THE PLOT THUS FAR
Prison State takes an intimate look at the cycle of mass incarceration in America and a statewide effort to reverse the trend, following four residents of a housing project in Louisville, Ky., as they cycle in and out of the state’s jails and prisons.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Locked Up in America” is a look at America’s addiction to incarceration. Building prisons has become a profitable business for putting away poor people who just kept getting in the way. Frontline examines what allows this crap to happen and what it means for the national prison population. If you ever wanted to see what the SHU is like in reality, you get to see it here.
“Prison State” got a little close to home, as the documentary spotlighted a housing project that I used to have to pass when I worked downtown. Most of these people are just staying there until their next prison hitch. Frontline tries to get to what makes the pattern keep happening. I could do an entire essay about it, but I don’t have the time or patience.
The DVD comes with no special features. But, the A/V Quality holds up for both parts. The standard definition transfer works pretty well. The same for the Dolby track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 07/08/2014