As businessmen try to bribe student government with money to ban Michael Moore from college campuses (Free Speech anyone?!), and some actually succeed in banning him (in California of all places), Moore goes on trying to reach out to students.

This is probably the least biased of Moore's documentary and shows his trip throughout the country as he gathers supporters for the Kerry campaign. This is a very interesting documentary released as the 2008 Election nears, maybe merely for effect. But, maybe also to raise some consciousness about a citizen's right and duty to vote, which ultimately, Moore's main message.
992188
This movie works well as an introduction to the benefits of locally grown food, the challenges that face young farmers today (as well as the rewards from their endeavors), and the process of food production in the U.S. and abroad in general. Perhaps the most striking notion that is explored is that which I selected for the title of my review. As one person who is interviewed says, "You can pay the farmer, or you can pay the doctor."

They also go on to point out that one in three children born in the U.S. during the year 2000 will go on to develop diabetes, AND this is the first generation that is projected to have a shorter lifespan than that of its parents. I will take them at their word on this- in my daily life, I see a troubling amount of nutritional illiteracy, obesity, and poor health. I hope that watching this documentary might encourage some viewers to eat healthier and make changes that will improve their lives in every way (not only will you be healthier, but you'll be fuller and get to enjoy tastier food, too!), though I would recommend they first start with "Hungry For Change" and "Food Matters".

"Ingredients" can come off as a bit "dry" for most of its duration, but I don't mind this at all. Rather than bombard the viewer with catchy music and flashy visuals as statistics are thrown about willy-nilly (as is the trend in most contemporary documentaries), this one remains very "rooted". I enjoy most documentaries, regardless of the presentation style they choose, but "Ingredients" stands out as one that is particularly sober in its delivery of the material in question.