Overview: In the vicinity of New York's Hudson River Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, Catskill Mountains, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a group of American painters led by British born artist Thomas Cole forged an artistic vision of the American wilderness. This was the first American school of landscape painting.

DVD Verdict: It has to be said, that after seeing 'The Hudson River School: Artistic Pioneers' documentary on PBS, I immediately requested a copy for review! So, today I am reviewing that very same DVD that just arrived from PBS and wow, this documentary is just as great the second time around!

'The Hudson River School: Artistic Pioneers' 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!

'The Hudson River School: Artistic Pioneers' focuses on the story of those aforementioned group of American painters led by British born artist Thomas Cole and their message within their works. These artistic pioneers and like-minded devotees came to reverently be known as The Hudson River School. In the vicinity of New York's Hudson River Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, Catskill Mountains, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a group of American painters led by British born artist Thomas Cole forged an artistic vision of the American wilder¬ness.

This was the first American school of landscape painting that emerged between 1825 and 1880. Men with the names of (Thomas) Cole, (Asher) Durand, (Jasper) Cropsey, (Albert) Bierstadt, and (Frederic) Church would impress the world with their creative brilliance and wondrous vision. On canvas they would bring to life 19th century America through imagination, interpretation, color and conviction, and they would craft an idealistic, identifiable narrative of an ever-changing nation. This template would soon attract fervid followers and avid admirers. Buy this incredible, simply divine look back into a world that taught us worldly views by simple brush strokes and cultured, and yet advance theories on the human spirit. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.