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The Italian Americans DVD

$29.99
Item #: WC3852
The Italian Americans The Italian Americans reveals the unique and distinctive qualities of one immigrant group's experience, and how these qualities, over time, have shaped and challenged America. At the turn of the 20th century, many Italians immigrants came to work, earn money to support their families, and eventually return home. Nearly half of the first generation Italian immigrants did ... More
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The Italian Americans

The Italian Americans reveals the unique and distinctive qualities of one immigrant group's experience, and how these qualities, over time, have shaped and challenged America. At the turn of the 20th century, many Italians immigrants came to work, earn money to support their families, and eventually return home. Nearly half of the first generation Italian immigrants did return to Italy, but for those that made America home, their struggle to maintain a distinct Italian culture was guided by remarkably powerful ideals of family that had always been at the center of their lives.

While the power of the Italian family became a source of strength, it also bred suspicion, popularized in popular media as a dark, criminal element. This clash of culture echoed through generations of Italian Americans as they entered positions of political, social, and cultural influence.

Through extensive archival materials and interviews with scholars and notable Italian Americans such as Tony Bennett, Nancy Pelosi, Gay Talese and John Turturro, The Italian Americans tells the story of those who played vital roles in helping to shape a unique Italian American identity and to transform American life and culture.

Producer: John Maggio, Jeff Bieber, Dalton Delan, Muriel Soenens, Julia Marchesi
Production Company: WETA
Production Year: 2015
Copyright Year: 2013
Narrator: Stanley Tucci
Writers: John Maggio
Discs: 2
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
DVI: N
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

50 Reviews
A
Anthony
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
06/10/21
A reminder of what to be thankful for
Review by Anthony on 06/10/21 review stating A reminder of what to be thankful for
I great reminder of my Italian-American heritage and what my parents did for me and my siblings
D
Dsr
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
10/27/20
Eyeopening experience of the Italian Immigrant experience!
Review by Dsr on 10/27/20 review stating Eyeopening experience of the Italian Immigrant experience!
Im of Italian descent on both sides. My father was from Calabria, and my mothers father and mother were from Abruzzi. However, this film series cast light on much of what my parents and grandparents experienced. Specifically, as a young child, I can remember specific conversations about Mussolinis bad decision to align with the Germans and talk of Sacco and Vensetti. It was only when I saw this wonderful film that I understood a little better what it might have been like leaving your homeland and coming to the US and try to assimilate as best one can. I bought one for my son too. Felt he should know a little about his Italian heritage.
L
Lynnleigh75
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Great Historical Information Some of Which Surprised Me.
Review by Lynnleigh75 on 07/17/20 review stating Great Historical Information Some of Which Surprised Me.
Not sure why out of ALL the wonderful Italian Americans Nancy Pelosi is noted and on the cover? That was the only notable drawback for me. However, overall this is a great historical insight of the beginnings of our Italian American history.
D
Dee
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Stunning Revelations
Review by Dee on 07/17/20 review stating Stunning Revelations
An excellent history of the Italian Americans in the US. I never knew how badly they were treated when they came here for the first time. Interesting all the way through. I also have the DVD which is excellent.
F
Frani
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
ITALIAN AMERICANS
Review by Frani on 07/17/20 review stating ITALIAN AMERICANS
THIS DOCUMENTARY WAS SO GOOD. NOW I KNOW WHAT MY PEOPLE WENT THROUGH WHEN THEY CAME TO THIS COUNTRY. WELL DONE, PBS AS ALWAYS.
E
Ed B.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Lots of Pasta
Review by Ed B. on 07/17/20 review stating Lots of Pasta
Enlightening, especially the part about New Orleans which was entirely new to me. Its my feeling that Italian Americans have been totally integrated into American society. In spite of the popularity of The Godfather the typical American does not taint Italians with the Mafia reputation. I am not Italian
T
Tony I.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
No punches pulled!
Review by Tony I. on 07/17/20 review stating No punches pulled!
An excellant, excellant review of the Italian American experience. Well presented! Two books compliment this film and I recognized where episodes were used as references, in parts of the film, they are Elizabeth Street, and Una Storia Secreta! Thanks for presenting such a educating film on a small but important part of our Italian heritage.I only hope that the millions of Italian Americans who make up the population of this great nation, were able to watch it. It would be great if the episodes could be repeated later on in the year.
L
Lea L.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A MUST buy even if you are not Italian..
Review by Lea L. on 07/17/20 review stating A MUST buy even if you are not Italian..
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this series. My grandfather came over on the boat from Sicily in the early 1900s and achieved the American dream and became the longest running President of the Tiro A Segno which is mentioned in the credits and is the oldest club of Italian origin in the US on McDougal St in NYC. My great Uncle was also mentioned Generoso Pope whose concrete company was the largest on the eastern seaboard. What a fantastic series this is.....thank you....
J
Jo L.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
italian americans
Review by Jo L. on 07/17/20 review stating italian americans
I watched all the videos and enjoyed them very much. I purchased and sent them to my 86 year old Uncle. Am now waiting to hear how he enjoyed them. Our grandfather came over in the late 1800 migration and my father came over in 1925. Lots of the old photos I own look just like these.Keep these stories coming.
T
Timothy
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Some of the best
Review by Timothy on 07/17/20 review stating Some of the best
Exceptionally well documented, written, and edited. My six Italian-American siblings, scattered now throughout America, immediately called one another as it was being broadcast. Excellent. Nice job, PBS!
L
Lee
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Great history lesson for family
Review by Lee on 07/17/20 review stating Great history lesson for family
We enjoy learning the Italian History so much, we purchased one for each of our children. They now have some ancestoral information. Helps explain why some nationalities are the way they are.
W
Wet B.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
AMAZING
Review by Wet B. on 07/17/20 review stating AMAZING
Being an Italian from Brooklyn NY in 1943 I was lucky enough to have been able to partake in a great deal of what your videos so wonderfully .I felt like I was back in Brooklyn with my whole family for a Sunday dinner at my grandmas house.Your videos were so authentic and moving.I have learned so much of what I didt have a clue about my ancestors. I strongly recommend The Italian American DVD it is AMAZING.
B
Betty
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Great story
Review by Betty on 07/17/20 review stating Great story
This made me so nostalgic for times past. I remember so well the days we spent as family. It was heartwarming and a learning experience.
E
Elaine F.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Italian Americans DVD by PBS
Review by Elaine F. on 07/17/20 review stating The Italian Americans DVD by PBS
This was an incredible documentary and a part of history I was totally unfamiliar with. I shared it with countless others who were amazed at the amazing events that occurred during this period of immigration, history, wars, events, etc. The outcome was my family is going to Italy to seek out unknown relatives and finally get the pieces of the history of our family solved. Thank you so much for this great presentation, not only for the DVD on my nationality but of the others that you presented as well to help this part of our heritage be exposed and examined for future generations. Many people viewed these programs and it was an incredible service to all of us.
F
Frank
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Italian Americans
Review by Frank on 07/17/20 review stating Italian Americans
My mother came to America at 4 yrs. of age from Tuscany. I dont think many people realize the contributions Italians made, or how hard they had it when they came to this country. Every Italian will feel pride as they watch this program unfold. Enjoy!
M
Michele
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Italian americans
Review by Michele on 07/17/20 review stating Italian americans
Love it
P
Paulie
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
My very existence was a result.
Review by Paulie on 07/17/20 review stating My very existence was a result.
This documentary explains a lot of why my grandfather(immigrated in 1907) and my father who immigrated twice in 1907 as a 4 year old and again in 1926 as a 23 year old. My fathers 2nd immigration was not approved because of the reduction of immigrants from 200,000/year to 40,000/year in 1925 which resulted in my birth as a Canadian to an Irish mother in 1938. My 2nd name shouldve been Francesco if it had not been Americanized to Frank. ( There is more but no room here.)
V
Vital
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Italian Americans dvd
Review by Vital on 07/17/20 review stating Italian Americans dvd
This was very well done. This is the first history of the group of Italians that went to New Orleans. My parents came from Sicily and I could never find them on Ellis Island info website. This explained a lot of the history of my family. Lots of information I was never really aware of, such as WWII internment of so many Italians. Also that they were so discriminated against by the Irish on east coast. My family moved to Calif in the 50s and it was good to see so much of the Italian history here on the central coast. This is something I will share with kids and grandkids as it represents a comprehensive picture of our history. Thank you PBS.
C
Calagero
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
If Your Italian You Need To See This
Review by Calagero on 07/17/20 review stating If Your Italian You Need To See This
Know your roots and how we changed the American dream through adversity, severe harsh conditions, sacrifice of life, imprisonment and the will to keep family values. Dont text me, see you at Sunday dinner.
M
Mr.P.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Italian Americans DVD by PBS
Review by Mr.P. on 07/17/20 review stating The Italian Americans DVD by PBS
Enjoyed it very much, and enjoyed sharing it with my children and grandchildren. Thank you PBS.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


A
Apb reviewed The Italian Americans DVD
5 star rating
great product.fast delivery
Review by Apb review stating great product.fast delivery
thanks
J
John A. reviewed The Italian Americans DVD
5 star rating
The Italian Americans
Review by John A. review stating The Italian Americans
Very nicely presented and true.
D
Donna E. reviewed The Italian Americans DVD
5 star rating
Interesting and engaging
Review by Donna E. review stating Interesting and engaging
I bought this for my dad because I had seen most of it on PBS. I think hell love it!

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