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31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MUCH better than it's being rated, August 26, 2004
This review is from: Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny (DVD)
Okay, so they don't have Hollywood stars, but remember that this is an indie flick with a low budget. The directors do their very best by using period dialogue and actual quotes. Another point in their favor is that they actually filmed on location in Adams County, PA, rather than running off to Romania like "Cold Mountain" did. The battle is spectacular, using footage shot during the 140th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg last July. The uniforms and equipment are authentic and not Hollywood knockoffs, and the special effects make you feel you're in the middle of the action. An EXCELLENT independent documentary, considering its budget and lack of major studio backing. This film has won awards and astute viewers and historians can see why.
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting docudrama Civil War reenactors will enjoy., August 30, 2004
This review is from: Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny (DVD)
In all fairness, this film is advertized on the package as a "docudrama" and not as a drama. The problem is that it isn't clear from that description whether what is being documented dramatically is the actual 1863 battle or the reenactment of battle on its 140th anniversary. As a documentary about the reenactment, this is a fine collection of footage, interspersed with some (thankfully) brief portrayals of the principle leaders on both sides. (Actually, I thought the actor portraying Longstreet did a fine job -- the others were less convincing.) As a documentary about the actual historic battle it is not inaccurate but it provides only a glimpse into the major actions that comprised this long and complex battle. As a reenactor, I found it interesting watching the various units on the field. Despite the occassional glimpse of earplugs and sunglasses, the equipment and uniforms appear reasonably authentic. Of course, given the generous build of most of the reenactors in this film the title should have been "Three Days of Density" instead. I kid my fellow reenactors...unfortunately most people who have the money to spend on reenacting also have too much money to spend on good food and drink, myself included. So, if you want to really learn about the battle, read Harry W. Pfanz's trilogy or Stephen Sears' book. If you want to see what Civil War reenacting on a grand scale can be like, this is a fine introduction.
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"IN THE RANKS OF DEATH...", September 25, 2004
This review is from: Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny (DVD)
"Three Days of Destiny" is a good docu-drama covering the battle of Gettysburg, where over 50,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers were killed, wounded, and captured or missing. Despite some miscasting (Longstreet wasn't chubby OR going bald; Lee, too, wasn't fat) and some over-dramatized voiceovers, this film features some spectacular battle scenes filmed at the Gettysburg 140th Anniversary Reenactment, and a stirring soundtrack. Historians will find it to be an enjoyable docu-drama, while others may find it unsatisfying. Nevertheless, it is a fine film that belongs in the DVD library of any historian. Movie/DVD Grade: B+
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