Shenandoah [DVD]

James Stewart - what's not to like ! Transfer to Blu Ray is adequate but grainy in places. The disc menu does not let you disable the English subtitles which can be a pain especially when the film is American. I have other European import Blu Rays which allow you to switch them off.

Recommended for all ages. The earlier issue on DVD was very good quality but this BluRay release is even better especially the sound. The movie itself has never aged and contains many beautiful moments of humour, pathos and family interactions. I especially like the grace that Jimmy (Mr Anderson) says at the first family meal. Other notable moments are the monologues Jimmy speaks at his wife's grave (the final one always brings tears to my eyes) and his dreadful moan when the doctor tells him his married son James and his wife are dead, killed by the local riff-raff.I agree with the reviewers who note the movies anti-war leaning but think it is not so much anti as exposing the absence of glory from any aspect of war waged even for the best of reasons. I recently watched Band of Brothers again and was struck by the connection between Anderson's (James Stewart) attitude to his family and the similar attitude displayed by the late and much mourned Major Richard 'Dick' Winters when he considered the extent of the loss World War 2 took on many members of his 'family' in Easy Company. How fortunate we were to be rescued from the world's most evil tyranny by so many brave ordinary men like those of Easy Company. I have to add, why no 'Medal of Honor'?

A good old fashioned Movie, purchased for my sister, as she's been trying to get this one. You can't beat the old stars from yester year!

Brilliant James Stewart film. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Bought for my mum who is 98 and a movie buff. She loves it. All good and very satisfied.

Wanted to watch something we enjoyed years ago and found it on prime. James Stewart was a brilliant actor.

This movie had it's share of cold blooded violence and in contrast, in some scenes there won't be a dry eye in the house! As head of the household Stewart plays the part of a firm but fair no-nonsense rancher during the civil war. One wonders how he and his whole family managed to escape participating in the conflicts. However with the numerous losses of family members throughout the film, he is not unaffected! It conveys the stupidity of war and how innocent people get caught-up in the violence. However I consider this movie to be James Stewart's finest western, it carries a message and I would recommend it for your collection.

A classic movie to sit back and enjoy