Search - Eleanor and Franklin Double Feature (The Early Years / The White House Years) on DVD

A Miniseries Masterpiece

James T. Wheeler | TUCSON, AZ United States | 06/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the 2-disk set of Eleanor & Franklin, "The Early Years" and "The White House Years." The DVD's present the story of how these two strong individuals met and fell in love and how they survived a tumultous marriage. This would be at a time when the world would face the greatest war in history.


Eleanor & Franklin is a 1976-77 production and runs 6 hours. The series was made for HBO at what must have cost a king's ransom. Costumes, scenery, vintage cars, and all the rest--production values are at the highest level. Yes, the Roosevelts were from the upper crust of American society and lived privileged lives. But they sacrificed a lot for their country in its greatest hour of need as these dramatizations show so well.


Casting is superb. Jane Alexander plays Eleanor Roosevelt and Edward Hermann plays her cousin and later, husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). The outside jacket of the DVD set says the miniseries won 18 Emmys back in the 1970's. After viewing it recently for the first time, I wonder how the series didn't win more. It is a true masterpiece.


In the early-1940's, Benito Mussolini is supposed to have scoffed at the idea of FDR leading the U. S. in a world war. Mussolini ridiculed FDR as a paralytic who could never lead his country to victory. Not long after, Mussolini and his criminal partner, Adolph Hitler, would eat those words. FDR's knowledge of world history and past wars, his experience in the military and in government, and his courage and resolve in the face of evil were exactly what was needed.


For all his flaws as a man, I shudder to think what might have happened had FDR not been U. S. President during this time. Without question, his partnership with Winston Churchill saved Western Civilization. Through it all, Eleanor was his supporter and confidant, although you might wonder at times if he deserved her.


Anyone interested in the 1930's and 40's and the tremendous world conflict known as World War II needs to add this bargain-priced set to his library. These DVD's will provide insight one can get nowhere else.

"

Quality Product at Very Reasonable Price

Buddy's Master | Mays Landing, NJ | 05/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The ABC Miniseries of 1976/1977 has been transfered, and to my eyes the color has been restored, so they both look as good as the original presentations. A plus is that they are presented in a widescreen version. I have never seen them in that presentation format. HBO has does an excellent job on these TV films - I hope they work on other old TV films! And who can argue with a price - two top notch discs for a price one paid for the original DVD release of THE EARLY YEARS! The story of the Roosevelts based on the Lash book presented in an excellent story transfer to film."

Buying on faith

Denis Kistner | Houston, TX | 04/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The original miniseries were 200m and 156m respectively, and the "product details" on this DVD omit the running time of the discs, so I am buying them on faith that they haven't been butchered to fit. Both movies were excellent, and I hope they survived the transfer intact."

Awesome

Virginia Jordan Southard | 05/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In comparison with Warm Springs, Franklin was a complete different man in this movie. Outstanding performances by all actors. This movie was highly captivating. This movie helps you to understand Eleanor Roosevelt and what she went through in her marriage to Franklin. Great movie!"