What the hell's with this mess? It's not historically chronological. Half the stuff is random or trivial. With maybe less than ten minutes for the state of Pennsylvania, do we really need to spend one on ketchup - much less two on Punxsutawney Phil? Couldn't they have used a minute for some illustrious citizen like Bill Cosby, or a couple of minutes about Philly soul music — Gamble and Huff, O'Jays and Spinners and such — rather than the Groundhog Day shtick?
I must also stop to blow them a little raspberry for their Louisiana entry. I'm all in favor of Louisiana, but these guys just couldn't help themselves to refrain from some cheesy editorializing about how the mean old federal government just has hardly lifted a finger to help poor NOLA after Katrina. Shut up already, damn.
If you run into this series on the History Channel, or find it conveniently at the local library, this is kinda halfway palatable entertainment. It's certainly more educational, spiritually uplifting, and interesting than watching Dr Phil, Cops or some damned game show. I just don't know that I'd recommend that you spend 30 bucks on buying it to keep.
Article comments
1 - magnoliasouth
"I'm all in favor of Louisiana, but these guys just couldn't help themselves to refrain from some cheesy editorializing about how the mean old federal government just has hardly lifted a finger to help poor NOLA after Katrina. Shut up already, damn."
VERY well said! If there is one thing that turns me off more than anything, it is political commentary in a series (or documentary) that's NOT about politics. Your review sealed it for me. I'll not buy it now.
Besides, New Orleans didn't even have the most damage from Katrina. Biloxi was hit much worse but do you ever hear about it? Nope. Only rarely, if ever. You'd think that New Orleans was the ONLY city/town in the US affected by Katrina. Even my house here in Mobile, AL was damaged. Our roof was gone.
Interestingly enough, The History Channel has the DVD set on sale for $19.99 and lists it as a "bestseller." It's such a "bestseller" that I can't even find it at Amazon.
2 - John
I'm out on this DVD set if they choose to pollute their documentary with politics. Thank you for the heads up.
3 - bishbish
I agree with the previous two people about this dvd being ruined by the inclusion of political ideology. I also find it offensive when complicated political topics are interpreted in a shallow manner and without authentic debate or consideration. I don't buy products that try to shove down my throat the false but politically expedient idea of the black person as perpetual victim. I won't buy this dvd either. I was going to buy this until I saw that with only 10 minutes per state, they would use their time in such wasteful ways.