Product: One Day in September [VHS] (2006)
Rating: 5.0
New release? Not quite. Re-release/re-issue much-recommended
I bought the original DVD release of "One Day in September," director Kevin MacDonald's 1999 Oscar-winner (for Best Documentary Feature; it overtook in the race Wim Wenders's beloved "Buena Vista Social Club") when it first became available. It now appears that the Dec. 20, 2005 DVD release is a re-release (or should I say re-issue?); but it appears to be at a cheaper price ($15-$20 range vs. the older one in the low- to mid-$20s). Based on my research, this DVD will have more features, including Text/Photo Galleries and Bonus Trailers (the original was a bare-bones basic). The DVD looks like a worthy buy, and I intend to get it for a relative of mine who has yet to add it to his/her library. (Side note: Even though this hasn't been released yet, please bear in mind the "5" rating is based on my appreciation for the film -- and enthusiasm for the content of this new DVD release. Amazon reviews force "written reviews" to offer a rating. I would've prefered using a "-" for the time being. Nevertheless, this is a recommended buy no matter the star-rating.)"One Day in September" is a documentary account of the 1972 Munich Olympics game -- in West Germany -- that was the first in its country since Adolf Hitler was in power. This Olympics was much-anticipated because Germany wanted to make amends for its past; however, it became overshadowed by the hostage crises of Tuesday, Sept. 5 involving [11] Israel athletes, housed in the same building, who were held by Palestinians at gunpoint. (Those who want to read up on what -- and how it all -- transpired can find plenty of info on Web sites related to this topic. I recommend doing the research.)Due to the price, the amazing film itself (which has been painstakingly researched, and is gutsily directed by MacDonald who doesn't hold back on the gritty reality of how brutal and tragic this hostage situation had materialized), I recommend "One Day in September." Also, when considering that Steven Spielberg is (practically simultaneously) releasing in theaters his "Munich," it further helps to give one a full sense in understanding this specific case in terrorism.