Go into the behind-the-scenes of beloved American films and stories, and determine if what happened in the film actually happened - or could happen - in reality.
Last month, Public Media Distribution, LLC released three new programs from the Smithsonian Channel. I shared a review of the “THE REAL STORY: TRUE GRIT," but wanted to follow up with a review of two other "The Real Story releases," which are must see films -- “THE REAL STORY: BRAVEHEART" and “THE REAL STORY: LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD,”
Ever wonder how accurate Hollywood films abut historical times and figures really are? If you have and are a fan of movies like Braveheart, then you will want to pick the new "The Real Story: Braveheart," which is available now on DVD, as this film examines archaeological evidence and more to uncover the true story of the legendary warrior, William Wallace.
I loved Mel Gibson's portrayal of this 13th century Scottish warrior, but like so many other films about historical figures, I wondered how accurate the story I was seeing was. Usually we get our history information from grade school history classes or Hollywood films, but we have learned as we get older that some of what we learned about in school was made up or not correctly told, and Hollywood does a good job at candy coating and make characters look good to increase ticket sales. So, after learning about this new Smithsonian Channel film, I couldn't wait to watch it. And, if it was anything like the "True Grit" DVD I watched last month, I knew I would be in for a great movie night, and have the true story of William Wallace shared.
My husband and I watched this and the "The Real Story" Live Free or Die Hard" films the other night, and I have to say, they were even better than the "True Grit" film we had watched the month before. I loved how the Braveheart film used ancient manuscripts, foresnsic experiments and more to uncover the true story of William Wallace. We had to go back the next night and watch the Braveheart movie with Mel Gibson to see what was true and how much of the story of this warrior was made up. And, you know what...there was a lot of made up stuff to help sell this movie. If you went on this movie alone to learn about this Scottish warrior, you would be dooped into thinking so many fallacies. But, thanks to this in-depth look with real evidence to back it up, you can once and for all learn the truth about William Wallace.
And, as far as the "Live Free or Die Hard" film, you will be amazed to learn that a real all-out cyber attack on the US is real. We have had so much uncovered thus far on the Russian meddling into our 2016 elections, the Facebook breach, and so many other recent cyber attacks that have taken place, that it isn't hard to believe that one day we may find ourselves in a cyber-criminal hostage situation as a country. As scary as it sounds, this film buts things into perspective and shows that this imagined scenario can happen, and what we should be prepared to do if it happens.
I could go on and on about how great these "The Real Story" films from Public Media Distribution and the Smithsonian Channel are, but you really must pick up these two and the "True Grits" DVD I shared with you last month, and see for yourself. Each of the stories are gripping and will have you thinking twice about what ifs and what you are seeing in other films that is either made up, or can or really happened. I can't wait for more of these DVDs to release so that I can watch with my husband and add to our growing "The Real Story" DVD collection.
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More about “THE REAL STORY: BRAVEHEART”:
"Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning box office smash “Braveheart” tells the story of real-life Scottish rebel and freedom fighter William Wallace. The savage battle scenes and cast of thousands created a film of epic proportion, but ever since it was first shown historians have challenged the accuracy of the movie. Did William Wallace really live the life that “Braveheart” depicts? This program draws on medieval accounts and uses forensic evidence and weapons testing to build a picture of the real man and his times."
“THE REAL STORY: BRAVEHEART” is now available on DVD (as of June 5, 2018). The run time of the program is approximately 46 minutes and the SRP is $14.99.
More about “THE REAL STORY: LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD”:
"In the fourth film in the “Die Hard” franchise, New York cop John McClane takes on a sophisticated cyber-criminal mastermind who shuts down the USA remotely via the Internet. It’s astory that is chillingly topical. This program shows how a similar cyber-attack could be a real possibility. Featuring interviews with real-life cyber-criminals, FBI investigators and computer specialists, the program uncovers the shadowy world of hacking on a scale that could shutdown entire countries. Meet the government officials and former hackers who are tasked with ensuring it never does."
“THE REAL STORY: LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD” is now available on DVD (as of June 5, 2018). The run time of the program is approximately 46 minutes and the SRP is $14.99.
THE REAL STORY: BRAVEHEART
Street Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: Documentary
Run Time: Approximately 46 minutes
SRP: $14.99
Format: DVD
THE REAL STORY: LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
Street Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: Documentary
Run Time: Approximately 46 minutes
SRP: $14.99
Format: DVD
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About The Real Story
They've thrilled us, horrified us, and devastated us. They've raised questions about our past and given us hope for a brighter future. They are some of Hollywood's biggest hits, all works of fiction, but all inspired by real events more dramatic than anything a screenwriter could dream up. Smithsonian Channel goes behind the scenes of Hollywood blockbusters to uncover the actual characters and true stories that inspired some of the world’s most famous films.
About Smithsonian Channel
Smithsonian Channel™, owned by Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME® with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network’s offerings are series including Aerial America, America in Color, First Ladies Revealed, Polar Bear Town, The Lost Tapes, Amazing Monkeys, America’s Secret Space Heroes, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that includeTitanic’s Fatal Fire, The Obama Years: the Power of Words, Nightmare on Everest, Diana and the Paparazzi, Diana: the Day We Said Goodbye and Flying High with Phil Keoghan. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth™, through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Public Media Distribution, LLC
Public Media Distribution, LLC, is a leading media distributor both domestically and internationally. We offer high-quality, distinctive programs to our customers, including documentaries (The Sixties), dramas (Fortitude), and popular children’s programming under the SkipRope brand (Kate & Mim-Mim) in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming.
Disclosure: I was sent screeners from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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