All Rise...

Judge David Johnson is ready for the Michael Bay-helmed Calvin Coolidge biopic.

The Charge

The lives and legacies of the leaders of the United States.

The Case

History Channel's eight-part series takes a look at every U.S President up to George W. Bush. Spread over three discs, the series carves up sections of American history, capturing several Presidents at a time. Starting in 1789 with George Washington and culminating with W, the The Presidents provides a condensed, super-shot of White House history and compendium of US historical events.

Each episode follows the standard-issue History Channel gameplan, blending photos and video footage with commentary from researchers, academics, and celebrity guests like Walter Cronkite (yes this production is a few years old), David Brinkley, Wesley Clark, and President Jimmy Carter. Not a whole lot of hardcore conservative types show up for interviews, but this isn't a highly-politicized experience (though Reagan tends to be the recipient of a copious amount of backhanded compliments).

Each President is introduced with a fact-laden baseball card that lists trivia and party affiliation. I found the material further removed from present day to be more interesting and less political. I've pretty much had my fill of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the Iran hostage crisis, so getting some details on John Quincy Adams and Franklin Pierce (way to represent New Hampshire, you clown) is appreciated.

Overall, The Presidents is a well-produced collection. It comes across as a bit dated, which is surprising since was produced only a few years ago. I blame the technical treatment, a no-frills delivery soaked in mediocrity: standard definition full frame and Dolby 2.0 stereo, both of which offer little pop. Extras are more robust, featuring the Barack Obama Biography episode, a Presidents' timeline, and a feature-length documentary looking at the various First Ladies.

The Verdict

If judged on the sheer volume of info transmitted? Not Guilty! The A/V? Guilty.

Give us your feedback!

Did we give The Presidents a fair trial? yes / no

What's "fair"? Whether positive or negative, our reviews should be unbiased, informative, and critique the material on its own merits.

Share This Review

Follow DVD Verdict

Other Reviews You Might Enjoy

• Simon Schama's Power Of Art
• The Power of Myth: 25th Anniversary Edition
• California Dreams: Waves Virtual Vacations
• Terry Jones' Medieval Lives