The Program

I utterly enjoy history programs, but when it comes to subject matter with which you are not very familiar other than cursory knowledge, the act of providing an in-depth review comes as a slight challenge. Indeed, when I first sat down to watch PBS's fine documentary Remember The Alamo, I came to the realization that all my knowledge of one of American history's most memorable battles boiled down to popular culture, Disney's Davy Crockett movies, Pee-wee's bicycle in the basement, and Ozzy Osborne's early 1980s urination predilections. Oh sure, I read about Texas's struggle for independence, first against Spanish rule and then by the combined Tejano and Anglo settlers against Mexico and the armies of Santa Anna. The latter was an especially fascinating concept to me, because when Americans "remember the Alamo", we mostly identify the conflict as a fiercely American struggle against oppression. The role of Tejanos in the history of Texan independence is a crucial one, as Tejano personalities like Jose Antonio Navarro were critical in the struggle against Mexico and actively steered the course of Texan history.

Remember The Alamo is a brief but fascinating documentary that focuses primarily on Navarro's life and dreams for Tejano independence. Navarro was a European aristocrat whose well-bred demeanor and education naturally primed him to be a leader in the Tejano community. The Tejano rebellion against Mexico in the 1830s ended unsuccessfully, with many men executed for their roles in the uprising, their families destroyed in the process. Navarro was a leader in the rebellion, and had to escape to the United States to avoid the firing squads. He returned after Mexico achieved their independence, and quickly assumed the role of mayor. He also worked with native Missourian Stephen Austin in bringing thousands of Anglo settlers into Texas in order to develop the community's infrastructure and economic development. They modeled themselves after the American South, focusing on cotton as a major cash crop and allowing the institution of slavery to continue in Texas, a practice that was illegal in Mexico (they used some clever if utterly shameless legal maneuverings to designate slaves as "lifetime apprentices" in the eyes of the law.)

When Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna assumed power, he closed the Texan borders to American immigration. He implemented sweeping changes by removing state legislatures as well as getting rid of the federal constitution. The Texans feared their freedom and continued prosperity was threatened by Santa Anna's oppressive gestures, and organized a revolt against Santa Anna. They declared their independence from Mexico, and Santa Anna responded in kind. The revolt culminated in the legendary battle at the Alamo, in which 200 American and Tejano men lost their lives. The Texan army used their rage at this slaughter as a motivator, and Texas quickly gained its independence. The Republic soon attracted even more Anglo settlers, and the Tejano community, who had fought tooth and nail for Texan independence, now found themselves distrusted minorities in the very state whose independence they struggled to protect.

Remember The Alamo is more than just a simple battle cry; it's a plea to recognize the role of Tejanos in the history of Texan independence. Writer/Producer Joseph Tovares's documentary is brief, running just under an hour, but it packs a potent and compelling punch throughout its entire running time.

The DVD

Video:

Remember The Alamo is presented in a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1, and the transfer has been anamorphically-enhanced for your widescreen-viewing wonderment. The transfer looks quite pleasant and, although not pristine, generally looks quite acceptable. Colors are strong, image detail is reasonable, and only a noticeable amount of haze and minor print artifacts keep the video score from rating higher. Still, this is a good-looking transfer.

Audio: