In December, a review of The People Speak was posted on Hollywood the Write Way. This special TV presentation aired on the History Channel and in one week comes to DVD with 25 minutes of never before aired footage including additional performances, readings, and bonus material.

Release Date: February 23, 2010
Running Time: 110 mins + extras
Rating: N/A

Presenting history through speeches, letters and music performed by today’s most talented voices, this stirring HISTORY™ program pays homage to ordinary citizens whose words and actions commanded extraordinary change in America. Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. From executive producers Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Chris Moore, and Anthony Arnove, this special presentation – one of the Network’s most highly-anticipated programs of 2009 – is based on historian Howard Zinn’s best-selling books, including “The People’s History of the United States” and “Voices of a People’s History”, it arrives on DVD in a special edition featuring 25 minutes of never-before-aired footage and a wealth of exclusive bonus material, including additional performances, a photo gallery and more.

Narrated by Zinn himself, this groundbreaking doc illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today, reminding us that democracy is not a spectator sport and to never take liberty for granted. A journey from the founding of this country to the civil rights movement and beyond, THE PEOPLE SPEAK uses star power to celebrate democracy and was a labor of love for many an A-lister: Matt Damon reads from The Declaration of Independence; Bruce Springsteen performs Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land”; while other accomplished performers, including Morgan Freeman, Marisa Tomei, Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, Bob Dylan and Eddie Vedder lend their voices to help re-create the emotional impact of these moments in history.

This special presentation presents Howard Zinn’s book, “A People’s History of the United States” in the form of live readings and musical performances from a variety of celebrities from Marisa Tomei to Morgan Freeman to Bob Dylan to Pink. Zinn’s book is described as a “radical, critical view of American history” and there are no better words to explain it. Viewers will learn a lot of history about what the citizens of the United States wanted and lived vs. what the leaders of the country wanted and enforced. Jasmine Guy’s readings stand out amongst the rest as Marian Wright Edelman who fought for children’s rights and Sylvia Woods, which was quite a comedic performance and heartbreaking reality of the times. Pink’s performance of her song, “Dear Mr. President” was fantastic and incredibly thought provoking. This film really gives the American people a voice and all of the performances were executed with just the right amount of emotion and thought. The music arrangement and editing were both brilliantly put together. This is an incredibly powerful and inspirational series that every American should watch as they will come away wanting to become a better person for themselves, their families, and their country.

Special Features:

Behind the Scenes at the Cutler Majestic Theatre (12:20) – Howard Zinn discusses the creation of The People Speak as behind the scenes video is shown of the actors arriving & rehearsing, the audience lining up and settled in their seats, the production team prepping, the set being moved on stage, and more. A number of the celebrities who perform, the director, Chris Moore, and others involved in the project discuss what sparked their interest in the project and working on the project which is quite intriguing. Even more intriguing is audience members being interviewed about why The People Speak is so important to them. This was a very well edited feature…how I wish more audience members were interviewed. Though it seems after watching this DVD, bonus features and all, this ill cause quite an open forum with those around you.

Celebrity Interviews (3:23) – In this feature, celebrities discuss when they were first introduced to The People Speak, how it has affected them, working with Howard Zinn on this project, performing in front of a live audience, and the importance of the message of this project. This is definitely a significant feature, as it will give that extra bit of encouragement to those watching to get up and make a positive change in their community, country.

Howard Zinn passed away on January 27, 2010 at the age of 87 making The People Speak one of his last projects before his passing, and what an incredible project to leave behind. Thank you Howard Zinn.