Liberty! The American Revolution (VHS, 1998, 3-Tape Set)

My family and I loved all 6 hours of the video. It gives background (but doens't over do it) and detailed insight (with some acting/reinactments) from the journals of those who were there. Even my little kids became interested as the movies went along. Easy to understand and perfectly paced, I would recommend this to anyone (like myself) who didn't pay much attention in high school history class and is embarrassed by not knowing what the Stamp Act really was, why the Boston Tea party was held, and the details of how we won the Revolutionary war (and why we fought it) and established our nation. It really gave me a sense of place in history and in the world. It is part talking by experts, part reinactment, part narriation, and part actors reading journal excerpts (really good/insightful!). It is all good quality (PBS).

One drawback is that I was hoping to gain more insight into the lives of the founding fathers. There is some on Franklin and Washington, but Jefferson and Madison are not given much air time.

Even so, I would strongly recomend this set to any family interested (and especially those not) in the birth of our nation!