Rating: 
Summary: What can I say?
Review: As the daughter and sister of several Civil War reenactors, I have grown up learning as much as I can about the Civil War. I am constantly searching for new books and films to increase my knowledge. Although it seems that Oscar Jackson led an interesting life, the way it is conveyed in this "film" is for the most part boring, inconsistent and unprofessional. Last year I helped my son (who is in High School) make a fictional Civil War movie for a state history competition...and I can honestly say, biases aside, that my son's project looked more professional and was more comprehensive than "Left For Dead". It seems to me that this movie was filmed with an 8 millimeter home movie camera due to the graininess and bleeding colors. The editing suggests that this is a martial arts movie rather than one about America's Civil War, with incessant blood, vomiting and unnecessary action. On a positive note, the music playing throughout much of the movie is very authentic and enjoyable. In addition, the map cartoons are very helpful, but still don't compensate for the unprofessional filming.
Rating: 
Summary: Fairly painful to watch
Review: As the daughter and sister of several Civil War reenactors, I have grown up learning as much as I can about the Civil War. I am constantly searching for new books and films to increase my knowledge. Although it seems that Oscar Jackson led an interesting life, the way it is conveyed in this "film" is for the most part boring, inconsistent and unprofessional. Last year I helped my son (who is in High School) make a fictional Civil War movie for a state history competition...and I can honestly say, biases aside, that my son's project looked more professional and was more comprehensive than "Left For Dead". It seems to me that this movie was filmed with an 8 millimeter home movie camera due to the graininess and bleeding colors. The editing suggests that this is a martial arts movie rather than one about America's Civil War, with incessant blood, vomiting and unnecessary action. On a positive note, the music playing throughout much of the movie is very authentic and enjoyable. In addition, the map cartoons are very helpful, but still don't compensate for the unprofessional filming.
Rating:
Summary: A fine re-enactment
Review: For all you civil war buffs this is a fine film. It's roughly an hour program in the same vein as any A&E type civil war re-enactment. This film follows the civil war experience of Colonel Oscar Jackson as based on his diary. The graphic depictions at times gives a feel for what it must have been like to be in the war.
Rating: 
Summary: An amatuer production & not a compelling story at that :-(
Review: I saw this recently and was really let down -- the production values are below-par, considering the rep and knowledge of some of the people involved.... it's terribly shot and the re-enactors don't look good at all, not convincing. The story is somewhat interesting, but why make a short film about this? Why should we care? I can think of hundreds of much more compelling stories to tell which would be even more dramatic for film... A lost opportunity to do a good Civil War set short... much ado about nothing :-(Why can't someone talented do a Civil War movie, why do they all have to be so poorly executed!
Rating:
Summary: DEFINITELY LOW BUDGET/QUALITY
Review: I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU SAVE YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE........IT DEFINITELY IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO A KEN BURNS DOCUMENTARY. THE QUALITY IS POOR/VOLUMN CONTROL WAS VIRTUALLY NON EXISTANT. FOUND MYSELF TURNING IT UP AND DOWN ALL THROUGH THE DVD. BUSSLER'S UNFORM EVEN LOOKED PHONEY WITH HIS PLAID SHIRT ON UNDER IT.........JUST NOT A QUALITY PRODUCT ......... PERIOD!
Rating: 
Summary: Left For Dead
Review: Michael Kraus is at it again in this wonderful new piece based on the true story of "The Colonel's Diary". This production covers the Civil War life of Oscar Jackson and his involvement with the 63rd Ohio. The struggles and battles Jackson experiences are told through strong riveting reeanctments. The attention to detail and bloody scenes place the viewer right on the battlefield while the story is backed by narration and pictures. It is interesting and very informative documentary which certainly captures the gore, panic and horrors associated with combat in the Civil War. Great camera angles and different approaches to filming is certainly a bonus for the viewer in this production. I would like to also note that the sound and quality of picture has improved from the Civil War Minutes production made by Kraus. This DVD is must have for anyone following the Civil War especially those interested in learning about the western campaigns. Three Cheers for Kraus and Company, "Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah!"
Rating:
Summary: Left For Dead
Review: Michael Kraus is at it again in this wonderful new piece based on the true story of "The Colonel's Diary". This production covers the Civil War life of Oscar Jackson and his involvement with the 63rd Ohio. The struggles and battles Jackson experiences are told through strong riveting reeanctments. The attention to detail and bloody scenes place the viewer right on the battlefield while the story is backed by narration and pictures. It is interesting and very informative documentary which certainly captures the gore, panic and horrors associated with combat in the Civil War. Great camera angles and different approaches to filming is certainly a bonus for the viewer in this production. I would like to also note that the sound and quality of picture has improved from the Civil War Minutes production made by Kraus. This DVD is must have for anyone following the Civil War especially those interested in learning about the western campaigns. Three Cheers for Kraus and Company, "Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah!"
Rating:
Summary: Not Ken Burns, but still very enjoyable...
Review: No, it's not Ken Burns' Civil War. It's made by the same group that produces Civil War Minutes, a series I enjoy very much. Left For Dead is based on the diary of Oscar Jackson, as told in his diary "The Colonel's Diary". This is a rather compelling story, and it's telling, while it doesn't tell the story of the whole Civil War, tells the story of one schoolmaster's enlistment and battles from Corinth to Atlanta, Columbus, and beyond. I found this story very interesting. If you like watching the History Channel, are a general reader/viewer of the Civil War, enjoy American history and biographies, then you will like this. 4 stars (like I said, not quite Ken Burns' Civil War).
Rating:
Summary: Not Ken Burns, but still very enjoyable...
Review: No, it's not Ken Burns' Civil War. It's made by the same group that produces Civil War Minutes, a series I enjoy very much. Left For Dead is based on the diary of Oscar Jackson, as told in his diary "The Colonel's Diary". This is a rather compelling story, and it's telling, while it doesn't tell the story of the whole Civil War, tells the story of one schoolmaster's enlistment and battles from Corinth to Atlanta, Columbus, and beyond. I found this story very interesting. If you like watching the History Channel, are a general reader/viewer of the Civil War, enjoy American history and biographies, then you will like this. 4 stars (like I said, not quite Ken Burns' Civil War).
Rating:
Summary: A great film
Review: Not being a Civil War "buff," but someone who enjoys Civil War media, I found the film both entertaining and educational. The compelling storyline and interesting cinematography captures the journey of a simple teacher turned soldier effectively and gives the viewer of a sense of not just his individual part in the war, but the journey of his unit and the role it played in the reunifaction of the country. I recommend this film for all types of viewers.
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