Help get PBS to re-release "Oppenheimer" the 1980 miniseries...

[Junkdrawer]

Hands down, this was the best mini-series/documentary of the Manhattan Project. First class start to finish. Here, read the IMDb comments:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078037/usercomments

One small problem - PBS won't release it.

Well, Amazon has a page and, if enough pre-order, it may be released.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005JNA5/002-0676426-1299239?v=glance

No obligation. But let's get this thing re-released so that our kids can see it.

[Lannes]

1. I remember watching it.

I remember enjoying it but its been so many years since Ive seen it tat would have to see it again to see how well it holds up since new facts have come out about the time since then.

[Junkdrawer]

2. I've followed the story rather closely...

and, aside from some new details about the Communist infiltration of the project, I think it still holds up remarkably well.

[Lannes]

3. Cool!

Another movie to add to my list.Thanks.

[Junkdrawer]

4. Many would pay a premium to see it again. Alas PBS won't re-release it...

But if you follow the second link, you can help get it re-released.

[Lannes]

5. Will do!

Ive done that with a bunch of amazon movie titles that werent available.Some actually ended up getting released so it does work.Coincidentally Im getting some of them delivered to my house next week.:)

If you can do me a favor could you do the same thing for "The seven Ups"
with Roy Scheider? Im a NYC 70s film freak,especially crime dramas like Serpico,The French Connection,would love to add it to my collection.

[Junkdrawer]

6. Done..

:thumbsup:

[Lannes]

7. Thanks!

[shelley806]

8. I was thinking about this JUST today, and remembering weeping

when Oppenheimer quoted the Gita "I am become death, destroyer of worlds." So moving...correct me if my memory fails. Thanks for the post. I would recommend that documentary to anyone! Truly excellent (though I was so much nobler then, and less cynical)

[Junkdrawer]

10. It was so moving because it was a true portrait, warts and all...

I think it was like 8 hours or more long. They covered the science, the politics, the emotions, the vices, everything.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. That was a wonderful documentary, and

Sam Waterston is excellent as Oppenheimer.

[Junkdrawer]

11. "Oppenheimer" and "The Day After" did a lot to move public opinion...

on the disarmament issue.

[shelley806]

12. I thought that posting some of the comments at the imdb site might

encourage more people to participate. I would love to see PBS release it. Why won't they?

Individual Comments about Documentary:

#1 "this is the best work i have ever seen on television. the story is compelling--all the more so because it is true. the writers did their homework--the accuracy of events is well documented. the acting is great. this has to be the best role sam waterston has ever had. my only regret is that it is not available to buy."

#2 "can't remember the series, I believe it may have been "American Masters", but it was broadcast on PBS around 1980. Most people have some knowledge of the development of the A bomb, and those that have little, or none, probably think it is a pretty dry subject. Anyone who has viewed this 7 part series does not feel that way. You get to know the turmoil in Oppenhemiers mind, and how the development changed his life forever. You understand the tragic figure he became, and why. With 7 episodes you get to know the major players, and the intrigue and backstabbing. I have contacted PBS about the chance of obtaining a video, or DVD, but have never received a response. Too bad, I would love to see it again. Was the above comment useful to you?"

#3 "My wife and I have never forgotten this series -- I was so impressed with its quality that I tried to view a second time as many as possible of the episodes when they were originally repeated. Despite the limitations of what was obviously a low-budget production, the acting and much of the writing remain vivid after almost 25 years. (I don't think Sam Waterston ever equaled his work in "Oppenheimer.") My hope is that eventually this series may return on DVD. It would be wonderful to give younger viewers the opportunity to see how well the human side of science can be portrayed. And to learn whether my fond memories of "Oppenheimer" still seem valid. Was the above comment useful to you? "

#4 "I saw the mini-series on PBS when I was in high school. I was a junior taking physics. The shows were so engrossing and inspiring I ended up doing every problem in my text book. I've gone on to become a nuclear physicist in no small part due to "Oppenheimer." I stumbled across this site in my attempts to obtain a copy of this mini-series on VHS or DVD. If anyone knows where I could get a copy, I'd be very grateful for the information. Thanks! Was the above comment useful to you? "

#5 "Absolutely the best thing I have ever seen on TV. It was both entertaining and informative. The reason I found this site is an attempt to find out how I can again see it.
In the light of present understanding of history we have to sympathize with Gen. Leslie Groves who was responsible for the nuts and bolts of running the Manhattan Project. Most certainly he was not as paranoid about security as most have thought in the past.
The casting for the real life people portrayed was outstanding. It was the first time that I noticed Sam Waterston as an actor. Except for height he looked very much like Robert Oppenheimer. The early scene in which Oppenheimer is leading a class of graduate students was especially intriguing to me. Was the above comment useful to you? "

#6 "Like an earlier commentor, I saw it in 1980 and have never been able to shake the memory of the gripping story, splendid acting, and dramatic musical score. It certainly contains some of Sam Waterston's finest work. He and the writers depict Oppenheimer not simply as an unjustly victimized hero -- which he was -- but also as naive, fond of alcohol, and snobbish, a rounded portrait instead of a stereotype."

[Junkdrawer]

13. Thanks. I'm hoping that the new Republican PBS has nothing to do...

with the decision. You know how they hate accurate non-jingoistic history

[shelley806]

14. God, even PBS.....I bet you're right though. How sad.n/t

[shelley806]

15. Kick!

:kick:

[shelley806]

16. Kick!

:kick:

[AmyDeLune]

17. Another site to vote on

TV Shows on DVD, easy, spam-free registration required to vote.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/

Also, Oppenheimer was originally a BBC production, perhaps some e-mails to BBC America would help...?

[shelley806]

19. Thanks! Will do...n/t

[Junkdrawer]

23. Thanks for the lead...

maybe the BBC will be more receptive...

[AmyDeLune]

24. You're Welcome! Thanks for the thread!

Hopefully enough people will give their votes that whoever owns the rights to it will consider it profitable enough to put out on DVD or at least re-broadcast.

(edited because I can't spell after 9:00 PM) :P

[shelley806]

18. Kick!

:kick:

[Junkdrawer]

20. Thanks, but space out the kicks a little...

;) :hi:

[shelley806]

21. OK! Sorry...you can tell how much I loved this doc.n/t

[Junkdrawer]

22. Me too. I lectured my precocious 11 yr old tonight on the history...

and I thought of the mini series. It was then I discovered the problem. Here's hoping it is indeed a BBC video...

[shelley806]

25. Here's hoping...I'm sure your lecture was good, but accompanied

with the mini series would make it even better.

[Junkdrawer]

28. He's at a stage where everything is Black and White, Good and Evil....

which I envy in some ways ;) , but, for example, FDR is evil because he supported the Japanese internment camps.

I'd like him to see how this real-life tragedy played out, warts and all.

[shelley806]

29. I know exactly what you mean by envy of a child's innocence!

I read with extreme interest yesterday the post on the 'evils' of dropping the A-bomb. My opinion until this current war, was that it was justifiable (as much as I hated it.) But the 'war on terra' has caused me to re-examine my opinions on WWll, because I am so dreadfully opposed to a war that was unprovoked, that has resulted in more terrorism and less freedom, that was based on lies, and one in which Halliburton's war profits now exceed 200% (made on the blood of innocents.). After reading the long thread from yesterday, I'm now just confused. Good arguments pro and con. That's healthy I suppose.

[AmyDeLune]

26. Nuclear Kick n/t

[Junkdrawer]

27. Morning Kick

:kick: