The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick - Complete 18hr

In this review of The Vietnam War documentary boxset, the bottom line is simple: this is an exhaustive, well-produced historical film series best suited for viewers who want an in-depth, documentary-grade account of the conflict. The ten-part, 18 hour set presents testimony from nearly 80 witnesses and uses digitally re-mastered archival footage to bring the era to life, making it a compelling purchase for history students, educators and serious documentary fans seeking documentary quality and comprehensive coverage.

Key Features

• Length and format: The complete 10-part series spans about 18 hours across a 10 DVD boxset, allowing viewers to watch in focused sessions or study the series in depth.
• Firsthand testimony: Nearly 80 witnesses, including American veterans, opponents of the war and Vietnamese combatants and civilians, provide a balanced range of firsthand perspectives.
• Archival material: The series includes rarely seen, digitally re-mastered archival footage and historical photographs sourced from around the globe to illustrate events vividly.
• Production team: Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, the film benefits from experienced documentary makers and careful narrative construction.
• Educational value: Six years in the making, the series is well-researched and rich in context, making it useful for classroom reference or personal study of the war.

Who It's For

This boxset is aimed at history enthusiasts, educators, students of military history and documentary collectors who want a thorough, cinematic exploration of the Vietnam War. Viewers who appreciate long-form, evidence-based narratives and history-focused storytelling will find the series particularly rewarding.

People looking for a brief overview, a dramatized feature film, or a light watch should look elsewhere, as this is an extensive documentary series designed for sustained viewing and study rather than casual entertainment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough coverage with nearly 80 eyewitness accounts that enrich historical understanding.
• High production standards and video quality thanks to digitally re-mastered archival footage and careful editing.
• Strong educational value and usefulness as a reference for study or teaching.

Cons

• Length and scope demand a significant time commitment, which may not suit casual viewers.
• Some customers noted occasional technical glitches with playback on certain players, so compatibility checks are wise.

Specifications

Title	The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick
Format	10 DVD boxset
Runtime	Approximately 18 hours
Episodes	10 parts
Production	Directed by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick; written by Geoffrey C. Ward
Footage	Digitally re-mastered archival film and photographs

Our Verdict

For anyone seeking a deeply researched, documentary-quality account of the Vietnam War, this 18 hour boxset delivers exceptional educational value and narrative depth. It represents good value for those committed to studying the conflict, though the total runtime and possible playback issues mean casual viewers should consider whether they have the time and compatible equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the complete series?
The full series runs about 18 hours across 10 episodes on a 10 DVD boxset.

Who appears in the series?
The film features testimony from nearly 80 witnesses, including American veterans, opponents of the war and Vietnamese combatants and civilians.

Are there any technical concerns?
Most customers report excellent condition and video quality, though a few noted occasional playback glitches on some players, so check compatibility with your DVD player.