Roots
25th Anniversary Edition
200 Years To Unfold. 12 Years Of Research To Discover. 2 Years To Create. 8 Nights To Make Television History.
His name was Kunta Kinte. Kidnapped from Africa and enslaved in America in 1767, he refused to accept his slave name of Toby. Heirs kept his heroic defiance alive, whispering the name of Kunta Kinte from one generation to the next until it reached a young boy growing up in Tennessee. His name was Alex Haley. And he proclaimed Kunta Kinte's name to the world.
Through the lineage of one family, Haley and his Pulitzer Price-winning Roots told a story for all America and the world. Seen by 130-million viewers during its initial U.S. telecasts and the winner of dozens of awards, the David L. Wolper production remains a vital and engrossing entertainment landmark a quarter-century later. Digitally remastered for optimal video and audio presentation from the original elements, Roots will prove to be an unforgettable DVD journey.
Member Reviews
Roots has touched my heart - nobbymcdobby
Roots. What a stunning program. I loved it. John Amos from Good Times, Geordie LaForge from Star Trek, Lorne Green as an evil slave owner, Ed Asner also evil, Louis Gosset Jr as Chicken George. An all-star cast delivering a stellar stream of awesome! Kunta Kinte is so great. He is so cool. Everyone should see Roots.doesn't stand up over time - Limatob
I love the Alex Haley book and I admire this mini series in its attempts to be faithful to it. I'm sure that when it first aired, in 1977, so soon after the civil rights movement, Roots made a profound impact on anyone who saw it. I believe that in its historic context, Roots is an extremely important dramatic work.
Unfortunately, over 30 years later, it is now dated. While the book remains timeless, the miniseries is marred by decisions (made to appeal to a broader Christian, white audience?) to add white, morally-conflicted characters and to play down the role of Islam in Kunta Kinte's African culture. Some added scenes involving a love interest and dramatic events just come off as cheesy now. In addition the 70s score is overly dramatic and the background scenery is cardboard-looking by today's standards.
I would recommend that you read the book instead. Or, if you are interested in the time period as depicted by Hollywood, Amistad (1997) and/or Glory (1989) are better movies.Roots - CrazyCatLady
Alex Haley's novel comes alive in this excellent mini-series. Haley spent twelve years researching his family tree and it makes for a wonderful, touching story. It begins in Africa with a young Kunta Kinte (played by Lavar Burton - 10 years before he played Geordie LaForge on Star Trek TNG) and his capture by slave traders and his life of slavery in the American south. The story spans approximately 90 years and four generations of Kunta's descendants. Well acted with lots of big name guest stars. The only negative is Sandy Duncan; she was very annoying.
Member Reviews
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Roots has touched my heart - nobbymcdobby
Roots. What a stunning program. I loved it. John Amos from Good Times, Geordie LaForge from Star Trek, Lorne Green as an evil slave owner, Ed Asner also evil, Louis Gosset Jr as Chicken George. An all-star cast delivering a stellar stream of awesome! Kunta ...doesn't stand up over time - Limatob
I love the Alex Haley book and I admire this mini series in its attempts to be faithful to it. I'm sure that when it first aired, in 1977, so soon after the civil rights movement, Roots made a profound impact on anyone who saw it. I believe that in its historic ...Roots - CrazyCatLady
Alex Haley's novel comes alive in this excellent mini-series. Haley spent twelve years researching his family tree and it makes for a wonderful, touching story. It begins in Africa with a young Kunta Kinte (played by Lavar Burton - 10 years before he played ...