The Alamo Documentary
by Lynn Stevenson
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DVD details
Actor: Don Graham, Frank Thompson, Joan Headley, Richard Flores, Stephen L. HardinDirector: Lynn Stevenson
Cinematographer: Murilo Silva
Editor: Lynn Stevenson
Producer: Lynn Stevenson
Writer: Lynn Stevenson
Editor: Jason Freeman
Producer: Jason Freeman
Writer: Jason Freeman
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 127 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-03-30
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Delta
DVD Reviews of The Alamo Documentary
DVD Review: Navel-gazing documentary
Summary: 2 Stars
The Bottom Line:
The Alamo Documentary, despite the definitive nature of the title, does not tell any sort of history of the battle, instead talking with some success (with very limited resources and almost no film clips) about the films which have been made about the battle and then regrettably switching into a self-congratulatory and indulgent hagiography of the "San Antonio Living History" society, which makes for exceptionally dull filmmaking; if you are interested in the Alamo itself, stay away from this bore.
2/4
DVD Review: So Boring, it took four tries to see it to the end.
Summary: 1 Stars
I was hoping for history of the Alamo, what I got was first, a history of Alamo movies, second, history the fifties Davy Crockett fad, third, a guide tour of Alamo tourist memorabilia, fourth, reenactors giving misinformation in the form of historical opinion, and finally, about who is allowed to be a member of the Daughter of the Texas Republic organization.
If you want history don't waste your money on this DVD.
DVD Review: Good documentary
Summary: 5 Stars
The war in Texas of 1835-36 is a very large subject, far larger than the American public probably realizes. No one documentary can be expected to provide more than a very brief introduction. There is a long interview with historian Stephen L. Hardin, author of "Texian Iliad," the best summary history of the conflict.
For some historical subjects, there is an interesting history of the history. The Alamo forms one such subject, and that history of the history is not overlooked here. For example, there is a segment on the phenomenal Davy Crockett craze of the 1950s. There is some discussion of the many movies, which form a large subject in itself.
DVD Review: One of the worst documentaries I have ever seen
Summary: 1 Stars
I rented this documentary to learn more of the Alamo and history behind it. As with other documentaries I have seen, I expected this to give a thorough history, events leading up to the famous battle, and go in depth about details concerning it. Never have I watched a documentary that was more ambiguous. This was poorly filmed, poorly directed, and has poor content. Davy Crockett memorabilia, a thorough review of movies made about the Alamo, and actual reenactments done in TX (wherein the narrator cannot be heard over the gunshots, and those reenacting are interviewed about why they participated etc.), make up the bulk of this movie. There is more said about John Wayne and other portrayals of Davy Crockett than of the real man and circumstances themselves. Yes, there is a little bit of history given throughout and at the tail end, and a mention of the battle of Behar, but very little said about the Alamo. In other words, if you tried showing this to someone with no prior knowledge of the Alamo they would not, at the conclusion, be able to tell you what happened there except very broad facts of people and places involved. Do not waste your time or money on this. The only upside is that this documentary is only an hour and fifteen minutes, so you can't waste too much time on it if you do watch it.DVD Review: Not very good.
Summary: 1 Stars
It just rambles on and on. Lots of footage from old movies. Not much history. A long, boring re-enactment of some other battle, not the Alamo or San Jacinto. Meaningless interviews with people that have nothing to do with the history of the Alamo. Who cares about collectors of memorabilia? Lots of long-winded conversations. Just boring and pointless. Save your money on this one. I wish that I had done so.
Description of The Alamo Documentary
INVESTIGATES THE HISTORY, MYTH AND POPULAR CULTURE OF THE ALAMO!On March 6, 1836 the 13-day siege of the Alamo ended. Among the dead were three men destined to become martyrs and heroes: David Crockett, James Bowie and William B. Travis. Cries of Remember the Alamo! would eventually fuel an American victory over Mexico. The Alamo and its defenders grew into enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Controversy has always been part of the history and legend of the Alamo. Whether they hold traditional or revisionist views, people are passionate about their opinions.
~Were Crockett, Travis and Bowie a "Holy Trinity" or less than perfect human beings?
~Why were Tejanos like Juan Seguin, who fought for Texas liberty alongside the Anglos, virtually ignored in history books until recently?
~How did Crockett die?
~Did Travis draw a line in the sand?
~How many defenders were really there, and how many attackers?
~Did everyone die, or were there survivors?
Since 1836, the Alamo and its heroes have been immortalized in countless poems, songs, plays, books and movies. The films of Walt Disney starring Fess Parker inspired a Davy Crockett craze that covered the nation with coon skin caps and merchandise ranging from games to salt shakers to ladies underwear.
TOTAL RUNNING TIME APPROXIMATELY: 115 MIN.
*Interviews with authors, historians, anthropologists, reenactors, collectors, and others contrast and collide as history meets myth meets popular culture.
*See rare photos and movie clips from the collection of Alamo author and historian, Frank Thompson.
*Tour the Alamo grounds in San Antonio, Texas with curator/historian, Bruce Winders.
*Watch highlights of a Battle of Bejar reenactment staged by the San Antonio Living History Association.
*Visit rare, private collections of period weapons, uniforms, movie costumes (including John Wayne's), props, posters, artwork, and Crockett craze memorabilia.
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