Customer Reviews

North and South, Book II [VHS]

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

NORTH AND SOUTH: BOOK 2 is superior in every way to the original. It takes us into the middle of the bloodiest war ever fought on American soil! Another one for the history buffs as well as for those who love romance and action. Witness very realistic re-enactments of the battles of First Manassass, Antietam, Gettysburg, and the final assault on Petersburg, as well as a heart-wrenching recreation of the surrender at Appomattox. Great historical drama! Grade: A+

*Miss the abysmal final chapter of the sereis: HEAVEN AND HELL: NORTH AND SOUTH, BOOK 3.

North and South is probably my all time favorite movie. It is an excellent blend of actual historical events and fascinating fictional characters. For those of you who were wondering when they were going to come out with Part 3 (Heaven and Hell), the movie was aired on television in early spring of 1995. It has three parts to it and stars Leslie Ann Down, James Read, and Teri Garbor.

North & South is a must see movie. Be sure to see the first book in order to grasp the whole story. The portrayal of the Civil War is excellent, and the video provides an excellent story of two families and the effect of the war. This truly represents what might have happened between friends torn apart and brought back together by the war. This movie truly draws you in and one gets addicted very quickly. A must-see for all ages.

The North and South series is my favorite miniseries - it's head and shoulders above any other one I've seen. It's got so many engaging storylines and just the right balance of characters you can really root for (or love to hate) and soap opera cheeziness.

I gave North and South Book One a 5-star rating too, but if I were pressed to decide, I think I would pick Book Two as the better overall miniseries. Book Two is more consistently entertaining than Book One, and Orry (Patrick Swayze) just gets more endearing as he "ages"!

I love this mini-series. I love it's predecessor. I've seen this mini-series and North and South at least a few dozen times each. The acting is outstanding. The cinematography is excellent. The drama is first rate. David L. Wolper has made so many great mini-series and this is another one of his best. If you like this mini-series check out The Thorn Birds, North and South (the first book), The Blue and the Gray, Shogun and Roots. These were televisions best mini-series' ever and they were all worked on by David L. Wolper. Check them out. They are all excellent and cover many different topics and a span of over 100 years. You'll be impressed!

I start to feel old when I think, "Why don't they make them like this anymore?." Ah well, at any rate, this is the best of the best, and I say that not only coming from a person who has a great love for history, but just general viewing. The casting in this is almost uniformly excellent, and while it is, of course, fictionalized history, it does an excellent job of telling both sides of this great divisive war. It's got the expected 80s camp (at times you feel like you're watching an historical episode of Dynasty), but it is wonderfully engrossing and never fails to please. I do have one complaint and that is that this is not out on DVD yet. They could make a fortune! I'm glad to pick it up though as I've been watching my old taped version (complete with election returns from the mid 80s) forever. I see others below have written that the books must be read as well and some even say they're better. I have to disagree with that. I've always felt Jakes generally only writes two-dimensional female characters - women are either saints or, well, the other kind. This is not coming from someone who is hypersensitive, but the female characters were much more rounded out in the miniseries. Anyone who gets this won't be disappointed.

My friends and I have been devoted fans of the mini-series ever since the first one was on TV. We have even had North & South marathons where we would watch I & II, in order, from start to finish (one solid weekend of enjoyment!). While all three books are well worth the read, the first two videos are the only ones I would tell anyone to watch. Truly, two of the best mini-series ever put on television - timeless appeal to a wide audience and something new to discover each time. Enjoy!

To say that if one has read the book the movie doesn't compare is comparing apples to nails. I've read the Bible, and to date, no movie compares. Enjoy "North and South" for what it is, a story of two families. The acting is superb, the scenery devine. It's history, without the history. I highly recommend both sets to those who may be civil war buffs. It tells a story, and makes us all proud of our heritage, beit North or South.

My family has watched the 6 parts of North and South book 1 and 6 parts of North and South book2. The two families, the Mains and the Hazzards, you will become totally involved in their lives.

This series truly brings out the real tragedy of the Civil war. It shows how it ripped the fabric of our Nation. How two great friends can endure through seemingly insurmountable differences. in the end their love and respect for each other, helps heal all the wounds.