Excellent extended edition. Adds depth to the narrative and the tensions early on in the war.

Being a big Civil War buff I had to buy this remastered blu-ray of the epic 2003 film about the early years and major battles of the war. It's a long movie told in five parts and it spans the major events of the war prior to Gettysburg (another movie called Gettysburg by the same director covers that major battle). The characters are brought to life and vividly portrayed by a great ensemble cast led by Stephen Lang as Stonewall Jackson and Robert Duvall as Robert E. Lee. The battle scenes were excellently staged and filmed and this film could serve as course material for a history class it's so authentic. The one thing I didn't like about the film is that is slightly biased from the Confederate point of view.

Story opens in the very early summer of 1861 in Washington, DC with Col. Robert E. Lee, US Army being offered promotion and the command of the entire US Army which he “politely” declined. The seeds of internal war were being sown early-on and many young men on both sides – North & South – formed up for the civil war that laid ahead and did not realize the coming wrath of it all. The script is spoken in the “talk of the times” and conveys the deep religious convictions of both competing parties. Its story-line, based on real events, can be at times very touching and the emotion of the moment is delivered to the viewer in a memorable way. See it! Enjoy it! But Remember it – for it is the moral fiber of our American Nation and history that we as a Nation must and need to understand!

Movie explains background of major battles in the early years of the Civil War, mostly (as it seemed to me), from the Southern military perspective, with Stonewall Jackson the prominent personality. Battle scenes, discussion of strategy to be used, and interaction between generals is very interesting. Historical accuracy may be questioned by real Civil War enthusiast, but worth seeing and critiquing especially for people with interest in the Civil War. Allow plenty of time to watch, or plan for 2 sessions.

When you get together a cast like this you should expect greatness. I enjoyed this story and the acting immensely. There have been many books written and many movies made about the War Between the States and this film shows the emotion and belief that both sides had in their positions. One for the collection next to Gone With The Wind, Gettysburg, and Glory.