Shelby Foote you magnificent bastard.

There is nothing I can say about this that hasn't been said (Yes, I am officially on the Shelby Foote bandwagon) except that apparently EVERYONE in the 1860s was wittier than the wittiest person alive today.

Often mocked but this is powerhouse stuff. Effectively navigates it's way thoughout the five years of conflict but manages to bring the personal side to every battle.

Damn good overview of the Civil War. I could listen to Shelby Foote talk about anything.

Absolutely riveting, whether it's recounting major battles or various small personal moments.

I don't believe it's allowed to have any negative thoughts on this.

The only thing that keeps me from rating this outstanding documentary the full 100 points, is the fact that the Western Theater of Operations is relatively glanced over. Sure, he covers Shiloh, Franklin and Vicksburg, but Murfreesboro, Bryce's Cross Roads and Nashville are given limited time. He never even mentions Poison Springs, which could be seen as one of the more despicable moments during the whole war.

Definitive and powerful, despite (or because of) being composed entirely of photographs, and lasting around 10 hours.

the haunting melodies and multiple narrators give this documentary a distinct and impressive flavor. David McCullough is the primary narrator, and does a fabulous job. On top of that, you have one of the pivotal events that shaped America into the nation it is today. It also endlessly exciting and humorous and moving. Shelby Foote became a "star" after this was televised, and it's small wonder

The Civil War is a monument of documentary film-making, informative, powerful, anecdotal, human. Ken Burns changed the game with this one, as he continues to do, year after year.

So many great photographs. A captivating, moving documentary that reveals how fundamental the Civil War is to America as it exists today. I could listen to Shelby Foote talk all day.

The truth is more compelling than any fiction, and this series shows Ken Burns at his peak.

Fascinating stuff. It's well-directed, and always interesting. If you're a history buff, check it out, it's great.

This is how you tell the history of anything. It is the talking head documentary perfected.

I'm generally not that big on history (I prefer the present), but when the history comes alive so vividly by way of excellent editing, narration, music and interviews, how could I not be interested? Throughout my watching the series, I kept forgetting that 90% of the time the only things on screen were still photographies. I can only imagine the countless hours spent in the editing room, getting every little piece just right. 11 hours, and never the least bit dull, overdone or underdone.

Excellent, learned so much about htis devastating war. Lincoln was fascinating.

Can't praise this documentary enough. I'm a civil war buff to begin with, and the haunting melodies and multiple narrators give this documentary a distinct and impressive flavor. David McCullough is the primary narrator, and does a fabulous job. On top of that, you have one of the pivotal events that shaped America into the nation it is today.

A week or thee ago I realized I didn't really know anything about the Civil War and became interested in learning more. After finishing this series, I got what I was searching for and so, so much more. A grand achievement, including countless quotes and photographs and using these to craft an amazing ride through a dark and fascinating period in history. And I'll be damned if I didn't choke up multiple times during that final episode.

Best goddamn thing I ever saw about the Civil War. Endlessly exciting and humorous and moving. Shelby Foote became a "star" after this was televised, and it's small wonder