...one film that really should be seen by all of the public.
A large part of the film also shows how Steidle had to jump through all kinds hoops just to get anyone to take notice. The man had binders of reports and photographs on top of reels of film, but even though the U.S. government eventually declared the acts as genocide, he had to keep poking and prodding members of Congress until they had no other choice than to do something about it. The United Nations still to this day won't label the Darfur tragedy as genocide, even after reports of over 40,000 killed, and Sudan officials go as far as to claim that his evidence is forged.
Steidle deserves a ton of credit for being a hero. During his time in Darfur, he may not have been allowed to use weapons or interfere with any of the atrocities that went on around him, so instead he found another way to take action by arming himself with a camera. The filming was at times amateurish, but the important thing to remember is that Steidle didn't have professional camera crews to work with like most reporters, because he wasn't a reporter to begin with and all of his footage was from his own equipment. The film isn't meant to be artistic. The sole purpose is to tell the story of what went on so that things like this never happen again in the future.
Video:
"The Devil Came on Horseback" is presented in an anamorphic widescreen format with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Keep in mind that because this is a documentary with clips of Steidle's home movies and actual footage from his time in the Sudan, the picture quality is often poor. It's shaky and blurry at times, and the camera lenses are noticeably dirty with smudges and fingerprints. During interview segments, the video quality improves slightly, although still rough and jagged in places, but in the end it's forgivable once you see what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish.
Audio:
There are two audio options on the disc: Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. Again, don't expect to hear magnificent sound, as the film isn't meant to be stylish and crisp. Most of the editing was done well, though, as the audio is balanced throughout the film. I didn't notice any major flaws, and during the times where someone might not be understood clearly in an interview, subtitles are automatically provided.
Extras:
Included is a short film "Supporting Survivors" that is approximately twelve minutes in length. The film is presented by Steidle's sister, Gretchen Wallace (founder of the organizationGlobal Grassroots), and provides a closer look at the female victims of the Sudan and Rwanda. The most pathetic thing that they mention is how rape is often used as a "tool of war," not only traumatizing innocent women and spreading disease, but purposely done to destroy whole family units as religious beliefs come into play.
There's also a theatrical trailer for "The Devil Came on Horseback."
The Final Cut:
The graphic imagery and mature subject matter presented in "The Devil Came on Horseback" is often hard to watch and definitely not meant for the eyes of children, but this is one film that really should be seen by all of the public. Spread awareness by picking up a copy of the DVD, and in doing so one dollar from every unit sold will be donated to the cause. For more information on the crisis in Darfur, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please visitwww.savedarfur.org.
Steidle deserves a ton of credit for being a hero. During his time in Darfur, he may not have been allowed to use weapons or interfere with any of the atrocities that went on around him, so instead he found another way to take action by arming himself with a camera. The filming was at times amateurish, but the important thing to remember is that Steidle didn't have professional camera crews to work with like most reporters, because he wasn't a reporter to begin with and all of his footage was from his own equipment. The film isn't meant to be artistic. The sole purpose is to tell the story of what went on so that things like this never happen again in the future.
Video:
"The Devil Came on Horseback" is presented in an anamorphic widescreen format with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Keep in mind that because this is a documentary with clips of Steidle's home movies and actual footage from his time in the Sudan, the picture quality is often poor. It's shaky and blurry at times, and the camera lenses are noticeably dirty with smudges and fingerprints. During interview segments, the video quality improves slightly, although still rough and jagged in places, but in the end it's forgivable once you see what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish.
Audio:
There are two audio options on the disc: Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. Again, don't expect to hear magnificent sound, as the film isn't meant to be stylish and crisp. Most of the editing was done well, though, as the audio is balanced throughout the film. I didn't notice any major flaws, and during the times where someone might not be understood clearly in an interview, subtitles are automatically provided.
Extras:
Included is a short film "Supporting Survivors" that is approximately twelve minutes in length. The film is presented by Steidle's sister, Gretchen Wallace (founder of the organization
There's also a theatrical trailer for "The Devil Came on Horseback."
The Final Cut:
The graphic imagery and mature subject matter presented in "The Devil Came on Horseback" is often hard to watch and definitely not meant for the eyes of children, but this is one film that really should be seen by all of the public. Spread awareness by picking up a copy of the DVD, and in doing so one dollar from every unit sold will be donated to the cause. For more information on the crisis in Darfur, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please visit
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