The History Channel Presents The Civil War (1999)

From Harper’s Ferry, Fort Sumter, and First Bull Run to Shiloh, Antietam, and Gettysburg, THE HISTORY CHANNEL PRESENTS: THE CIVIL WAR captures the most legendary Civil War battles in brilliant detail. A sweeping selection of the soldiers and legendary leaders who fought these battles, including Sherman, McClellan, Grant, Beauregard, Lee, Davis, and Jackson, are also brought back to life in richly detailed profiles. Through interviews with scholars and historians, reenactments, and their own written words, the full military and political contexts of these men, their armies, and the clashes between them are thoroughly explored.

Excellent programming, odd format

I enjoy Civil War history and decided to add this to my collection. While the programs themselves are enjoyable, I found myself scratching my head as to how this collection was put together.

It's not a "new series" but contains episodes of both The History Channel's "Civil War Journal" and "Civil War Combat" which aired originally in the mid 90's. (Until recently these were often shown on THC in the early morning hours). THC also has a couple of different boxed sets of "Civil War Journal" and some of the episodes here are included. For whatever reason, though, it seems impossible to obtain the ENTIRE collection of this great series. (From what I can determine, the whole series was originally released on VHS some time ago but is no longer available).

Regardless...

It is odd to me also that the various episodes here are presented in no particular order. You would think that something called "The History Channel Presents the Civil War" would perhaps start out with Fort Sumter on volume one, and go in chronological order. However, that's not the case here. Fort Sumter is somewhere on disk 3, I believe.

I feel like some intern at THC said, "Hey, let's take some of these old shows and just throw some of them together as a DVD set!" and someone listened.

Despite my irritation with the format, I really do enjoy this programming. It's just too bad that these great series are not grouped together as ONE boxed set.

Still, this is worthwhile and not too pricey. October 10, 2008

disappointed

I expected more. No discussions on the facts, no timeline explanations, no didatic at all
Merely description of events.
For advanced experts,
If you are a newbie and really want to learn about Civil War do not purchase this.
August 21, 2008

Too biased

The last four videos are too biased and very opinionated. it took away the real truth of the story. Danny Glover and the guest historians explain the story based in their opinions and feelings. August 8, 2008

DVD

This was a gift for my husband who really likes these kinds of movies, so I'm sure it'll be great. He can't wait to find time to watch them. January 15, 2008

History Channel's The Civil War

DVD Set has sent well before the expected delivery date. Excellent DVD set. Engrossing and loved watching it! January 12, 2008

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