A genuinely epic achievement, the 10-part World War II drama Band of Brothers is a television series that makes big-screen Hollywood war movies look small in comparison. Based on the book by historian Stephen Ambrose, the series follows the US 101st Airborne Division's "Easy" E-Company from initial training through D-Day and across Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria until the end of the war. Coproduced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series take its initial inspiration from Saving Private Ryan and borrows that film's visceral visual approach to combat scenes using hand-held camerawork and de-saturated photography. But where Band of Brothers excels is in its scrupulous attention to the realities of military life (retired US Marine Captain Dale Dye, who also co-stars, is the man to credit). After the high drama of the parachute drop on D-Day, Easy's greatest trial comes during the Battle of the Bulge, when they are besieged at Bastogne in the depths of winter. In one of the most harrowing and credible depictions of war ever committed to film we see the men enduring the repeated artillery attacks of the German forces and experience, if only vicariously, some of the sheer terror of the assault, while being humbled by the soldiers' courage and determination. Such feelings are enhanced by the series' masterstroke--bookend interviews with the surviving members of Easy Company, who talk with barely suppressed emotion of the experiences we see recreated. The endorsement of these veterans elevates Band of Brothers beyond any mere "war film"--its extraordinary achievement is that it shows the horror and savagery of war without gloss or jingoism, and yet celebrates the fraternal bonds and dogged heroism of the men who fought.

On the DVD: Band of Brothers arrives handsomely packaged in a six-disc commemorative tin, with disc 6 containing all the extras, the meatiest of which is the marvellous 80-minute documentary "We Stand Alone Together" about the real men of Easy Company. There's also a first-rate, genuinely interesting 30-minute "making of" feature about actor boot camp, visual effects and blowing up fake trees among many other things. This is complemented by actor Ron Livingston's revealing Video Diaries of boot camp. Additionally there's a "Who's Who" section and footage of the HBO premiere at Utah Beach, plus a TV spot for car company Jeep. --Mark Walker

Without any doubt at all 'Band Of Brothers' is one of the greatest TV series ever produced.Brilliantly fimed,impressively acted and intensely moving it is the benchmark as to how superb television drama can be.I can't stress enough just how essential this box set is and the only honest recommendation I can give is to buy it!!

What makes this so moving is that the real soldiers that are featured in the series are shown talking about their experiences and colleagues which adds even more quality to the drama.It is set at the time of World War II and takes us from the beginnings of America entering the war to the end.It is a wondeful show and could even be the best ever.

As stated earlier,the acting is impressive and special mention should go to Damian Lewis as Winters.He commands respect and his accent is pretty flawless.Do yourslef a favour and buy this series right away.You won't regret it.

This series following the experiences of a group of para's (101st Airborne division) from the training camp to the wars end is filled with pure class.

It starts out following the main group but as the series moves on the empathises changes to individuals perspectives. For instance in one episode we see the main focus on Lt Walters and another episode the focus will shift to another member of the group, Doc Roe for example.

The cinematography is on a par with a high budget Hollywood production. With directors like Tom Hanks and Producers like Steven Spielberg, you know your not going to see cardboard cuts outs and water painted backgrounds.

There is some things about the series that centre on the British army that are incorrect, like the wrong rank, the wrong badge (one even uses the 101st badge for a British officer) but these are to be expected from a predominantly American production. But this is just me, and these as small as they are still did not tarnish what is without a shadow of a doubt a well made and enjoyable series.

The entire scope of the series just takes your breath away and your left with a sense of respect for the people the actors portray. And with the interviews and extras included in the set just serves to reinforce this deep respect.

BRILLIANT
One of the best war series ever - as time goes by we tend to forget that so many people gave their lives for our freedom - watch this and remember. Gripping stuff a must have in everyone's collection.

Having just finished watching this i felt compelled to write something about its magnificence. It is Saving Private Ryan the series - only even better. The presence of Spielberg and Hanks is clearly evident in the production quality, the acting and script also being flawless. The difference is that while Saving Private Ryan was a story about a single mission in WW2 this series follows the real frontline advance of the Allied force as seen through the eyes of Easy Company.
Each episode begins with captions of interviews with the real members of Easy Company which adds perspective and is above all interesting, if at times saddening. The DVD extras are also fascinating.
I dont know what else can be added to the comments made by others except to say that i believe everyone should be made to watch this. If not for the fact that it is the best thing ever committed to film, then to understand what these brave men went through for our freedom. As all students are shown Schindlers list at some point during their education, so too should they be shown this.
For the price that this is available it is a complete bargain so take my advice and just click "add to shopping basket" and move on. This is unmissable!

Very watchable, bit clinical but well made. The tin box is neat worth the extra cost.