Apr 26 2007
Biography - Mafia Legends
Here are the 4, one hour documentaries included in the four disc box set, Biography Presents Mafia Legends, as described on their hardshell cases:
Al Capone: Scarface
In the thrilling underworld of speakeasies, Tommy guns, and turf wars, Al Capone was the undisputed emperor of 1920s Chicago. “Scarface” — a nickname born from the consequences of a violent encounter in his youth — was many things to many people: a ruthless and vindictive murderer, a generous patron, and a glamorous impresario. Capone’s legacy, however, will forever be marked by his role as the most notorious gangster in American history. In this in-depth biography, follow Capone’s journey from the immigrant Brooklyn neighborhood of his youth to the glittering circles of Chicago’s powerful elite, and finally to his years of imprisonment and his death at the age of 48. Al Capone: Scarface reveals rare photographs and exclusive interviews to paint an extraordinary portrait of the rise and fall of America’s ultimate anti-hero.
Bugsy Siegel
He was handsome. He was glamorous. And in a seedy underworld of ruthless murderers, he was the most vicious of them all. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel first made his mark as a hitman on the gang-run streets of Brooklyn, New York. Yet, his fame was solidified amid the Hollywood hills where his unique gangster/playboy image made him a legend. In this fascinating portrait, see rare footage of the dapper mobster and witness exclusive interviews with acquaintances and enemies alike. Examine Siegel’s greatest legacy as the founding father of glittering Las Vegas, Nevada, and listen as mob insiders reveal the details of Siegel’s ultimate betrayal at the hands of his best friend.
Lucky Luciano: Chairman of the Mob
He wrote his name in blood and made himself the Boss of Bosses. Arriving in America at the age of nine and embarking upon a life of crime at 14, Charles “Lucky” Luciano rose through the ranks of the New York Mafia like a shot. By 34, Lucky ran the Sicilian mob like a major corporation: diversifying rackets, organizing gangs, and running his own political candidates. Lucky Luciano: Chairman of the Mob investigates Lucky’s 30-year career as the CEO of Murder, Inc. through rare interviews and extensive archival footage. Listen as mob insiders reminisce about meetings held in Luciano’s Waldorf-Astoria headquarters and witness the top-secret war efforts that earned Lucky parole from a 50-year sentence.
Mob Hitmen
They are the most feared figures in the business of organized crime — the triggermen whose job it is to eliminate contentious witnesses, rivals, and fellow mobsters in accordance with their bosses’ orders. Today, the modern mob hitman or woman — is a different breed than the Tommy-gun-toting stereotype of popular Hollywood gangster films. He or she may wear several different hats in the organization, killing when ordered, but performing more mundane tasks in the interim. In this chilling expose, American Justice ventures inside the bloody mob wars that have scarred Philadelphia over the past decade. In addition to interviews with some of the mob’s most notorious triggermen and women, Mob Hitman features footage and news accounts of the city’s recent brutal mob hits, and introduces viewers to the police and prosecutors who have devoted their lives to catching these shadowy killers.
The DVD:
The Video:
The full screen video images for the four documentaries included in Biography Presents Mafia Legends look very good, with no DVD transfer issues.
The Audio:
The Dolby Digital English 2.0 stereo mixes are just fine, but no subtitling or close-captioning is available.
The Extras:
There are no bonuses for Biography Presents Mafia Legends.
Final Thoughts:
Considering the overly romanticized and lenient biographical treatment of two of the vicious killers profiled in Biography Presents Mafia Legends, purchasing this expensive set is not my recommendation. Besides, if you’re at all a fan of these types of documentaries, or The History Channel, The Biography Channel, or A&E, you’ve probably seen several of these particular titles a few times over (they used to be broadcast on a regular basis). I’m going to suggest you rent the title you’re most interested in, and go from there as far as purchasing the whole set.
Paul Mavis is an internationally published film and television historian, and the author of The Espionage Filmography
A&E Video // Unrated // $29.95 // Review by Paul Mavis | posted April 24, 2007 http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review.php?ID=27725
