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'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

#31
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3/24/08 at 4:12pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I'm probably in the minority here, but I thought that Episode 3 was the weakest episode to date. I much preferred the first two Episodes. To me a lot of the episode dragged. Yes, the Versailles (actually Hungary) settings were impressively life-like but I found much of the interactions with the French tedious and drawn out. The ships battling was well done but overall I didn't feel as much a connection to my country's history in Episode Three.

That said, Paul Giamatti continues to shine in the role and I feel that the series will get back on track for me when he returns to our shores. As to HBO, they still offer a lot of good shows but they are clearly no longer the only serious pay service in town. Showtime has come a long way with Dexter, Brotherhood, Weeds, Californication, The Tudors, etc. and even "little" Starz did it for me this season with Head Case and Hollywood Residential. Some really funny stuff from a channel I hardly ever watched (until now.)
RAF
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#32
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3/25/08 at 4:44am
  • Joined: January 1999
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I thought it was another great episode. Talk about Ben Franklin basically throwing Adams under the proverbial bus!!

I'd like to touch on the job Laura Linney is doing as Abigail. When she knew John was leaving again and that she was once again going to have hold down the fort was powerful. She is just as much a patriot as John is, and she knows what he is doing is necessary, but it doesn't make the home life any easier.

I loved the conversation when her daughter asked (paraphrasing) "Why do the boys (men) get to have all the fun?" - Abigail simply replies "Because we let them." - friggin priceless.
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#33
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3/25/08 at 7:58pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter McM
DVD just announced for 6/10. Potential price scares me, but I want to see the rest of it so bad!
Good news, the MSRP is $60 so you should be able to get for about $40. I think now that The Sopranos is finished, HBO has dropped the $100 MSRP for their season sets (although I know sets like Deadwood and the last few seasons of The Sopranos still haven't dropped to $60).
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#34
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3/31/08 at 12:43pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Enjoy this show, all the lead actors are doing a find job, IMHO. Too bad we only have a few more episodes...
David Morse is a great Washington, IMHO.
Regards,
Toddcolor=blue>
My Blue-Ray & SD DVD's

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#35
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3/31/08 at 12:48pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I caught up on all episodes last night. WOW! Series is clicking all around, acting, production, everything. I know it's been mentioned before but here's cover art and some info on features for the DVD set: John Adams The year keeps getting more expensive!

I see the garage, but I don't saw the garage. You are speaking incorrectly. You are moidering the king's English! Et cetera! See, saw, see...
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#36
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4/9/08 at 6:43pm
  • Joined: December 1998
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Just saw Part5 and its easily my favorite so far. Excellent job.

I though that Washingtons inauguration at the end of Part4 was a wonderul scene.
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#37
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4/9/08 at 9:33pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

The chemistry between Giamatti and Linney was great in this episode. You really feel the love between John and Abigail.
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#38
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4/13/08 at 1:38am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I am up-to-date on John Adams and looking forward
to the final two episodes.

As the story has progressed into the 1790s I found it odd that
nothing was mentioned about the death of Benjamin Franklin
who died in April of 1790. Franklin was a dear friend to John
Adams and you would think the series would acknowledge the
death of Mr. Franklin and the impact it had on Mr. Adams.

I also have a question about King George III, who we met in the
third or fourth installment. Was he mad? Seems he was portrayed
as a scared little man.
Ronald J Epstein
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#39
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4/13/08 at 4:28am
  • Joined: December 1998
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
I am up-to-date on John Adams and looking forward
to the final two episodes.

As the story has progressed into the 1790s I found it odd that
nothing was mentioned about the death of Benjamin Franklin
who died in April of 1790. Franklin was a dear friend to John
Adams and you would think the series would acknowledge the
death of Mr. Franklin and the impact it had on Mr. Adams.

I also have a question about King George III, who we met in the
third or fourth installment. Was he mad? Seems he was portrayed
as a scared little man.
Even though Franklin and Adams were allies in the war for independence, they did have some major differences of contention that were touched on by this excellent series which deeply affected their relationship. Furthermore, since this series is about Adams and his life, I can see why they didn't mentioned Franklin's death and instead focus on Adams relationship with his sons and his dealings with Hamilton, Jefferson and Washington. The first two founding fathers will have a dramatic effect on the rest of John Adams life that the final two episodes will probably deal with.

As far as King George III, he looked more like a scary man than a scared little man. His mental illness became more pronounced after the Adams meeting during the later stages of his life.
G.W. McLintock: Camille, you're on your own.
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#40
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4/14/08 at 2:17pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

George III had Porphyria, not really mental illness. Watch "The Madness of King George". It's a fantastic film with stellar performances from Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren, and it gives a pretty good look at that portion of history.

What George III was was PISSED OFF. He hated the colonies. They were a terrible thorn in his side. He was well aware he would be remembered as the King who allowed America to slip away from the Empire. Of course, his bouts of porphyria likely had to do with some of his mishandling of things.

Last night was a stellar episode, recounting Adams' Presidential term. Powerful stuff. The conclusion looks to be even more so. This mini-series has been a true masterpiece.
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#41
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4/14/08 at 3:31pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Quentin
George III had Porphyria, not really mental illness.
However, it can cause forms of mental illnesses.
G.W. McLintock: Camille, you're on your own.
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#42
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4/14/08 at 6:13pm
  • Joined: January 2001
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I'm very much enjoying this well-done miniseries. My one complaint though, is how quickly and suddenly the timeline seems to jump ahead. For example, last week's episode (Unite or Die) when Adams becomes president, the graphic states it is 1790 at the start of the episode. By the end of the episode, Adams is president. Since he didn't become president until 1797, that means 7 years passed by in that one episode. I know it's been that way since the beginning of the series, and there are a lot of years to cover, but it seems perhaps the series would have benefited from more episodes.
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#43
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4/14/08 at 7:02pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I've loved this mini-series, but if I had one complaint, it would be the way it is shot and directed. The camera moves and angles make me nuts! Otherwise, great job HBO.
When John Adams ends, I was going to re-watch Band of Brothers, but knowing it is coming out in HD, I'll wait

John Burton
 

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#44
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4/15/08 at 6:59am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I understand a bit about the jumping about of time, but this is about John Adams' life, so every thing else falls to the way-side.

I loved how they played the Adams/Jefferson split. Very subtle. How Abigail was much more upset about all the propaganda thrown at him while John tried to keep a cool head and keep us out of war with France, which he did, at, seeming, the cost of his office, was played very well.

But I will say the Aliens and Sedition Act was one of the greatest offenses to the Constitution except the present administration.

While Adams and Jefferson reconciled later in life, Abigail hated him till she died.
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#45
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4/15/08 at 7:46am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
I'm very much enjoying this well-done miniseries. My one complaint though, is how quickly and suddenly the timeline seems to jump ahead. For example, last week's episode (Unite or Die) when Adams becomes president, the graphic states it is 1790 at the start of the episode. By the end of the episode, Adams is president. Since he didn't become president until 1797, that means 7 years passed by in that one episode. I know it's been that way since the beginning of the series, and there are a lot of years to cover, but it seems perhaps the series would have benefited from more episodes.
I think one of the reasons that 7 years passed is that this is that John Adams was Vice President and as shown in that episode he didn't have much to do as Vice President and he probably didn't write much about this time of his life.

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

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#46
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4/21/08 at 1:31pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

After watching the series finale - just have to say another rewarding and well done program from HBO.

While the finale was fairly sad, I guess it's inevitable when someone lives to be as old as John Adams did to experience the heartbreak that he did.

I guess when it comes down to it, whether history looks favorably or not upon his presidency, one thing that I took from this was that he was a true patriot and always had the country's best interest at heart.
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#47
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4/21/08 at 6:10pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I think a surprising number of politicians do have the country's best interests at heart. It's just a really difficult thing to know how to get there.

I'm glad to hear folks liked the show. I saved them all up for a later viewing.

Studios, caption your internet streams.

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#48
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4/23/08 at 4:33am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Just finished watching Peacefield just moments ago.

Words are difficult. When you need to keep reminding yourself
that you are watching actors then you know that you are witnessing
something extraordinary.

I'm very happy that I was persuaded to watch this series. It is
one of the very best I have ever seen for the sheer emotion it
has drawn out of me.

Really loved the cinematography. I loved the way the camera
recorded its actors from behind chairs, through blades of grass
and curtains. First time I really noticed this sort of style, and I
found it quite welcoming.

I'll be buying this on DVD to savor again in a few years.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
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#49
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4/25/08 at 5:34pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I must have missed it somehow, but in episode 2 did they ever explain why the mother inflicted POX on the family on purpose?
Lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters, and my brothers, Lo, there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning, Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, In the halls of Valhalla,where the brave may live...
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#50
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4/25/08 at 9:14pm
  • Joined: February 2001
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

You end up getting a weak form of smallpox which is easier to beat, than the full blown version. Not sure if it was an actual vaccinre, but many vaccinations work with the same principle. And no, they never explained it in the miniseries.

RixGrafix
Rix DVDs!
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#51
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4/25/08 at 10:48pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I'll be buying the DVD set of this miniseries come June, but I'd dearly love to get this on bluray to get the full effect of the gorgeous cinematography!!!
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#52
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4/26/08 at 12:53am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

As far as I could tell, it was simply a form of vaccination in
a similar manner that we are given today.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#53
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4/26/08 at 4:39pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I just purchased the soundtrack to this show. It helps me bring back my memories of this great mini-series.

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

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#54
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4/27/08 at 9:23pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Now that the series is complete, I really enjoyed it and thought all of the actors did a great job including Paul. Sad to say there is not much else on HBO I watch unless the its the stray Soprano rerun, anything new coming down their pipeline?
Regards,
Toddcolor=blue>
My Blue-Ray & SD DVD's

Current HT setup: Vizio P50HDTV20A 50" Plasma, Pioneer VSX1015TX 7.1, DirecTV HR20-100 HD DVR, Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-Ray, SVS 2531PCi sub, Polk R30 mains, Polk CS125 center, Polk R15 x4 rears
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#55
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4/28/08 at 5:40am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

1. 12 Miles Of Bad Road (Southern Rich family drama w/ Lily Tomlin)
2. True Blood (Vampire series w/ Anna Paquin)Was supposed to be out already, but strike delayed. Debuts in Sept.
3. Another season of Entourage
4. Generation Kill (7 episode series about Iraq War by the creators of The Wire) (July I think)
5. I dont know the name but basically the show is Sex in the City in Miami with a latin cast.
6. Im wondering if Clint Eastwoods 2 WWII films have put the hold on The Pacific. It was supposed to be moving foward but I havent heard anythying in over a year about it.
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#56
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4/28/08 at 10:57am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Going in the opposite direction as far as television offerings are concerned, I highly recommend The Adams Chronicles which was just released to DVD this month. This Peabody and Emmy winning (4 statues) 13 hour miniseries from PBS was one of the highlights of television when released in 1976 during our BiCentennial. It does an excellent job of covering the Adams Family from Revolutionary times through the civil war and beyond. As much as I enjoyed the recently concluded series on HBO I can't help but think that The Adams Chronicles would be a nice complement to the current offering, especially for those who enjoy history and didn't happen to view the series live over 30 years ago.

Like I said, highly recommended if you fit the profile.
RAF
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["PITA" since 1942]
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#57
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4/28/08 at 3:40pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Read somewhere earlier this year they were filming The Pacific and their base of operation is in Australia.
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#58
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4/29/08 at 11:42am
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett Adams
Read somewhere earlier this year they were filming The Pacific and their base of operation is in Australia.

Yes... production is well underway.

IMDB already has a fairly extensive cast list.

One interesting note is that one of the main "characters" of The Pacific will be Marine Eugene Sledge, who wrote home extenisvely during his campaign through the Pacfic.

This is notable because if you watched Ken Burns' The War earlier this year, Sledge and his letters home were featured prominently.

Actor Joseph Mazello (former child star of Jurassic Park) is playing Sledge.


“Do I really look like a man with a plan, Harvey? I don’t have a plan. The mob has plans, the cops have plans. You know what I am, Harvey? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do if I caught one. I just do things. I’m a wrench in the gears. I hate plans. Yours, theirs,...
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#59
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6/2/08 at 12:47pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

Seems 12 Miles of Bad Road has been cancalled.

They produced 6 episodes and decided not to air the show.

At 3.5 mil a episode.... that could have almost paid for 1/2 a season of Deadwood
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#60
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6/2/08 at 1:40pm
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Re: 'John Adams' HBO Miniseries

I second the recommendation of The Adams Chronicles. I loved it 30 years ago and watched the whole thing again on DVD over the Memorial Day holiday, finishing up on Tuesday night. (It made up for the lack of new series episodes on the networks. )

The DVDs were taken from the master tapes created for the 1986 re-broadcast, which coincided with the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, and which was the last time the series aired. Unfortunately the intervening 10 years had caused even PBS to devote more time to non-program material, so they cut the opening title sequence for the individual episodes, leaving only the stub of the original "150 years" opening and fading out after the page in the Adams Chronicles "book" turns to reveal a portrait of that episode's subject with the title superimposed. Luckily the wonderful main theme does still play over the end credits (although these, too, seem trimmed slightly, to my eye) and over the DVD's menu.

I somehow missed the 1986 rerun, but never forgot that music from the first broadcast, and have often found myself humming or whistling it in the last 32 years.

It is also unfortunate that there are no extras beyond a 12-page booklet, but just getting the episodes themselves after all these years (they've never been offered on home video to the general public, and were only released in a pricey public-performance-allowed set for schools and universites) is a great treat.

I don't have HBO, so I'm looking forward to the release of the John Adams DVDs to join The Adams Chronicles on my bookshelf. (I still have a Circuity City Gift Card left over from Christmas that I plan to use for the HBO series.)

Regards,

Joe
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