Customer Reviews
Work of Genius and Depiction of Historical Events Regarding our Founding Fathers 
2008-10-11
Although the miniseries title and episodes focus on the life of John Adams, the strength of the film lies in the exceptional ensemble cast. It was impressive to see such giants as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as the lesser known individuals, truly inhabited by the actors.
The challenge of the series was to breathe life into those stories and lives we know so well. The filmmakers worked closely to David McCullough's outstanding book for the details, along with the human side of the story captured in the voluminous correspondence of John and Abigail Adams. The political, military, and personal issues were all thoughtfully brought to life. The design values of the film were also superb. Nothing looked stagy or stilted in the sets and costumes, which provided an unusual authenticity of period style for television drama. With each appearance of George Washington (David Morse), it was hard not to gasp due to the believability of his character.
The drama of America's breaking from England for independence was an improbable story and one dependent on the courage and idealism of the individuals portrayed in this film. The personalities of these great figures make this program an accessible and rewarding experience for the entire family. For the patient viewer, what emerges from the John Adams miniseries is not merely a history lesson, but a drama with great relevance today. Simply put, we need more people in our country right now just like John and Abigail Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Knox, and, above all, the ordinary human beings heroically portrayed in this fine film!
Wonderful re-focus on what really matters 2008-10-09
The miniseries set my wife and I to thinking; how do the current candidates, and their superfluous, pandering rhetoric, measure up to the sacrifice and leadership of the Founding Fathers? What we hear from our candidates today is pandering tripe. This series puts today's dumb-downed politicians in stark constrast to Adams and the other Revolutionaries who risked everything on behalf of real principles. What a notion that is in this day and age. Watch this miniseries if you like an excellent story, and to remind yourself why we are whom we are.
Outstanding presentation a truly incredible story 2008-10-07
My wife and I have loved David McCullough's books "John Adams" and "1776" for years. The script, acting, photography, costumes and sets in this presentation do a truly wonderful job of bringing this wonderful epic in American history to life. By the end of the 3-DVDs you really feel like you know and empathize with all of the individuals portrayed. We also enjoyed the add-on segment on David McCullough's life as a historian and writer very much. We will treasure this movie for years to come.
John Adams 
2008-10-06
Excellent historical drama. Should be required viewing for all students in elementary, middle and high school. Wonderful performances by all involved.
Extraordinary reenactment of history 2008-10-05
I was overwhelmed by this film. I expected to like it but it exceeded my expectations. The book was outstanding and I think the film outdid the book. The casting was perfect, the characterizations were great, the scenes were believable. Ben Franklin in Paris was unforgetable.
History came alive for me as it never has before.
WARNING: Blockbuster Renting Parts I & 2 Only 
2008-10-05
John Adams is a sprawling HBO miniseries event that depicts the extraordinary life and times of one of Americas least understood and most underestimated founding fathers: the second President of the United States John Adams. Starring Paul Giamatti (Sideways Cinderella Man HBOs American Spendor) in the title role and Laura Linney (You Can Count on Me Kinsey) as Adams devoted wife Abigail John Adams chronicles the extraordinary life journey of one of the primary shapers of our independence and government whose legacy has often been eclipsed by more flamboyant contemporaries like George Washington Thomas Jefferson Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin. Set against the backdrop of a nations stormy birth this sweeping miniseries is a moving love story a gripping narrative and a fascinating study of human nature. Above all at a time when the nation is increasingly polarized politically this story celebrates the shared values of liberty and freedom upon which this country was built.Running Time: 501 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 883929020065 Manufacturer No: 1000038820
A Television Masterpiece! Simply Irresistible! 2008-10-04
The mini-series, John Adams, has restored my faith that there is high quality American entertainment intertwined with history out there. The tasking of taking David McCullogh's prize winning book of the same name into a spectacular mini-series can be overwelming. Of course, there will be things left out but I can't recommend it enough because it's so addictive. To begin with, Paul Giamati (Sideways star) transforms himself into John Adams, America's second President and first Vice PResident and America's first ambassador to Great Britain after the American REvolution. He is madly in love with his wife, Abigail, played remarkably by Oscar Nominee Laura Linney. Adams is not without his faults especially towards his three children, JOhn Quincy Adams who is his favorite, his only daughter Nellie (played by Sarah Polley) who married Colonel William Smith who thinks he can use the Adams name, Charles Adams as the disappointment who makes a fool of himself and the family name but suffers the most and marries his brother-in-law's sister, Sally Smith (played by Mamie Gummer who is Meryl Streep's daughter). and the other son whose name escapes me at the moment.
In other parts of the film, David Morse (St. Elsewhere) becomes George Washington and so identical to the man on our dollar bills that it's uncanny and strange all at once. Tom Wilkinson OBE plays Ben Franklin who is both genius and decadent in Paris. I don't remember the actor who plays Thomas Jefferson but he is memorable.
The mini-series is high quality and first rate that it would have swept the Academy Awards as a film but it was nominated for 23 Emmys, Giamati won Best Actor, Linney won Bet Actress, Wilkinson won Best Supporting Actor as Franklin but I would have wished there was a tie between him and Morse. It also won for Best Writing but lost for directing to a two hour film which was just wrong because this mini-series is perhaps the best things to watch in a long time.
I think this DVD should be in ever history classroom in America. It makes you understand the American Revolution, the rise of American politics, and the humanization of the country's founding fathers.
Excellent Series! 2008-10-03
This is simply put, quality work! I enjoyed every episode. I didn't want it to end.
John Adams 2008-10-02
"John Adams" is one of the best , if not the BEST Historical Video Presentation to come down the pike in a long time. The casting, acting, wardrobe and photography were SUPERB!
The only critizism I would give is the lack of DETAIL in some of the scenes and to increase the length of the video another 2 hours.
The packaging of this video is EXCELLENT and has become a HIGHLIGHT of my VIDEO LIBRARY.
Truly an Achievement and Very Entertaining 2008-09-30
I am a very fussy and ardent fan of early U.S. history and am blown away by this production. Acting is phenomenal, art direction, makeup, sets, etc., all far beyond the ordinary. In short, I'm very glad I bought it.
