Gettysburg

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Buy This Item Gettysburg  Available from Amazon  $14.95  on 11-16-2008     Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book <I>The Killer Angels</I>, this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in <I>Gettysburg</I> they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. Oh, and you can also try to spot Ted Turner, whose company produced the film, as a Confederate soldier. Writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell seems inspired by the gravity of the battle; long as it is, every moment of <i>Gettysburg</i> is informed by a nobility of purpose. <I>--Robert Horton</I> Reader Reviews A five star movie that is a tad diminished in the currently released editions due to lack of a complete and full release in DVD. The 271-minute version is longer than this theatrical version of 254 minutes, which tends to be the one mostly encountered in DVD. Moreoever, the more extensive Collector's edition, originally sold at a premium price as part of a kit of memorabilia, included the truly longest, most complete version of this great film on VHS (nearly 30 extra minutes), but has never been released on DVD. This version included extended and deleted scenes that were important to story and character development, especially Lee's decision to attack the Union Army despite disadvantageous situation, as well as Buford's defense leading up to Reynold's arrival. The latter scene is instrumental in seeing the role of Reynolds and knowing more about him and the respect he commanded from his troops(not to mention some fine acting). These scenes should never have been cut. Many fans are anxiously awaiting a full release in DVD format that this truly great film warrants.

Gettysburg Available from Amazon Price: $14.95 Updated on 11-16-2008.

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