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Once again the creator of such wonderful documentaries as
The Civil War and Baseball has excelled at bringing
to the forefront of public gaze an extraordinary tale of an
influential man.
Mark Twain took Burns three years to make, involved
some 63 hours worth of material and 20 interviews with key
academics, and once again he brings thousands of still photographs
to life in his own signature way.
One of the things that amazed me was the opposition he received
when he used basic American language in a novel for the first
time - it was roundly criticised by "experts'' but hit
a chord with the public.
Another was his elevation to almost sainthood by America's
blacks because he was the first writer or major figure to
portray slaves as people with feelings and needs.
Mark Twain is a must-see for English teachers and should
be a sure-fire hit in the classroom.
A bonus with the DVD is a making-of where you get to see
Ken Burns in action, and an interview about what inspires
him.
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras 60%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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