Thomas Jefferson
Performers
Narrated by Ossie Davis ; voices: Sam Waterston as Thomas Jefferson, Philip Bosco as John Adams, Blythe Danner as Martha Jefferson, Amy Madigan as Patsy Jefferson, Michael Potts as Isaac.
Publication Information
Burbank, CA : Distributed by Warner Home Video, c2001.
Physical Description
1 videodisc (3 hrs.) : sd., col. with b&w sequences, stereo. ; 4 3/4 in.
Series
Summary
Revered as the author of the Declaration of Independence, yet condemned as a lifelong owner of slaves, Thomas Jefferson remains the enigma that is America. As his country's most articulate voice for human liberty, Jefferson was torn between serene family life at Monticello and his passion for politics. He suffered heartrending personal loss, even as he gave voice to a new era of democratic government. He then journeyed to Paris as U.S. Minister to France for George Washington, where he supported the French Revolution. As third President, he doubled the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase, but faced controversy and scandal, finally retiring to his beloved Monticello. By the end of his remarkable life, he had advanced the cause of religious, political and intellectual freedom everywhere and had changed the course of human events.
Notes
DVD format.
Videodisc release of the 1996 documentary film broadcast on PBS.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
Not rated.
Bonus features include: Ken Burns: Making history, a behind-the-scenes look at how Ken Burns makes his films ; a conversation with Ken Burns, an intimate look into what inspires the filmmaker ; PC web link to the Thomas Jefferson web site at pbs.org/jefferson.
Presented in a standard format preserving the aspect ratio of its original television exhibition.