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DVD Description
Celebrating 30 years since its TV debut, Roots: The Complete Collection brings together for the first time all the original episodes, sequels and extras of the award-winning series in one box set, comprising Roots: The Original Series 4-Disc Box Set, the 1979 sequel Roots: The Next Generation, and, for the first time on DVD, Roots: The Gift, a movie that focuses on the relationship between two of the slaves of the original series.
Based on Alex Haley's best-selling novel about his African ancestors, the acclaimed US TV mini-series Roots garnered widespread popularity in the 1970s and to this day remains one of the most watched programmes in history, with the ratings for the series finale still the third highest-rated US program of all time, (behind the final episode of MASH and the "Who Shot JR?" episode of Dallas).
Roots follows several generations in the lives of a slave family. The story begins with Kunta Kinte (played by LeVar Burton), a West African youth captured by slave traders and shipped to America in the 1700s. Torn from his homeland, stripped of his dignity, his rights and even his name, in torment and anguish he is brought to the slave markets of the new world. He tries, but fails, to escape before accepting he can never return to Africa. The film traces his life and those of his family, depicted up until the Civil War where Kunte Kinte's grandson gains emancipation. It captures generations of love, tears, pain, strife, sacrifice and happiness, reminding us of the resilience and resource of the human spirit even under crippling injustice. But Roots was more than just a quality drama, it had a wider impact on society. It persuaded American audiences to regard their history from a black perspective, and to see how--against odds far more desperate than those the pilgrims faced--Africans laid claim to their status as free African-Americans. It triggered a craze for genealogy and changed forever the way black people were depicted on TV.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I have just got this & I have to say I am absolutely delighted this has finally been released. Everyone knows the original series which is basically groundbreaking drama. The big deal for me though is the release of the TV Special - Roots The Gift, & the Next Generation series. These are wonderful sequels to the original show & brings the story right up to the present day. This really is wonderful, compelling, heart rending, powerful TV drama at its very best. I am delighted to recommend this DVD set.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I watched the complete Roots story right through last weekend and found it gripping, powerful and a vivid portrayal of the journey of one family through history from the mid 1770s to the present day. It starts with Kunte Kinte, a young man of the Mandinka tribe living in Gambia being captured by slave traders, transported in appaling conditions in the hold of a slave ship to America and his descendants facing the horrors of race murder, exploitation, hostility, prejudice and discrimination. It tells of one of the greatest crimes one race of humanity has inflicted upon another to the discrimination faced by black people in the southern states of America. The story is unfinished as slavery still exists today in certain countries, many people in the third world are disadvantaged by globalisation that has been imposed by the west and works to their advantage, black people still face discrimination in America and elsewhere and do not enjoy equality of opportunity and their place in the sun.
The story finishes where it starts in Gambia as the author, Alex Haley, journeys to the scene of Kunter Kinte's capture and Haley is welcomed by the Mandinka tribe like a returning son.
Haley claims that all the events in his family's history actually happened and although some have questioned this claim it does not negate the essential truth told in Roots that despite all the odds stacked against them black people can overcome them and find success.
On a more mundane level I found the very small writing on the discs difficult to read and the double sided discs could be confusing at times when you forget which side you have watched when you take a break but this is a minor inconvenience and should not put anyone off watching such an oustanding and memorable drama.
David Rowland
The story finishes where it starts in Gambia as the author, Alex Haley, journeys to the scene of Kunter Kinte's capture and Haley is welcomed by the Mandinka tribe like a returning son.
Haley claims that all the events in his family's history actually happened and although some have questioned this claim it does not negate the essential truth told in Roots that despite all the odds stacked against them black people can overcome them and find success.
On a more mundane level I found the very small writing on the discs difficult to read and the double sided discs could be confusing at times when you forget which side you have watched when you take a break but this is a minor inconvenience and should not put anyone off watching such an oustanding and memorable drama.
David Rowland
78 of 82 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I felt compelled to write a review after my mother offered me this DVD boxset. What an incredible piece of work! 30 years on and it has stood the test of time.
The story is so moving, the acting powerful. Maya Angelou just took my breath away! I am now reading all her books.
I had never seen this show before and am so glad I have now. They just don't make TV this powerful anymore.
I do feel I need to say something about Mr Norbert D Machado's review: it is a shame that the packaging has any importance to you. Surely the show is what you should be reviewing. As for Amazon customer services, I too have had to contact them in the past. But I had a great experience, they were understanding and very efficient.
This is a great present for anyone who like powerful drama. I'm certain you will be receiving major brownie points if you offer this :)
The story is so moving, the acting powerful. Maya Angelou just took my breath away! I am now reading all her books.
I had never seen this show before and am so glad I have now. They just don't make TV this powerful anymore.
I do feel I need to say something about Mr Norbert D Machado's review: it is a shame that the packaging has any importance to you. Surely the show is what you should be reviewing. As for Amazon customer services, I too have had to contact them in the past. But I had a great experience, they were understanding and very efficient.
This is a great present for anyone who like powerful drama. I'm certain you will be receiving major brownie points if you offer this :)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Roots
This DVD was bought as a present for my cousin. I remember it when it first came out and it was very good. I am sure she will love it.
Published 24 days ago by Berni
Roots
This DVD series is fantastic. BUT Disc 3 / Side B Episode 6 of my delivery was blank. And that har irritated me a lot. I tried and tried many times. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Christen Rose-Anderssen
A must see
This was a gift for a family member, they have told me they have started watching it and are finding it hard to stop watching. A must see in their opinion.
Published 4 months ago by M. L. McGrath
Not very pleased
I ordered this item as a christmas present for my partner. We were both very excited about the item. We watched the first series of Roots and really enjoyed watching it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by BlackBeauty2012
Roots
Very good product, a memorial to past USA times, somewhat spoilt by microscopic identification on discs. Need 20/20 vision to read labels
Published 5 months ago by Grandbaldy
roots, the complete collection
This is a brilliant box set. I bought it for myself as i remembered watching it when i was younger and my 11yr old started watching it with me and was hooked. Read more
Published 5 months ago by karinahull
trip to the memory lane
well what can i say i brought roots for my partner as a chrisstmass present but i was naughty and had a sneek prewiev its brilliant either better than i remambered its really make... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Makyna
Enthralling History
These DVDs are an insight into the terrible slavery trade & subsequent lifestyle of the 'stolen' & their families. A real eye opener on mans' inhumanity to man! Read more
Published 6 months ago by A bookworm
Roots
Bought these DVD's as presents for Christmas. Loved the series when I was a teenager so was thrilled to be able to buy it so cheap.
Published 7 months ago by Popcorn
at last.
had been talikng about getting this so was pleased when i saw it on dvd all together just waing for time to watch it.
Published 7 months ago by yeo shirl.
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