The series starts with Vanderbilt, a former ferry boat captain who envisioned a network of railroads to transport commerce throughout the country, and figured out a way to own those railroads. From there, the series goes to John D. Rockefeller, who defies the railroads by building pipelines to move the oil over which he had a virtual monopoly. In the next part, it’s Andrew Carnegie’s time to shine as he dominates the steel industry. Not to be forgotten, J.P. Morgan controls the financial markets and Henry Ford develops a system to make automobiles for the masses.
There’s no question that the impact each of these men had on American life was profound. Collectively, they likely exceeded almost anything the government did in that 60-70 year period with the notable exception of the Civil War. These guys were interesting people to be sure, with interesting life stories. The problem with The Men Who Built America is that it’s filled with well known rich guys—Donald Trump, Sumner Redstone, Jack Welch, etc.—who don’t explain Carnegie, Morgan, Rockefeller and the rest, but instead, discuss who they are: captains of industry, telling viewers how empires are built. Much of what they have to say is obvious or simplistic. In the words of Sumner Redstone, “Your objective should be to win every time. Win, win, win, win, win!!!” Much of this just detracts from the programs stated objective.
One can’t help but feel that the filmmakers were so besotted with the theory that ‘a few great men built the modern world’ that other men and women who were influential in the process were simply forgotten. But then, that’s likely why the entire production lacks a sense of historic context or drama. These men and their accomplishments should be exciting, yet most of the CGI-enhanced images—Rockefeller staring someone down as he hammers out another deal—come across as dull.
Presented in 1.78:1, this 1080p transfer is extremely good looking. Sharp and clear throughout, the colors are nicely saturated. A nice level of detail is especially evident during close-ups. There’s nice differentiation between the reenactments, which have been strongly color graded and the interview segments, which retain a natural look. Contrast is solid and black levels are strong.
The Men Who Built America features a fairly well mixed lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Surprisingly immersive, the surround channels are used to great effect. While Campbell Scott’s narration is quieted once or twice by low end effects, in general dialogue comes through clean and clear. Dynamic range and fidelity are both very appealing.
English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available.
- Andrew Carnegie (HD, 4:18) more from Carnegie biographer David Nasaw, with particular focus on the tycoon’s early childhood.
- Rich to Richer (HD, 3:08) some additional thoughts on J.P. Morgan from a series of talking heads that don’t necessarily bring much to the table. Donald Trump, anyone?
- The American Dream (HD, 2:57) some brief snippets from the series that provide an overview of entrepreneurial spirit found in the men featured.
- Monopoly (HD, 2:52) the focus here is largely on the ruthlessness of John D. Rockefeller and includes an interview with John D. Rockefeller IV.
- Competitive Nature (HD, 2:24) ruthlessness again; this time it’s Vanderbilt.
- The Everyman (HD, 2;26) a discussion of the risks Henry Ford took to launch his car company.
- The Rise of Cornelius Vanderbilt (HD, 3:49) a discussion of how being born so close to New York, a hub of transit, influenced his life.
- Traits of a Titan (HD, 3:39) a brief recap of the personality traits shared by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford.
