Customer Ratings & Reviews

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.

The movie's story includes General Lee beimg offered to lead the Union & not excepting. Formation of the Virginia troops to defend the South. Battle tactics & the initial battles of the Civil War. Exceptionally acted. 90% of the movie is about the leaders of the Confederacy. Well written. History buffs & casual observers will enjoy this movie.

I go to best buy when they put blu ray discs on sale that I want to add to my collection. I like the pick up in store option but sometimes its only available at certain location. You should have the option off having it sent to your best Buy location and picked up there instead of having to travel far from your neighborhood to get it.

The movie lacked a natural flow and story telling mode. Most of the actors sounded like their were reading speeches instead of a natural conversation by the character they played. They went overboard with the dialogue of the time which made it sound unnatural.

I recommend seeing this before Gettysburg as Gettysburg picks up where this leaves off. I like history and thought this to be quite close to factual and sets the stage for Gettysburg nicely and the major players of the day. Really explains each sides views well.

Okay, so my review is based on the fact that the description is incorrect on the website. If the description is changed, then I will change my rating. The description states that this is a 2 disc set. It is not. It is a single disc extended cut.

Having studied history both in high school and college I felt very knowledgeable. This movie gave an excellent insight to the Civil War. There were no attempts to glorify either side of this time in the history of the United States.

A great American story about the early part of the Civil War. This is a great commemorative release coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the war. It includes the fateful clashes at Manassas, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

This movie is good for people interested in war films, but I've seen better. It was way too long, and really boring at times. Plus, the war sequences were eh. If you are into history you will like this, but if not I say skip it.

I enjoyed watching this film and found myself comparing the characters to current action heroes. The sheer grit that these men displayed while doing what they believed in was/is hard to comprehend in today's world.

I love history. The actors present it well. The music and photography is beautiful. I have Gettysburg and am waiting for them to make the Last Full Measure ( I think that is the name of the last book).

A bit long, but I think it needs to be and it takes you back to that time, you need to watch it all in one sitting, do not stop and watch it in segments it will ruin the emotion of it.

Disregard the AMG critic, unless you are a hater of American history. It is a long movie, no doubt, but last time I checked, so was the War of Northern Aggression.

Stephen Lang makes this a better film than it would have been otherwise. HIs acting is superb and the realism is better than most of today's Hollywood films.

When we look back it was really sad that we fought each other. But each side was so certain in its beliefs they went to war. This is a great movie.

Great movie for history buffs. If you enjoy history this is a great movie, If you have no interest in the civil war don't watch you will hate it.

Having seen an earlier release, I was pleased by the extra footage that only improved the story development. That is sometimes not the case.