Hudson River School: Artistic Pioneers

After seeing the Hudson River School documentary on PBS, i immediately ordered a copy of this DVD. This is a beautifully textured historical account of the Hudson River School painters and the unique and powerful artistic movement they created. Whether you are new to the work of these artists or a long time fan, this DVD will provide an insight into the principal figures and truly demonstrate the depth of their genius... an excellent work by creator Vin Tabone!!

During the mid-1980s as a Fine Art student in Upstate New York, I first learned about The Hudson River School and was awe-struck by viewing Thomas Cole's epic series of paintings. The visual imprint never departed. In the 1840s, this Englishman who settled in Catskill, New York founded a society of splendid landscape painting disciples: with Fredrick Church, Jasper Cropsey, Asher Duran, and Albert Bierstadt. These artists are chronicling in an engaging PBS documentary entitled the same as this globally recognized important group.Director Vin Tabone succeeds in paying homage to these historic masters of American art balanced with compelling backstories and varied accounts of each painter. The film also alludes to how the paintings impressed art critics and the public often impressed by their profound appreciation of natural surroundings and spiritual elements. It explains the working associations between the artists and other persons, their borrowed and individual styles, explorations.The documentary seems at times to put forth considerable effort to sustain viewers' involvements. Bruce Chandler's narration gushes many praises and enthusiasm; he indeed isn't tedious. At times the camerawork pans across canvases at a swifter pace than regular gallery showings. There are some slow down moments. The editing is okay, above average, but it does missteps in a few transitions.For example, the music score alters briskly at a scene change, rather than keep its tempo when an art historian is explaining. It isn't startingly abrupt but is somewhat unsmooth. The film sought out excellent relative points, references connecting the painters' past to our present time. I appreciate how the fondness of natural wonders is detailed. For the most part, it is an outstanding educational show, particularly for those interested in the history of American landscape painting. Many years ago, I saw Thomas Cole's work in the Philadelphia museum. If opportunity affords you; it is recommended you see these outstanding works live.

Very informative. The documentary included founders of the Hudson River School as well as other famous artists that attended the same. I would recommend to anyone who is interested in art history or history of the Hudson River. I enjoy documentaries of all subjects and found this to be well presented; worth repetitive viewing.

Very informative info re Hudson River School Painters from NY State . So I think it's well worth watching. Each important painter is highlighted and lots of painting photos and history of these amazing artists. Inspiring for any artist or student of art history.

The DVD was interesting and we enjoyed it. The art was beautiful and the information about the artists well done. The DVD was in perfect condition and was quickly delivered.

Interesting and well presented I have to watch it again since I think I slept through some of it. (Definitely not the films fault)

Informative and beautifully done. Excellent biographies of the principal artists of the Hudson River School.

This was just a very poorly done production in terms of the scripted narration, the flat, didactic delivery, too little time allotted for the viewer to "take in" the art work or distracting the viewer by superimposing old pictures and portraits that added little if anything of value. Lastly, not including a section on Albert Bierstadt was a huge disappointment.

Great helpful video. As long as you can play a region 1 ( USA ) disc I would buy it.