Product Details

• Directors: Michael Foster, Robert Matzen
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Digital Sound, Full Screen, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paladin Communicatio
• VHS Release Date: September 20, 2001
• Run Time: 59 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0971168504
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,552 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 25, 2001

"When the Forest Ran Red is a fast-moving look at history... [and] gets its job done handily."

Product Description

'When the Forest Ran Red' chronicles the quest of the British, French, and Native American Empires to possess the American wilderness 20 years prior to the Revolutionary War. Conflict ignites as 22-year-old George Washington steps onto the world stage as the murderer of a French emissary. In the subsequent battle of Fort Necessity, the emissary’s brother leads a French army that defeats Washington. These events lead to the 1755 campaign of British General Edward Braddock and George Washington against the French in the heart of the wilderness. The French and their Native American allies watch Braddock’s powerful army move ever closer. With the British a day away, a charismatic French officer leads his French/Indian guerrilla force in a desperate attack on Braddock’s column. The resulting battle will change the course of American history.

Set in the times of 'The Last of the Mohicans,' the film documentary 'When the Forest Ran Red' tells a haunting and tragic story of men and women caught in a desperate situation. This co-production of Paladin Communications and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania was shot with the cooperation of the National Park Service, Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon. Fred Anderson, recipient of the 2001 Francis Parkman Prize for his book 'Crucible of War,' provides commentary as does R. David Edmunds, Native American scholar and author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated 'The Shawnee Prophet.' More than 25 units of living historians also appear, as does the work of Eastern Frontier artist Robert Griffing. Award-winning Hollywood actor Michael Rothhaar (Ally McBeal, Family Law, Space Jam) provides narration and dramatic interpretation Original period music recreations were provided by the Philadelphia folk band Broadside Electric and by The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & ! Drums. 'When the Forest Ran Red' earned a 2001 Silver AXIEM AWARD for Excellence in Educational Media. 2001, 59 minutes, Film and DV CAM, Color.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Forest Ran Red: Washington, Braddock & a Doomed Arm, July 18, 2003

By 

Dr. Brian L. Maruffi (New York City, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Forest Ran Red: Washington, Braddock & a Doomed Army [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is an one of the best French and Indian War Videos on the Market Today. It combines historical accuracy, period costumes and settings, action-packed battle scenes and a great story line that holds the interest of military buffs, and anyone interested in the history of pre-revolutionary America. Robert Matzen brings together a great cast of re-enactors, writers and historians to make this documentary an unequaled success. This film is NOT your run of the mill off the shelf documentary. It reveals facts about Braddock, Washington and the other major players that were even new to me after studying this topic for over 20 years. I give this film the highest rating of 5 stars because it is a great film and reveals an important part of our history at a time in our own history when every American should be learning about our heritage.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Forest Ran Red, July 28, 2002

By 

Dr J (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Forest Ran Red: Washington, Braddock & a Doomed Army [VHS] (VHS Tape)

When the Forest Ran Red is a long overdue account of the events leading up to the French and Indian War. The video has a balanced presentation of artwork, commentary by historians, and reenactments. It relates the early, and largely unknown to most Americans, military career of George Washington. The account of Braddock's expedition to Fort Duquesne moves like a thriller. The viewer fully expects Braddock's troops to take the French fort with little effort, but is shocked when the French and their Indian allies surprise and soundly defeat the British in the forest. This video is not your run-of-the-mill documentary. Well worth the price. For both the historian and layman and should be shown in every American history class. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History Done Right, July 30, 2003

By 

Peter Scott Vicaire "Micmacmoviemaker" (Bangor, Maine United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When the Forest Ran Red: Washington, Braddock & a Doomed Army [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"When the Forest Ran Red" is an impressive, interesting documentary on an often overlooked period of North American history, The French and Indian War. It details the war ravaged continent where three major contenders fought for control of the land, and thus their way of life. It is very objective, casting a neutral light on the British, French and Indian participants. This allows the viewer to see both the good and bad, as well as the inherent differences found within their respective cultures and how these differences were critical in the outcome of the war.
It is a very visual presentation, illustrating maps, troop movements, historical figures, etc. Most notable is its footage of historical forts/towns which "dissolve" into what it looks like in the present day. It really brings history to life!
Overall, it is most certainly a "must have" for anyone interested in this historical era. Also, it would also be very beneficial to use in the classroom. Get a copy today!!