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(More customer reviews)Civil War Journal is an exquisitely appropriate title for this anecdotal examination of the bloodiest conflict in American History. The series is just that; a journal, using the individual memoirs of participants as the foundation for examining various aspects of the war. Some episodes deal with personalities, some with battles, others with peripheral subject matter.
The series does not cover the entire history of the Civil War and makes no effort to do so. In fact, both boxed sets are required to come even close to a complete historical perspective. What would seem a serious weakness proves to be the set's greatest strength.
Since each episode is meant to stand on its own merits (and most succeed handsomely), the subject matter can be approached with a degree of detail and thoroughness that would be impossible if the point were to present a history of the Civil War. Diaries, journals, memoirs and reenactments are carefully interwoven to give the viewer a sense of both intimacy and immediacy. The subject matter comes alive, something that the viewer can connect with both intellectually and emotionally, rather than another dry retelling of historical data.
Because of this unusual and highly effective approach, each episode does stands well on its own. There is no loss of continuity if individual videos are viewed out of sequence, nor is there any need to hurriedly watch one tape after another so as to retain the context.
Reenactors are used liberally throughout the series. The production values are magnificent, and Danny Glover's reserved, understated narration is the crowning touch.
Civil War Journal belongs in the library of any student of American History or any Civil War enthusiast. A truly superb production.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Civil War Journal: Set 1 (6 VHS Set) (1994)
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