Journey to the Wild West in the sweeping, sensational epic drama Centennial: The Complete Series! Relive the grand hopes, dreams, loves, and adventures of generations of residents in Centennial, Colorado - from their risky attempts to establish a settlement in 1795 through the politics and power plays of the 20th century. With over 26 TV hours of content on DVD for the first time, this incredible set gives fans the opportunity to own the complete chronicle that showcases one of the finest casts ever assembled, including Richard Chamberlain, Robert Conrad, Timothy Dalton, Mark Harmon, Andy Griffith, Raymond Burr, Dennis Weaver, Lynn Redgrave, Sharon Gless, Stephanie Zimbalist, Sally Kellerman and many more. Based on James Michener's best-selling novel, this Primetime Emmy®Award-nominated saga is a captivating look at the intertwining lives of the brave men and women in a fictional American town that endured the growing pains of a nation on the rise.
A remarkably ambitious and engrossing project, this 1978 television miniseries ran 26-and-a-half hours, cost a then-enormous $25 million, and involved 4 directors, 5 cinematographers, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 speaking parts. Based on James Michener's panoramic bestseller about the settling of the American West--as reflected in the history of a fictional town called Centennial, Colorado--the story begins in the late 18th century and ends with a typical 20th century conflict over land usage. Centennial, however, largely concentrates on various memorable frontiersmen, trappers, Indians, ranchers, cowboys, and farmers from long ago. Richard Chamberlain shines as the pioneer Alexander McKeag, Robert Conrad does some of his best work as French-Canadian Pasquinel, and performances by Alex Karras, Chad Everett, Sally Kellerman, Raymond Burr, Richard Crenna, David Janssen, and Dennis Weaver effectively add to a tapestry of adventure, tragedy, violence, and dubious Western progress. Produced at a time when TV networks were in the throes of acknowledging America's history of racial injustice, the program paints a starkly villainous portrait of opportunists exploiting and destroying Indians in the name of manifest destiny. While the project's great length might make one wary of diving in, Centennial is the sort of carefully paced drama that makes one care about the intertwined destinies of unique characters and how they illuminate America's past. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Don't waste your money:
After watching the first disc of the series I could not beleive that money was spent to tell this story. While the story itself would have been interesting as well as educational, the writing was absolutely terrible and that of a beginner, the adaptation from the book for TV was awful, and direction left more than enough to be desired. If the book by Wilder was anything like its protrayed on the screen I'm glad I haven't read any of Wilders other books if he's written any. I can't beleive I paid money for... more info
DVD:
Centennial is finally on DVD, and we have loved re-watching this beautiful story about Colorado and the old West. I remember watching this mini-series on TV long ago. The series is based on the James A. Michener book by the same title.
Loved this 31 years ago love it now:
I first read the book. Was great. Then when it came out as a mini series I enjoyed it also, only I missed some parts. Was unable to watch every night.
When I got the DVD I ended up watching the whole thing in 3 days. When I find the time again will watch it again. To me this was worth buying
Centennial:
Was received and just three days from order, the fastest delivery ever from an Amazon order for me.
