Ken Burns' The Civil War: A Film Directed By Ken Burns (DVD, 2004)

It matters little how old you are, this program will give you a thirst to absorb it all and come back for more. You can generalize and say this about any of the titles Ken Burns has produced as all are wonderfully entertaining. Something amazing about what Ken Burns produces is that the photography is an incredible montage of still pictures that have been gathered from a huge list of sources, woven together as a rich, visual tapestry and added to narrations which are collaborations by historians, actors, and a wonderful group that bring to life the words of men and women, soldiers from both sides, slaves and politicians. When put together the project gels as a solid and detailed depiction of facts. If you have no real clue about how the war began, or what made it so important that it divided out young nation, the answer lies here in a wonderful retelling. Maps, dates, details and the printed words of those who lived through the time, join and connect you. You have to imagine that, at the time, nothing may have seemed clear as everything was a confetti- bomb of confusion and, as does happen, there were those ready willing and able to take advantage of that- for profit...What you thought you knew about our American history, is put into perspective when the events and facts behind actions come together and clarify for us the details, as much as the historians involved could at any rate, what exactly went on behind the scenes and in the front lines and everywhere else, during the Civil War in America. The explanation of what happened and who was where and when, and how things developed is so richly described for us by a well gathered group of historians and painted for us in this visual history lesson. The input from personal journals from both soldier and civilian alike, relating details of the times and the wonderful voice overs by some wonderful actors and others, helps to connect us and make this a more personal experience. As we begin to understand how people thought then and behaved accordingly, we manage to sit on the edge of our chairs, even though we know the outcome, as in all great news or story telling. You find yourself rooting for humanity- that is to say, from all angles, one can see how the war had to eventually occur because both sides have more than one reasoning, and each of these spider-web into multifaceted reasoning that could not be compromised. It is fascinating and you empathize with all sides as the cruelty and innocence collide, leaving devastation in their wake at every turn. This is a great way to get school kids to be interested in American history without them realizing they are being educated. At the end of each and every chapter, you begin to look for more, you want to find and know more... Our history isn't pretty as shown in the sheer ugliness of it; this is who we were then as a young and developing nation. As Americans, who we are becoming is always a work in progress! It is easy to see why Ken Burns is an award winning film maker, let us hope he continues to be enthusiastic about anything and everything, and puts it out there visually for us to enjoy for years to come! Bravo!!

I cannot speak for my husband, but he has been watching these every night since I gave them to him for Christmas.

This is much better than the original version shown on TV. Modern enhancements have improved the quality 100%. This is a "must-have" for anyone interested in Civil War history. Ken Burns did a great job on this classic.

I remember watching The Civil war when it first came out, and was mesmorized by it. You sit down, start watching it, and you forget the time. This is a must have for anyone interested in american history. It's neck and neck with "The World At War" and the new standard for documentaries.

I love the era and history surrounding the Civil War and Ken Burns' series hits the nail right on the head, it's an uplifing look at how this country was divided as it is now and how they fought for each of their beliefs. This is a series that nneds to be shown and taught in schools.

Great look at history and well done. Every history buff and student should watch this. The photography alone is worth it. It doesn't cover some Southern opinions and sentiments, but I think it is fair. It is a well documented and extremely well done program. I now need to buy K Burns Lewis and Clark.

I bought this for my husband and son. They are both civil was buffs, the day it arrived they immediately stated watching it and watch as much as they can between their chores.

This was a clasic Civil War production. unfortunatly some of the disks didnt play properly, however the content of what we could watch was great.

Very interesting, Everyone should watch and learn some of our history. This should be home work for history class at our public schools.

Worth the time and money for this 5-disc series and still in 2009 it is the definitive documentary on the Civil War. Good photos. Eccentric historians add interest. Great background music, esp the tune with the lone fiddler. Highly recommended.

Piece of history, well documented. Collection of scenes that are difficult, at best, to locate and placed in a format that is convenient and a well packaged medium. Ken Burns efforts shine once again with a well thought out collection of views that touch the human spirit of struggle and desire of commitment. The setting mimicks nothing less than the elements we struggle with today; however, maybe not on the world stage of the original setting. A lesson to remember and apply in our everyday decisions. Take to heart and reflect, a treasured collection of history.

This is an outstanding documentary on the civil war. Ken Burns who is noted
for his excellent documentary on baseball, does the same for the civil war.
I myself who is very conservative and a christian, usually find most programming
on PBS very left wing and one sided in there presentation. This dvd set told the whole story from all sides. It was a very sad but a true chapter in our history.
Compliments to Mr. Burns and his staff for their fine work.
Tom McCall

It is a great way to learn about the Civil War in depth by the people who lived through it...The way it is presented and written plus the cinematography is excellent...

Timeless restored series. Brilliant! This version is beautifully restored bringing the story of the Civil War alive with crisp detailed images.

I watched this documentary on PBS when it originally aired and have intended to buy it ever since. When I saw this product on EBAY for such a reasonable price the purchase was a no-brainer. The series is just as informative and informational as when I saw it originally. It tells the story of the Civil War in a way that is easy for anyone to relate to. I would recommend this product, especially those interested in the Civil War, but unwilling to sit through dry facts.

Fantastic series on the Civil War. I saw the series years ago and finally decided to buy it. We will enjoy the series for many years.

Ken Burns' The Civil War: A Film Directed By Ken Burns (2004, DVD)

THIS IS AN AWARD-WINNING AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DVD.

Ken Burns, Shelby Foote, and the rest who produced this were extremely fair. There is always two sides to every story. The good, bad, and ugly of this war split our nation. After 190 years we need to appreciate the sacrifice these people went through. We owe a lot to them. After watching this searies the cause and affects of the Civil War are much clearer now. The pictures and words said by actual people involved made it a real human experience for me. I wish Ken Burns and Shelby Foote could teach Michael Moore what a real documentary is supposed to be! If you like genuine human beings depicted and analyzed, I highly recommend this DVD set.

I wanted this DVD for a Christmas present and got it so quickly that I could have given it as a birthday present. Only kidding of course, but the service was excellent and very timely. The product was first rate and brand new and my Christmas present is being used almost daily.

Prompt delivery during the Holidays. Product was in excellent condition upon receipt. Great value for the number of DVD's. Will be a permanent addition to DVD library.

Great Christmas gift for a Civil War enthusiast relative. I've been waiting to find a reasonable price on this forever! I was thrilled to finally find it.

I have been looking for this film, at a reasonable price, for some time. This is a new copy, never opened. Very nice.

I saw this series back in the late 80's. It is a real personal accounting of the civil war. I especially liked the historians -- Shelby Foote brought everything to life...

I think it would be good to show in schools.

i've just purchased my first holiday gift and it was easy and simple. THANKS! Would recommend highly! I will keep you in mind through this holiday season!!