Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery

This Lewis and Clark documentary is the very finest I have ever come across on the fascinating trek of these two explorers. Even for people like myself that have a deep interest in American history, particularly the old west, it is a perilous and well documented journey that so few people seem to know anything about, beyond the name of it. And yet it is in my opinion a journey inside American history in its rawest, truest form. This documentary does a wonderful job of presenting the L@C expedition in what I refer to as its natural habitat. That is to say, there is very little, if anything, in it that is conjecture, politicized, whitewashed, or just plain ridiculous. (Believe me, I have seen many documentaries on the opening of the west that were).The L@C expedition remains something that was realized decades before the west as we know it from movies and television ever came into existence. And thus for many, it will be something of a journey into a time in our history where they have never set foot before. For far too many of us, even history buffs, American history seems to take some time off, or just skip over a few decades between the revolution, and the Civil War. Like nothing really much in the way of interest or historical significance took place during that time worth mentioning. One statistic that comes out very near the beginning of this documentary that brought a snapshot of US at that time into crystal clear focus, is that in 1804, when L@C began their expedition, a full 80% of all the people that inhabited the US lived within 100 miles of the east coast. (Taking into account the population of Indians that we knew about as well). Very few people realize how not only concentrated the population was then, but how much of the vast country remained uninhabited, and unexplored. This documentary is done in a patient, sweeping, lavish style covering everything from the very essence of the idea of such an expedition by then president Thomas Jefferson, to the aftermath, and ultimate fate of L@C themselves. It is a documentary you will watch, and then watch again perhaps years later. But definitely will you watch it again and again.I would be less than honest if I was to suggest that this is the best documentary on the subject that exists. For truthfully, there is just so few of them available that I have only watched two others. Amazon carries a hefty amount of DVDs on the subject, but only two that consist of a total recounting of the expedition specifically, and in its entirety. (There is one more, but it is a mere 46 minutes long. Hardly enough time to recount a 2 year expedition of discovery) The others are: National Geographic - Lewis & Clark - Great Journey West and "The Trail" Lewis & Clark Expedition 1803-1806. I have seen them both, and neither compares to the depth and perception of this wonderful and fulfilling documentary. Both of them put together are barely half as long as this one.Whether you are someone that has an interest in the early years of our country and its exploration, or if you are a person that has never even heard of L@C before, I highly recommend this documentary for owning. It is fascinating, brilliant, consummate, and overall a true masterpiece worth your time and money. It is not easy at all to find in stores, so I also highly recommend you buy it here...

From the outstanding photography and the excellent narrative, there comes together the most beautiful picture of a remarkable journey. The Interviews are not over done and are very enjoyable as well as informative. My only objection, to this magnificent production, is that there are places where the music does not fit the narrative and is a distraction. Otherwise, we are given a wonderful picture of this journey from the words of the men themselves from the excerpt from the notes they wrote at the time. I have played this over and over again, and am still struck by the beautiful pictures of the Creation that the Lord God has made, in our own country!

For a documentary freak like me, it's hard to be impressed, but this story is not only incredible, but informative, educational, and well told. Kept my attention throughout. What a journey!!

This series tells you all you need to know about the amazing journey Lewis & Clark and their team took across the country. These people were survivalist and knew how to thrive in the wilderness. It was providence that allowed them to cross into the unknown and discover the wonders of the west. Ken Burns made this masterpiece and it's great to have in my collection to refer back to- it never gets old reviewing it.

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.