THE PLOT THUS FAR
The African Americans series explores the evolution of the African-American people, as well as the multiplic¬ity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed — forging their own history, culture and society against unimaginable odds. Commencing with the origins of slavery in Africa, the series moves through five centuries of remarkable historic events right up to the present, when America is led by a black president, yet remains a nation deeply divided by race. Throughout the course of the series, viewers will see that the road to freedom for black people in America has not been linear, but more like the course of a river, full of loops and eddies, slowing, and occasionally reversing the current of progress.
Black in Latin America is about the African influence on Latin America. From renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the series examines how indigenous, African, and European people came together to create the rich cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. Latin America is often associated with music, monuments, and sun, but each of the six countries featured in Black in Latin America–Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru–has a secret history. On his journey, Professor Gates discovers that behind a shared legacy of colonialism and slavery are vivid stories and people marked by African roots.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“The African Americans” and “Black in Latin America” tackles a ton of issues. But, it’s a two program repackage of previously released material. If you’ve checked it out before, it happens to be the same thing. Professor Gates covers so much ground that it can be overwhelming, so split it up your viewings. I can’t recommend that enough.
Professor Gates does an excellent job leading us through six hours of material spread across two discs. While the jump between Episodes 3 and 4 marks a shift for the documentary, it’s handled in a way that isn’t too jarring. That being said, I can see some less informed people taking issue with a few of the points of examination. That being said, never did I feel threatened or lambasted for actions of long dead white Americans. I would love to see the cultural history aspects deployed more in related documentaries rather than the tired hunt for reasons that allowed the slave trade to exist. Still, there’s a lot of work left to be done and Gates leaves the door open for future examination.
The DVD comes with no special features. The A/V Quality is strong with a supportive transfer and a Dolby audio track. The Dolby track doesn’t get much back channel action. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans of African American history.
RELEASE DATE: 02/03/2015