10 DVDs; $119.98
The original miniseries Roots aired in 1977, a year after America completed
its massive bicentennial celebration of its colonial history. Roots was an
epic, and equally culturally pervasive, counterhistory, tracing the story of
African Americans (through one family) from Africa through slavery and its
aftermath. Roots: The Next Generations, while neither the same artistic or
commercial success, brought the story up to the 20th century. This boxed
collection completes the circle, uniting the landmark TV series with a
collection of documentaries that — as fascinating in their own way — look at
the shows' effect on the consciousness of contemporary Americans. To know
yourself, Roots showed America, you must know your past, however inspiring
or shameful it might be.
—James Poniewozik