Sunday, November 28, 2021

Muhammad Ali: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns & David McMahon DVD & Blu-ray


Muhammad Ali brings to life one of the best-known and most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans throughout the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it.

Born Cassius Clay, Jr., Ali rose from boxing amateur to Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion, just as he had promised he would at the age of twelve. He wrote his own rules –in the ring and in his life –infuriating his critics, baffling his opponents, and riveting millions of fans. He spoke his mind and stood on principle, staying true to his Islamic faith and refusing induction into the U.S. Army, even when it cost him his livelihood. Banished for his beliefs, he returned to boxing an underdog, reclaimed his title twice, and became the most famous man on earth. An intimate portrait of a larger-than-life global icon, this four-part, eight-hour documentary tells the story of an exceptional athlete whose influence transcends boxing. "He was," the novelist Norman Mailer wrote, "the very spirit of the 20th Century."


My Thoughts

Muhammad Ali is a heavy weight boxing champion and a legend, even to people who don't follow the sport. What most people don't realize is that his life outside the ring was just as interesting as his life inside. In this fascinating documentary, you delve into his life to learn about the man behind the gloves. The DVD set includes four detailed episodes spanning his life.

Round One- The Greatest (1942-1964) - After winning the the gold in the Olympics he movies to Miami. He embraces Islam and befriends Malcolm X.

Round Two - What's My Name  ((1964-1970) - He dominates the heavyweight world, but when he refuses to join the army, he loses a lot of fans.

Round Three- The Rivalry (1970-1974) - After facing off with Joe Frazier he becomes a national hero. His prior convictions are overturned.

Round Four - The Rent You Pay (1974-2016) - He wins against George Foreman. In 1984 he is diagnosed with Parkinson's. 

This was an amazing documentary gives you an inside look into the life of one of the greatest boxers of all time. It would make a great gift  for any fan this holiday season. If you would like to purchase a copy of this DVD for your collection, you can find it online on PBS.org or on Amazon.

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