Bought as a gift. He is thrilled

I'm not reviewing the quality of the picture or the sound, or anything but the content.

I don't understand how you can give this series anything but five stars. It brings the Civil War back to life in such a way as to really give you an understanding of what happened, why it happened, and how it impacts the America we live in today (2017). I didn't know much about the Civil War beyond what was shoved down my throat as I make my way through grade school, and actually hadn't heard about this series before I came across it on Netflix back in 2013. But once I watched it I knew I'd never forget it. The soundtrack is phenomenal. I've read that people have played the title song at their weddings.

I've seen the entire series at least 6 times now and manage to pick up some new piece of information I missed on every other viewing. There is so much information in this series it is mind boggling. As with all great films, knowing how it ends changes the way you see the beginning, so it absolutely rewards repeat viewings. This series is well worth owning at the very least as a digital copy on Amazon. I actually bought both that and the blu-ray because I wanted the special features, which are awesome by the way. Ken Burns goes into detail about how they made the battles come alive with slowly tracking shots on still photographs combined with actor voice-over and sound effects. It also helped me get a better understanding of who Abraham Lincoln was, since I only knew very little about him, again from grade school. The series quotes all of his greatest speeches, and many of his lesser known letters written to his generals during the war.

IMO the entire country needs to watch this series as one nation to give those of us alive today a better understand of what American's before us had to go through to get us to where we are today. I don't say that to degrade how we live or the society we have now, but I think it would help pull us together to have not just the knowledge that the Civil War happened, but more importantly an understanding of what is means to have this event as part of our national heritage. We need all the pulling-together we can get these days.

It really is a beautiful work of art. I don't say that lightly.

This dvd set is amazing! I normally don't go for war movies or documentaries, but the way this is presented, with back stories, letters that were written to loved ones back home, and the way Mr. Foote tells the events, it's just supurb! I really have no words to accurately describe it. A "must have" for your video collection!

All plus

This Blu-ray edition of the Civil War by Ken Burns is beautifully done. I'm so glad that the greatest Civil War documentary ever made will be preserved for future generations. The combined use of period photos, contemporary letters and accounts along with 19th century music make the documentary special"¦ the series does more than impart facts it evokes emotional response in its viewers.
The special features are great too. The entire uncut version of Ken Burns' interview with Shelby Foote is included while the 2002 interview with the musician Jay Unger appears as well. Unger wrote The Civil War's main theme Ashokan Farewell. He describes how the incredible music was put together.
Just so other purchasers know this 2019 release is visually beautiful no picture problems. It appears that the only difference between the 2019 and 2015 releases is the fact that the words 25th anniversary edition is not stamped outside of the 2019 box however it says 25th anniversary inside the box; the big difference between the two additions appears to be the cost the 2015 edition is nearly double the price of the 2019 edition. My advice would be to purchase a 2019 addition. It is beautiful and not as expensive as the 2015 edition. I had the privilege of watching the original PBS broadcast of this documentary in 1990 now I am privileged to view an even more beautiful version of the same series. I would give this series 10 stars if I could.