Product Details

• Directors: Mark Bussler
• Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Inecom Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: September 24, 2002
• Run Time: 180 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00006JDSF
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,909 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

EXPLORING THE LIFE OF THE CONFEDERATE SOLDIER

Though people often remember the generals and commanders from a major war, its outcome also depends largely on the nameless soldiers in the front lines. Illuminating little known history, CIVIL WAR MINUTES® - Confederate 2 DVD Box Set features rarely told stories of both the famous and average Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. This film reveals the intimate details of the soldiers' lives in their own words, such as their weapons of choice, their uniforms and how soldiers formed fellowships during the war that lasted throughout their lives.
How did General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson earn his nickname? How did both Union and Confederate soldiers wield Confederate General John Chambliss' sword? This comprehensive documentary highlights never-before-told stories of Confederate soldiers, including accounts of the Battle at Fort Sumter and a Confederate After Action Report at Gettysburg.
Covering why few wartime photographs exist of General Robert E. Lee and an eyewitness account of J.E.B. Stuart's death, CIVIL WAR MINUTES® - Confederate has a wealth of facts and stories of major Confederate players in the Civil War.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kraus makes his stand in Dixie! Excellent sources!, October 25, 2002

By 

Todd E. Newman (Valparaiso, IN) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Civil War Minutes - Confederate DVD Box Set (DVD)

Continuing his great series of bringing the Civil War closer to home, Michael Kraus is back with this very informative 2-disc set featuring three hours of material. This set doesn't waste time with boring introduction or biographies on key leaders such as Lee or Jackson which I found very refreshing. Instead, Kraus gets straight to the point on featuring interesting everyday subjects such as fighting knives, musket tools, letters and ammunition. Though these subjects common to the everyday soldier are just a piece of this fine production. Kraus digs deep with rare and often overlooked subject matter such as clothing details, grave markers, Morgan's Raiders, French Leave, housewifes and warhorses. In appreciation and awe, Kraus is always careful in not having his actors in his production wearing 'farb' clothing which definately adds a true flavor to this segment.

I enjoyed viewing the fine close-up views on a track featuring information regarding a Confederate General's coat. Kraus features an actual coat worn by an officer and allows the camera to zoom in on the coat itself to see the fine stitching and elaborate details which could be very helpful for reenactors looking for detail often not seen in books. Kraus brings actual period items to life in this production and the camera views are very crisp which helps define the character of the item and also the individual that may have used them during the war.

I have all of Michael Kraus' material on DVD and was not disappointed in this Confederate based presentation. For those looking for information regarding a battle or popular figures this DVD set is not for you. I found this production completely informative and probably wouldn't recommend it for someone who doesn't have a general knowledge of the war or it's concepts. It may not have the quality of production that would be seen on a history channel but far exceeds anything done on television as it's not vague or bland. I can't wait for the next Kraus production and highly recommend this set! 5 STARS!!!!!

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I guess I will disagree, April 16, 2005

By 

S. R. Standkey "ripper" (south) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civil War Minutes - Confederate DVD Box Set (DVD)

I bought this version as I am a part time lover of Confederate history. I thought that this set being supposedly focused on the Confederate side would be nice since usually the Confederate side gets slighted.

I was annoyed that the commentator for the Confederate DVD set chose a union uniform to wear while presenting this. Ok not that big a deal but unexpected. While this dvd does cover alot of non-mainstream items it always seemed to keep bringing up the union side. Examples... A great deal of time was spent on union soldiers experiences and letters, the "drums of war" centered almost exclusively on union drummers, almost always the Confederate discussion was countered with union betterment. (One exception that comes to mind was the knife discussio)etc .etc..

It also seemed that most Confederate viewpoints and discussions were centered on the low points or lost battles.

So.. I will leave it at that and move on. Lets simply say it was not what I expected (whether that was my fault for expecting to much or not). There are good

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Civil War Minutes, February 7, 2002

By 

Todd E. Newman (Valparaiso, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civil War Minutes - Union DVD Box Set (DVD)

This DVD is a perfect addition for anyone that is learning about the Civil War in general. Michael Kraus is very informative and his forward approach to presenting the details of soldier life, personal letters and lifestyle is a welcomed sight. His concise details are backed by many true stories. Important items to the everyday soldier such as a canteens, muskets and clothing are presented with historical facts and are often linked to an individual that actually used them.

This DVD set is perfect for those new at learning or trying to get a rounded view of soldier life and general information regarding the war. For the experienced reenactor or historian it may be too general. Though I would have to admit that even a historian can learn about a particular soldier from a letter or get new insight from the material.

The presentation or filming is sometimes lacking in quality as lighting and sound quality isn't the best at times. The sounds effects are interesting though sometimes overdone. Sometimes the effects overshadow the narration and make it harder to hear. I do have to give credit to the music used as it captured the era and was presented well.