Rating: 
Summary: Long, but presented in a non-stop, fascinating fashion
Review: Martin Scorsese shows here why he is the master. Not only can he be recognized before the documentary begins as an accomplished craftsman of such works as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, GoodFellas and The Last Waltz, but he also has an eye for film that matches (and dare I say tops) the knowledge posessed by most film critics. If Scorsese hadn't chosen to be a film-maker, it's evident here in this 3-tape (or 2 DVD) set that he would've rivaled Ebert, especially considering he has a good friend and sometimes co-screenwriter who is a film critic named Jay Cocks.This is a long, boring (to those who aren't truly aren't interested) film that can at the least give some insight to famous movies from certain genres and times of film, and at the best, which is what I feel, give the best modern look at the films that shaped the industry and maybe some of society as well. It is a daring, informative film anywhich way you look at it. Also incuded are interviews with Clint Eastwood, Gregory Peck, Billy Wilder, Frank Capra, and even a frank look at John Ford by Peter Bogdanovich (Directed By John Ford).
Rating:
Summary: Long, but presented in a non-stop, fascinating fashion
Review: Martin Scorsese shows here why he is the master. Not only can he be recognized before the documentary begins as an accomplished craftsman of such works as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, GoodFellas and The Last Waltz, but he also has an eye for film that matches (and dare I say tops) the knowledge posessed by most film critics. If Scorsese hadn't chosen to be a film-maker, it's evident here in this 3-tape (or 2 DVD) set that he would've rivaled Ebert, especially considering he has a good friend and sometimes co-screenwriter who is a film critic named Jay Cocks. This is a long, boring (to those who aren't truly aren't interested) film that can at the least give some insight to famous movies from certain genres and times of film, and at the best, which is what I feel, give the best modern look at the films that shaped the industry and maybe some of society as well. It is a daring, informative film anywhich way you look at it. Also incuded are interviews with Clint Eastwood, Gregory Peck, Billy Wilder, Frank Capra, and even a frank look at John Ford by Peter Bogdanovich (Directed By John Ford).
Rating:
Summary: Mind Candy
Review: Okay, it's Martin Scorsese. And it's a whack on the side of your filmwatching head. I wish more of these kinds of documentaries were around, that we could see the influences and inspiration of a dozen or so great directors like this one. In the meantime, enjoy this treat. Mr Scorsese says it himself, he studies the masters just like the great painters. Watching this is like sitting in a master class. Movies that you may have cast aside, never knew or know too well find meaning, slant and spin that influenced how we watch and make movies today. I have seen this series a few times, I am always learning something.
Rating:
Summary: Essential: The Single Finest Movie Documentary Yet Made
Review: Poster Owen Coughlan pretty much said it all, but it warrants being seconded. By taking a purely subjective approach - concentrating on those genres, films & filmmakers which hold a special significance to him - Martin Scorsese makes not only these subjects live and breathe, but captures the entire history of American film in a manner that informs, excites and even inflames the viewer with a measure of Scorsese's own archivist passion for the medium. His refusal to tout his own body of work, soft-pedaling as impressive a filmography as anyone's assembled, in order to keep the focus on the men and women who sculpted and built the artform that first seduced him as a wide-eyed four-year-old is both touching and typical of Scorsese's reverence for his forebears. The many lesser-known and neglected films sampled here serve a dual purpose: one, as dowsing rods pointing to worthwhile movies left off of the general-consensus, AFI-type lists; and secondly, as reminders that we've ALL seen extraordinary films dismissed or ignored by critics, the public, even ourselves at earlier points. You'll finish watching this great doc champing at the bit to go rent THE ROARING 20s and THE PHENIX CITY STORY for sure, but you'll also want to begin your OWN voyage of rediscovery through 100 years of movie history with wide eyes seeing the new and exotic in the old and once-familiar. Can't ask for more than that from any historical documentary - well, I'd've loved this even more at twice the length, but let's not get greedy...
Rating:
Summary: Essential: The Single Finest Movie Documentary Yet Made
Review: Poster Owen Coughlan pretty much said it all, but it warrants being seconded. By taking a purely subjective approach - concentrating on those genres, films & filmmakers which hold a special significance to him - Martin Scorsese makes not only these subjects live and breathe, but captures the entire history of American film in a manner that informs, excites and even inflames the viewer with a measure of Scorsese's own archivist passion for the medium. His refusal to tout his own body of work, soft-pedaling as impressive a filmography as anyone's assembled, in order to keep the focus on the men and women who sculpted and built the artform that first seduced him as a wide-eyed four-year-old is both touching and typical of Scorsese's reverence for his forebears. The many lesser-known and neglected films sampled here serve a dual purpose: one, as dowsing rods pointing to worthwhile movies left off of the general-consensus, AFI-type lists; and secondly, as reminders that we've ALL seen extraordinary films dismissed or ignored by critics, the public, even ourselves at earlier points. You'll finish watching this great doc champing at the bit to go rent THE ROARING 20s and THE PHENIX CITY STORY for sure, but you'll also want to begin your OWN voyage of rediscovery through 100 years of movie history with wide eyes seeing the new and exotic in the old and once-familiar. Can't ask for more than that from any historical documentary - well, I'd've loved this even more at twice the length, but let's not get greedy...
Rating:
Summary: The Best History Of American Cinema To Date.
Review: Scorcese is one of the few directors who understands where he came from. More significantly, he can make us undertsand why this is important. "A Personal Jourey" is the most concise, insightful, intelligent and informed appraisal of American Cinema I have ever seen seen. And I learn more with every viewing. What Scorcese does, with an awareness that eludes most "professional" critics, is use himself as an example of the process: how did Scorcese get to where he is? He stood on the shoulders of giants. And with typical Scorcese modesty, he's happy to give them all the credit. But best of all, not only is this about great film making -- it IS great film making. This is great entertainment. Just make sure you have pen and paper handy so you can write down the names of the films he exerpts. I guarantee you'll be renting and buying within hours of seeing this series. All three parts total about 220 minutes -- a bargain at twice the price. But having seen it all four times by now, I wish it were longer.
Rating:
Summary: The Best History Of American Cinema To Date.
Review: Scorcese is one of the few directors who understands where he came from. More significantly, he can make us undertsand why this is important. "A Personal Jourey" is the most concise, insightful, intelligent and informed appraisal of American Cinema I have ever seen seen. And I learn more with every viewing. What Scorcese does, with an awareness that eludes most "professional" critics, is use himself as an example of the process: how did Scorcese get to where he is? He stood on the shoulders of giants. And with typical Scorcese modesty, he's happy to give them all the credit. But best of all, not only is this about great film making -- it IS great film making. This is great entertainment. Just make sure you have pen and paper handy so you can write down the names of the films he exerpts. I guarantee you'll be renting and buying within hours of seeing this series. All three parts total about 220 minutes -- a bargain at twice the price. But having seen it all four times by now, I wish it were longer.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant mind for film
Review: Scorsese dazzles you with his knowledge of film. I've heard of most of these flicks, but Martin has actually watched them and decoded them scene by scene. You get the feeling he'd be a real trivia jukebox at parties. Of course, Scorsese's analysis of directors would boil down to strategic types! Mr. S doesn't screw around: art may result but moviemaking is in large part about how one uses the current picture to solicit funding for the next one. I may be an aspiring writer with no dreams of Hollywood but I would recommend this series to anyone who is serious about achievement in any art. Historical knowledge, good storytelling, superb technical execution, and a military mind are the keys to success in all creative endeavors.
Rating:
Summary: Come Along for the Ride!
Review: Settle back, relax, and let an expert filmmaker guide you through a visual tour of those American movies that had a particular impact on his perceptions and mastery of the medium. Scorsese proves to be an engaging and articulate narrator whose evident love of film is both infectious and informative. His verbal musings are supported by dozens and dozens of carefully chosen film clips that will inspire you to watch (or re-watch) the classic films in question, many of which comprise a worthy Want List for release in the DVD format: Gene Tierney in "Leave Her to Heaven"; Bogart and Ida Lupino in "High Sierra"; Cagney and the glorious Gladys George in "The Roaring Twenties"; John Dall and Peggy Cummins in "Gun Crazy"; James Murray in King Vidor's "The Crowd"; Preminger's "Advise & Consent", and so many other better and lesser known screen gems. Literate, penetrating, yet never over-scholarly, "A Personal Journey ..." is a joy ride for any viewer who appreciates the rich history of American movies during the mid-20th century.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, But Gives Too Much Away
Review: Some people think I've seen a lot of movies, but I haven't seen anywhere near as many as Marty has. I wish I had seen all of the ones documented in this film before watching it. This documentary is very well done, and extremely entertaining to people who would like this sort of thing. It introduced me to many movies that I have never seen before and piqued my interest in watching them in the future. However, on many occasions, Marty either shows clips from the ends of films or describes how the movie ends. I started fast-forwarding past any clip that looked suspiciously climactic. It's an uniquely entertaining and educational film, but it might ruin a few films for viewers in the process.
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