Historical World Fairs: New York - Volume IV (2-DVD Set)
	See two of the greatest expositions hosted by New York - the 1939 "World Of Tomorrow" Fair and the 1964 World's Fair. Witness how America's tremendous progress in science and technology was showcased at the 1964 exposition. These DVDs are a rare compilation of films, which record the history of two mega events - the New York World's Fairs of 1939 and 1964. Innovative DVD technology has made it possible to restore and preserve these historical gems on DVDs.

This fascinating set of DVDs, our fifth in a series on Historical World's Fairs, focuses on the 1939 and the 1964 New York World's Fairs. The 1964 Fair was held at a time when the United States was riding a wave of success. It was an age when Americans were eagerly looking forward to putting a man on the moon, to the promise of the computer-age and a nuclear program for peaceful purposes. It is not surprising, then, that the Fair was based on two themes - "Man's Achievements in an Expanding Universe" and "A Millennium of Progress", which celebrated the limitless potential offered by science. The exhibits at this fair showcased new technological frontiers: the Space Age, the Information Age of computers and communication, the Consumer Age of new materials and products for everyday life, and the Atomic Age of harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Sadly, very little attention was paid to the impact of these advancements on environment. After all, the Russians were ahead in the space race and Americans had some catching up to do!

Amateur Film: The World's fair This film contains footage of the City of Light, beautiful gardens and interesting parades. Also seen, are the Florida Building, the Japanese Building, the Ford Building and the Electric Building. Sponsor: N/A Producer: N/A Year: 1939 Length: 00:04:43 Audio: Silent Color: COLOR
Amateur Film: Wathen Collection: New York World's Fair This film takes you on a tour of the 1939 fair. You can watch the footage of a zoo, some enchanting illuminated fountains and the magnificent New York Cultural Pavilion. Sponsor: N/A Producer: Wathen (R.W.) Year: 1939 Length: 00:28:12 Audio: Silent Color: COLOR
To New Horizons This film captures the futuristic vision of the times. It visits the aptly titled "Highways and Horizons" General Motors pavilion. This pavilion showcased General Motors' vision for America in the '60s. Sponsor: General Motors Corporation, Department of Public Relations Producer: Jam Handy Organization Year: 1940 Length: 00:14:21 Audio: Mono Color: MIX
Unisphere: The Biggest World On Earth This film pays tribute to a monument that symbolized the fair itself - the unique 120 foot diameter Unisphere. This marvel represented man's achievements on a shrinking globe in an expanding universe, and was one of the biggest crowd pullers. Sponsor: U.S. Steel Co. Producer: MPO Productions, Inc. Year: 1964 Length: 00:14:10 Audio: Mono Color: COLOR
1964 New York World's Fair Report This is a "how it was done" first hand account on film. It shows how Flushing Meadow was transformed to the world's biggest show. It captures the efforts of the organizers and gives credit to Robert Moses, the President of the fair's organizing committee. Sponsor: New York World's Fair 1964-65, Inc. Producer: A John Campbell Films Inc. Production Year: 1961 Length: 00:27:00 Audio: Mono Color: BLACK & WHITE
To The Fair This film provides a tour of the New York World's Fair of '64 and has a good narrative. You will see images of people and how they spent time at the fair. A sprinkling of humorous shots adds interest. Sponsor: New York World's Fair 1964-65 Corporation Production Company: Association Films, Inc Year: 1965 Length: 00:26:16 Audio: Mono Color: BLACK & WHITE

Running Time:
DVD One : 01:06:44
DVD Two : 00:55:59

EDITORIAL REVIEW :

It is amazing to note how much Russia's successful space programs influenced Americans in the 50s and 60s. President Kennedy was prompted to announce the nation's determination to put a man on the moon. The 1964 World's Fair showcased this determination. Displays at the fair suggested that America was well on its way to global leadership in science and technology. These DVDs have done a great job in capturing the upbeat mood of a nation at the '64 fair.

The first DVD takes you on a visual tour of the '39 fair. Seen are Florida House, Japan House, Ford House and Electric House amidst gardens, fountains and the zoological section. The clips on General Motors pavilion "Futurama' are mind boggling when you think of the fact that this was all done in the '30s. Ironically, General Motors saw this as a vision of America in the 60s - barely twenty years away. This is followed by a well-planned documentary on the Unisphere, which drew huge crowds.

The second DVD captures the metamorphosis of Flushing Meadows, as New York got ready to host the exhibition. This informative film records in detail the efforts put in by the organizers in setting up the exposition. The clip entitled "To the Fair" is a delightful journey through the fair grounds with a lively narration.

Personally, I appreciated the opportunity to view two world fairs (1939 and 1964) on a single set of DVDs. This helped in drawing a comparison between the philosophies, dreams, visions, goals, ambitions and achievements of a nation in the late 30s and mid 60s. A shift from "We need to do this" to "See what we have achieved and where we are headed" is evident.

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS :

"The clips on these DVDs were delightful to watch. I especially enjoyed the watching the second DVD, which highlights the tremendous leap forward in science and technology in all the spheres. I think these displays spurred Americans on to achieve much greater things - like putting Neil Armstrong on the Moon. Although these clips were shot in black and white, they are very informative. I would highly recommend these films for all those who are interested in the history of America."

Customer's Name : Paul Arlington (Phoenix Arizona)