Search - Abraham Lincoln: His Life & Legacy on DVD

Amazing detail; deep analysis

Phil S. | USA | 02/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here are four discs covering Lincoln's Image (including a fascinating look at the first "media" President); Early History; his "Melancholy"; Assassination; Civil War strategies; a promo piece on the Abraham Lincoln Libary And Museum (Graphics specialists should enjoy this one).

For those who have watched, beginning to end, these programs on the History Channel, a price of over 30.00 may be a bit steep, although a DVD copy surely enables rewind, slo-mo and freeze-frame which can realy enhance the enjoyment and learning. I think without the promo, a two or three Disc set would have been possible.

There are many Lincoln writers and pundits along the way, including Gore Vidal. I wish we got more or Gore and a bit less on the others. It appears that some of the lesser-known authorities did not have much camera experience and so they are, at times, surprsingly inarticulate. Added to that, they're given alot of close-ups; and their commentary is not essentially done in the form of a voice-over but in those tight shots.
One dude showed up in a short sleeved shirt.

Perhaps a litle too much concentration on the melancholy. Was it congenital...or just normal for a sensitive man who witnessed death after death of people in their prime, as he came up in Kentucky, and found a place at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The question is asked, should be psycho-analyzing *anyone* in retrospect? Still, they forge ahead. Another somewhat strange section is on Lincoln's "orientation". In the 1830s, as a struggling Lawyer, he slept with someone named Joshua Speed, with whom he corresponded for years. Along with all the stories, from other sources, about his running around in his night shirt at the Soldiers Home, or whatever, this detail makes one wonder. But..why?

I especially enjoyed the DVD covering Lincoln's photos and the extensive DVD on General Sherman. If the set goes for 30.00, then about 22.50 of that is worth it, for this incredible exposition.

Audio-video quality and editing is outstanding."

Here we go again!

Richard Byers | Astoria, OR United States | 02/16/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, the History Channel is gathering together different past programs and trying to pass them off as something new! They have become masters at fleecing people if you don't pay attention. For instance, there is absolutely NOTHING about Lincoln in the program Sherman's March (I know because I already have it). So why is it included here???? Buyer beware!"

Excellent

Joy A. Petersen | Tampa Bay | 02/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"History Channel at its best. Expecially the John Wilkes Booth DVD. A must for history buffs, yet interesting for anybody."