Winner of four Emmys® and a Peabody, The Adams Chronicles created a sensation when it debuted in 1976. Lauded by contemporary critics as "the best and highest-rated series in the history of American public television," its vitality and historical integrity now prove timeless. This lavish series dramatizes four generations of Adamses and 150 years of American history from the birth of the Revolution through the Gilded Age. You meet John Adams -- passionate revolutionary and second president; John Quincy Adams -- proud son of a famous father and sixth president; Charles Francis Adams -- skillful minister to Great Britain during the Civil War; and Henry and Charles Francis Adams, Jr. -- historian and railroad magnate, respectively.

Going well beyond politics, this television masterpiece portrays these men as husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, as well as leaders. Based on the family?s personal diaries and correspondence, The Adams Chronicles not only educates as a true historical epic, but also captivates as a fully human family saga.

Adams (also paid detailed homage in both David McCullough's biography and the HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti) was a more low-key Revoluntary figure than, say, George Washington or Benjamin Franklin. But his political stealth, and fervent beliefs in liberty and freedom, helped mold the very country at its birth. The Emmy-nominated George Grizzard is nuanced as Adams, whose conscience must forever be reconciled with political reality. His relationship with his intelligent wife, Abigail, is depicted lovingly. Years after the Revolution, living in France as a diplomat for the still-unrecognized United States, Adams greets his family whom he hasn't seen in several years. When Abigail asks, simply, "How are you feeling, Mr. Adams?", he replies, holding her gaze, "Twenty years younger than yesterday." The 13-hour series traces John and Abigail's children, and their children, and so on, up through the Civil War and then the turn of the 20th century. By then there is no doubt that the Adams family is America's family, intertwined with the great upheavals, and achievements, in the young country. --A.T. Hurley

The Adams Chronicles

• John Adams (HBO Miniseries)
• Cranford
• American Experience: John and Abigail Adams
• Centennial: The Complete Series
• Holocaust
• The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
• Disraeli
• Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)
• Thomas Jefferson - A Film by Ken Burns
• Foyle's War: Set 5

HBO's version is less factual and more gossipy. I am not really interested in whether Benjamin Franklin cheated on his wife.

Iam more interested in what made John Adams tick. There are many great actors, headed by George Grizzard as John Adams.

That is what you will find with the Adams Chronicles.

Also watch for Kathryn Walker, an underrated actress as the young Abigail Adams.The original is still the best. If you are trying to choose between this golden oldie and HBO's recent version, rent the HBO version and buy this version.

You also find out what happened in four generations.

It was hard to find a stopping place. So well done. These are absolutely fascinating DVD's. We wanted to just keep watching.

In many ways what makes it interesting is that it is more than just the story of John and John Quincy. The Adams Chronicles tells the story of 4 generations of the family. This series is an excellent, and very enjoyable starting point.

For anyone interested in learning about the first 100 years of American history. Needless to say HBO had $$$ and computer technology not available in the mid-70s when the Adams Chronicles was done. Owing to the fact that the show was produced over 30 years ago it will look a little dated sound and picture wise relative to todays TV shows. The only reason I mention it is I'm sure some will compare it to the much more lavishly produced John Adams mini-series just put out by HBO.

I had seen the show back in the mid-80's and had been captivated by the scope and sweep of the story, but had never been able until now to secure a copy. I had been looking for the Adams Chronicles on DVD or even VHS for years. But, the quality is still quite good, and does not get in the way of the story.

I can honestly say it is BETTER than I remembered. That is totally surprising since I have wanted this for so many years and you know how anticipation sometimes overtakes reality. PBS would be wise to reprise this series for broadcast. I watched the first two episodes of the HBO John Adams and it can't hold a candle (or oil-lamp)to this. If you don't feel anything about your country, your family and your mortality after watching this then you really don't have any feelings at all. I watched this with my father when it first was on PBS and we both loved it. Grizzard and Daniels are especially solid, giving two of the best performances ever to be seen on television.

The story is very entertaining. Daytona Beach, Florida It seemed more entertaining than the new Adams video which was still good. I saw parts of the videos since 1976 when it came out but it was good to see it in its enirety. John Navarra. I looked for the Adams Chronicles on dvd about a year ago and was excited when it finally was available. The advantage over the HBO John Adams is that John Quincy Adams' career is featured.