Posted: 11/01/2011

America: The Story of Us Collector’s Edition

by Amber Burnham

Now available from A&E Television Networks in a 4-DVD Gift Set

America: The Story of Us is a twelve part documentary series from History. It chronicles four hundred years of this nation’s history. Looking in-depth into the people and events that created the country we know today. Each episode is full of information that will bring to light the way in which this country was founded and how it has persevered over the years to go from being viewed by the world as an “experiment” to a world leading country. The documentary does not focus on only events or people, but how the two work together to create the history known to us today.

America: The Story of Us has some of the most in-depth reenactments that I have witnessed watching a documentary. This provides a beautiful backdrop to the information given. The practical sets, costumes, and computer graphics are top of the line. This is impressive considering the amount of time that the documentary covers over the course of the twelve episodes. One of the other enhancing aspects of this documentary is the array of people who provide commentary. The people offering their insights and opinions range from actors like Meryl Streep and Michael Douglas, business tycoon Donald Trump, newscasters like Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, to politicians like Colin Powell and Rudolph Giuliani. At first I was afraid it was only going to be these famous people but there are still the experts on history and military that one would expect to see on a History documentary. The mixture of the two kinds of commentators creates a unique look into the country’s history.

Also included in the collector’s edition set is a book, America: The Story of Us, An Illustrated History by Kevin Baker. The information presented in the book is similar to what is available on the DVD but done in a precise and easy to read way. There is even highlighted text of interesting or important facts, if you just want to skim through the book. The illustrations are amazing. They are a mixture of photographs, diagrams and illustrations (both from the various eras as well as contemporary), maps, and copies of posters. There are over three hundred and thirty color photographs included in the book. The illustration information is given in different ways depending on what is required to explain the illustration. There is the normal small paragraph in the corner, as well as written explanations on the photographs or for the smaller explanations—-dialog boxes placed over the pictures. This creates diversity within the book as well as a more modern look. The book has a forward by President Barack Obama, which he recorded for the introduction to the start of the series as well.

America: The Story of Us collector’s edition is worth looking into. Between the twelve episodes and book, there is so much information to be enjoyed. Also included in the set is a special feature disc which includes additional scenes as well as Modern Marvels: The Statue of Liberty. The series offers over nine hours of an in-depth and beautiful documentary while the book offers pages and pages of information and amazing illustrations that you will find yourself going back to time and time again.

Amber Burnham has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College. She is also a regular panelist on Kichicast, the all-girl, Chicago-based podcast devoted to anime, manga, and Japanese culture. You can listen to Kichicast at kichigi.com.

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