EXPLORING THE LIFE OF THE UNION SOLDIER Personal belongings open a window into the lives of those who battle in America's Civil War. The stories behind never-before-seen photographs, letters, artifacts and hundreds of r... more »are paintings and engravings complete the picture of the Civil War in "CIVIL WAR MINUTES® - Union" 2 DVD Box Set. Small and unique objects, such as a drum from the Battle of Gettysburg with a hidden note inside, are pieced together to reveal the human element of war. This film also discloses the perspective of the average foot soldier through handwritten letters to family members. The real lives of ordinary people who leave their homes and families behind to answer duty's call for this new and inexperienced nation are featured. This documentary explores soldiers' everyday lives through the personal effects they carry into war.« less
Holly W. from SEVIERVILLE, TN Reviewed on 6/13/2010...
This is a history documentary looking at the Union side of the Civil War, It was informative and interesting. This is a great series for anyone interested in the Civil War.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Civil War Minutes
Todd E. Newman | Valparaiso, IN | 02/07/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Different than all the rest.
Todd E. Newman | 11/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking for a new and unique view of the Civil War, this is it. The way Civil War Minutes focuses on many different soldier accounts and artifacts is as educational as it is entertaining. What appealed to me most were the soldier's letters. They gave views of the war that I have never seen or heard before.Michael Kraus, who stars in the series, really knows his stuff. From the way he spoke of the Civil War artifacts in the series, you know he is more than an actor hired to narrate a documentary.If you want a Civil War box set that is more than just battles, give this DVD series a try. You won't be disappointed."
Next level of presenting the Civil War details
Richard DeCarlo | New York | 01/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken Burns gave us the "Civil War" series. Though some photo sequences did not accurately represent the story properly, it did provided us with a good overview of the events that transpired between the years 1859 through 1865. Ted Turner gave the movie "Gettysburg", which brought the large scale battle arena to the big screen. The History Channel gave us "Civil War Journal", giving good detail to individuals, regiments, and the battles fought. Now Inecom Entertainment has produced the next level of presenting the historical fine details of the Civil War. The accoutrements of the individual foot soldier, the letters they wrote home about the hardships they endured during the war, many interesting artifacts of Civil War period, and a host of other details that are never included in the big productions. This four volume video series does more to fill in the gaps than anything else I know of. As a reenactor with the 123rd NYV, I have a special appreciation for this, the down and dirty as I like to call it. Michael Kraus, also a living historian and reenactor, presents this material in a way that gives life to what is normally just museum artifacts. I would recommend to everyone who wants that next level of understanding of that great conflict that shaped our nation to view this series."
Civil War Minutes is hard to watch.
Steve Rollins | Medford, OR USA | 01/04/2002
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Watching this DVD series was a huge disappointment. I walked into it expecting everything the packaging had promised, and left with a bitter feeling like I [wasted my money.] There are some good aspects of this series, but unfortunately, it's buried under hours of amateur quality video, and cheesy sound effects.The host seems to be extremely knowledgeable, and some of the things he brings up are very interesting, but little of it is worth the price you must pay to view it. The biggest disappointment wasn't the host, but instead, the production value of the video. I can't comprehend anyone actually releasing, and selling video of this quality. The sound was equally as disappointing. It seemed to be hours of splats, screams, and other "B" movie effects. Sometimes the amateurish sound effects actually obscure what the host is saying.There were some good points in this series and it wasn't a total waste, but overall, it could be much, much better. The first time I watched it, I couldn't get through the first 15 minutes. For me, there was just too much garbage to wade through in order to get to the good stuff."