THE PLOT THUS FAR
FRONTLINE goes behind the headlines to reveal the dramatic inside story of how the U.S. government came to monitor and collect the communications of millions of people around the world–including ordinary Americans–and the lengths they went to as they tried to hide this massive surveillance program from the public.
Part One goes inside Washington and the NSA, piecing together the secret history of the unprecedented surveillance program that began in the wake of September 11 and continues today–even after the revelations of its existence by Edward Snowden.
Part Two explores the secret relationship between Silicon Valley and the NSA, and investigates how the government and tech companies have worked together to gather and warehouse your data.
From the investigative team behind FRONTLINE’s award-winning Money, Power & Wall Street, United States of Secrets is the definitive history of domestic surveillance in a post-9/11 world. Part political thriller and part spy novel, the series is gripping viewing for those who want to understand the context of the Snowden affair–and what it means for all Americans.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“United States of Secrets” provides a basic history for how spying on citizens took shape after 9/11. Edward Snowden gets a ton of coverage, but there’s an interesting amount of time spent on studying the infrastructure of the surveillance. Silicon Valley doesn’t get off light either, as the NSA’s involvement implicates them in a ton of stuff. Companies like Google and Verizon rolled over on Americans at the drop of a dime. Totally makes you feel safe, huh?
Domestic surveillance is still such a hot button issue for most people. While there is a need for espionage, no one likes it when the prying eyes are turned back on them. Is there a happy medium to be enjoyed? The documentary never goes out of its way to answer that question. So, sit back and enjoy that sense of unease.
The DVD comes with no special features. The A/V Quality is pretty strong for a documentary. The Dolby track is supportive with its surround design. However, the transfer feels flat. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.
RELEASE DATE: 07/29/2014