American Experience: The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer DVD

Professional Reviews:

"David Grubin, one of public television's foremost purveyors of historical biography ("RFK," "Young Dr. Freud," "Napoleon"), has produced an engaging two-hour account of Oppenheimer's life..." - Mike Hale, THE NEW YORK TIMES

"As pure filmmaking, "Trials" is masterful, but even more so when you consider the multiple challenges of Grubin's subject. The director skillfully intercuts archival footage and stills with the Strathairn recreation of the security trials. The contributing sources, such as McMillan and author Richard Rhodes, are perfect choices and offer truly enlightening commentary, as opposed to the kind of bland babblings of talking heads hired just because they're talking heads." - David Wiegand , SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"A moving PBS documentary on the 'father of the atomic bomb,' who perhaps was the right man for the wrong job." - Robert Lloyd , LOS ANGELES TIMES

"...compelling..." - Mark Feeney, THE BOSTON GLOBE

"The excellent "American Experience" documentary "The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer"...opens with the famous scientist at his lowest point. In 1954, Oppenheimer, who was never charged with any crime, was grilled for weeks in an unusual hearing that flouted most, if not all, accepted legal procedures." - Maureen Ryan, CHICAGO TRIBUNE BLOGS THE WATCHER

Features

• Behind the Scenes featurette
• Teachers' Guide
• Widescreen 16x9 Anamorphic