Tom Berenger Movie:

				Salesrank: 74319
		MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Media: DVD

Editorial Review:
Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book The Killer Angels, this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in Gettysburg they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. Oh, and you can also try to spot Ted Turner, whose company produced the film, as a Confederate soldier. Writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell seems inspired by the gravity of the battle; long as it is, every moment of Gettysburg is informed by a nobility of purpose. --Robert Horton

Gettysburg [Region 2] Reviews:
could have been better
2009-01-06 - Movie was slow. The amount of film used could have been about half and been more entertaining. Lee was shown in a negative light, and no mention of General Custer heading off J.E.B. Stuart as he headed for Gettysburg. Otherwise an adequate use of time.

Minor flaws, generally fine
2008-12-20 - I didn't know that the soldiers were able to get their uniforms to a 24 hour laundry service to be ready for the next battle. Not a wrinkle or scuff mark on any uniform. Alot of bonding, many philosopical interludes, even while battle lines are being formed. Though, if actual Civil war diaries are a guide, the "foot soldier" was a literate individual, a "student" of war. This motif is therefore, realistic; though the synthetic soundtrack doesn't help. At times, it sounds like outtakes from the "Rocky IV" sessions.
The script mentions 15 thousand here and 20 thousand there, and all we see are the same 160 guys huffing and puffing. Reviewers have criticized the unrealistic look of the "Re-enactors", but I understand that the Southern army did include many participants who did not fit the image, so to speak, because of the necessities of maintaining reasonable numbers. Although, I assumed that to be later in the War.
The script seems to be overly slanted towards the Military historian, as the constant references to flanks, infantry, cavalry, brigades, moving within specific battleplans, gets almost comical, which is not respectful to our Country's signature battle.
In the ending credits, it is written that the Battle was a (relative) failure. Some of the most interesting sections involve dialogue with the Generals regarding the potential of such a battle to actually end the War.
Very interesting montage at the end credits where actor and actual person come together. A bit crass but effective.
I thought that perhaps a graphic of The Gettysburg Address could have closed the film, though the Brothers embarcing was well done.
A very positive aspect of this film is the Gettysburg location itself. The movie begins and ends on the battlefield.

When will extended version be available
2008-12-01 - Gettsbug's Collectors Edition in 1993 had 17 additional minutes. This should be available on dvd.

A Little Long but an Impressive Achievement
2008-11-09 - "Gettysburg" is a film best watched in parts as it is very long (it needed to be lenghty though). This is one of the most accurate civil war films I have seen and an impressive number of reeactors were used in some of the battle scenes. Picket's Charge is particullarly well filmed as is the fighting on Little Round Top. Not all of the battle could be covered even in this epic and the cavalry battle on July third is excluded. The musical score is very appropriate and the film has a fine collection of actors. Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen, Sam Elliot, and Tom Berenger portray their characters well and surprisingly, all of these four except Elliot look a lot like the historical figures they are portraying. The other actors generally do a good job as well.
Overall, "Glory" is still my favorite Civil War film as a movie, but "Gettysburg" is superb in its own right and unlike many Hollywood films seems fairly accurate.

Best Ever Civil War Movie
2008-11-02 - This is without question the absolute best Civil War movie ever made. It is beautifully filmed, expertly directed, and features stellar performances by Berringer and Daniels. If you are a Civil War buff, you must have this DVD in your collection.