Featuring ABC News' extensive coverage of nearly every facet of President Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009, A Moment in History interweaves news footage with commentary from the broadcast anchored by Charles Gibson, Diane Sawyer, and George Stephanopoulos. Presented in chronological order, the program—which opens with “A New Day Begins” (with the commentators' observation that former Vice President Cheney is “looking grim”)—includes the invocation by Rev. Rick Warren, Aretha Franklin's (wearing an awesomely distinctive Swarovski crystal-bejeweled hat) stirring rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” Vice President Joe Biden's oath, the pre-recorded “Air and Simple Gifts” by composer John Williams (featuring Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman), Obama's taking of the Oath of Office (with the infamous mistake by Chief Justice John Roberts), and Obama's inaugural address. Other highlights include Bush's helicopter departure, President Obama and the First Lady walking the parade route, the Neighborhood Ball hosted by Denzel Washington and featuring the First Couple's first dance to Beyoncé's rendition of “At Last,” and Obama's first interview as president with newscaster Robin Roberts. An excellent commemoration of an exciting day in American history, DVD extras include an interview with the Obamas by Barbara Walters, Obama's election night victory speech, an interview with Mrs. Obama by Bob Woodruff, and an archival compilation of the Oaths of Office for nine presidents from Kennedy to Bush, Jr. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)
A Moment in History: The Inauguration of Barack Obama
(2009) 149 min. DVD: $14.98. MPI Home Video (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 0-7886-0993-9. Volume 24, Issue 3
A Moment in History: The Inauguration of Barack Obama
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