The feature length documentary brings us further into Trump's world (than he has already brought us in real time) through a framework based on Trump's improbable candidacy. Hand picked snippets of footage from the Republican debates lead us to wonder how this man got his start. Cue the archival footage, photos, and contemporary interviews, which are interwoven with more examination of Trump's candidacy, to reveal a documentary with a purpose. Though The History Channel, in this case, maintains a certain level of impartiality, the rhetorical question "how did we get here?" wordlessly presented with unflattering pictures of Trump on the campaign trail, is not exactly presented as a question of wistful satisfaction.

Conversely, interviews with Trump friends and supporters, not to mention a simple examination of his exploits, leads viewers to an almost grudging admiration. Viewers have to credit Trump's focus. Even though he (born into a hugely successful family business, which he took over and transformed with the aid of a 'tiny' loan of a million dollars) is nowhere near a self-made man, he did things his real estate developer father never did. He also began expertly playing the media for his one true act of self-creation, turning his patrician, calculating self into some sort of pop hero.

Bankruptcies have proven what many commentators mention; Trump knows real estate development, but little else about business. Longtime family friend Nikki Haskell admires his focus, Spy Magazine co-founder Kurt Andersen is aghast. Both seem to feel at Trump's core is an equal opportunity offender who will "insult anyone" if it serves his purpose. The documentary stops before Trump really takes off, speculating that he's been as successful as he has in his candidacy because no one takes him seriously. Of course we know now exactly how successful he was, as evidenced by the fact that no one currently, anywhere, is talking about anything else but President Trump.

The DVD

Video:
This widescreen, 1.78:1 presentation is about standard for a DVD documentary. Contemporary interviews are clear and sharp, with rich colors. Footage from the debates looks almost as good. Archival footage and photos reveal the deficiencies of their sources, but everything is cleaned up and looks as good as it can in standard definition.

Sound:
English 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio is equally solid, within the same dynamics. Newer audio footage does what it needs to in loud and clear fashion, older stuff shows its age a bit, but in all there's nothing to complain about.

Extras:
Extras are limited to English SDH Subtitles.

Final Thoughts:
It's hard to remain impartial about Trump. The History Channel does a pretty good job of it, even if the essential premise of the documentary is that Trump is a callous, calculating piece of work that should be nowhere near any type of business other than TV and real estate development, let alone the Presidency. Archival footage and interviews paint a picture of a single-minded man expert at self-promotion and a fairly smart cookie when it comes to buying buildings. If you can handle it, Rent It, at least you'll be truly up to date on the man of the hour.

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