Product Details

• Actors: Danny Glover
• Format: Box set, Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 6
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: March 4, 1997
• Run Time: 400 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303026109
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,954 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The battles have been documented, the generals lionized. We have seen the turning points and the sacrifices. Now let CIVIL WAR JOURNAL take you deeper, into the personal stories of the War Between the States. Through diaries, photographs, and factual re-enactments, you'll feel the private and intimate side of the bloody conflict in this epic set hosted by Danny Glover. Includes these Civil War storiesStonewall JacksonDestiny at Fort SumterThe Monitor vs. The CSS VirginiaThe Gray Ghost: John Singleton MosbyThe 54th MassachusettsMcClellan's WayAlexander Gardner: War PhotographerJohn Brown's WarThe Battle of 1st Bull RunPickett's ChargeDays of Darkness: The Gettysburg CiviliansBanners of GloryWest Point Classmates Civil War Enemies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating in-depth look at the War Between the States., May 4, 2000

By 

John A. Kuczma "RogueUlfric" (Marietta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civil War Journal: Set 1 (6 VHS Set) (VHS Tape)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Content, grab this one, but...., December 15, 2002

By 

Kelly A. Bailey (Iowa, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civil War Journal: Set 1 (6 VHS Set) (VHS Tape)

This series has great content covering a wide range of different subjects, battles, and individuals not always included in CW documentaries. I recommend it for all civil war buffs.

Even though I have watched all the shows I pull these off the shelf and watch them when I can't find anything else on TV.

At 45 minutes or so each show, you get a very detailed exploration into the episode's subject matter instead of the general overview you might find in other documentaries. Other reviewers have touched on this already so I won't go into this any further.

My only gripe and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the quality of the tapes. I can't understand why a set costing what this one does would be taped at (EP) mode. What a disappointment, content this good deserved better, and so do we when paying this much for a set like this. Be aware of this when purchasing.

Despite the quality issue, it is worth having because of the great narration, stories, photos, re-enacments etc. - a very well put together series. Enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always informative and a must have!, September 9, 2002

By 

Todd E. Newman (Valparaiso, IN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Civil War Journal: Set 1 (6 VHS Set) (VHS Tape)

Civil War Journal is probably one of the better documentary series on the Civil War produced in the 90's. History is backed by Civil War Historian commentary and these videos are packed full of information regarding battles,lifestyle and famous individuals. Also reenactments are added to add more action to the narration which gives these videos quite a lot for the money. It is a must have for anyone's Civil War library!