Band of Brothers (Blu-ray Disc, 2008, 6-Disc Set)

During a time of our worldwide history when so many countries are at war, so many families are impacted by loved ones serving far from home, and conflict is intertwined with difficult financial times, Band of Brothers might be considered a "difficult watch.".

While Band of Brothers is only one story about the many thousands of men and women who fought during World War II, directors David Frankel, David Leland, David Nutter, Mikael Salomon, and Phil Alden Robinson have done an exceptional job of bringing this important part of history to life in a way no one will ever forget. The attention to detail is exceptional, but not surprising at all when you consider that Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were the production masterminds behind this project. The historical accuracy is well presented from all aspects.

After having watched the original series on HBO when it was released in 1970 and acquiring a copy of the series on standard DVD when it was released about a year later, the ability to watch this incredible production on Blu-Ray is as if we were actually participating in the battles fought by those incredible members of Easy Company.

War and history buffs take note, this is one of the must-have items for your DVD / Blu-Ray collection!

Well, where do i start. Having read Stephen Ambrose's books on WWII, I wanted to see how BoB would transfer to TV. Usually movies made for TV leave a lot to be desired. But it was better than I hoped.The viewer got enough background into the main characters to hold your interest and know something about them. It was hard having to wait for each part every week. I wish there had been more and its too bad that it took so long to bring it to TV. Every time I watch it, I keep thinking that its too bad that they couldn't have dwelled on some of the others in the company. It was a good series to see and learn about what happened on D-Day and after. I liked the fact that they (Tom & Steve) decided to film it without a lot of color.It seemed more bleak and real that way because news reels were always showing the war footage in black and white. Then the timing of the premiere was put off, due to 9-11. I think it began a week or two later. The theme music by Michael Kamen seemed to fit so well that when I hear the music, I remember what was going on in the series. When I first heard it, I had to get it and its been in my CD player in the number one spot for the past nine years.Its also in my car stereo. When the series came out on Blu-ray I thought I should get since my old set might wear out. I was surprised that it was still selling the way it was after nine years. And since the cheapest I've seen in the stores( Wal-Mart had it for $54.00) I decided to bid on one. Great investment, great story and great music. E- Bay might want to revise their review though. Tom Hanks directed Part 4. His son, Colin, was in Part 8. They were NOT to - gether.

The series is based on the book "Band of Brothers" written by the late Stephen Ambrose. When I read the book a few years ago I just couldn't put it down. It is without question the best book on WW II I have ever read; and this made for TV series, "Band of Brothers", does not disappoint. Each segment is simply outstanding. From basic training, to the drop into Normandy, to Holland, to the Battle of the Bulge, and finally to Hitler's Eagles Nest.
Just for the record, despite what the below reviewer states (1 star); the book and this series are right on the money historically. I'm not sure what historical facts the fellow below is referring to because the Book "is based on the first hand account interviews" with the very solders that did the fighting. Interesting how some guy who wasn't there seems to feel he has a more historically accurate understanding of the events then the men who where actually there.

This series does not glorify war nor does it offer and arrogant boastful image of the American solder. What it does offer is an inside view of the tremendous sacrifice these men made for all of us. Most of these men were citizen soldiers. Some where from poor backgrounds, some from more affluent backgrounds. Some with high school educations, some with Ivy League educations. In fact one member of the 101st was an all-American catcher and football player for UCLA, who played in the 1943 Rose Bowl.

Nothing is sugar coated. The series depicts both great victories and missteps encountered by the 101st in their fight. I found the depiction of the training prior to the Normandy drop to be particularly interesting. It leaves the viewer asking themselves if they themselves could have endured the training and physical demands imposed by the CO's.

The acting is superb, the story line is excellent, and each series creates a very accurate portrayal of the book. I strongly recommend this series, however I would recommend reading the book first. Simply an excellent book and series.

There is also an added bonus; "We Stand Alone Together, The Men of Easy Company". This is a 120 minute Documentary with the men of Easy. It offers interesting interviews, insight and vintage footage of the men.

This is an amazing series, one of HBO's very best. If you liked Saving Private Ryan, or are in to the WWII era, then this is definitly a series worth adding to your collection. Through 10 hour-long episodes, this series follows "Easy Company" of the 101st Airborne from the beginning of their training through the end of the war. Throughout the 10 episodes you get to know each of the characters in E Company, their struggles, and how they develop as people and soldiers. Every episode starts out with commentary from actual members of E Company, and the last disc is full of interviews and commentary from the real soldiers. What I thought was cool was to have people become your "favorite characters" while watching the episodes, then to be able to see their real likenesses talking about the war afterward. It really is quite moving.

Dear Buyers,

Band of Brothers is a well known war mini-series based on the actual accounts of Sgt. Winters, whose perspective is the most prominent in the series, and the men of the 101st airborne. It's a great series, really fine tuned and as accurate as you can get. What you probably don't know is that while this series is based on WWII in Europe, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks are doing a follow up series based on the war with the Japanese in the Pacific. It will be entitled The Pacific (as of now, the title may still change), and will focus on strictly Pacific battles. With this series coming out in the next year, people are going to want to get the full collection. So be sure to buy Band of Brothers (especially Blu Ray versions) before this series comes out, or you may find yourself paying a little extra to get this series. Also, be smart when buying the series, some people are trying to sell it for 50 dollars and higher. As amazing as the series is, and it is worth every cent of that amount, it has been some seven years or more since it came out. That means there are plenty in stock in stores and plenty of people who are selling it. If your patient and watchful you can pick up a mint copy for around 25-30 dollars easily. Be smart and you'll save on this amazing series. Take care and good hunting buyers.

Sincerely,
alanyoung2005