| Happy Wanderer | 19 Sep 2009 3:35 p.m. PST |
Gents, There are a lot of DVD presentations out there now on the Civil War. SO many in fact I'm sure some would be better than others. In your opinion what DVDs best go to the telling interesting in depth analysis of the leaders, battles and campaigns that are so many and varied throughout the war. Off course I have Ken Burns' magnum opus – The Civil War – and I know there are many History channel specials as well (not sure what is any good in amongst that lot. Any advice to avoid me buying those of limited value or superficial interest would be appreciated. I am looking for some in depth analysis and insight. Something I can go back to much as I do a book because of its quality. Regards Happy Wanderer/ |
| CPBelt | 19 Sep 2009 4:46 p.m. PST |
I have to admit that I get more out of Gettysburg movie than most History Channel ACW DVDs. You just have to imagine the regiments far larger than shown in the movie, or in any HC DVD for that matter. |
| Who asked this joker | 19 Sep 2009 4:48 p.m. PST |
Glory. Second on Gettysburg. |
 Extra Crispy  | 19 Sep 2009 5:05 p.m. PST |
I'll be honest. I've seen dozens and dozens of these documentaries and other than the Burns' series there are none I'd go back to. As enjoyment like watching your favorite movie, sure, but not as "reference." |
| Juan Kerr | 19 Sep 2009 5:17 p.m. PST |
I know it is a lil corny but "Red Bad of Courage" with Audie Murphy always get my in the mood for ACW gaming. |
| Stosstruppen | 19 Sep 2009 5:21 p.m. PST |
Civil War Journal isn't bad |
| Billy Yank | 19 Sep 2009 5:23 p.m. PST |
If you are looking for documentaries, Antietam National Battlefield has an excellent documentary on the battle that they run at their welcome center. I've watched it numerous times and I still learn new things each time. I think you can buy it on their website. Regards! -Billy Yank |
 Murphy | 19 Sep 2009 5:31 p.m. PST |
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| John Leahy | 19 Sep 2009 6:38 p.m. PST |
The series on Civil War combat is pretty good. Thanks, John |
| vojvoda | 20 Sep 2009 1:55 a.m. PST |
Ken Burns on DVD! None better. Glory is a must have along with Gettysburg. I have most of the Gettysburg series (Gettysburg in Miniature etc) on VHS and thinking about getting a bunch more when I am up at Gettysburg for Fall In!
VR
James Mattes |
| 7th Va Cavalry | 20 Sep 2009 5:22 a.m. PST |
And for PURE historical accuracy, don't forget Sante Fe with Reagan and Flynn with its awesome Harper's Ferry scene.
I'm kidding of course! |
| Ryan T | 20 Sep 2009 11:38 a.m. PST |
I'll second Murphy's endorsement of anything from Wide Awake Films. They know what they are doing and make a great product. Their web site is: link Trailers of their work can be found on YouTube at: YouTube link |
| archstanton73 | 20 Sep 2009 5:00 p.m. PST |
Ken Burns documentary was put on here in Great Britain over Christmas a good few years ago--it was so good even my mum was interested!!! |
| Marcus Ulpius Trajanus | 21 Sep 2009 11:42 a.m. PST |
Ken Burns for sure, Gettysburg the Movie and hell, even Gods and Generals is good, if you FF past the sentimental bits and Glory is up there too of course. I've always had a soft spot for the Horse Soldiers too. OK so its Hollywood/John Wayne style history but at least its based on fact and all that horse flesh looks great on screen! |
| Marcus Ulpius Trajanus | 21 Sep 2009 11:45 a.m. PST |
Sante Fe? Is that the one where they are all cadets at West Point when the war starts, or an I thinking of the one where Flynn gets to be Custer? Or indeed, are these the same movie! |
| Marcus Ulpius Trajanus | 21 Sep 2009 11:46 a.m. PST |
No, Hold the Phone – isn't the Custer one "They Died With Their Boots On"? |
| donlowry | 21 Sep 2009 2:12 p.m. PST |
During or after his presidency, someone asked Reagan what was the hardest thing he ever had to do, and he said, work with Errol Flynn. :) |
| Happy Wanderer | 21 Sep 2009 11:01 p.m. PST |
Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions. Kind Regards Happy W |
| Rudysnelson | 22 Sep 2009 1:34 p.m. PST |
Approaching the telling of history from a more personal level are the LionHeart films. these use reactors to increase the feel of every day life. You can now find some at your local video store. I compare them to the telling a novel appraoch. |
| nbforrest | 23 Sep 2009 1:46 a.m. PST |
for me the best documentary has to be ken burns civil war,the best movies are john waynes the horse soldiers and clint eastwoods the outlaw josey wales |
| Old Slow Trot | 23 Sep 2009 12:27 p.m. PST |
That would be "Santa Fe Trail",BTW. |
| firstvarty1979 | 23 Sep 2009 1:00 p.m. PST |
RudyNelson said: "these use reactors to increase the feel of every day life." Would those be nuclear reactors? :P |
| Rob UK | 23 Sep 2009 5:30 p.m. PST |
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| BF Mark | 22 Oct 2009 3:32 p.m. PST |
In addition to those already mentioned, one of my favorites is Ride with the Devil, directed by Ang Lee – Toby McGuire as a bushwacker in Missouri sometimes riding with Quantrill. Not a lot of action, but a rare large-scale cavalry fight. Mark |
couldn't say 'no' to this opportunity!