Roots - Original Series - Volume 1 - Episodes 1-4

But, oh, ladies, these videos are worth it for the performance (and looks!) of the gorgeous, sexy young LeVar Burton in his pre-Star Trek days; this man has the most fantastic, kissable lips!


Educational and brings alive an incredible story   October 7, 2000
 44 out of 46 found this review helpful

Although some parts of this quasi-factual story have been questioned subsequently, this story remains a powerful indictment of Slavery. The initial four episodes follows a young boy from his life in Africa through his capture and enslavement, details the horrendous Middle passage, including a rebellion on the Slave ship, onto the Americas, where, after an auction, he is thrust into the Plantation system. The description of the Plantation system portrayed in the series is adequately accurate, if rather clichéd. It becomes obvious that the main character will suffer all the injustices available and react to these injustices. The story as a whole tends to dip in pace at times but some extremely powerful scenes more than make up for this, the faults enable the series to be used educationally, especially if used selectively. The initial four episodes are used extensively in Secondary schools for the History "Black peoples of the Americas" topic, the powerful scenes, and articulate characters enable students to address key parts of this History topic, and with the introduction of Citizenship into the Curriculum, it is possible that this topic will see more interest. Dated as it is, the Roots series still remains a landmark educational tool. This video can be viewed by all with an interest in the topic, as well as those attracted by a good drama.