Don Mckay [Blu-ray] [2009]

Cited as the single most elaborate and ambitious documentary miniseries ever created under the auspices of the History Channel network, America: The Story of Us offers a sweeping and comprehensive chronicle of the individuals, events and philosophies that shaped the United States. The twelve-part program spans four centuries, from the early 1700s into the volatile first decade of the 21st century, and covers milestones including, the erection of the transcontinental railway, construction of the very first steel skyscrapers, and the 1969 moon landing. The narrative approach involves filtering these seminal occurrences through the eyes of the various citizens who experienced them, such as frontiersmen, slaves, immigrants and inventors. Numerous celebrity participants also turn up to share their thoughts on America itself, and what being an American means - including Buzz Aldrin, Meryl Streep, Melissa Etheridge, Donald Trump and others.