Virtual JFK – DVD Review

The Film:

Is there any of President in our history, that has been more discussed than John F. Kennedy? I personally have found JFK more interesting outside of the million theories that surround his assassination, and Virtual JFK: Vietnam if Kennedy Had Lived, tickles that curiosity. Koji Masutani directs this fascinating documentary from the book of the same name, that asks the question from the film’s title. On paper, a “what if?” style of documentary might sound like a cheap angle, or a hallow exercise, but here, it is not. Virtual JFK offers us facts to the question, as the film explores the four big crisis JFK endured during his short three years as President.

The film should be used in classes rooms in Political Science fields, because while it is devoid of propaganda, it should spark some intellectual discussions for students dreaming of a life in politics. We’re lucky enough now to have hindsight, and a film like this should help us in future decisions. Does it really matter who we elect to be President, during times of peace and war? It’s a simple question, but it takes time to answer. The easy answer is yes, but the film doesn’t delve into Democrat versus Republican debate, as it shows the nature of how Kennedy was handling Vietnam prior to his death, and how his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson did.

The facts are simple: JFK deliberately avoided a war and LBJ went on with it. The film doesn’t paint LBJ as a “Bad guy”, but examines a decision that would cost America thousands of lives, and for what? Through archival interviews, we see the media constantly hounding JFK on a quicker resolution to the mounting conflict in Vietnam. Lots a people thought JFK was too soft and too young, with his inexperience showing with his reserved approach in recent conflicts, and the Bay of Pigs mishandling. The world was on the forefront of an all-out possible nuclear annihilation, yet as history has shown, through a few key decisions, Kennedy avoided this, possibly saving millions of lives.

Virtual JFK: Vietnam if Kennedy Had Lived is enjoyable, yet one can see a a subtle hint at our current conflict, without anything heavy handed or finger pointing. Masutani has nothing but archival footage to use, and for some, this will make the film feel like they’re back in History class. Regardless, it’s a fascinating angle, worthy of discussion, not because we can change the past, but learn from it, and apply it to today.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: As typical for a documentary that uses old archival footage, the video quality is only as good as the source itself, so don’t expect to be wowed, but everything looks fine, despite this footage being nearly 40 years old. Audio too, is just DD Stereo, but every thing’s clear and easy to hear.

Lyndon Johnson’s Statements on Vietnam: We get three separate interviews with LBJ from 1966 on the recent bombing, 1967 State of the Union Address, and his 1968 statement on North and South Vietnam. All this is interesting as it solidifies what this documentary is about, and helps or hinders LBJ’s case as presented here.

Conclusion: This is certainly a niche doc, so Political Science majors or people who enjoy political discussion should really like this. Casual doc fans, might snooze. Docurama Films releases a solid disc for this film.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: