Gettysburg (Widescreen Edition) asin: B00003CXA6 binding: DVD list price: $14.98 USD amazon price: $7.99 USD

Gettysburg (1993) directed by Ron Maxwell. This film is based on the bestselling book by Michael Shaara, The Killer Angels. It is a fairly straight retelling of the momentous Civil War battle in July of 1863. The film is over four hours in length, and is surprisingly faithful to Shaara's work, which ideally should be used together for maximum benefit. Very clearly seen in both book and film is that leadership won this battle. It starts when Union General John Buford spotted the strategic advantage of the hillside around Gettysburg and made the decision to engage his forces despite being extremely outnumbered. The most dramatic action as well as displays of leadership wisdom are during the climactic stand at Little Round Top by Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and his 20th Maine regiment. The film tragically depicts General Robert E. Lee consistently making misjudgments and being let down by his subordinates. This battle changed history, and this film shows how it happened. An excellent leadership study. --Larry Stout