DVD Review: Biography - Barack Obama (Election Update Edition) and Biography: John McCain

By June L. Aug 13, 2008, 14:42 GMT

Beautifully produced, and filmed, these biographies look at the lives of the men John McCain and Barack Obama in an unbiased and factual manner. More than just a litany of achievements, or a record of accomplishments, these programs reveal the candidates as individuals.

The season of elections is fast approaching and it seems as though the playing field for top post has been narrowed to two very different candidates. 

In the fast pace of today’s world it is often hard to get all the information one would like to have in order to make the most informed decision. 

Biography Channel comes to the rescue with programs devoted to each of the contenders that are as entertaining as they are educational.

Beautifully produced, and filmed, these biographies look at the lives of the men John McCain and Barack Obama in an unbiased and factual manner.  More than just a litany of achievements, or a record of accomplishments, these programs reveal the candidates as individuals.  Their childhoods and education are explored, and viewers are given insight into the things that helped shape the personality and mold each man into that rare creature that we humans call a leader. 

What makes a person decide that he or she wants to run for the office of President of the United States?  It would seem that there is too much trouble involved, too many problems and not enough reward.  Listening to Barack Obama and John McCain one feels the trouble is nothing compared to the honor of the position.  They believe in the job and the idea that they each could make a difference for the betterment of the country.

From the biographies, it is seen that both Obama and McCain have faced severe drawbacks and personal demons in their lives and it is fascinating to see how these obstacles were overcome.  We are shown how they succeeded in dealing with some staggering events.  We hear of their personal courage, integrity and intelligence and how they used these traits against the daunting odds. 

Friends and family have been included in the programs to give their stories and express their support.  This is again a wealth of information, as these people share a personal connection with the men that we will never have.  Through these individuals the viewer is privy to a form of knowledgeable assessment and commentary about the candidates and their lives that would not have been possible even fifty years ago. 

In addition we hear from the men themselves, speaking about their lives and their hopes, even giving us a bit of their philosophies.  Never dull, or slanted, or manipulated to a single point of view, these films are an audio-visual primer for making an informed decision in November.

Each biography is presented on single disc with a running time of 47 minutes.  Using wonderful photographs and videos some from family and others from archival records, the biographies trace the candidates from childhood pursuits to the campaign trail.