Ken Burns' The Civil War: A Film Directed By Ken Burns

As a Civil War enthusiast, I can think of no finer DVD set to have about the Civil War. Ken Burns, like no other, tells the story of the Civil War in an engaging format using photos by Mathew B. Brady, noted Civil War photographer. The use of mostly black and white is fitting. Color would be distracting. The musical theme, repeated frequently throughout, helps convey the idea this was a long war. Period music adds yet another dimension.

Interviews by some of the most esteemed Civil War historians and scholars adds a balanced presentation of both the North and the South. The delightful Southern Drawl of Shelby Foote keeps one mesmarized with his depth of understanding and captivating, relaxed humor.

The original nine-part series by PBS has been digitally re-mastered for the finest experience in picture and audio quality. The bonus DVD includes a Conversation with Ken Burns, battlefield maps, biography cards, and other features.

This boxed set of five disks is about 11 hours of viewing time. This is no dry history lesson.

A Major Achievement in Filmmaking

I've been a Civil War buff since I was just shy of five years old. When Ken Burns' film was first aired on PBS back in the '80s, I watched every episode my schedule allowed, and was enthralled enough to tape the encore performance - tapes I wore out long ago. Had to have it on DVD, and the quality of the remastered DVD release is awesome! This film is a stellar achievement of the filmmaker's art. Sure, there are some errors in the narration - but when a film can hold a three-year-old's attention with still photos (in black and white, no less), no explosions or car chases, and straightforward narration rather than dialogue - and ten years later, have that (now not so) little boy still ask to see the places he heard about in that film...well, to me that makes it a winner. It's probably the one video I refuse to be without. (I still cry over the Sullivan Ballou letter...)

Ken Burns' The Civil War: You Will Never Forget It.

I bought the DVD's because, although I watched the film when it first appeared on Public Television, it is such a magnificent and comprehensive presentation of the Civil War, it needs to be watched at least once a year. Just as a good book offers new insight each time it is read, so it is with this film. I have lent it to several family members and friends, some of whom did not think it would be so compelling and came away with a deeper understanding for the conflict. Ken Burns' choice of narrators was exceptional and I loved the way he told the story through the letters of the soldiers, their loved ones, the politicians and the commanders: you feel their pain, frustration, pride, desolation, fear, hope and their humor. You also see the very dark side of human nature which the film doesn't soften, through the narrative and photos of the dead and wounded, the prison camps, the devastation of the towns and countrysides. You will never forget it and you shouldn't.

Simply the BEST

I've seen this series, the original and the "director's cut" on PBS .. mainly in bits and pieces, so when the opportunity to have the complete set of DVD's presented it self, I took advantage. Ken Burns is simply the best. His work is more than that of a documentariest and more than just a film maker. He is a story teller. The "story" of the Civil War is told and experienced from many perspectives since it cut across both land and families.

It's exceptional and a must-see.

The finest Civil War documentary in existance

The way Ken Burns brings still photos and words to life in this documentary on the American Civil War is simply incredible. Ive seen the entire documentary at least 4 times all the way through and it just cant get old. Each time I view it I learn something else, or I become more entranced with a certain aspect of the war that compells me to do my own research.Although, like much mainstream Civil War research, it strays from much focus on western theater conflicts, it does cover in depth the most important, such as Shiloh and Vicksburg. Combined with an excellent soundtrack,fantastic narrator and superb commentary by the great author Shelby Foote this a must own for any person trying to grasp what Civil War America was like.