Guyana Tragedy: Jim Jones Story (1980)

Originally shown as a two-part TV movie, this is a gripping recreation of the horrible tragedy of the November 1978 mass suicide of 913 people at the South American religious"colony" of Jonestown. Powers Boothe's portrayal of the cult-leader Reverend Jim Jones earned him an "Emmy" and the film traces the life of Jones from his early activist period to his rise as a modern day messiah. The climatic suicide scenes are convincingly recreated in a near-documentary style, and the whole production benefits from a huge supporting cast of excellent players. Bonus Features: Scene Selection, Trailers, Bios. Specs: DVD9; Dolby Digital; 189 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1980; SRP - $14.99.

5 for the Movie, 0 for the dvd quality

Talk about no effort. This is really a terrible transfer. It really looks like someone had an old vhs tape of this 2 part tv movie and they just recorded it as is onto dvd. From the first minute to the last, you are treated to a dark, scratchy, hissing and popping movie. This is a terrific film, with an all star cast. Such an interesting story wasted with an awful dvd. This is one I truly hope someone would put out the right way. July 7, 2008

Guyana Tragedy....

I purchased this movie and couldn't wait to get to get it. As a kid, this movie used to come on a lot and I use to watch it all the time with my mother. At first, I was a little skeptical to get it, but I took the chance. I was a skeptical because most of the user reviews stated how bad the quality was. Now, I'll admit, the quality on this is not your typical DVD quality. It does look like it was transferred from VHS, but it's still watchable. It just looks like you were watching it on tape. If they ever re-release a better quality version, I'll buy that, also. For now, though, this version is perfect enough for anyone who wants to see it again or for the first time. As a kid, though, I didn't understand that this was really real, but now that I am older, I understand how sad this was. Anyway, this is and has always been a wonderful fim. June 29, 2008

Two Thumbs Up!

It was quite a moving movie and so heartbreaking. And to think this actually transpired! March 27, 2008

AWESOME

This movie is so good, I do hope that other people watch this movie... All the actors, and actresses were great.... March 26, 2008

Jim Jones facts or creative endeavor?

The style was good, compared to films that were made in the 80s and 70s. Powers Boothe is amazing and the rest of the cast was great especially Collen Dewhurst and James Earl Jones. I wished I hadn't learned what I had about the events because I might have enjoyed the movie more. March 7, 2008

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