Dear Readers,

In October 2002, over three thousand Revolutionary War re-enactors from England, Canada and every corner of the United States came to honor the two hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga – a military engagement the New York Times called the Battle of the Millennium. This re-creation was the largest revolutionary war re-enactment since the Bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown.

Fortunately, this once in a lifetime event is beautifully commemorated in a new DVD that actually contains two programs in one. The first, a 32-minute historic documentary entitled “The Battles of Saratoga,” effectively combines the powerful images of the massive re-enactment with a step-by-step history lesson in the events that led up to this pivotal moment in America’s fight for independence. The opening narrative is supplemented by an additional 45 minutes of spectacular battle and camp life footage set to an exciting original score. The DVD program offers special features including authentic period maps, a gallery of still photographs and an interview with a participating re-enactor.

Finally, what makes this a powerful educator’s tool is its third aspect, the DVD-ROM materials. Among its contents is an educator's study guide featuring sample grade-specific lesson plans for teachers and links to additional Internet resources. This program is useful for classroom instruction as well as home schooling instructors as a classroom enrichment aid for grades 4 through 12.

As you know, re-enactments can do more to bring history to life and instill a deeper appreciation for the past than a textbook ever can. Whether you are an educator or a student, a re-enactor or an arm-chair-general, you will find “225th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga” informative and entertaining.

- Producer/Director

Tom Mercer, Michael Camoin