| Overall: | A- |
|---|---|
| Violence: | C |
| Sexual Content: | C- |
| Language: | B |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | C |
| Run Time: | 573 |
| Theater Release: | |
| Video Release: | 15 Jan 2002 |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| See Canadian Ratings | |
| How We Determine Our Grades | |
Video alternatives…
For other films that deal with social issues arising from slavery, check out: Down In The Delta, A Family Thing, Freedom Song, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?, Malcolm X, Remember The Titans, and To Sir, With Love.
Home Video Extra Features
After spending 573 minutes watching this powerful miniseries, a push of a button lets you view it again with many of the stars, directors, and producer David L. Wolper filling you in on the creation and history of the production. Unfortunately most of the commentary we listened to was of a general nature rather than commenting on the actual scene at hand, however the passion of the people involved in creating this milestone production comes through in anecdotes and stories.
Maybe the only other complaint about this DVD is that it looks too good. No one ever thought this film would be seen with such clarity, making Kunta Kinte’s African community look a little contrived, as does the makeup on some aging characters. Certainly the images far surpassed the little 21-inch television I originally watched it on.
DVD Release Information:
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Theatrical release date: 1977
- DVD release date: January 15, 2002
- Runtime: 573 minutes
- Production company: Warner Bros.
- Package type: Box set
- Aspect ratio: Full Screen standard - 1.33:1
- DVD encoding: Region 1
- Available audio tracks: English & Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono).
- Available subtitles: English, Spanish, French.
- Commentaries by episode stars, and executive producer David L. Wolper
- Behind the scenes documentary, Remembering Roots (2002)
- Interactive Roots Family Tree and website links
Join the Conversation
About the Reviewer: Rod Gustafson
Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. He currently serves as the President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness, a provincial non-profit society. He also authors a regular column for The Parent's Television Council in Los Angeles. He and his wife Donna have four children.
