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Rating: 
Summary: "IN THE RANKS OF DEATH..."
Review: "Three Days of Destiny" is a good docu-drama covering the battle of Gettysburg, where over 50,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers were killed, wounded, and captured or missing. Despite some miscasting (Longstreet wasn't chubby OR going bald; Lee, too, wasn't fat) and some over-dramatized voiceovers, this film features some spectacular battle scenes filmed at the Gettysburg 140th Anniversary Reenactment, and a stirring soundtrack. Historians will find it to be an enjoyable docu-drama, while others may find it unsatisfying. Nevertheless, it is a fine film that belongs in the DVD library of any historian. Movie/DVD Grade: B+
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your money!!!
Review: I had high hopes for this when I bought it several months ago. The sad truth is that this is poorly done. Here are some of the examples of the very bad reenactment footage: a "wounded" man being carried by a comrade is actually seen smiling(!) at the camera. An Union officer fires his revolver at the sky (bird hunting?!?) while a Confederate line approaches. During the July 3 bombardment preceding "Picket's Charge", the cheesy narration describes how intense it was. What we see are 2 or 3 flimsy explosions. Wow...And where did they get the "actors" who portrayed the main generals? Looks like they came from a homeless shelter or maybe an alcoholics anonymous meeting. The background music is good but way too dramatic for this laughable excuse for a "docu-drama", or whatever it's supposed to be. If you want a great Civil War documentary, I recommend the History Channel's "Civil War Combat" or the excellent "Civil War Journal" series. This is an insult to our brave ancestors who fought & died at Gettysburg & is also a shameful attempt to cash in on the success of the great film "Gettysburg".
Rating:
Summary: An interesting docudrama Civil War reenactors will enjoy.
Review: In all fairness, this film is advertized on the package as a "docudrama" and not as a drama. The problem is that it isn't clear from that description whether what is being documented dramatically is the actual 1863 battle or the reenactment of battle on its 140th anniversary. As a documentary about the reenactment, this is a fine collection of footage, interspersed with some (thankfully) brief portrayals of the principle leaders on both sides. (Actually, I thought the actor portraying Longstreet did a fine job -- the others were less convincing.) As a documentary about the actual historic battle it is not inaccurate but it provides only a glimpse into the major actions that comprised this long and complex battle.
As a reenactor, I found it interesting watching the various units on the field. Despite the occassional glimpse of earplugs and sunglasses, the equipment and uniforms appear reasonably authentic. Of course, given the generous build of most of the reenactors in this film the title should have been "Three Days of Density" instead. I kid my fellow reenactors...unfortunately most people who have the money to spend on reenacting also have too much money to spend on good food and drink, myself included.
So, if you want to really learn about the battle, read Harry W. Pfanz's trilogy or Stephen Sears' book. If you want to see what Civil War reenacting on a grand scale can be like, this is a fine introduction.
Rating: 
Summary: MUCH better than it's being rated
Review: Okay, so they don't have Hollywood stars, but remember that this is an indie flick with a low budget. The directors do their very best by using period dialogue and actual quotes. Another point in their favor is that they actually filmed on location in Adams County, PA, rather than running off to Romania like "Cold Mountain" did. The battle is spectacular, using footage shot during the 140th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg last July. The uniforms and equipment are authentic and not Hollywood knockoffs, and the special effects make you feel you're in the middle of the action. An EXCELLENT independent documentary, considering its budget and lack of major studio backing. This film has won awards and astute viewers and historians can see why.
Rating:
Summary: Are there lower ratings?
Review: Stick with Ted Turners "Gettysburg", what can I honestly say about this work of fluff. Nothing!
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: The speech Issac Trimble gave to Lee is the best scene in the movie."And he just stood there...and...he...did...nothing!"
Rating:
Summary: Poor Movie
Review: This DVD is quite expensive but yields little to justify the cost. The film lacks any real drama and becomes terribly boring after the first ten or so minutes. The acting is hopeless...really, really bad! Although there are many "soldiers" involved in the battle scenes, it's all pretty unconvincing, considering the carnage of the real conflict. In all honesty, as much as I enjoy movies of the Civil War, I'd like to return this for a refund. Alas, that's a prospect that has,indeed, gone with the wind. Thumbs down to this one.
Rating:
Summary: Very good for low-budget effort
Review: we purchased this as a souvenir of our Gettysburg trip and enjoyed watching it. It was more realistic than the reenactment altho that was also educational for us. really good if you keep in mind it is not made by fancy hollywood studio with big money effects. my kids learned a lot from it which is more than I can say for the baby-food-history you get in big theater chains
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Wow, I sat through ten minutes, I was going to walk out, but I was home. The acting was terrible, and it went down hill from there.
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