Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
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VHS Movie Reviews of Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
Movie Review: A movie everyone should see !
Summary: 5 Stars
This is absolutely the most moving documentary I have ever watched. Being a huge fan of american history, I purchased this dvd without seeing it first. I could have never been more pleased. Being a United Stated citizen, I can only say one thing... This is our story... It is a story of heros... of men coming together to struggle against the wilderness and sometimes dangerous forces to seek out the unknown... and the ideals to make the world a better place. Please watch this.Movie Review: Nice documentary.
Summary: 4 Stars
For the first 20 minutes or so, one has the vague impression that this is a low budget production, since the film comprises mainly slow pans of maps and other paper documents, as well as interviews with various scholars. Eventually, one becomes aware of the fine landscape photography. For example, the cinematographer takes care to wait for late evening (or early morning), when the oblique angle of the sunshine brings contrast and color to the gentle ripples on the Missouri River. The fine views of the Bitterroot Mountains bring to mind the landscape photography of Art Wolfe, second in greatness only to David Meunsch, as far as color landscape photography is concerned. The bluegrass music is in-character, and provides a fetching accompaniment to the narration and photography. From the credits, the bluegrass music seems to have been specially performed for this video. The only actors are performers in silhouette. Would it have added too much to the budget to provide some live action of Sacagawea and her fellow-voyagers??? Is there any shortage of good actors at the many colleges and community theaters in Missouri? I would think not. The video production takes two cassettes. The drama and suspense tend to pick up a bit in the second video cassette, and then one almost gains the mental impression of watching a live-action drama, apparently because of the carefully crafted monologue. What one learns from the film is: ( 1 ) The amazing coincidence of Sacagawea meeting her long-lost brother; ( 2 ) The surprise of the explorers in discovering the treeless great plains; ( 3 ) Lewis' mental problems; and ( 4 ) The near-encounters with Spanish soldiers. What is missing in the narration is a few minutes of commentary on the political milieu of the time, e.g., the relations between the U.S.A., Spain, France, and England. How was it that this vast land somehow "belonged" to France in the first place??? A drawback of the production is that I cannot fathom any reason to watch this production a second time. It is too bad that the explorations of Lewis and Clark did not take them along the Awaawapuhi trail or the Waimea Canyon of Kauai, since the scenery along the Missouri River is noted for its dullness. If they had taken this sort of detour, then I'd want to watch this video repeatedly. Perhaps the cinematographer could have provided us with views of the glorious sea stacks found in the vicinity of the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. Some of these sea stacks constitute some of the most glorious geological features in all North America. Sea stacks do appear in the background of the video, in a panoramic view taken in between some trees, but what is missing is a closeup. Another thing missing is Multnomah Falls, visible from the Columbia River. So many opportunities missed in what has turned out to be a very bland film, at least from the visual standpoint.Movie Review: Went to a screening with Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan
Summary: 5 Stars
Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan were in Charlottesville, VA last night for the kickoff of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration here and I had the honor of being there as they discussed this film, its making, the story, and then showed clips of the film. I have enjoyed the work of these men for years and own the Civil War series and have to say that meeting them made it all the more interesting. They are clearly dear friends, gifted speakers, and true artists and so refreshingly humble as to almost be shocking. They answered any and all questions with clear thought, humility and humor and seemed to be enjoying the experience as much as the audience. This DVD is truly a wonderful piece of work both for it's cinematography and for it's historical account of the events. I highly recommend this and all the works by these passionate men who clearly love their work. We are lucky to have them, and I'm lucky to have been able to hear them speak.Movie Review: Visionary Enchantment
Summary: 5 Stars
Dayton Duncan's deft writing style, coupled with Hal Holbrook's brilliant narration delivery and Stephen Ambrose's deep insights, only enhance the magical talent of Ken Burns. There are few films of this kind that have the power to transport you body and soul into the film as this one can. I found myself yearning to make journey myself in the hope of somehow sharing in the personal growth and glory of the men who demonstrated "undaunted courage" in their effort to discover, for the first time, the great interior of our country. Not only was this work a vast contribution to film making, but it is profoundly valuable as a historical record. The sound track is magnificent too, and worth adding to your collection (if you can find a copy). Bobby Horton and Peter Ostroushko add an immense dimension to the film with heartland compositions that will bring tears to your eyes as well as lift your soul. This is clearly my favorite Ken Burns film. Own it and share it with everyone you know. ---Ed Curley, ImageworksMovie Review: Views like a first-rate adventure film!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd come to 'Lewis and Clark' already having seen Burns' documentary on Jefferson, so my expectations were soaring. Pleased to say, they were never deflated. This film is excellent.The first thing any viewer of L&C notices is the suspense and forward motion. This is adventure at it's highest; so much so that I needed to remind myself that no one should find a PBS documentary this exciting!! The film actually follows, from location to location, the movement of Lewis and Clark's expidition. Hal Holbrook's narration is interspersed with bits from the men's journals read by very capable actors. In short, it truly played like a superb adventure film.
In as much detail as possible, we get to see it all. The journey, the relationships, the anxieties and the triumphs; From the bonds and battles with various indian tribes, to Meriwether Lewis' depressions and ultimate suicide. The only possible negative comment, that the film was a whopping 4 hours, in the end turns out to be an asset. If the film had been shorter, details would have had to be sacrificed which in the end gave the film such a powerful excitement.
Even for the historical documentary skeptic, one viewing of L&C will change your mind. Skip Indana Jones and check this one out!!