Gods & Generals on DVD

Some films are made to entertain, some films are made to irritate, and some films are actually made to educate.

It's a bonus when they can do more than one of these things.

Gods & Generals, Ronald F. Maxwell’s follow-up to the critically acclaimed Gettysburg, is a nearly four-hour lesson on the American Civil War. Fortunately, it’s not made with the cheesiness of the “films” you see in school; it’s well-written, well-acted, and so far as we can tell extremely authentic.

While Gettysburg was more about the period surrounding the legendary battle, Gods & Generals focuses on the fight for emancipation: The Union believed slaves should be free, while the Confederacy believed blacks were born to be slaves. There was undoubtedly more to the Civil War than that, but that's the basic background here, though they also show that some people joined up for different reasons, such as supporting their hometown, or because they felt whatever side they joined was in the right.

The film features some excellent authenticity, from shooting on location, to the costumes, to the battles themselves. A great cast, led by Jeff Daniels as Joshua Chamberlain, Stephen Lang as Stonewall Jackson, and Robert Duvall as Robert E. Lee, adds to the effect, and all are phenomenal in their roles.

Supporting players Mira Sorvino, Kevin Conway and Frankie Faison are also superb.

In fact, every aspect of the film is done so well that you’re more than willing to believe that it actually happened this way, and that you’re almost watching a documentary instead of a major Hollywood production.

Take into account that this is not an action-packed thrill ride. There are many slow parts that almost cross the line into boring, but bear with them; it's worth it.

Gods & Generals is a great film about man, war, and slavery. If you’re a history buff, and willing to put in the time, you’ll be well rewarded.

Produced for around $25 million, the film failed to light up the box office as it should have. Still, Warner Bros. has pumped out a few more dollars and produced a very fine DVD.

The movie itself is presented in anamorphic widescreen, 16x9 TV compatible, with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, and is split onto opposite sides of the disc. While we don’t always agree with this approach, when you're dealing with a movie that's nearly four hours long and you also have special features to worry about, we can understand why it was done this way.

Overall picture quality is excellent, with no dust or grain or halo effect or anything. Colors are sharp and detail is crisp. In fact, the picture is probably better than it even should have been given that they're trying to impart a historical feel. In a case like this, it probably would have been better to go with a bit of grain and decrease the overall quality to give it a bit of an “aged” look. On the other hand, the video snob in us appreciates the fine quality.

The Dolby Digital track is one of the best we've heard in a while. Dialogue usually uses the center channel (as it should), while sound effects and musical score are spread through all the others very effectively. During the battle scenes, gunshots, cannons, screams, and other sound effects can be heard filling the room from all five speakers. It gives an engulfing effect that brings you right into the battle and adds to the feel.

Director/producer/screenwriter Ronald F. Maxwell and historical advisors Col. Keith Gibson and James I. Robertson Jr. provide an audio commentary for the film. It’s not a particularly entertaining listen, but there’s plenty more to learn about the production, and about the Civil War. The three love the subject matter, which makes it easier for you to enjoy it yourself by osmosis.

On side two of the disc are nearly 45 minutes of featurettes. The first is “Journey to the Past,” a look at slavery in the era, and features interviews with the director, stars, and some African-American supporting actors. Second is “The Authenticities of the Film,” which centers on production design, costumes, and other aspects of the production. Finally, “The Life of Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson” is about pretty much what you’d expect. All are very well produced, informative, and moderately entertaining.

If you’re one of those who enjoys the movie, the disc will surely please.

Gods & Generals, from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
219 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1, 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround
Starring Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang and Robert Duvall
Produced by Ronald F. Maxwell
Written for the screen and directed by Ronald F. Maxwell

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