This is a pretty undefinable little film.  It departs significantly at times from the usual documentary format.  In fact, at times you will (at least I did) wonder if some of the shots aren't staged.  There are a lot of these moments.  So many in fact that it somewhat takes away from the entire experience.

Fortunately, though, none of these moments occur when the camera is out in the field with these guys.  Which is where the shit really hits the fan.  The final scene where the platoon gets split with a squad of Taliban stuck in a ditch between them....  It doesn't get much more harrowing than that.  And brutal.  Scenes like this show just what its like.  Without any sugar coating.  Apart from that it reminded me more of a TV reality show.  Mainly because of the camera/production work that they dressed it up in during the soldiers' down time.  Then the almost "fabricated" soap opera surrounding that ambush which never goes anywhere....

This review is pretty short, I will admit.  It's basically because there isn't a lot to say.  The basic premise is this:  1) Film a bit of the guys before they leave, 2) film them "over there" as various things happen to them, 3) film a bit as they return home.

All that said, I'm going to give this a solid 7/10.  I would have gone less, but the actual "in the field" stuff really does make the "other stuff" not quite so important or distracting overall.  I know this was a pretty acclaimed movie, but I couldn't bring myself to get all excited about it.

One thing I did notice, and I wondered why it wasn't included, because you know at one point one of them said it.  None of them really wondered out loud on camera, "just WTF are we Danes doing here, anyway?"  Especially as their guys get killed and wounded.  I know I'd be thinking it.  Don't get me wrong, the contribution they make to the overall effort over there is invaluable, and greatly appreciated.  I'm speaking on a personal level, from their point of view....

Obviously, all of the dialog is in Danish and subtitled.  Not a problem for me, just need to point this out.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1640680/

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Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Lorber Films
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Janus Metz Pedersen

Reviews

Related posts:

1. 71-Into the Fire (2010)
2. Restrepo (2010)
3. The Pacific (2010)
4. The Pacific Pt. 1 (2010)
5. Green Zone (2010)

...and it does a fine job.  An excellent job, even.  This is quite the examination of history during that time period.  A lot of things I never knew about, or realized, or put the pieces together with.  From the Versailles treaty all the way to Pearl Harbor, you'll be surprised just how many events transpired which, now that we look at it, brought about the inevitability of the second war.

I think a great part of this is the credibility involved here.  Made in the 70's (a short 30 years after WWII), you've got commentary from people who either were *directly* involved in these events, such as host and journalist Eric Sevareid, to a myriad of professors and other figures.

Additionally, you'll get some Hearst Newsreels on each disc, which give a short summary and different perspective of either events that were talked about, or weren't....  Either way, the inclusion of these in this set works to its benefit (versus the earlier WWII in the Pacific set, where the European-theater-centric newsreels didn't make sense.)  I'm not sure of the source of these newsreels, the production and voice-over seem to indicate a much later production date, rather than contemporary pieces.  (Which I'd still like to see a good "movietone news" or similar DVD set from the war!)

The series is presented from a US-centric viewpoint.  Meaning that the events described take place starting from the US' short but pivotal role in WWI, up until Pearl Harbor.  But, it does examine all the other happenings between those two events, including the war in Europe, and Japan's expansion in Asia.  This is key, as a lot of these sort of documentaries merely jump in with both feet at Pearl Harbor, as if nothing at all had happened until then.

If you're a military history buff, then this is a must-have.  The films themselves appear to have been rescued, but not restored.  I only mention this because they do appear rather rough at times, and I wouldn't want anyone thinking you're getting anything different.  I don't have a problem with this at all.  This is about preservation mostly, and I'm glad that Readers' Digest and Questar have put this series to disc for the archives, instead of letting the film or tape turn to dust in some closet somewhere.

The Road to World War II officially releases October 18, with a sticker price of $49.99, although Amazon (and likely others) has it for less.

Here's a summary of the episode titles, which should give you an idea of the series comprehensive look....

Disc 1: 1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolationism 3. The First Salt Talks

Disc 2: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs

Disc 3: 1. FDR and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power

Disc 4: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America

Disc 5: 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War

Disc 6: 1. FDR and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor

Bonus Features: Exclusive Heart Newsreels showcase the era leading up to WW II

The entire series is also available to "rent" on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fh11LMYSrk&list=SL&feature=sh_e_se

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Road to World War II List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $30.00 You save: $19.99 (40%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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This classic documentary series, The Road to WWII, follows the events that inevitably sparked World War II, capturing the drama, the excitement and the juxtapositions of these crucial years between the end of World War I and Pearl Harbor. Former CBS News correspondent and commentator, Eric Sevareid, one of the world's most respected  figures in journalism, presents this extraordinary series which features  stunning original newsreels, soundtracks, and rare archival footage. It was the era of Lucky Lindy, bootleg, Babe Ruth, Valentino and assembly-line Fords. It was also the time of market collapse, Klan meetings, demagogues abroad, red scares at home and bread lines. The best of times, the worst of times, and the times in which the United States reluctantly moved center stage.  The Road to WWII is an innovative 16-part series that examines this crucial time as it progressed from the Armistice in 1918 to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. You will see the people who made history, hear their voices, and revisit the sites of events where consequence occurred. From the election of Roosevelt, to the rise of Hitler in Germany, it's all here. Disc 1: 1. Versailles: The Lost Peace 2. Return to Isolationism 3. The First Salt Talks Disc 2: 1. Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy 2. The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs Disc 3: 1. FDR and Hitler: The Rise to Power 2. FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power Disc 4: 1. America in the Pacific 2. The Recognition of Russia 3. Latin America Disc 5: 1. The Italian-Ethiopian War 2. The Spanish Civil War 3. The Phony War Disc 6: 1. FDR and Churchill 2. Japan Invades China 3. War Comes to Pearl Harbor Bonus Features: Exclusive Heart Newsreels showcase the era leading up to WW II

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Questar
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Eric Sevareid

Reviews

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2. Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
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4. Inglorious Bastards (Quel Maledetto Treno Blindato, 1978)
5. The Bomber (2011)

official website: http://actofvalor.com/

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Short version:  Russian Bomber pilot Andrei Grivstov (Nikia Efremoy) is shot down over German territory, along with his love and radio operator Katia (Ekaterina Astakhova), and his Navigator, who was able to parachute before they crash.  They are separated, as he goes to prison, escapes to fight with guerillas and eventually work his way back to "the world", while Katia is able to infiltrate the German command.  The both of them at times are unknowingly close to each other, but never meet again, until the end (whoops! spoiler! But you knew it was coming....)  His navigator, well, I'll have to let you watch it for that.

I say short version, because a) This movie is three hours long, and b) It is really fairly complex as far as the plot goes.  Forget about a nice, simple, romance set in WWII Europe.  The romance is pretty ancillary to the rest of the movie, as is the entire "bomber" premise.  Really the aviation aspect only plays out in the first section of the movie, as Grivstov and his crew are nearly shot down once, then actually shot down shortly thereafter.

What you do get, though, is a complex web of a tale of loyalty, intrigue, combat, and betrayal.  I'm not even going to begin to try to explain the finer details of the plot.  It manages to take several different twists and turns, and does so without that "meandering" feel that can sometimes happen.  From their initial crash landing, separation, their separate stories which nearly brings them together a couple of times, the tension between pilot and navigator, the German-induced subversion....  like I said, it can get complicated.  But it all pans out in the end.  Keep in mind this was initially a TV miniseries, so with that in mind, it makes even more sense.

A big theme of the film (as I saw it with my western eyes) was the ruthlessness of the Russian command.  From the beginning where Grivstov is nearly labelled a conspirator for no good reason, to later on when he actually is labelled such (again for no good reason, with no evidence but a photo).... and contrasted with the German command....   Its a fair portrayal of the lesser of two evils.  The Stalin regime basically not being much better than what they were fighting, but having to defend their homeland out of necessity....

Production wise I was suitably impressed with The Bomber.  Any preconceived notions about the Russians making substandard movies should be chucked right out the window.  The only failing to my untrained eye was the CG airborne effects at the beginning.  They're still quite excellent, though.  Historically accurate? I can't say, but I "bought it", if you take my meaning.

The acting was really the high point of the film, though.  The two (three?) principals here really held their own throughout.  I can't give enough credit here.

But the action, especially during the final "train" combat sequence, was really, really excellent.  Coupled with the aforementioned attention to production (think blowing up trains and bridges) and I was never let down.

If there was a major flaw, I'd have to say it was the subtitles' translations.  I don't know Russian to save my own life, but some of the translations given either didn't make sense, used incorrect words/phrases for the context, or were themselves a mash of "foreign english."  Leaving out words/grammar that we would consider normal.....  A minor nitpick, I know, but a times could leave you having to translate the translation.

And, like I said, don't worry about the "love story" getting in the way.  It doesn't.  It is what drives the film to its final conclusion, but really at no point does the film really make any concessions to it.  That's just my opinion.

The Bomber is definitely worth the foray if you can get a copy (its not out in the states to my knowledge) and can sit down for a few hours, and actually get involved in a decently thought through story.  You won't be disappointed.

(Amazon link/info below is to the UK site... FYI)

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Binding: DVD
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Audience Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Brand: REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT
Manufacturer: Revolver Entertainment
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Related posts:

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2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
5. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)

In this version, Marshal (James Purefoy) is one of the famed Knights Templar, and becomes involved with the Barons whom King John has now effectively declared war on.  They make their stand at Rochester Castle, where he (inevitably) is conflicted by his vows to the church and his order, and his feelings for Rochester's daughter, Isabel (Kate Mara.)  Here, they manage to stave off the English army, almost literally to the last man (and woman) until the French arrive and save the day.  Again, not what happened.

As an action movie, though, it pretty much fits the bill.  Although it is an extremely graphic one.  Extremely.  There is enough blood visibly spilled, along with severed limbs and heads to fill more than a few buckets.  As an accurate depiction of medieval combat, I'm pretty sure they got pretty close to the mark.  But after a while you just start to go, "oh, man, that was unnecessary!"  Especially when Albany (Brian Cox) is, um, dispatched.

Purefoy is suitably stoic as Marshal, maybe too much so.  Kate Mara won't be winning any Oscars here, and the casting of Paul Giamatti as King John is either pure genius or a royal (ha) screwup.  He's just crazy enough to pull it off, which he does, but you've seen him enough in other movies as "that crazy guy" that it doesn't quite seem right.

So, put away the textbooks, and prepare your stomach.  Ironclad is a pretty decent medieval action/combat picture based in a compressed, altered version of English history.  I still have to give it a mere 6/10, though.  It's fair, but its not all that great.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233301/

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Ironclad [Blu-ray] List Price: $25.99 Sale Price: $13.92 You save: $12.07 (46%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Studio: Anderson Merchandisers L Release Date: 07/26/2011 Run time: 121 minutes Rating: R

DVD Information

Binding: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Image Entertainment
Manufacturer: Arc Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Paul Giamatti
• Brian Cox

Reviews

Related posts:

1. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
2. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)
3. The Bomber (2011)
4. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
5. Gods and Generals (2003/2011, Blu Ray Director’s Cut)

Of course those of us who religiously watched news websites from '97-'99 when the Star Wars prequel trilogy first started materializing recognize the name.  First thought to be a 'code name' for the first of those, but then, no, it might actually be a real movie... blah blah....  and here it is.

I will say I am looking forward to this, if nothing else for some amazing aerial combat scenes.  Even if a few look a bit far fetched (that stall maneuver being one of them!)...  If you look carefully, though, you'll see that they've recreated, quite faithfully some of the most iconic bits of stock footage of B-17 bomber raids, and casualties.  Most obvious is the "folding wing" bit of reel that never fails to make me cringe.....

Anyway, check out the trailer, and the link to the official movie site.  Oh wait, there doesn't seem to be one.  Shame on you Lucasfilm!!

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The backstory:  98-pound weakling Steve Rogers gets tapped for a government experiment to create a new breed of "super soldiers" to fight the Nazis in Europe.  Only it turns out there is a more sinister menace to deal with.  That of course is the still more ambitious world-domination-bent group HYDRA, helmed by the more-evil-than-Hitler "Red Skull" aka Johann Schmit.  After his initial transformation, he's sent out to be a spokesperson in a "Captain America" themed war bond tour, finally ending up in Europe and having to rescue his best friend, Bucky Barnes.  He's re-re-purposed (back to his original, uh, purpose) and he and his team hunt down Hydra's bases and ultimately (as always, without spoiling the fun) the good guys win.

I'm not about to debate the merits of this movie from a realistic or historic point of view.  Because it really hasn't any.  But that's not the point.  Actually, I fear a lot of the subtler points of the movie will be lost on today's generation, who a) don't understand a lot of WWII history, and b) don't get things like war bond drives and 4F jokes.

Of course, the real purpose of this film is to set up an "Avengers" movie somewhere down the road, along with the other recent Marvel onscreen characters Thor, Iron Man, and probably another Hulk movie.  (I can't remember if the last one was part of this effort or not!)  So yeah, SHIELD will make an obvious appearance here.  There's also a subtle tie-in to the Thor movie at the beginning, but its done in a way that if you didn't see Thor, you're not left scratching your head.

All-in all, there's lots of war-movie-like action to be had.  Even if it does involve human-vaporizing laser weapons, various Nazi-might-have-beens and other obvious anachronisms.  Actually I felt in a lot of places certain elements may have been "borrowed" from Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Such as the giant and imagined flying wing aircraft, and Schmit's scientist sidekick looking suspiciously like Major Toht at times.  Don't miss the visit by Himmler and Goebbels to Hydra's compound either, another moment probably lost on a lot of people as I don't think it was explained who they were.  At least it looked like it was supposed to be them. *shrug*

But what I thought really made this movie was its "respect" if you will for the entire character and mythos of Captain America, and the time he was conceived in.  Just another kid from Brooklyn turned super hero during the war.  The whole war bond tour and 4F routine, while probably foreign to a lot of viewers, are a big tip-of-the-hat to past war movies.  And, I've heard a lot of complaining about the in-your-face patriotism and "propaganda" present in this film, BUT THAT'S KIND OF THE POINT, isn't it?!  If anything it only makes everything better.

Chris Evans has the looks and chemistry to pull off this character big time, I can't say anything bad there.  They definitely found their "All American Boy."   Of course you've got to have a female character/love interest, and Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter manages to be a strong, yet somehow stereotypical 40's female character at the same time.  Hugo Weaving is (as always) menacing as the evil Red Skull, even if the character's makeup kept reminding me of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden's mascot, Eddie.   And Tommy Lee Jones steals the show all around as Col. Philips, managing to be both the archetypal hard-ass superior and the source of a lot of straight-man comic relief.  Then there's the Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) character.  I've heard a lot of griping from the comic-purist community about how this was handled, and not knowing anything about the character's previous incarnations, I still thought it sucked.

The rest of the good Captain's team just seems to be along for the ride, though, which is understandable, not everyone can be front and center.  And (as I said) there is a cameo near the end by Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role from Iron Man 2 as part of the SHIELD organization.

What can go wrong?  Turns out, that much like Thor, there is a great deal of time spent on explaining the "origin" bit, which leaves precious little time for action.  From Roger's initial transformation and "discovery" we're left with quite a lull in the action.  Get past it, though, and it doesn't stop.

So, if you're willing to shut off your brain for a couple of hours, sit back and enjoy the ride, Captain America: The First Avenger just might take you back to the glory days of superheroes and war movies at the same time.  Maybe.  It did me, anyway.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/

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2. The Road to World War II (1978, 2011)
3. Ironclad (2011)
4. The Bomber (2011)
5. Gettysburg (1993/2011, Director’s Cut, Blu Ray)

Gods and Generals follows the Civil War from before its beginnings, nearly up to the battle of Gettysburg.  Actually, it seems to almost be more of a biopic of Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson than anything.  The majority of the film focuses on him and his "Stonewall" brigade, and the film more-or-less ends with his death.  It is highly biased in this regard, and if you've got any prejudices against this, well, then you're going to be disappointed.  Going in I expected this, and was actually somewhat surprised and pleased with the outcome here.  (See my later comment regarding the "Gods" aspect of the title!)

The acting.  That's more like it.  I'm not sure if it was direction or what that made the difference here, but Robert Duvall absolutely did not disappoint me as Gen. Robert E. Lee.  He made Martin Sheen's effort in Gettysburg look amateurish, (sorry!)....  And Stephen Lang was stellar as Gen. Jackson.  I didn't even recognize Bruce Boxleitner under that beard as Gen. Longstreet, although the character's role here was minor compared to in Gettysburg.  Speaking of facial hair (lol) kudos for the makeup team for at least making everyone look "au natural" more so than the last go round!

I think the pacing was superior here as well.  Firstly it was clearly delineated into it's five separate segments, which I'm assuming correlated to how it was shown on television.  I also didn't feel like there were any scenes that were overly drawn out like in Gettysburg.  When you're talking about 4+ hours of screen time, this is important.  I will have to go back and view Gettysburg again to compare this to it.

You'll recognize a lot of faces returning from Gettysburg here as well, including Jeff Daniels as Col. Chamberlain, C. Thomas Howell as the younger Chamberlain, William Morgan Shepard as Gen. Trimble, Kevin Conway as Sgt. Kilrain, among others.  All of whom, along with the entire supporting cast this time, really shined.  I didn't find myself rolling my eyes at any of the "extras" like I did in Gettysburg, either.  That I remember anyway.

I am confused, though, at the inclusion of the strange subplot involving John Wilkes Booth.  I kept expecting the picture to follow through all the way to this subplot's logical conclusion, but it never did.  I'm not sure why it was included at all, to be honest.  It really does nothing except show his disdain for the Union and his hatred for Pres. Lincoln, and without concluding that, it makes no sense to me at all.

I also have a theory on why this, and Gettysburg, seem to be so focused on, and in a lot of ways "sympathetic" towards the Confederacy's cause.  Keep in mind that both of these movies/mini-series were produced by and for one of Atlanta's favorite sons, Ted Turner for his networks.  Is this somehow indicative of his own personal politics?  I don't know, its just a theory.  I hope that its not the case.  He does have cameos in both films, and his appearance here was almost self-serving.

As a mini-biopic of Gen. Stonewall Jackson, Gods and Generals really is a success.  The "Gods" bit referring, likely, to the legend that surrounds both Jackson and Lee in the history of the Civil War.  In the end, though, they prove to be only ordinary men.

As for the Blu Ray, I'm chalking up the superior picture and sound to the technology available at the time of production.  It's really a wonderful presentation.  The sound is excellent, with the surround channels kicking in as those slugs whiz by, and the LFE's hammering home as the cannons fire.  The picture is equally superior, (and in full scope BTW), but you really can't compare the two movies in this respect.  I did notice one scene (but only one) with the annoying "low light noise" problem.

I'm not sure I recommend this one as much as a school history lesson, as it is significantly more violent and bloody in parts.  Not many, but the ones that are show quite a bit, that it could prove problematic.

So, yeah, I'm going a full on 8/10 here.  As an overall package I felt this to be the superior of the two.

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Gods and Generals (Two-Disc Extended Director's Cut in Blu-ray Book Packaging) List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $15.99 You save: $19.00 (54%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Reedited from beginning to end with amplified scenes and an added subplot, this all-new 2-Disc Extended Director's Cut of Ronald F. Maxwell's Gettysburg prequel restores his original vision of the fierce allegiances and combat of the early American Civil War. From Jeffrey M. Shaara's bestseller, this commemorative release coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the North/South conflict incorporates an hour of footage never seen before. The story of actor and future Presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth (Chris Conner) is newly integrated throughout the narrative alongside the legendary heroism of Joshua Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang) and Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall). And the battle of Antietam is now included along with the fateful clashes at Manassas, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

DVD Information

Binding: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Bros.
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Jeff Daniels
• Stephen Lang

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2. The Last Samurai (2003, Blu-ray)
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5. The Fog of War – Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara (2003)

This film chronicles the events on both sides, surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.  It does so in a pretty good "historical drama" type of format, with some caveats... keep reading.

First off.  The Director's cut weighs in at a whopping 271 minutes.  Which seems like a lot (and it is) but consider that the original was "only" 261 minutes.  So pencil in a full afternoon for this one.  Once you get going into it, it really doesn't seem like that long, thankfully.  But I think I can spot the scenes that were left on the floor originally.  At least some of them.

I also can't speak to the historical accuracy of much (if any) of the movie, I haven't' done my homework, so keep that in mind.

I have to say, that this really could be more of an epic/classic film than it is.  It suffers on a few points, unfortunately.  The soundtrack being one of them.  I see plenty of reviews about how "emotional" and "moving" it is.  It actually could be, if it didn't sound like it came from a computer.  From the beginning, it had that "canned" feel to it.  A minor pick I know, but when you're dealing with 4+ hrs of screen time, it matters.

Second, there are some scenes which, and I should pick my words carefully, felt like they were either afterthoughts, rushed, reshoots, or something I'm not sure of.  The acting in them was wooden, especially (and surprisingly) at times from Martin Sheen (Gen. Lee) and Tom Berenger (Gen. Longstreet) ....  On the other hand, Jeff Daniels (Col. Chamberlain) and Sam Elliot (Gen. Buford) had it down.  I'm not sure whether or not to chalk this up to character acting or what.  It is decidedly difficult to recreate a persona based on written accounts and photos, which I suspect is what happened here.

On the other hand.  Once you get past some of the "closer in" talking heads scenes, as a historical battlefield drama it really is quite good.  I'm talking epic-scale.  Forget about your computer generated armies here, folks, what you have is hundreds of re-enactors out there on the battlefield recreating one of the bloodiest scenes of the Civil War.  It is really an impressive and jaw-dropping sight.  The movie also manages to convey just how particularly dreadful conditions were, how completely wasteful battles like this were, and the widely disparate conditions between officers and "grunts."

I did find it curious (as others who have reviewed it) that this movie would seem to side more with the Confederacy in its presentation.  The (drawn out) scene with Gen. Lee rousing the troops before the charge was a particular example of this.  A disproportionate amount of screen time seemed to be given to the South "behind the scenes", maybe due to Sheen and Berenger, getting them more screen time, who's to say.  I suspect some of the Lee scene, and some of the more lengthy battle scenes may have been dropped for the original release, maybe someone who has seen both can comment.

There are some poignant moments on the side of the Union, as well, particularly as it pertains to Chamberlain and Buford and their respective men.   Good stuff that should not be overlooked, but more could have been done with them.   A scene with the younger Chamberlain brother (C. Thomas Howell) and some captured "Rebs", is also not to be missed.

As for the Blu Ray presentation...  Not bad at all.  The sound inparticular is brilliant.  When those cannons start firing, hold onto your seat, because you will feel it there.  Picture wise, it appears to be an accurate and faithful representation of a '93 film, grain and all.  Not a bad thing, just don't expect crystal-clear HD.  No visible "black noise" to be found.  I have not delved into the extras yet, either.  The "book" retail packaging is a nice touch, tons better than those cheap little blue plastic things, and will stand out for sure on your shelf.

I would highly recommend this movie, even parts of it, as an educational tool in the classroom.  (Spread out over an entire week to be sure!)  It isn't particularly gory (it could have been), and no profanity or "adult bits" that I recall.

I will have to go back and watch this again, maybe a couple more times.  I think the length itself causes a bit of that "too long, didn't read" syndrome, which can cause you to stop paying real close attention.  And it did happen to me a couple of times.  Who knows, it may grow on me more!  I will have to do my homework next time as well

I have to cave, though, despite the things I didn't like above and give Gettysburg a 7/10.  The sheer scope of the film alone is worth it, and if it gets you interested in history then even better.  Overall, I actually did enjoy it when it was over, believe it or not.

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Gettysburg: Director's Cut (Blu-ray Book Packaging) List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $20.49 You save: $14.50 (41%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Description

Marking the 150th-anniversary commemoration of the Civil War, Ronald F. Maxwell’s acclaimed film now arrives in a Director’s Cut featuring 17 minutes of compelling additional footage. Filmed at actual battle locations and full of authentic details, this rousing and soulful movie plunges you into the heat of the bloodiest battle fought on American soil. History comes alive with intense and spirited battles as well as the dilemmas, motivations and fears of the leaders. Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen and Stephen Lang star in this magnificent epic based on Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Killer Angels.

Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book The Killer Angels, this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in Gettysburg they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. Oh, and you can also try to spot Ted Turner, whose company produced the film, as a Confederate soldier. Writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell seems inspired by the gravity of the battle; long as it is, every moment of Gettysburg is informed by a nobility of purpose. --Robert Horton

DVD Information

Binding: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Turner
Manufacturer: Warner
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Tom Berenger
• Martin Sheen
• Stephen Lang
• Jeff Daniels
• Richard Jordan

Reviews

Related posts:

1. Gods and Generals (2003/2011, Blu Ray Director’s Cut)
2. Stalingrad (1993)
3. Sniper (1993)
4. Heaven & Earth (1993)
5. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

Because (for the most part) this picture is pretty danged good.  I "say for the most part" since, well, I wasn't all that taken with the acting, at first.  But that notion quickly faded when the action started, and barely let up.

When a replacement anti-tank squad gets dropped off in the middle of the 1945 winter, in the middle of nowhwere, Calvin Mayer (Derek Simmons) and the squad find themselves snatched up by a mine platoon led by Sgt. Bowen (Paul Wendell) and Lt. Westman (Travis Estes) and their expectations are quickly thrown on the ground and stomped on, as they get tapped for mission after mission until... well I don't want to spoil it all, since there are some twists I didn't expect.  Primarily, though, its about Mayer and how he quickly and unwillingly finds himself in the same shoes as Bowen....  Bonds are made, friends are lost, and fears overcome.....

Two things really took hold of me while watching this.  First off, the production.  From the opening sequence (and be sure to watch the extras, glad they added this) its clear that this was a no-holds-barred labor of love to get things right.  With the help of some WWII reenactment groups and the like (I don't have the details handy) they managed to piece together a more complete and more-or-less accurate inventory of uniforms, hardware, vehicles, etc. than I've seen in a lot of hollywood productions.  It's really damned impressive, and its actually noticable, right down to some of the weapons and details.  I realize it isn't 100% perfect (from some other reviews I've read) but, just wow, man.

Then there's the direction, most notably during the combat sequences.  It's just frenetic and intense.  At times it was highly reminiscent of scenes from Band of Brothers or Private Ryan.  Further proof that you don't need a big wallet to pull this kind of thing off.  Tons of handheld "following" shots, getting right into the mix and pulling no punches.  The editing and pacing here is excellent as well, keeping you right in the fight, without drawing you into endless 'rattattat' scenes as so often happens.

Something else I have to mention that I really liked here.  Was the sound and effects production, or maybe I should say lack of "production" here, if that makes sense.  There really isn't (at least not noticably) a lot of obvious sound work and effects added here.  The weapons sound like you would expect them to sound in the middle of the woods on a quiet winter morning.  Each with its own particular sound and character.  Grenades and shells don't explode with huge fireballs and billowing smoke, and they don't here either.

Also of note are the extras on the DVD.  If you want to get into the mind of a filmmaker and know *why* some decisions are made, regarding what gets kept, what gets thrown out, why certain things are done....  The "making of" and "deleted scenes" here are excellent.  Well explained without dumbing anything down, I have to appreciate that.  The effort and thought that went into production really comes across in the extras as well.  (Good move on the opening sequence, too, Chris.  You were absolutely correct about making a good first impression!)

Like I said in my review of The Thundering 8th, passion and intentions go a long way towards making a good film, especially when it comes across in the final product, like it has here.  I have to go high, with a final 7/10.

Link: 88mm Productions

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Description

Studio: Video Communications Inc. Release Date: 02/01/2011 Run time: 93 minutes Rating: Nr

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Brand:
Manufacturer: VCI Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Derek Simmons
• R. Travis Estes
• Paul Wendell
• Christopher T. Macke
• Brock Roberts

Reviews

Related posts:

1. The Pacific Pt. 1 (2010)
2. The Pacific (2010)
3. Green Zone (2010)
4. Restrepo (2010)
5. 71-Into the Fire (2010)