Texas
Rising
(2015)/Sons
Of Liberty
(2013) Double
Feature
(History Channel/A&E/Lionsgate DVD Set)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: D Episodes: B
Texas
Rising
- previously available on Blu-ray (and covered elsewhere on this
site) is presented here spanning three standard definition discs.
The mini-series is a great watch for fans and if you missed it then
this is a great chance to check it out alongside the History
Channel's other hit series
Sons of Liberty,
which spans two DVDs.
Texas
Rising
(2015) features an incredible all-star cast including Bill Paxton,
Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Brendan Fraser, and Ray Liotta and from the
Hatfields & McCoys filmmaking team comes another Wild West epic
reimagining of the battle for Texas that originally premiered on The
History Channel. In Texas
Rising,
the story focuses on the true story of how the people of Texas fought
for freedom against the mighty Mexican military that had overtaken
the Alamo but told with exceptional filmmaking and a sleek style.
The
legendary Texas Rangers assembled for the first time against General
Santa Anna's massive military might. United under the leadership of
Sam Houston (Paxton) and with the help of his ragtag army, they
passionately battled for life and country and the Lone Star State.
The
show is visually stunning and is over and above the production value
of a normal mini-series with a cast of thousands and all of the
makings of a major big budget film. It's nice to see some of these
actors in good roles again and they play off each other very well.
Some elements of the story may not be crystal clear to viewers who
may not be up on all of their history but the show is still an
entertaining watch and a must see for fans of Western or Historical
epics.
The
five episodes are From
The Ashes, Fate and Fury, Blood for Blood, Vengeance is Mine,
and Rise
of the Republic.
All of the episodes are directed by Roland Joffe.
For
more on the show, go to this link for that Blu-ray set...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/13758/Texas+Rising+(2015/Lionsgate/A&E/History+Chann
Sons
of Liberty
(2013) maintains the same high production values that the History
Channel employed in Texas
Rising,
only this time the focus is on some of our nation's founding Fathers
including Sam Adas (Ben Barnes), John Adams (Henry Thomas), Ben
Franklin (Dean Norris), Paul Revere (Michael Raymond-James), George
Washington (Jason O'Mara), and Dr. Joseph Warren (Ryan Eggold).
Strong
from a production standpoint, Sons
of Liberty
seems like it would be a great concept for a huge studio to tackle in
a box office bonanza. I'm surprised that hasn't happened yet with
such iconic historical figures. The series, of course, involves such
real life historical events such as The Boston Tea Party and the
Battle of Lexington.
Episodes
include A
Dangerous Game, The Uprising,
and Independence.
Both
shows do look better in HD as they were produced that way, but don't
look half-bad on DVD (or good as they can anyway). Texas
Rising
is presented in 2.40:1 widescreen - which gives it a more cinematic
feel (especially with the huge cast it has) and a lossy Dolby Digital
5.1 track. Sons
of Liberty
has a 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1
track.
No
extras but these are two great shows that History buffs should
definitely check out. For younger audiences, these shows are a nice
way to introduce millennials to history and both entertain and
educate them simultaneously.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
