Release Date: May 24, 2011
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 94 minutes

Americans know President Ronald Reagan’s politics, his policies, and his oratorical prowess. But as we approach what would have been his 100th birthday in February 2011, the totality of the legacy of America’s 40th president is still eclipsed by the myth. While some say he’s a hero, and others call him an empty suit, one thing is for certain – President Ronald Reagan made history. But what made him? Using rare archival footage and personal interviews with those who knew him best, REAGAN goes beyond the myth to reveal the epic story of an unforgettable man who, against all odds, rose to the pinnacle of power.

Reagan is not a fascinating or enlightening documentary in any way shape or form. There is nothing new shared in this documentary for people who know their history. If you are lacking such knowledge, this DVD is for you. Otherwise, there really are just a few topics discussed in this hour and a half doc which recap Reagan’s announcement for a run for presidency as well as re-election, the assassination attempt against his life, the recession, Soviet Union, and a few other topics. The doc highlights the 1930s, late 1960s, late 1970s, the early 1980s, and 1994. Personal and professional photographs are shared as well as video footage from his acting days and a 1954 home video. A portion of the “Ronald Reagan: An American Life” audio book is heard… which is probably more interesting than this documentary.

Though footage from the presidential debate was actually very interesting to see, especially while hearing Reagan’s circle talk about the debate and campaign in general. But while viewers do get to see Reagan signing very important bills at his desk in one moment and Reagan relaxing on the ranch in another moment, there really was not as much range or depth in this documentary as expected. Sure, the doc focuses a bit on his relationships and shows a bit of his family life, but there’s quite a disconnect in this documentary in that viewers do not learn about all of the brilliant things that he did for this country. Some topics are mentioned and briefly shown, but the nitty gritty parts of Reagan’s journey are not highlighted.

This documentary definitely falls short of really getting down to explaining what made him such a hero, how he accomplished what he did. They’ll throw around “recession” and “depression” a bit, show him talking about the price of bread, and smiling in Moscow but it’s not enough. Ronald Reagan was the oldest president when he was first inaugurated and this documentary does quite a disservice at highlighting what this man accomplished and how he did it. Maybe it’s just me but it is not enough to know that people succeed and try to succeed but how they go about doing it. On top of that, there are no bonus features. Really, the only reason to own a copy of this DVD would be to have an incredibly general overview of Reagan’s presidency. Otherwise, just wait for a re-run on the History Channel if you feel that you must see this.

Appearing in this Documentary:
Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell and George Shultz
Former ABC News White House Correspondent, Sam Donaldson
Author, Bob Colacello (Ronnie & Nancy)
CNN Sr. Political Analyst, David Gergen
CBS News Anchor, Bob Schieffer
Secret Service Agent, Jerry Parr
Reagan Biographer, Lou Cannon
Advisor to President Reagan, Annelise Anderson
Author, Matthew Dallek (The Right Moment)
Nuclear Arms Negotiator, Ken Adelman
Cultural Advisor to President Reagan, Suzanne Massie
Son of Ronald Reagan, Ronald Prescott Reagan (Speech from memorial)

Own Reagan on DVD today.