Centennial: The Complete Series Reviews

• "So good I went searching for the town!"

  
  By A3EAI032S3EBBK on 2001-04-29
  The story of the American West doesn't get any better than this!

  As a middle school social studies instructor, I can say that Americana is on display in its most enticing format here! The acting is as superb as the actors are familiar! Star after star makes us forget whatever role they played on televison, and remember them for their characterization in Centennial! This is the highest compliment to a film-maker's casting director and producer!

  The cast IS exceptional--especially Conrad, Chamberlain, and that old Detroit Lion lineman Alex 'Brumbaugh' Karas! Honestly, having seen this epic four times, I have often wanted to just sit right through all 20+ hours consecutively; it really does grow on you! I can never forget the 'Wendells' every time I hear 'Whispering Hope', and just watching that last half hour's flashback sequence accompanied by 'Guess He'd Rather be in Colorado' still gives me goose bumps!

  I enjoyed this epic so much in fact, that while in Colorado in 1993, I tried to locate the town of Centennial. I noticed many familiar landmarks, crossed the Platte River, but of course, found no Centennial town--only the cafe.

  I can only say that if one loves the history and drama of the American West and has not seen this chronicle--from Robert Conrad's trip downstream at the beginning, to David Janson's reflective retrospection by the lonely railroad tracks at the consclusion, one has NOT fully seized upon all that Hollywood can contribute to learning about our great country.

  Thank you Clay Basket, Levi Zendt, Hans Brumbaugh, R.J. Poteet, Lame Beaver...though fictitious, you made learning come alive for us! And a special thanks to the production company of 'Centennial'!

  "...only the rocks live forever".
  
  

• Memorable, if overlong western epic

  
  By A3DSTOJPRMV674 on 2001-09-09
  The mammoth western epic "Centennial" has always deserved a storied place in television history.

  This ambitious effort, based on the James Michener novel of the same name, attempts to cover the history of the state of Colorado, from the days of the Native Americans to the political/environmental dealings of modern times. Clocking in at 24 hours, it's probably safe to say that rarely has so much effort been put into the television medium. Unfortunately, "Centennial" would have been better served to cut it's running time in half.

  The first five episodes of "Centennial," dealing with the settling of the American frontier and the eventual clash between pioneers and Native Americans, are some of the finest hours ever produced for television. This 1978 miniseries provides an early sympathetic view of the Native American, from the appealing chief Lame Beaver, played convincingly by Michael Ansara, to his daughter Clay Basket sympathetically played by Barbara Carrera. Throw into this mix the stormy relationship of trappers Pasquinel (Robert Conrad) and McKeag (Richard Chamberlain), and you have great drama on the untamed frontier. Their lives, and the rustic, changing world in which they live, makes for terrific historical fireworks.

  Of course, Conrad's performance as Pasquinel, a colorful and memorable character if ever there was one, is one of the finest of his erratic career. As soon as his character leaves the film, there is an emptiness to the drama which is never quite replaced. And this emptiness damages the overall memory of this western epic.

  Episode five, which details the disturbing true-life incident of the Sand Creek Massacre, in which hundreds of Native Americans were brutally murdered, is probably the last hurrah of "Centennial." The film soon switches gears to detail ranching life, farming struggles and the Depression. But the sense of wonder and awe seems to disappear, as the film wallows in a series of cliches (Brian Keith as the town sheriff is almost laughably bad) which resembles poor soap opera. The characters are not as multi-dimensional, and certainly not as inspiring.

  "Centennial" rebounds somewhat during the twelth and final episode in which the valid question is raised as to what type of industry is best for the state of Colorado -- living off the land as our ancestors did, or mining the countryside for its resources. David Janssen is superb as a ranch owner and descendent of Pasquinel. His brooding intensity practically washes away the bad taste left from the frustrating boredom of the previous four episodes.

  "Centennial" boasts one of the most extraordinary casts ever assembled for a motion picture. Almost too many to mention, some nods of respect must be given to Conrad, Chamberlain, Janssen, Chad Everett, Richard Crenna (in a particularly villainous role), Carrera, Lynn Redgrave, Gregory Harrison and Dennis Weaver (absolutely terrific as trail boss R.J. Poteet).

  Appropriate kudos must be given to the beautiful cinemaphotography and the exciting musical score of John Addison.

  "Centennial," essentially is a television history of the United States, from the early settlers to modern times. No stone is left unturned in this epic journey, and if the ambition was a bit more than these filmmakers could actually achieve given the restraints of the budget and the limitations of its marathon length, one can forgive these starry-eyed dreamers for losing steam during the final episodes.

  Based on the first five episodes (11 hours) alone, "Centennial" is one of the finest works in television history. As a whole, the film sputters to a three-star rating. But for patient viewers, there are many diamonds to discover in the rough, unforgiving land known as "Centennial."
  
  

• "....ONLY THE ROCKS LIVE FOREVER"!

  
  By A3VB9QX45AIKQP on 2004-08-16
  McKeag and Pasquinel, were best friends, whose loyalty to each other inspired a nation, and evolved into one of the most exciting and truly unforgettable 29 hour epic adventures of all time. Richard Chamberlain, as Alexander McKeag, gave one of the most amazing, and inspiring performances of his career. The tough, yet gentle Scotsman, found himself a whole new world, and left that world an amazing legacy, when his life was saved by Pasquinel, played by the wonderful Robert Conrad. These courageous and daring trappers, befriended Indians, gained the respect of the white man, and with insight and determination, eventually formed the fictional town of CENTENNIAL.
  
  The handsome and classy Richard Chamberlain played against type, transforming himself into the rugged, crusty, frontiersman. What a sensational frontiersman he was! When the gorgeous Alexander McKeag, with glorious golden red/blonde hair, and matching beard, emerges on the screen, he literally takes your breath away. The handsome actor is beyond spectacular, when he slips effortlessly into the role of Alexander McKeag, a kind, yet tough Scotsman. As always with Richard Chamberlain, you get a top-notch performance, and an actor who is just fabulous to look at, as an added bonus. He is such a gorgeous man, he can't look bad, even when he tries. He looked and sounded so Scottish (perfecting a flawless Scotch brogue), that this character may well have been his career Magnum Opus! He was absolutely marvelous! One is amazed, the Indians let him get away, without confiscating that glorious head of hair for their trophy poles.
  
  In his memoirs, Richard Chamberlain shared, that just prior to making this movie, he had met and begun a relationship, with his life-long partner of 28 years, Martin Rabbett. The actors had barely established a home in New York, when Richard got the call to come to Colorado for a six month shoot. Richard was in turmoil, as he guessed his young love would probably balk at his leaving, and he was right. After seeing him in this film, if I were Martin, I would have pitched a fit also. With that golden red/blonde hair and beard, looking like an Adonis in leather and suede, I wouldn't have let him out of my sight without a fuss either. Richard Chamberlain also states in his memoirs, that this character was his second favorite role, his first playing Wild Bill Hickok, in the stage production of "Fathers And Sons." How interesting, that this classy, sophisticated, glamorous actor, so enjoyed playing crusty, cowboy, frontiersmen types. This certainly accentuates his versatility and broad acting range.
  
  Both Chamberlain and Conrad were absolutely fabulous as the best friends, McKeag and Pasquinel. The two actors brought to the screen an interesting and intriguing magic! Both men loved the same woman, Clay Basket; but McKeag contented himself by delivering her children and helping her raise them, as the trapper, Pasquinel had another family and was gone for many months and sometimes years. Though McKeag was bitterly disappointed in losing "the love of his life," he never let it interfere with his loyalty and friendship to the "free spirited" Pasquinel. He could have seduced the lonely Clay Basket, as she secretly loved McKeag as well as Pasquinel, but his integrity would never allow him to take advantage of his best friend. One of my favorite scenes in the entire film, is McKeag and Pasquinel dancing the Highland Fling together. In the film, the friends had a passionate disagreement, and McKeag invites Pasquinel to dance out their bad feelings, which led to a wonderful reconciliation. Later, the dance is again repeated with Jacques Pasquinel, as McKeag danced out the hostilities between himself and his troubled half-breed step-son. Richard Chamberlain, who is an outstanding dancer, delights his friends, as he kicks up his heels and shows his exceptional dancing ability. Richard Chamberlain fans will agree that this was the charming actor's most loveable role. You will love, and never forget, his inspiring Alexander McKeag! The great French trapper Pasquinel, was also Robert Conrad's best performance ever.
  
  Each night, a new cast of wonderful stars, continued the story, taking the viewer through new generations of progeny, responsible for settling the west. Each video, gives its own account, weaving a tapestry of exalted emotion, based on great drama, history, heartbreak, hope, disappointment, renewal, discouragement, love, hate, life, death, despair and triumph, in the lives of fictional characters across a span of 200 years. Robert Conrad and Richard Chamberlain were the heart and soul of this epic, two great actors, chiseling each others magnificent performances, like iron sharpening iron. SUPERB! This outstanding cast, with their masterful character portraits, and the Mini-Series itself should have had awards galore! A special tribute to Doug McKeon, the child actor, who charmed his audience off their feet, with his sensational portrayal as the son of the deceptive Windells. I hope CENTENNIAL will come out on DVD and take its rightful place of importance as "A BEST FILM" of all time.
  
  No one can teach history like the masterful James Michener. This film has breathtaking scenery of The Rockies, a moving depiction of the decline, and annihilation of our Native American Indians, and an emphasis on the LAND.......THE BEST PART OF AMERICA! He examines a war between CARETAKERS, who respected the land, its power, its majesty, and understood that if the land is to take care of us, we must first learn how to care for it, and TAKERS, who raped, and ravaged the land, taking what they wanted, leaving nothing in return. Michener poignantly points to the LAND.... a life force of its own....emphasizing...."ONLY THE ROCKS LIVE FOREVER".
  
  
  
  

• Centennial is Faithful Adaptation of Michener's Book

  
  By ABLOQZIL42W7I on 2005-08-05
  James A. Michener's "Centennial" is arguably his best literary work. Released in 1976, at the bicentennial of our nation's history, "Centennial" was the novel blockbuster of the year. The screen adaptation became a bi-monthly serial that originally aired on NBC in the late 1970's. I can recall viewing it for the first time way back then and having to wait expectantly for the next show. The made-for-tv movie is a faithful adaptation of Michener's epic novel, and like the novel, is lengthy, but is a fascinating story in itself that is over 18 hours long! Each VHS cassette is a mini-novel in itself dealing with a specific time period in Michener's book. It makes for excellent family viewing and is appropriate for all member of the family, from kids to grandparents.
  
  I recommend that the buyer purchase the VHS collection in "used" condition. The set is so large that most viewers will only watch it once and then shelve it. This is not to say that it is not a quality production; rather, it's length is such that it affords itself to one viewing only. Once you watch it, either save it for viewing years later, or sell it on E-Bay. In either case, this is an epic video production that you will remember for the rest of your life.
  
  Jim "Konedog" Koenig
  
  
  
  

• Magnificent epic equals magnificent story

  
  By A3XTG9MMGQZCN on 2001-03-29
  As a longtime fan of James Michener I have enjoyed many of his works but none of them has been so well represented on film as Centennial. The book was super but was erratically paced and jumped back and forth in history. The miniseries, however, is wonderful. The casting of the characters was right on in both the main and supporting roles. Robert Conrad gave his best performance as the complicated French trapper Pasquinel. Richard Chamberlain was the perfect Alexander McKeag and Gregory Harrison did a terrific job in his ability to cope with his character's aging from a inexperienced farm boy to a likable everyman to an aging hero. Michener's story explores the discovery of the west and shows us heroism and cowardice, greatness and pettiness and is a superb history lesson which everyone will enjoy. The series presents this story in the form of characters you will grow to like, admire, love, hate and remember. People I've watched the series with have shown deep emotion and cried through the depiction of the Indian massacre (actually the Sand Creek Massacre but renamed for the story). They came to admire Dennis Weaver as the cattle drive boss R.J. Poteet and the young cowboys he helped turn into men. You will see characters grow and change. You will identify with many and feel sad as they age and die. Throughout, however, you will be entertained and you will have a greater appreciation of the people who framed the American West.
  
  
• The Most Moving Piece of Television I Have Ever Seen
  By A2NIX3953F2XDR on 2000-07-02
  I first saw this masterpiece way back in 1979 or 1980 and enjoyed it immensely but it has never been repeated here in the UK. I have had to wait for the invention of the web to order a copy, but the wait was worth while. I have been intersted in the history of the west for a number of years and found this informative, entertaining and extemely moving. The actors are fantastic, especially the early years with Robert Conrad and Richard Chamberlain et al - they play it so well. I also like the way the story unfolds as does the town of Centennial - the people who made the town and developed it and the moving stories of their history. Two aspects must not be missed out - the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies - I only hope to visit some time. Secondly the very moving and disturbing history of the decline and annilation of the Native Americans of the Plains. This is perhaps the single most moving and important underlying tone of the story, where some want to destroy, and some who respect and love them, want to save them. This is perhaps one of the greatest productions of cinema I have ever seen if not the greatest - the acting, the scenery but most of all the story of the west, the story of America. I would reccomend this to anyone - I will watch it over and over again.
  
  
• "So good that I went looking for the town!!"
  By on 1998-12-29
  The story of the American West doesn't get any better than this! As a middle school social studies instructor, I can say that Americana is on display in its most enticing format here! The acting is as superb as the actors are familiar! Star after star makes us forget whatever role they played on televison, and remember them for their characterization in Centennial! This is the highest compliment to a film-maker's casting director and producer!

  The cast IS exceptional--especially Conrad, Chamberlain, and that old Detroit lineman Alex 'Brumbaugh' Karas! Honestly, having seen this epic four times, I have often wanted to just sit right through all 20+ hours consecutively; it really does grow on you! I can never forget the 'Wendells' every time I hear 'Whispering Hope', and just watching that last half hour's flashback sequence accompanied by 'Guess He'd Rather be in Colorado' still gives me goose bumps! I enjoyed this epic so much in fact, that while in Colorado in 1993, I tried to locate the town of Centennial. I noticed many familiar landmarks, crossed the Platte River, but of course, found no Centennial town--only the cafe.

  I can only say that if one loves the history and drama of the American West and has not seen this chronicle from Robert Conrad's trip downstream at the beginning, to David Janson's reflective retrospection by the lonely railroad tracks at the consclusion, one has NOT fully seized upon all that Hollywood can contribute to learning about our great country.

  Thank you Clay Basket, Levi Zendt, Hans Brumbaugh, R.J. Poteet, Lame Beaver...though fictitious, you made learning come alive for us! And a special thanks to the production company of 'Centennial'!

  "...only the rocks live forever".
  
  

• It is finially coming!
  By AGAVPXI3MEAQC on 2008-02-05
  I almost fell out of my chair a few moments ago. After 6 years of searching the internet for news of it's release, I come by this tonight:
  
  http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Centennial-DVDs-Planned/8920
  
  Centennial (mini-series) -A Release - At Long Last! - For The Classic NBC Mini-Series Based On James Michener's Novel
  We've Got The Scoop On The Long-Awaited Release Date!
  Posted by David Lambert
  2/04/2008
  
  
  Longtime TVShowsOnDVD readers will remember back in May 2004, when we spoke about the so-called "Uni-book", a nicely bound promotional book that talked about Universal Studios and their new "TV to DVD initiative" (up until that point, the studio wasn't really participating in the TV-DVD genre, despite owning many highly-desired properties). The book listed, briefly or in great detail, background info about 41 classic shows that Universal has the rights to, and intended to release on DVD. At this point there are still 5 of these which have never had any sort of release on DVD, including the final one in the book: the classic mini-series Centennial.
  
  The 1978 production, based on James Michener's novel, starred a huge cast including the likes of Michael Ansara, William Atherton, Raymond Burr, Barbara Carrera, Richard Chamberlain, Robert Conrad, Richard Crenna, Timothy Dalton, Chad Everett, Sharon Gless, Andy Griffith, Mark Harmon, Gregory Harrison, David Janssen, Alex Karras, Brian Keith, Sally Kellerman, A. Martinez, Donald Pleasence, Lynn Redgrave, Dennis Weaver, Robert Vaughn, Anthony Zerbe and Stephanie Zimbalist. Fans have certainly been waiting to add this title to their DVD collection, and now we have the scoop on when you can do just that!
  
  Our very reliable industry sources tell us that Universal has leaked info that this 12-part miniseries will come to DVD at last on July 8th. There is a high level of confidence about that, although with this much lead time it is of course subject to change. The first and last episode in the series were each three hours long, with the others in between were two hours each, so this can probably be expected to come as a 7-disc set (assuming all discs are single-sided), with room for extras (if the studio decides to include any).
  
  This is still a while off, but pencil it in on your calendar and put a few bucks aside for it. And stay tuned; we'll keep you posted with any further developments, just as soon as we find out more!
  
  
  
  
  I already have it marked on my calendar. I really hope they do a good job on this, remastered sound and picture would be a dream come true.
  
  
• Best television programming I have ever seen.
  By on 1999-07-31
  I add my agreement to the other previous reviews. I think Centennial was the best programming ever on television, or in movies for that matter. I think it is a disgrace that this spectacle did not receive any awards. I think the closest it got was a nomination for Richard Chamberlain for the role of McKeag.

  As for the music, I also have conducted brief searches for the soundtrack, but have found nothing. I wouldn't rule it out, but I doubt if such a soundtrack exists. Too bad, because I would buy it in a flash. If anyone knows how to get it, please let us know.

  The casting for Centennial was remarkable. The characters spring to life because of the cast. Levi Zendt is my favorite character, but almost every actor/actress does a splendid job.

  The story line follows the book closely, and the changes that are made do not detract from the heart of the plots. In fact, I think the TV series is better than Michener's book in some ways.

  The only criticism I can think of the book and video series is that sometimes the story engages in some rather extreme historical revisionism. Yes, we now know that the Native Americans were exploited and the victims of genocide by insensitive and selfish whites. But at times, the sins of the whites and the purity of the Native Americans and Mexicans are exaggerated and oversimplified. The actual facts of history are more complex. For example, while some white Americans used distortions of Christianity to excuse the mistreatment of the American Indian (e.g., in Centennial, Frank Skimmerhorn), the mainstream of Christian thought would not justify the extermination of "savages" so whites could fulfill "Manifest Destiny."

  I also wish the closing episode was a little stronger, but oh well...Maybe I was just sad the epic was coming to an end.

  The adjectives other reviewers have chosen to laud Centennial are not exaggerations. It is enthralling, magnificent, and gripping for a lifetime.

  The potential would have existed to create a television series after the miniseries was completed (imagine a weekly program with the adventures of Levi and Lucinda Zendt, McKeag, the Pasquinels, Brumbaugh, and Mercy). Well, that will never happen now.

  I have read the book twice and seen the miniseries five times now, three times since ordering the videos a couple of years ago. I would highly recommend Centennial to anyone who loves American history and cares about it's greatest lesson--that we are responsible to be good stewards of the land and its resources in order to leave a legacy of care for future generations of human and animal life. The question is: will we be keepers or takers?
  
  

• The last post said it best - Centennial is a Masterpiece!
  By A2E7E9EWADK4S6 on 2000-02-12
  There is something captivating about this miniseries. I am not sure I can reduce it to words, but I've seen this mini-series several times and I still feel so caught up in the lives of these characters. I too, love Ellie and Levi and the scene where Ellie escapes from the orphanage. When her friend tells her "Ellie - you're running away for *all* of us" it brings tears to my eyes every time.

  The little details in this movie - like the letters Ellie sends back to her friend in Lancaster, seem right on target - historically.

  The movie has it all - history, romance, disappointment, discouragement, renewal, enduring hope, triumph and more.

  This is quality television and very educational. And it is a decent movie for the family.
  
  

• Why No DVD?
  By A2L8UW7X3AP0WJ on 2006-10-22
  What are the studio playing at?
  Do they want pirate copies to be posted all around the planet?
  This is educational as much as it is entertainment.
  It is the best of the best of the grand Mini-Series and deserves maximum exposure.
  
  
• When Will This Be On DVD?
  By A20WB5IKXL70YH on 2006-07-24
  Of all the junk that has been and will be released to dvd, why is this mini series not on dvd, one of the finest mini series or movies ever made period, 26 hours in length, a huge talented cast a true epic on a scale that hollywood would never even consider these days, if ever a program deserved to be on dvd this is it, I saw it when it first came out in the 70s, I have read the book, and watched it time and again when some network decides to run it (very seldom in the last 10 or 15 years)
  
  Who ever the people are who decide if this is worth the effort and cost to put onto dvd, let me just say, do some research, find out how many people here on Amazon, IMDB and plenty of other sites want this dvd set, also check out all the bootleggers who are making a killing selling something that you should be selling.....This needs to be on dvd.
  
  
• Real professionalism lives here
  By A13493100TLRFS on 1999-11-03
  This is the second time I've seen Centennial. This time I bought the video.I believe is an excellent mini-serie.American and human history are shown in remarkable sceneries. Acting is formidable. My sincere thanks to producers that gave to this mini-serie the time needed for a well told story of American history. Centennial should be a must in any serious video collection.
  
  
• PLEASE PUT CENTENNIAL ON DVD
  By A1ETAGV0MX0K32 on 2005-12-21
  I watched Centennial when it was first shown on TV and was very
  excited when it came to VHS years ago. I fear that my tapes will
  not last much longer so please go with the technology and put
  Centennial on DVD. It is the best story on how the west was settled.
  
  
• centennial
  By A2ZRBUBOF12GM8 on 2006-06-20
  This is by far one of the best movies EVER. I have watched this AT LEAST once a year since it first came out.....If you love history and nature this is the movie to see.. The actors were were wonderful they make you believe,care,cry and laugh.This movie warms your heart. The actors become people you feel you know. I love to watch it one tape right after another.... It gets you hooked. It leaves you wanting more.... like 12 chapters isnt enough. You want to go to Centennial and see the Railway Arms and Zendts Store. You want to walk in the store and see Lucinda and Levi standing there. As Coloradan I couldnt ask for a better portrayal of this state and how we feel about it. WHY ISNT IT ON DVD. WE NEED IT ON DVD!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• A MUST FOR WESTERN HISTORY FANS
  By A1WZ6AS5J9ELUA on 2006-10-22
  My husband and I were snowed in for 2 weeks in Big Thompson Canyon Colorado. We could walk about outside around the cabins, but could not leave the mountain until the snowplow got up the hill. We had a vcr player, plenty of food, water, heat and down blankets, treats and Centennial. The cabin owners had taped it from the tv mini series. I was captivated. As a storyteller I have often performed as Martha Jane Canary (Calamtiy Jane); so watching this epic was a wonderful visual panaroma of the early west! I felt as if I had stepped backwards into the early days of our country and especially Colorado, a state I dearly love. We were walking in the shoes of the Native Americans and Pioneers and for a brief few hours feeling as if we were a part of their lives. We watched more tv in that time period than is usually good for a person! The acting and storyline was exceptional; but the scenery was the real show stealer. The cinematographer was brilliant! VCR's did not have the depth of the new DVD's, and this was copied from the TV and still the vibrant colors and beauty of the mountians was right in the room with you! I can't wait to see how the DVD format improves the viewing. I strongly recommend this epic western to viewers. It takes awhile to view the entire series, but it is worth the effort. It is an excellent "January" project; if you live in a cold climate. The youthfullness of Richard Chamberland and the Robert Conrads joyous portrayal of Pasquinal is unforgettable. When you watch you get the idea that the actors thoroughly enjoyed their roles, they bring the characters to life in a way that cannot be done if one is unhappy in the role. While I "know" that television and movies glamorize history, I thought Centennial gave the people, events and story more guts than glamor. The richness of the peoples lives caught you from the first tape and held you to the last credits. We didn't want it to end, but just keep going. My husband bought me the vcr set for the next Christmas so we could watch it any time. We still like to start at the beginning and just methodically go through each tape beginning to end. Hopefully, the DVD version will be out soon. So, to all I can say with gusto - ENJOY! Settle back, make some popcorn and just enjoy watching a story of our ancestors unfold on your tv.
  
  
• Outstanding TV Mini-series..!!
  By A2WD487DM2UDPE on 2008-05-05
  It's about time this was released on DVD..!!!...this is an outstanding TV mini-series that tells the story of the founding of the West. Many lives are interwoven in the story of a trapper (Robert Conrad) who marries the daughter (Loretta Swit) of a silversmith (Raymond Burr) and explores the west. The story is told through the fictional founding of the town of Centennial, Colorado and covers about 200 years. The story is too long to detail here (about 1256 minutes) but it will hold your attention throughout. A little "preachy" at the end with an "evironmentalist" segment but still very worthwhile.
  Now let's hope "Chiefs", "On Wings Of Eagles" and "Once An Eagle" are released soon..!!!!
  
  
• Why isn't Centennial available on DVD?
  By A10OW3BQUCV5S1 on 2005-10-04
  Centennial is one of the all-time best productions...yet, it is not available on DVD? How can this be? Several years ago I assumed that Centennial would have been one of the first to appear on DVD. So much trash is available on DVD yet not Centennial? I find that a sad commentary on the values of those who produce DVDs.
  
  Hugh T. Harrington
  author of: "Civil War Milledgeville, Tales From the Confederate Capital of Georgia," "Remembering Milledgeville, Historic Tales From Georgia's Antebellum Capital" and "More Milledgeville Memories."
  
  
• The Best Television/Movie I have ever seen!!!
  By A2IGCNS5VX93GG on 2005-05-05
  Why Oh Why, is this not out on DVD yet? I have the VHS set and have watched it atleast 20 times. My daughter and I watch an episode or 2, each time she visits, and we never forget where we left off. I am afraid that one of the tapes will go bad and the set will be ruined. Every episode is as precious as the last!
  The variety and caliber of actors was phenomonal!
  This is a MUST SEE for anyone who enjoys American history,and/or the Western genre. Not to mention the visual beauty.
  The day this is released on DVD, I am buying 2 copies!!
  
  
  
• Great, great ... but why not on DVD????
  By A2DZYV289JOQDT on 2006-10-29
  Why is this still not out on DVD? The amount of bad series which are already out and this more then excellent series is not? I cannot understand it!
  
  Ries
  
  
• Please release this on DVD!
  By A12NB3GIN2XG14 on 2007-02-20
  My husband has been pining for Centennial to be released for years--I have too. The only copy we have is one we taped off the Connecticut station years ago (complete with the winning lottery numbers). But even with an inferior copy we pull it out every now and then and still enjoy it: the story, the performances, and the opening music. As for the length, it is better spread over a few nights (or even weeks) anyway, and if you think it is weak in parts, just what would you want to remove? Certainly not the cattle drive with R.J. Poteet and ol' O.D. Cleaver--definitely one of the best segments!
  This mini-series should be on DVD, and we fans deserve to have it!
  
  
  
• Centennial-The Western You'll Never Forget
  By A3PS3WBSZKDTJY on 2000-02-13
  I love this movie. My family just saw it and we plan to watch it every year. Up until about a week ago, we watched one tape every Friday night. Since then my brother and I have have watched them over and over again and we recommend it to everyone. There are so many good characters but my favourites are Axle Dumire, Jim Lloyd, Hans Broumbagh and Charlotte Seccombe. My favourite tapes were "The Storm" and "The Winds of Fortune". Do your family a favour and spend the rest of the winter watching Centennial.
  
  
• It's hard to put into words how good this is
  By A28V7TIV82TSX2 on 2002-11-21
  I've grown up with this miniseries--first as a cassette tape my mother filled with dialogue and music from the show, then as a badly taped version from TNT, and finally as the gorgeous box set. This miniseries largely shaped my strong views about Native Americans, including the way white settlers treated them, the muddled policies the US government held concerning them, and the shame of the degraded lifestyle forced on many of them today.

  As other reviewers have stated, the history in this miniseries is impeccable, including many real-life parallels (and I felt vindicated when, as a junior in college, I finally was taught the real story of the Chivington Massacre at Sand Creek). The best thing about this is the way the writers and actors take real history (which to many often seems dry) and turns it into stories that make modern-day viewers laugh, cry, and shout with outrage.

  The cast is full of stars like Richard Chamberlain, Robert Conrad, Lynn Redgrave, Brian Keith, Dennis Weaver, and many many more. I can't think of a single performance that was in any way lacking. From the fur traders to the Native Americans, to the ranchers and farmers, to the swindlers and immigrants, who made Colorado their home, these characters shine.

  All it takes is a single strain of one of the memorable music themes to bring back vivid memories of the miniseries, and watching even a single episode is guaranteed to fill me with the wanderlust to go west, a yearning for the lost past, a homesickness for this place that feels like home to me--Centennial, Colorado, and the areas near the town.

  If you're an historian, if you're a westerner, if you're like me and just wish you were a westerner, if you're interested in Native American history, or if you just like a good epic that will make you laugh and cry, pick up this miniseries. You won't be sorry.
  
  

• DVD NOW PLEASE!! C'mon Universal!
  By on 2004-05-15
  In my opinion the finest mini-series in the history of TV. Universal Home Video must give this the attention it so richly deserves!
  
  
• A Must-Have for any miniseries fan
  By AFZ3Y69Z98EFR on 2004-10-11
  This was the miniseries that got me hooked on the genre. I was 11 years old when filming started on this epic in 1978 (took 2 years to complete and it was on location to boot. That's not done as much anymore for epics of this magnitude.) I grew up watching it on tape (had taped it off cable in the mid 80's) and wore the tapes out! Bought the VHS box set for my mom about 5 years ago for Christmas (she's also another Centennial fan) and we're about to wear those tapes out between the two of us. This has just GOT to come out on DVD soon.
  
  I don't think I could add anything else to what others have already said, but if you haven't had the opportunity to see this masterpiece of historical fiction, you are really missing out. The characters are so well-defined, you can't help but get caught up in the events and people that shaped the town of Centennial. From Lame Beaver, the Arapaho warrior and his family and Pasquinel and Alexander McKeag (the first white men to arrive in the area along the South Platte river,) to the 1800's when people were moving westward in search of something more or just plain getting away (like Levi Zendt and his first wife, Ellie, who had been ostracized from a Mennonite community in Pennsylvania) and others who wanted adventure (like the British aspring adventurer-turned-rancher Oliver Seacombe,) they planted the seeds for the town which became Centennial. There are also many more memorable characters, too numerous to mention, reacting and surviving the changing times around them. This one has it all: great story, simply beautiful location, an outstanding ensemble cast, and historical facts blend together to create something really special.
  
  So, with that said, let's get this one out on DVD!
  
  
  
  
• THE BEST TV MEGA-SERIES NOT ON DVD
  By AKNNO9JLCNMAH on 2004-11-13
  I also am waiting for this to come out on disc. It doesn't look like it will be happening any time soon.
  
  Go vote for this at TVSHOWSONDVD.COM
  
  
• Souper fan
  By AENS9FSETP6IY on 2004-11-18
  Short & to the point! This is the greatest mini-series ever put on TV; that it is STILL not on DVD is unbelievable!!!!
  
  
• CENTENNIAL DESERVES TO BE ON DVD
  By AYLHQYF7OCSU5 on 2006-03-10
  It is a perfect example of television producing a product that could only be done by that medium. It needs no more praise than what is offered in other reviews.
  
  What is needed is a DVD of the entire series, not the first twelve parts.
  
  
• A thought provoking view of how the past affects the future
  By A2GTUSJHRJ0VZK on 2007-01-04
  I thought this production was a wonderful depiction of the development of the west, and more specifically Colorado, was Very Well done!. There are many great acting performances by many great actors, most of which are no longer with us. I think it should be seen in every us history classroom. I wish it would air again on National Prime time TV. I will buy it, when it is released on DVD.
  
  
• Centennial
  By A27XA0F6ZF7NK on 2007-02-08
  I first read the book and fell in love with the story. A lot is based on history. When it came out on TV I watched each episode with out missing any. Then when it was replayed on TNT (I think) I tried to make VHS tapes but they never came out well. When I started looking on Amazon you could still get new VHS tapes I think for $100 but I wanted to wait for DVD that must have been around 5 years ago. I do get the VHS tapes from my local library. I still want it on DVD I bet the scenery would be unbelievable. I wish somebody would wake up and make DVDs.
  
  

• Holocaust
• James Clavell's Noble House
• Comanche Moon
• How the West Was Won (Ultimate Collector's Edition)
• El Cid (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (The Miriam Collection)