Celebrating 30 years since its tv debut, roots the complete collection brings together for the first time all the original episodes, sequels and extras of the award winning series in one box set, comprising roots the original series 4 disc box set, the 1979 sequel roots the next generation, and, for the first time on dvd, roots the gift, a movie that focuses on the relationship between two of the slaves of the original series. Based on alex haley's best selling novel about his african ancestors, the acclaimed us tv mini series roots garnered widespread popularity in the 1970s and to this day remains one of the most watched programmes in history, with the ratings for the series finale still the third highest rated us program of all time, behind the final episode of mash and the who shot jr? Episode of dallas. Roots follows several generations in the lives of a slave family. The story begins with kunta kinte played by levar burton, a west african youth captured by slave traders and shipped to america in the 1700s. Torn from his homeland, stripped of his dignity, his rights and even his name, in torment and anguish he is brought to the slave markets of the new world. He tries, but fails, to escape before accepting he can never return to africa. The film traces his life and those of his family, depicted up until the civil war where kunte kinte's grandson gains emancipation. It captures generations of love, tears, pain, strife, sacrifice and happiness, reminding us of the resilience and resource of the human spirit even under crippling injustice. But roots was more than just a quality drama, it had a wider impact on society. It persuaded american audiences to regard their history from a black perspective, and to see how against odds far more desperate than those the pilgrims faced africans laid claim to their status as free african americans. It triggered a craze for genealogy and changed forever the way black people were depicted on tv. Synopsis the series that captivated a nation and made television history is brought to you in a complete box set that includes everything about alex haley's incredible family saga. The complete collection includes roots which begins with kunte kinte's humble beginnings in africa and continues in roots the next generations closing with alex haley's own life in the 1970's as he embarks on his research to unveil his roots. The complete collection also includes the christmas movie roots the gift as well as specially created special features to celebrate the legacy of roots 30 years later. Running time 1313 minutes region region 2 subtitles english release date 29 oct. 2007