Disk five examines "Biography: Paul Revere - The Midnight Rider" and how large a role he played in the American Revolution. As a courier and spy, he helped organize the Boston Tea Party and enraged the British. "Biography: Benedict Arnold - Triumph and Treason" explores the story behind the man who, as a hero, defeated the British at Ticonderoga and nearly made Canada the 14th colony, and as a traitor, turned over documents to the British. Examined here are the questions: "Was he forced into this position?" and "Did he deserve his ignominious fate?"

This DVD set is really a fascinating exploration of the history of the American Revolution, done in a style that is both entertaining and educational. The set is really two different yet complementary sets of programs. The first is The American Revolution: One Nation's Rise To Independence which works out to just over five hours in length. The second is the Biography portion which is just over three hours in length.

As a revolutionary history buff, I found The American Revolution: One Nation's Rise To Independence to be very accurate, at least to the degree that can be contained in something of this length. While I was very aware of most of the information contained in the programs, I learned a few additional tidbits, such as the biography of Joseph Plum Martin and how it is used as a primary source of the Revolution.

While I would like to see a more in-depth treatment of the revolution, this set paints an accurate and interesting account and is very well done. It would be great for individuals as well as teachers of history for supplemental information.

The Revolution segments are hosted by Bill Kurtis; each segment is set up with what you are about to see and ended with a summary as well as a teaser about what is coming up next. The Biography portions are from the A&E Network productions of each title. If you are interested in history, the American Revolution, or the history of wars, then The American Revolution: One Nation's Rise To Independence is definitely a must-own.