As narrated by Hal Holbrook, Dayton Duncan's script explicates the agenda presented by Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, placing it in the context of the young country's gamble in Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase, and the expedition's goals for opening the West. While preserving the heroic scale of the undertaking, Burns also finds time to delve into the politics of the venture and the disparate personalities of the two explorers; in particular, Duncan and Burns look at the career of Lewis, the presidential protégé, his moody demeanor, and his untimely death. The film also looks beyond its titular leaders to examine the personalities of their corps of soldiers, their boatmen, and the Indians they met and depended on, most notably their female Shosone guide, Sacagawea. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.5

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-12
Content: I am thoroughly enjoying this documentary history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The photography is beautiful; the narrative is perfect: gripping,informative, and enlightening. I have not been disappointed a single moment. Only superlatives come to mind. Another remarkable Ken Burns achievement.
Summary: Exceptional documentary

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-11
Content: Ever since I watched this program on PBS a few years back, it has haunted my dreams and I can't stop thinking about it! If only kids in school today could learn about this voyage the way it really happened (or other historical events the way this is done), we'd have alot more kids interested in getting educated, period. I am so greatful for people like Burns who teach history the way it should be taught, and only regret that I only knew the watered down version they teach in grade school.

I cannot wait to buy myself this for Christmas!

Get and watch it.....you will love it.
Summary: Simply.....incredible

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-09-18
Content: An incredible visual experience to document an amazing historical event. You will feel like you were there with the Corps of Discovery at every turn of their adventure.
Summary: Worth the view!

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-05-28
Content: An excellent companion almost essential to to the Lewis & Clark journals and other books on the Journey of the Corps of Discovery.
Summary: Visual support to the Lewis & Clark expedition

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-03-24
Content: As someone who's working on a novel about western 19th century America, this documentary is amazing. The questions it leaves us with are one's of wonder--how did they survive? They traipsed across the country in a boat, in horseback, and by foot. And back. They survived weather at -38 degrees; climbed mountains only to find more mountains, traversed deserts only to find more deserts. And through it all only two people died. In this day of GPS systems, luxury cars, cell phones, and motor homes that are motels on wheels, we can only view Lewis and Clark's journey as one of toughness, grit, and faith not found today. Ken Burns captures it all.
Summary: Ken Burns is the best