When the Forest Ran Red

Twenty years before the Revolutionary War, the British, French, and Native American empires fight for control of the American wilderness. Here George Washington begins his military career at the center of a murder mystery, and suffers defeat at Fort Necessity. In response, British General Edward Braddock leads an army to America and marches on the French, leading to a surprise battle that will change American history.

Shot at major battlefields with armies of living historians, When the Forest Ran Red earned six awards, including a MUSE Award from the American Association of Museums and recognition by the American Association of State and Local History. The film continues to air on PBS stations across the country.

When the Forest Ran Red features commentary by the world's top experts, including Fred Anderson (author of Crucible of War), Stephen Brumwell (author of Redcoats and Paths of Glory), Paul Kopperman (author of Braddock at the Monongahela), and R. David Edmunds (author of The Shawnee Prophet).

Remastered in 2007, the Ultimate Edition features the mini-documentary, Making When the Forest Ran Red, the 50-minute video, A Fast and Dangerous Game that deepens the historical presentation, a 20-minute fireside chat with historian Paul Kopperman about Braddock's Defeat, deleted scenes, trailers, and more. Product Description

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This was definitely more of an educational documentary. Still worth watching and very factual, it covers the French and Indian wars roots. It talks about Fort Necessity and the massacre at Fort DuQuense. I found the PBS documentary "The War the Made America" much more engaging and entertaining. It also covered more ground. Again, this was a good DVD but I would watch the PBS one again before I would watch this one. October 9, 2007

When the Forest Ran Red

I found this video to be highly informative. It was well presented and well acted. The audio and video aspects were first rate and I would highly recommend this film to anyone interested in the early history of the United States. February 20, 2007

well done documentary

This DVD gives a great portrayal of the British campaigns against the French during the French and Indian War. Its well researched and portrayed well.. I show it to my American History classes.. jh January 5, 2007

F&I War With Washington at the front

When the Forest Ran Red gives a look at the spark that started the French & Indian (aka 7 years war) between England & France. Filming was done well, reenactors filled the role very well and the overall scenery was outstanding. Affording a new or more extended view on George Washington and Braddock's Defeat near modern day Pittsburgh showing the old world vs new world fighting tactics that lead to the defeat of Braddock.

Interesting side note around the fact that several future great "personalities" were at the Battle, these included Horatio Gates, Daniel Boone, Dan Morgan and Thomas Gage in addition to Washington.

Minuses: The character that portrayed Washington just did not fill the bill. October 18, 2006

Fantastic DVD on French and Indian War!

This is a special release of the video of the same name (see my review of _When the Forest Ran Red_ VHS). However, this version has about 10 minutes of extra footage. The DVD focuses on the early part of the French and Indian War, most specifically on little-known, but important, Braddock's Defeat. Within this time frame, we follow George Washington and learn of his many mistakes and watch him grow as a leader. We see how Washington gained valuable experience in leadership and warfare that would serve him as leader of the Revolutionary forces. I was also interested to hear of the various native tribes as participants in the war with their own geo-political goals and aspirations and not just as pawns of the British or French.
The presentation is great and the information is interesting and important for an understanding of early American history. There are pictures, reenactments, and comments from scholars and historians. I was happy to see that a British historian was included. I give this documentary my highest recommendation. April 5, 2006

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