Title from container. Roots based on the book by Alex Haley. Roots special features: Commentary by David L. Wolper, Edward Asner, LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, William Blinn, Jan Scott, and Lynn Stalmaster.

Roots, adapted from the Alex Haley novel that traces his family's history from the mid-18th century when one of his ancestors was captured and sold into slavery. Follows the struggle for freedom that began with the boy's abduction in Africa to America and continued throughout the generations that followed.Roots, the next generations follows the Haley family from the post-Civil War era until the more contemporaryRoots: the gift (an expansion of the Roots saga with a Christmas theme three years after Kunta Kinte's first unsuccessful attempt to escape slavery) has Kunta Kinte and Fiddler desperately leading runaways through a network of safe havens to a getaway boat. As the boat fills there's room for one more passenger. A choice must be made; a Mandinka warrior can never abandon his friend.The legacy of Roots, part one. Crossing over: how Roots captivated an entire nation provides a look back at the impact of the book and miniseries on culture and society -- Roots: one year later: "Fresh off the lightning impact of the original telecast, participants recall how the miniseries was born in this 1978 special."The legacy of Roots, part two. Alex Haley interview episode from the "Talking with David Frost" series -- The struggle to make "Roots" -- Connecting with the past -- Levar Burton's original screen test.