Friday, January 18, 2013

Introducing Disney's Award Winning "The American Presidents" DVD Series (Review and Giveaway)





"American history is so much more than dates and documents—it’s the dynamic story of the real men and women, immigrants and Native Americans, who together built our country. Disney’s The American Presidents is a fresh and relevant narrative (developed with a former producer of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report) about the people who led this country through change and the lives they affected, from an early idea of democracy to our first African-American President. 

 

The first in a four-part series, this DVD includes short-form biographies of the first 11 U.S. presidents—beginning with George Washington and the birth of a nation, and ending with the "dark horse" James Polk. The educational bonus feature "The Making of the Presidency" explores how and why the United States selected presidency over monarchy. The DVD features interviews and insights from political experts and commentators Sam Donaldson, Wesley Clark, Paul Begala, Melissa Harris-Lacewell and many more.


The second in a four-part series, this DVD includes short-form biographies of the 12th-25th U.S. presidents—beginning with Zachary Taylor and the threat of southern succession and a civil war, and ending with William McKinley and the 100-Day War. The educational feature "We the People" explores the important role immigrants have played in U.S. history. The The DVD features interviews and insights from political experts and commentators like Melissa Harris-Lacewell (Associate Professor of Politics and African-American Studies at Princeton University), Paul E. Begala (Former White House Aide), Mo Rocca (Political Commentator), Sam Donaldson (News Anchor) and many others. 


 
Buy now for only $29.99.


The third in a 4-part series, this DVD includes short-form biographies of the 26th-32nd United States Presidents—beginning with Theodore Roosevelt and the anti-trust movement, and ending with WWII and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The educational feature "The Presidency in Wartime" explores the past and present wartime powers of our Commanders in Chief. The DVD features interviews and insights from political experts and commentators like Melissa Harris-Lacewell (Associate Professor of Politics and African-American Studies at Princeton University), Paul E. Begala (Former White House Aide), Mo Rocca (Political Commentator), Sam Donaldson (News Anchor) and many others. 


The last in a 4-part series, this DVD includes short-form biographies of the 33rd-44th United States Presidents—beginning with Harry Truman and the country's postwar economic recovery efforts, and ending with the incumbent Barack Obama. The educational feature "The Presidency and the Economy" explores the important role the President and Federal Government play in managing our nation's financial health. The DVD features interviews and insights from political experts and commentators like Melissa Harris-Lacewell (Associate Professor of Politics and African-American Studies at Princeton University), Paul E. Begala (Former White House Aide), Mo Rocca (Political Commentator), Sam Donaldson (News Anchor) and many others.  

Try the interactive whiteboard content on every DVD—it’s an exciting, competitive game that uses video clips, photographs and quotes to test students’ understanding of the presidents, their political positions, and why they matter in the American story."

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My Thoughts:

We have been battling a nasty stomach bug these past couple of weeks.  When it seems like we have finally kicked it, one of the girls gets sick again and we pass it back around.  So, while we have all been laid up, I have been catching up on movie reviews, including this 4 disc series. 

Even thought my daughters are too young to understand or appreciate these educational DVDs from Disney, I have to say that I was impressed with how the information was presented.  Now, US History was never a favorite subject of mine in school.  And, when it came to memorizing the American Presidents or answering questions about each, you would not want me on your trivia team. :-)  But, after watched all 4 DVDs this past week, I have to say that I finally like learning about the American Presidents, the wars and other important US events, that are discussed in details in the DVDs.  Disney did a great job in sharing this information, which is not usually a fun topic for many children, in such a way that you stay engaged and want to learn about each American President. 

Don't ask me to choose my favorite President, as they all did great things for the country.  Everything from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, as well as the Great Depression and Industrial era are included in these 4 DVDs.  You have the option of buying all four as a set, or individually.  And, the last DVD, volume 4 deals extensively with our current President, Barack Obama.  With his inauguration just days away, this volume would be great to share in classrooms, as part of your home school curriculum, or as a way to get your children more excited about politics and US History.  I will definitely be sharing these DVDs with family and friends with school age children, who are studying the US Presidents, and can't wait until the girls get older to share this collection with them. 

If you do pick up these DVDS, make sure you play the trivia type game on each, as it is a great way to reinforce what you have just watched and learned about.  I can see families having a blast teaming up to compete against one another in these challenging games. 



----BUY NOW----


You can purchase any of these discs individually for only $29.99 each, or by the 4-disc set for $119.96.  Click here to purchase now -- http://www.dep-store.com/American-Presidents-p/77e36vl00.htm.


---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win the complete 4 disc set thanks to Disney.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Disclosure: I was sent this DVD sent from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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