Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie Review

Historical recalibration...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown October 6, 2013

"From the outset I've looked at this project as a legacy to my children and a way to understand the times I've lived through. I hope it can contribute to a more global, broader insight into our history. This is the side of history we didn't learn in school. Upsetting to some, but profound for those who think for themselves."

Some will dismiss The Untold History of the United States strictly based on the political leanings of its outspoken executive producer and narrator, controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone. Some will assume a sinister liberal agenda is at work in each episode; that Stone's intent is to undermine the very nation and government he claims to honor through trickery and sleight of hand. Some will shake their heads and point to Stone's JFK as evidence of Untold's bias, accusing the director of weaving misleading narratives based on conjecture, wild speculation and conspiricism. Even a portion of those who do watch the 10-part Showtime series will be outraged by what they see, not because the documentary reveals startling truths about the seventy-year evolution of American imperialism, but because the truths raised and facts presented fly so cooly and calmly in the face of commonly accepted historical myths. The reaction, again for some, will be that it can't possibly be true. And it's a reaction that will stretch across the aisle, heaping coals on conservatives and liberals alike who believe the last seven decades exemplify democratic excellence; that the system, though flawed, is inherently good, led by inherently good men with inherently good intentions for an inherently good nation.

The Untold History of the United States tells a different story, but not in the way many will expect. Stone isn't ranting, hyperventilating, seething, or running about flinging conspiracy theories with a madman's grin or a cynic's indifference. His documentary series is both disarmingly thorough and refreshingly researched, with a "just the facts ma'am" approach to historical investigation that, personally, came as quite a relief. Opinions are largely left by the wayside. There are no interview subjects or opposing viewpoints. Simplicity reigns, with stock film, key video and audio recordings, internal memorandums, news clips and vintage interviews, historical quotes and writings, and other archival materials assembled to provide a notably measured and methodical overview of the individual eras being dissected. Of course, each episode proves controversial merely by the topics being tackled. The manner in which the evidence is presented, though, leaves little room for substantial doubt that isn't born from some degree of denial.

The director's tone is often frank and unflinching, even when it becomes painfully clear just how disheartened he is by his findings and the sheer weight of the conclusions that must be drawn from one episode to the next. Both his love of his country and his disappointment in the failings of the American ideal are palpable. And as narrator and chief investigator, he does allow emotion to seep through from time to time, albeit deftly so, without allowing any of it to tarnish the credibility of the information being offered. It is worth mentioning that Stone isn't impervious to awe or disenchantment. He's more enamored with JFK and Clinton than their fellow presidents, has a bone to pick with Reagan revisionists, demonstrates equal parts empathy and dismay toward George W. Bush, and, for those concerned about bias in the modern political age, a distaste for the manner in which Obama has conducted business. If nothing else, Stone is an equal opportunity offender, and his series doesn't pull many punches, no matter the president, party, philosophy or affiliation.

Yes, the series is so dense and extensive it sometimes knowingly runs the risk of information overload, and yes, studied students of history won't be shocked by most of what they hear. Very little, if anything, in Stone's Untold Story has actually gone quote-unquote untold. A more accurate title might be The Under-Reported, Oft-Overlooked History of the United States. Be that as it may, in an age when facts -- not opinions -- are somehow frequently subject to vigorous debate, when 24-Hour news networks actively indulge and sometimes create shamelessly misleading narratives, when The History Channel's most historically accurate series is based on the overly scripted dealings of a Las Vegas pawn shop, The Untold History of the United States, divisive and controversial as it will remain, proves to be a provocative, engrossing and, above all, factual exploration of history untainted by revisionism and other lesser partisan pursuits.

The Untold History of the United States Episode Guide:

• World War II: The first chapter explores the birth of the American Empire by focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Through examination of key decisions during World War II, discover unsung heroes such as American Henry Wallace and explore the demonization of the Soviets.
• Roosevelt, Truman & Wallace: Highlights from the historical upset of Harry Truman replacing Henry Wallace as Roosevelt's Vice President during his fourth term, a dramatic shift in leadership propelled the US towards empire building. Exploration of the relationship between the US and the Soviet Union and the beginnings of the Cold War. The relationships between Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill are an integral part of post-war Europe's division at the Yalta conference.
• The Bomb: The strategies behind the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan are explored as well as the new mythology that emerged from the war. The bombing haunted the Soviets and mistrust towards the Allies grew quickly. The consequences of beginning a process that could end life on the planet are examined.
• The Cold War: 1945-1950: The equation changes: specific month-by-month causes of the Cold War emerge and it is not entirely clear who started it. Highlights include Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, the civil war in Greece and the Red Scare that prompts the rise of Joseph McCarthy, the House Un-American Activities Committee and the FBI.
• The '50s: Eisenhower, the Bomb & the Third World: Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles replace Truman. Stalin dies but relations with the Soviet Union turn colder. The H-bomb and the doctrine of nuclear annihilation are explored, as are the Korean War and U.S. rearmament. McCarthyism grows and so does the ruthlessness of U.S. policy towards a Third World. Eisenhower emerges as a game changer.
• JFK: To the Brink: Topics include President John F. Kennedy and the Bay of Pigs, sitting on the brink of total war during Cuban Missile Crisis, the early foray into Vietnam, JFK's attempts at peace with Khrushchev, and JFK's assassination.
• Johnson, Nixon & Vietnam: Reversal of Fortune: Cataclysm erupts in Vietnam as the war reaches a turning point. There's no going back. Also covered is the betrayal by Richard Nixon, as well as other key policies and practices of the Johnson and Nixon administrations.
• Reagan, Gorbachev & The Third World: Rise of the Right: Topics include Carter's dreams of change, Ronald Reagan's secret wars in Afghanistan and Central America, Gorbachev's emergence on the world stage, the fresh opportunities for peace that arose, and the debate over Reagan's legacy.
• Bush & Clinton: Squandered Peace, New World Order: Topics include George W. Bush's doctrine of endless war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the continued cannibalization of the U.S. economy, Russia's introduction to American capitalism, squandered chances given by the end of the Cold War, a new USA, war in the Middle East, the National Security Fortress, and the shaping of a New World Order.
• Bush II & Obama: Age of Terror: George W. Bush's doctrine of an "endless war" against terrorism, and its manifestation in the Department of Homeland Security, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in a worldwide global Security State. Other topics include the further cannibalization of the U.S. economy, Obama, failures in delivering reform, and the destiny of the American Empire.

Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Untold History of the United States features a proficient 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 presentation that's presumably as striking as it could be. Stone's series has been compiled using an array of video sources -- the worst of which involves standard definition video footage and news clips from the '80s and '90s -- and no present day interviews are included, so the viewing experience is as inconsistent and occasionally unrefined as anyone should expect. Fortunately, any given anomaly or eyesore traces back to the various archive sources rather than Warner's encode; every instance of macroblocking, banding, aliasing, ringing, pulldown and the like included. Saturation is balanced nicely, though, black levels are satisfying, and detail is as revealing as possible, particularly when it comes to vintage still photos. Moreover, the series' ten episodes are spread comfortably across three BD-50 discs. (The set's fourth disc is also a BD-50, but is reserved for two bonus episodes and a feature-length conversation between Stone and author Tariq Ali.) All told, I was most pleased with the presentation, in spite of its inherent flaws.

Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The series also features a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Like the video presentation, the experience hinges on the quality of the audio recordings and archival materials presented, and hiss, noise and pops aren't uncommon in the least. Even so, Stone's narration is strong and perfectly prioritized atop the soundscape, the LFE channel and rear speakers are used to subdued but immersive effect with the series' music and more aurally dependent sequences, and each episode sounds as dynamic and involving as it should. There's little else to say, other than to reiterate that The Untold History of the United States couldn't feasibly sound much better than it does here.

Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Conversation with History: Tariq Ali And Oliver Stone (HD, 102 minutes): Executive producer Oliver Stone and author/political philosopher Tariq Ali share a wide-sweeping discussion on American history, the myth of national benevolence, corruption by way of power, the roots and entanglements of the military-industrial complex, post-World War II international events that came to bear on fears and anxieties in the United States, the wars, conflicts and social upheavals of the 20th century, the naiveté of young citizens, the ever-developing narratives of history, and much, much more. With footage not seen in the series, their conversation is as fascinating as the episodes themselves, and well worth watching.
• World War I, The Russian Revolution, & Woodrow Wilson: Roots of Empire (HD, 58 minutes): The first of two bonus prologue episodes (which, despite being housed on the fourth disc, I highly recommend watching before the series proper), delves into the evolution America underwent as it began to transform into a superpower. Topics include the turn of the century in America, early 20th century elections and political shifts, the Spanish-American War, various European and Asian influences on United States policy, the role of imported oil around the world, neutrality agreements and complications, World War I, the growing relationship between U.S. industry and government, and the Russian Revolution.
• 1920–1940: Roosevelt, Hitler, and Stalin: The Battle Of Ideas (HD, 56 minutes): Despite the years listed in its title, the second prologue episode begins in 1920 and plunges well into WWII. Topics include the divisions that developed in the United States after World War I, racial and social unrest across the nation, economic busts and declines, the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt's presidency, Stalin's oppression and the state-run economy of the USSR, Hitler's rise to power in Germany, growing tensions between capitalism and communism, and pre and post-World War II North America, Europe and Asia.

Untold History of the United States Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Rather than deliver a political sermon from on high or indulge in conspiracy theories or irresponsible speculation, Oliver Stone sidesteps his critics and his own reputation to deliver a deliberate, measured account of American history; one that often goes untold in an age when partisan narrative is more prevalent than bipartisan truth. Warner's Blu-ray release of the 10-part series is equally engaging, with an excellent video presentation, solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, two bonus episodes (mainly focused on pre-WWII history) and a feature-length conversation between Stone and author Tariq Ali. Will The Untold History of the United States be dismissed by several circles? Undoubtedly, and without being given a chance to prove its worth. And that's the real cancer afflicting 21st century America. So many of us would rather desperately cling to what we so steadfastly believe to be true; defining the truth as we see fit rather than taking a cold, hard look at the facts and allowing the truth to define us.