Photo by: Focus Films

The youth of this generation has sadly lacked exposure to some of the greatest trials the people of the United States have ever faced. The freedoms and privileges which we are blessed with were not always around. Yet they are often (and unfortunately) taken for granted.

Civil rights have never been something that are simply available, and “Milk” shows exactly how even one man can spark a movement great enough to change the lives of millions of others.

“Milk” is based on the true story of Harvey Milk, a man who both started and ended with nothing, yet became a legend among gay rights supporters.

In 1977, Harvey decided he would no longer stand for the brutalities which the gay community faced.

By running for a position on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Harvey hoped to create a message for all to see and never forget: that all men are created equal, without exception.

“Milk” is a powerful movie which will bring the true essence of civil rights movements and human activism into perspective.

“Milk” goes far beyond what a traditional movie can accomplish-it is a portal for this generation to look back and see the power of activism, in a more modern setting.

The “Milk” DVD special features bolster the movie’s credibility and overall ability to portray a historical movement accurately.

The film itself is an indie production, yet it climbed to the top and beyond with the stellar awards it received (including a Best Picture nomination).

Due to its explosive popularity, the special features tend to feel a bit lacking.

A movie of such caliber deserves more, even if it was not made for the mainstream.

But the feature, Remembering Harvey, instantly makes up for the dry deleted scenes.

Remembering Harvey brings you into the late 1970s with interviews of friends of Milk, many who worked with him in his political campaigning. Figures such as Anne Kronenberg (Milk’s campaign manager), Frank Robinson (campaign photographer) and Cleve Jones (Milk’s close friend and assistant) appear in the interview and turn the movie into something very real.

Hearing the voices of close friends of Milk really makes you appreciate his actions and the effect they had.

The final two features, Hollywood Comes to San Francisco and Marching for Equality, go into detail of the making of the film, and much of its historical context.

There are additional interviews with the cast and the extras of the film where they talk about the great feelings re-invoked throughout the creation of the film.

The DVD would be a good purchase choice specifically if you’re looking for a movie that’s more than simple entertainment.

It may be a far better option to rent rather than purchase in this case, unless you plan on seeing this movie several times throughout your life.