The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns

Buy This Item The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns by Pbs Paramount  Available from Amazon  $103.99  on 8-27-2008     Hailed as a film masterpiece and landmark in historical storytelling, Ken Burns's epic documentary brings to life America's most destructive-- and defining--conflict. With digitally enhanced images and new stereo sound, here is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president and a country that had to divide itself in two in order to become one. Reader Reviews Ken Burns' absolutely superb documentary "The Civil War" may have been public television's finest broadcasting hours, now available in a DVD set. Burns' unique mixture of photographs, period music, interviews with various historians, voiceover narrative by David McCullough, and excerpts from period letters and speeches creates a spell-binding effect for the viewer, whether dedicated student of history or general viewer. Burns takes the war chronologically, as a festering debate over the future of slavery becomes a civil war between the American states and a total war for the future of the country. Although the series covers the fighting from Fort Sumpter to Appomattox, it is less a battle history than the story of nation undergoing a primal shaping event. In Burns' hands, this catastrophic event becomes almost a lyrical epic poem, touching everything from high strategy to the impact of war on individual homes North and South. A particular highlight is the commentary by Civil War historian Shelby Foote, whose wry observations provide perspective on the war. Extra features in the DVD set detail the making of the documentary, along with some additional commentary. Originally broadcast in 1990, the content of the documentary generally holds up pretty well. This DVD set is very highly recommended as superb entertainment and education.

The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns Available from Amazon Price: $103.99 Updated on 8-27-2008.

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